Actors Sanjay Dutt, Sunny Singh, Palak Tiwari, Aasif Khan and Beyounick, writer-director Sidhaant Sachdev and producer Deepak Mukut attended the launch of the song 'Aya Re Baba' from their horror comedy The Bhootnii at a five-star hotel in Mumbai. Sanjay Dutt was in his element as he gave interesting replies to the questions asked by the media. However, at one point, he got emotional as he rued about the film industry.

Sanjay Dutt sighed, “It’s sad that our industry has been divided. I had never seen something like this before. We were a family and would continue to be one. Abhi thoda bhatak gaye hai.”

He explained, “Every film is important for this industry. All films should be given the chance by distributors and cinema owners. They should treat all films equally. The Bhootnii ko itna zor nahin diya ja raha hai lekin mujhe pata hai ki yeh picture bahut aage niklegi.”

He added, “Hence, I request the film industry to once again be a family. Let’s help each other so that the industry grows. I am not talking about myself. I am talking about my community and industry. I love my industry.”

A journalist asked about not having regular releases. Sanjay Dutt raised laughs as he said, “If I don’t take such a long gap, aap log mujhe dekh-dekh ke bore ho jaaoge!” On a serious note, he said, “Bhole Baba has showered his blessings on all of us. As Deepak Mukut said, the film was made thanks to Bholenath. Hopefully, I won’t take such a long gap from now on.”

Sidhaant Sachdev, on the other hand, lauded his lead actor for doing stunts on his own, without the use of a stunt double, “Sir has jumped for real at a height of 40 feet. I’ll upload its making. There’s no body double or stunt double. It’s just him supported by 2 ropes with a fire blast happening behind him. None of it is fake; nor we have done face replacement. That’s how he has worked hard, and he has been an inspiration for us.”

The Bhootnii releases in cinemas on May 1.

Also Read: Mouni Roy shares gravity-defying BTS moments from The Bhootnii: “Hung out in trees for 45 nights”; watch

Actor Rani Mukerji and filmmaker Aditya Chopra’s wedding in Italy has remained a well-kept secret, with no photos from the ceremony ever making their way to social media. However, designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee, who designed Rani’s bridal outfit, has now shared some insights into the intimate celebration. He revealed that Rani gave him just a week’s deadline to create her wedding attire.

During a session for the YouTube channel Fashionably Pernia, Sabyasachi was asked about the most fun Bollywood wedding. The designer replied, “You know who was fun to work with? It was actually Rani Mukerji. She never released the photos. But, the fact is that it was a mad wedding which was done between her, Adi (Aditya Chopra), Karan (Johar), and me. She was very chilled out.”

Sabyasachi also shared how last-minute the entire wedding was, revealing that he had just one week to create the bridal lehenga. He said, “She came over for lunch one day and said that she is getting married. I asked her how much time I had and she said one week. I had to put something together in that much time. It’s fun when people enjoy their wedding. It just makes the process of designing for them so much more fun.”

After years of speculation and being spotted together, Rani Mukerji and Aditya Chopra tied the knot on April 21, 2014, in an intimate ceremony in Italy. The couple has a daughter, Adira, who was born in 2015.

In a recent interview with Film Companion, Rani Mukerji gave a rare insight into her relationship with Aditya Chopra. She orevealed that they still enjoy watching movies together, saying, “For me the best time that Adi (Aditya Chopra) and me have is when we go to watch a movie together. That is something we continue doing every Friday at YRF (Yash Raj Films studio) in Mumbai. But when we are outside India, we go everywhere. It is lovely to hold hands and all. It’s quite nice... I think it is fun, just going and standing in the line, getting your ticket, getting your popcorn. Nowadays you get pizza also, which is great. So you get quite good food. It is nice to eat, watch your film. It is crazy, it is such a good experience.”

Rani Mukerji is all set to entertain her fans once again as the fearless cop Shivani Shivaji Roy in the upcoming film Mardaani 3. The film is scheduled to be released on February 27, 2026.

Also Read : Sabyasachi donates 25 lakhs to street children after their powerful Ramp Walk at We the Women Festival

Aamir Khan has decided to postpone the trailer launch of his upcoming film Sitaare Zameen Par following the recent tragic terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. The attack, which claimed the lives of several Indian tourists, has deeply affected the nation. On April 22, a brutal terror attack left 26 people dead and many others injured when gunmen opened fire on tourists in Pahalgam. This incident stands as one of the most heartbreaking attacks in Jammu and Kashmir.

The trailer, which was originally set to be released this week as part of the film's promotional campaign, has been postponed. In light of the tragic attack, Aamir Khan and his team made the decision to delay the launch as a gesture of respect for the victims and their families.

A source close to the film's development told Hindustan Times, “Aamir Khan and his team felt it would be inappropriate to proceed with the launch at this time. A new release date for the trailer will be announced later.”

The terror attack in Pahalgam occurred around 2:30 pm on Tuesday, leaving a devastating aftermath of grief and terror. Among the 26 victims were a young Navy officer, who had just been married days earlier, and an Intelligence Bureau official, who was tragically shot in front of his wife. Officials confirmed that the casualties also included two foreign nationals, one from the UAE and the other from Nepal, as well as two local residents.

Returning to the big screen, Aamir Khan is set to make his comeback with Sitaare Zameen Par. His last film, Laal Singh Chaddha, was released in 2022. Reports suggest that the trailer for Sitaare Zameen Par will be launched by Darsheel Safary. Announced in 2023, the film stars Aamir Khan and Genelia Deshmukh in prominent roles.

According to independent industry sources, “Darsheel Safary will be launching the trailer for Aamir Khan’s highly anticipated upcoming film Sitaare Zameen Par. After he delivered a flawless performance in Taare Zameen Par and became a star, it will be exciting to see Darsheel unveiling the trailer and being a part of the sequel to the 2007-released film. More details about the trailer launch are awaited.”

Also Read : EXCLUSIVE: PVR Inox Pictures to distribute Sitaare Zameen Par; Aamir Khan-starrer’s trailer expected to play in their cinemas from May 1

Expecting mother Kiara Advani is soaking up vacation vibes as she shows off her pregnancy glow in recent photos with her husband, actor Sidharth Malhotra. As shared in the actor's Instagram post, the couple, who are soon-to-be parents, are currently enjoying a peaceful getaway at a secret location, surrounded by plenty of smiles, flowers, and macarons.

On Tuesday, Kiara shared a few pictures from her recent vacation with husband Sidharth on Instagram. In one of the photos, Kiara is seen wearing a cozy white sweater, posing while enjoying a meal at an outdoor cafe. Another photo features a selfie taken by Sidharth, where the couple matches in beige jackets. The post also included images of delicious-looking pizza and a bowl of fresh fruits. In a final selfie, Kiara showcases her natural beauty with clear skin, enjoying a relaxing moment on a sunbed without makeup.

Filmmaker Karan Johar shared his thoughts on Kiara and Sidharth's pictures, commenting, “Gorgeous couple” with four red heart emojis. Actor Akansha Ranjan Kapoor also left a comment, calling them “beautiful.” One fan pointed out how the couple seems to be looking more alike, writing, “Kiara slowly becoming like Siddharth (red heart emoji) such a soul-connected couple. God bless both of you (red heart emoji).” Another fan expressed surprise, commenting, “Can’t believe you’re gonna be a mum.”

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Sidharth and Kiara revealed in February this year that they are expecting their first child. They shared the joyful news on their Instagram accounts with a picture of them holding a pair of baby socks, accompanied by the caption, “The greatest gift of our lives (baby emoji) Coming soon (heart, evil eye, folded hands emojis).” The couple tied the knot in a grand wedding in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, in 2023, after dating since 2020. They had previously starred together in the hit action war film Shershaah in 2021.

Kiara is all set to make her debut at this year’s Met Gala. On May 5, she will join a host of global celebrities on the prestigious fashion stage at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Next, Kiara will be seen in Ayan Mukherji’s War 2, alongside Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR. She has also completed filming for Geetu Mohandas’ Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups, starring Yash in the lead. Meanwhile, Sidharth is busy shooting for Param Sundari with Janhvi Kapoor.

Also Read : Sidharth Malhotra gifts wife Kiara Advani a luxury Toyota Vellfire worth Rs 1.12 crore ahead of their baby’s arrival

The brilliant and visionary filmmaker Shahji Karun created his own Gone With the Wind with Piravi (1989). If he had directed no other film after that haunting debut, he would still be considered a master of Indian cinema. Though he went on to make six more films — all in his native language Malayalam — none achieved the same critical or emotional impact as Piravi.

At one point, Jaya Bachchan expressed keen interest in remaking Piravi in Hindi, with herself in the role originally played by Archana. However, Shahji Karun wasn’t inclined toward a remake.

When I recently asked Shahji Karun why he had directed only seven films in a span of thirty-three years, he offered a deeply introspective explanation. “Yes, seven films so far as a director. My last directorial Oolu was made in 2018 and released in 2019. But I can’t rush into a new film just because I have to. Making films is a meditation for me. The inspiration has to come from within — it cannot be forced.”

He also revealed that his creative energies have been directed elsewhere in recent years. “Now, additionally, I have a big responsibility as the Chairperson of the Kerala State Film Development Corporation. I must ensure the all-round development and upliftment of the Malayalam film industry. Once the problems are addressed, I will move on and let others implement my ideas. But for now, I am totally immersed in this job.”

Shahji added that the COVID-19 pandemic delayed everything by at least two years. “I have two films in hand, but I requested the Chief Minister of Kerala for this assignment to upgrade cinema in the state — and that comes first. Once the developmental process begins, I’ll return to filmmaking. This time, I promise you there won’t be a five-year gap.”

Tragically, Shahji Karun’s promise of another film remains unfulfilled — a loss for cinema lovers who still await the next meditation from one of India’s most thoughtful auteurs.

After more than 2 ½ years, Aamir Khan will be finally seen in cinemas this year with Sitaare Zameen Par. The film has been in the news constantly over its various speculations about its release date, trailer launch etc. Bollywood Hungama has now learned that Aamir already has a distributor on board - PVR Inox Pictures.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Aamir has a very long association with PVR Inox team. On the occasion of his 60th birthday on March 14, the exhibition arm of PVR Inox held a film festival across their properties in the country and showcased some of his finest films. A week before this celebration, Aamir Khan had an interesting conversation with Javed Akhtar. This event was held in PVR Juhu, Mumbai. And that’s not all. Sitaare Zameen Par is a spiritual sequel to Taare Zameen Par (2007), which also had a PVR connection. It was backed by the then PVR Pictures and co-produced by Sanjeev Kumar Bijli and Ajay Bijli along with Aamir Khan Productions. Hence, it’s a case of life coming full circle.”

The source continued, “If all goes well, Aamir Khan will launch the trailer of Sitaare Zameen Par digitally on Wednesday, April 30. One can expect to experience it on the big screen from May 1. PVR Inox plans to show the promo in all their cinemas across the country with new releases like Raid 2, Thunderbolts, The Bhootnii etc.”

As per recent reports, the trailer of Sitaare Zameen Par is 3 minutes and 29 seconds long and has been passed with a U/A certificate by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Reports also suggest that the film is expected to release in cinemas on June 20.

Sitaare Zameen Par is directed by R S Prasanna of Shubh Mangal Saavdhan (2017) fame and also stars Genelia Deshmukh. Speaking of PVR Inox Pictures, they have distributed several significant films in recent times like Bholaa (2023), Mission Raniganj (2023), Article 370 (2024), Bade Miyan Chote Miyan (2024), Stree 2 (2024), Singham Again (2024), Baby John (2024), Sky Force (2025) etc.

Also Read: Aamir Khan-starrer Sitaare Zameen Par trailer set to release next week, attached to Raid 2 screenings

Manoj Bajpayee doesn’t easily praise his own performances or those of his co-stars. The last time he showered so many compliments on a female co-actor was when he spoke about Tabu. Now, it is Samantha Ruth Prabhu, who celebrates her birthday today, receiving that rare praise. “I came away from The Family Man Season 2 with so much respect for Samantha. Her dedication to getting Rajalakshmi’s body language and spoken language right was inspiring,” says Manoj.

Season 2 of The Family Man was widely appreciated for the powerhouse performances delivered by both Manoj Bajpayee and Samantha. Manoj reveals that while he did his own homework for the role, Samantha was deeply committed to preparing for hers. He even watched her previous films to understand the kind of actor she is.

Says Manoj, “When I got to know Raj and DK had cast Samantha, I wanted to know more about her work. I’m a film buff. I watch all kinds of films and series to stay aware of what’s going on around me. I love to recognize, acknowledge, and bond with talented colleagues. Yes, I saw Samantha’s work.”

When the two finally met, Manoj didn’t hold back his admiration. “The first thing I did when I met Samantha in Chennai was to congratulate her on her performance in Super Deluxe — she was magnificent. As an unfaithful wife trying to hide her lover’s body with her husband’s help, Samantha nailed it. Like me, she’s not afraid to take risks.”

The actor was equally impressed by her preparation for The Family Man. “Her preparation was amazing. I’ve seen her training videos where she’s practicing martial arts and more. This is what I love about my co-stars — when they bring that kind of passion to their work, it inspires me to give my best. When they don’t, I try to talk to them. Really, I came away with so much respect for Samantha Ruth Prabhu.”

Also Read: 7 years of Missing: Manoj Bajpayee recalls trying the art of ‘fumble’; says, “I was successful in trying a new kind of a craft”

Mouni Roy is preparing for the release of her upcoming horror-comedy The Bhootnii, which also stars Sanjay Dutt, Sunny Singh, and others. As the release date approaches, the cast has been actively promoting the film. Mouni recently posted behind-the-scenes photos and videos on Instagram, sharing that she spent 45 nights performing “gravity-defying” dances while suspended in a harness for 10 to 11 hours each night. Although she initially found it challenging, she said things eventually became more manageable and fell into place.

Mouni Roy, who portrays a ghost named ‘Mohabbat’ in The Bhootnii, recently shared behind-the-scenes photos and videos from the set, showing her suspended mid-air. One clip captures her floating gracefully, while another image reveals an intense aerial stunt where she’s mid-fight with Sanjay Dutt’s character. In a playful caption she wrote, “For 45 nights, I danced with gravity, 10/11 hours at a time- me and my harness, reluctant partners at first. But somewhere between the bruises and the balance, we fell into rhythm. Now it holds me tighter than fate and lifts me better than caffeine ever could!!!!!"

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She also added with a wink, “P.S. we literally hung out by ourselves on tree tops all night, every night x. P.P.S. You must go to the cinemas to watch #TheBhootni on the 1st of May — or else I’ll haunt you forever.”

Mouni Roy’s post drew plenty of love and excitement from friends and fans alike. Her best friend, actress Disha Patani, hyped her up in the comments, writing “Can’t waitttt.” Tiger Shroff’s sister, Krishna Shroff, also chimed in with an enthusiastic “Woohoo!” Meanwhile, fans flooded the post with praise, with one calling her “the queen of darkness” and another eagerly commenting, “Can’t wait to see Mohabbat.”

Mouni Roy’s post quickly caught the attention of her close friends and fans. Her best friend and fellow actress Disha Patani dropped a comment saying, “Can’t waitttt,” with a trail of fire emojis, while Krishna Shroff, Tiger Shroff’s sister, cheered her on with a spirited “Woohoo!” Fans were just as thrilled—one declared, “The queen of darkness is back,” and another excitedly wrote, “Can’t wait to see Mohabbat.”

The Bhootnii, a horror-comedy written and directed by Sidhaant Sachdev, is all set to hit theatres on 1st May, 2025. Backed by producers Deepak Mukut and Sanjay Dutt, the film boasts a star-studded cast including Sanjay Dutt, Mouni Roy, Palak Tiwari, Sunny Singh, Aasif Khan, and popular YouTuber Beyounick.

Also Read : Mouni Roy responds to trolling over plastic surgery; says, “I do not pay attention to such remarks”

Long time no see, Kunal! Where have you been hiding your talented self? The last I saw you was in Ankahi Kahaniyan. Why are you so picky? Hiding? I've been standing in plain sight — it's just that the spotlight hasn’t been on me. People assume that because you're not seen, you're not connected to the industry. But I always am — constantly working on getting better at what I do. At the same time, I've got a writers' room where we are creating scripts, some that I want to act in, some to produce. The idea was that if you can't find the scripts you have your heart in, you need to develop the work you believe in.

What gravitated you towards Jewel Thief, and how pivotal is your role? What drew me to this project was the opportunity to break away from my usual character types. Throughout my career, I've often been cast as characters who embody thoughtfulness — the poet, the philosopher, the voice of reason. My character Vikram represents a complete departure from that pattern. He's defined by actions rather than words; there's an economy to his expression that I found compelling. I've essentially traded poetic monologues for punchlines in this role.

What was it like working with other talented actors like Saif and Jaideep? Though my character spends most of the film in pursuit rather than sharing many scenes with them, the experience of working alongside both Saif and Jaideep was great. What struck me about Saif was how he commands attention without ever demanding it. There's an effortlessness to his presence. While some stars feel they need to assert their status on set, Saif simply immerses himself in the work, and people naturally gravitate toward him. Beyond his talent, he's genuinely great company. Jaideep possesses this remarkable quality of authentic presence, both on camera and off. He has mastered the art of simply being, which is perhaps the most difficult skill for an actor to cultivate.

How do you assess your career so far? Don't you think you have not done enough work? It's been a mixed bag, honestly — equal parts gratifying and frustrating. In pure quantity? Definitely not as much as I would like. People often ask if I'm being too selective, but it’s more like I haven’t had enough good scripts to choose from. A movie set is my favourite place in the world — it’s truly where I feel most alive. I've had a 25-year love affair with cinema, evolving from production assistant to assistant director and now actor. But I know the best is yet to come.

How conducive is the OTT platform to good work? It's definitely opened up the possibilities for different kinds of stories and opportunities for actors that weren't available earlier. When I started off, you had to fit in. I think with OTT platforms; there's a lot more space for the misfits as well.

What after Jewel Thief? There’s a film with Chiranjeevi sir called Vishwambara. It's the kind of role I've never played before, and I don't think I'll ever get a chance to again. I'm looking forward to seeing how people respond to that. And then there’s Ramayan.

Also Read: Saif Ali Khan on why breaking the rules never looked so good in Netflix’s Jewel Thief – The Heist Begins

The month of May will begin with a bang with exciting releases in different languages. In this article, Bollywood Hungama will focus on the cut list of two of the releases – the Hollywood superhero entertainer Thunderbolts and the Telugu action entertainer, HIT: The Third Case.

The Central Board of Film Certificate (CBFC) thankfully hasn't asked for any visual cuts in Thunderbolts. Hence, all the action scenes remain unscathed. However, they asked the studio to mute five abusive words. These five words are ‘a**’, ‘a**hole’, ‘d**ks’, ‘b***h’ and ‘prick’. The last word is not considered as an objectionable cuss term and hence, the muting of ‘prick’ is sure to raise eyebrows.

After these cuts were made, the studio was handed over the censor certificate on April 23. The length of Thunderbolts as mentioned on the censor certificate is 127 minutes, that is, 2 hours and 7 minutes. The film was passed with a U/A 13+ rating.

HIT: The Third Case, like Thunderbolts, also releases on May 1. With this film, the Examining Committee asked for both audio and visual cuts. The makers were asked to limit the use of 'f**k' and mute 'c*****a'.

The rest of the cuts were related to the violent scenes. The makers were asked to suitably modify the visuals of butchering of the neck; the visuals were reduced to a flash. The scenes of girl torture were also reduced to a flash. The pool of blood was covered with CG.

A gruesome scene in the film involves the neck being cut and close-up shots of amputated hands, legs and fingers. In this case, the CBFC reduced the gory visuals to flash, blood spilling effect was reduced by 50% and cut body parts were darkened. Moreover, in two scenes, the CBFC told the makers to modify the red colour of the blood to a dark shade to reduce impact; a first for any film probably. Lastly, the visuals of a child were modified and reduced. A disclaimer was added that the makers have used a CGI baby.

Once these changes were made, HIT: The Third Case was passed with an ‘A’ certificate on April 21. The length of the film, as mentioned on the censor certificate, is 157.06 minutes. In other words, the Nani-Srinidhi Shetty starrer is 2 hours 37 minutes and 6 minutes long.

Also Read: Thunderbolts advance booking now live in India!

Actor Akshay Kumar expressed deep gratitude for an emotional appreciation post by filmmaker Tahira Kashyap, who lauded his recently released film Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh. Kashyap’s Instagram post, shared after watching the historical courtroom drama, resonated with the film’s cast and crew, including R. Madhavan, Ananya Panday, and producer Karan Johar, who all responded warmly to her words.

Tahira Kashyap’s Emotional Connection to Jallianwala Bagh Tahira connected the film to her personal experience visiting Jallianwala Bagh as a teenager. “I was perhaps 12/13 years old when I first went to Jallianwala bagh. Grew up hearing about the horrid day from people in the family who had an up close and personal experience. At that time when I then visited Jallianwala bagh with all those tales and a bloody history I was shaken. There was an eerie silence that engulfed my 12 year old self. And today when I saw the film I was shook and the eerie silence didn’t leave,” she wrote. She described the film as capturing “generational trauma” with poetic brilliance, praising its storytelling and performances. Akshay Kumar’s Heartfelt Response Akshay Kumar, who plays lawyer C. Sankaran Nair in the film, reacted to Kashyap’s post via his Instagram story, commenting, “Tahira, feeling truly grateful reading your beautiful words. It means so much coming from someone who understands the heart behind stories. Thank you for seeing us and for feeling the journey.”

R. Madhavan, who portrays British lawyer Neville McKinley, expressed his gratitude, stating, “Thank you so very very much. So very touched and how very kind of you Tahir. It’s responses and words like these that make us take the crazy decisions we do. Feeling empowered and humbled at the same time. God’s grace.” Ananya Panday, who plays Dilreet Gill, responded with, “Thank you so much.” Producer Karan Johar added, “Tahira, so kind of you … hugest hug and thank you so much from all of us!!!” A Cinematic Triumph Lauded by All Kashyap’s post celebrated the entire Kesari Chapter 2 team, directed by debutant Karan Singh Tyagi. She praised Akshay’s moving performance, Madhavan’s “delightfully menacing” role, and Panday’s immersive acting. She also commended the technical crew, including cinematographer Debojeet Ray and writer Amritpal Singh Bindra, noting, “It looked like every department, the set design, the dialogue writers, music design, costumes, editing, came together with a mission of giving their soul to the film and with heaps full of talent.” She called the film a “must-watch” that left audiences seated until the end credits, even in non-industry screenings.

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Kesari Chapter 2, a spiritual sequel to Akshay’s 2019 film Kesari, is based on The Case That Shook The Empire by Raghu and Pushpa Palat. It chronicles C. Sankaran Nair’s legal battle against the British Empire post the 1919 massacre. It is backed by Dharma Productions, Cape of Good Films, and Leo Media Collective.

Also Read: Kesari Chapter 2 director Karan Singh Tyagi says Sardar Udham was “A guiding light”

Actor-singer Shruti Haasan, daughter of veteran actors Kamal Haasan and Sarika, has opened up about the humbling impact of her parents’ divorce, revealing how it transformed her perspective on life. In an exclusive interview with Filmfare, Shruti shared that the separation led to a drastic shift in her circumstances, taking her from a life of luxury to navigating Mumbai’s local trains.

Shruti Haasan Recalls a Journey of Resilience and Growth After Parents’ Divorce “I was very humbled by my parents’ separation. When we moved from Chennai to Mumbai, it wasn’t like we moved from a mansion to another mansion. It wasn’t really comfortable in Mumbai. But I am glad these lessons happened. From travelling everywhere in a Mercedes to taking the local train was an abrupt changeover, and I realised how we can learn from both these journeys,” she said.

The divorce of Kamal Haasan and Sarika, finalised in 2004, marked a pivotal moment for Shruti and her younger sister, Akshara. Raised by Sarika in Mumbai post-separation, Shruti candidly admitted that her privileged upbringing initially fostered a sense of entitlement. However, the challenges following the split reshaped her attitude. “I think there was a fear inside me, and even though I was projecting confidence, I was shaken to my core for many years,” she explained, adding that embracing humility brought her genuine confidence.

Shruti’s reflections highlight her journey from a sheltered childhood to embracing financial and personal independence. The actress, known for films like Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire and her upcoming role in Coolie alongside Rajinikanth, credits these experiences for grounding her. Her move to Mumbai, a stark contrast to her earlier life in Chennai, taught her to adapt and find value in simplicity.

Speaking of the professional front, Shruti was last seen in Salaar.

Also Read: Shruti Haasan remembers her first campaign; shares this unrecognizable photo

Indian table tennis legend and Olympian Sharath Kamal has expressed his desire for Bollywood star Vicky Kaushal to portray him in a potential biopic. In an exclusive interview with The Free Press Journal, the retired athlete shared insights into his career, retirement, and aspirations for documenting his journey, revealing Kaushal as his top choice due to the actor’s stature and proven success in biopics.

Kamal, who recently visited The Free Press Journal’s Mumbai office, discussed his plans to first pen a book about his life before considering a film adaptation. “Before making a movie, I would like to write about my journey. Writing gives you clarity, and it also explains the complete picture,” he said. When asked about the actor he envisions for his biopic, he promptly named Kaushal, stating, “Probably somebody who is tall. So, we can probably have Vicky Kaushal.”

Vicky Kaushal, celebrated for his roles in biopics like Chhaava, Sardar Udham, and Sam Bahadur, has cemented his reputation as a go-to actor for real-life portrayals. His recent film Chhaava, a biopic on Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, grossed Rs 600.6 crore, making it the second highest-grossing Hindi film of 2025.

The table tennis star, however, expressed uncertainty about the commercial viability of a film on his sport. “I don’t know if my sport is popular enough for the industry to pick it up,” he admitted. Despite this, his achievements, including multiple Commonwealth Games medals and the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, make his story a compelling candidate for the big screen.

Speaking of Kaushal’s upcoming projects, he has an exciting lineup with films such as Love & War with Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, and Mahavatar, a biopic on Chiranjeevi Parashurama.

Also Read: Chhaava Box Office: Film emerges as Vicky Kaushal’s highest grosser till date, surpasses Uri by 144%

Actor Hina Khan has condemned the brutal Pahalgam terror attack, expressing heartbreak as a Muslim and an Indian while urging national unity and justice. In an emotional Instagram post, the Kashmir-born star apologised to Hindus and Indians, denouncing the attackers and supporting India’s resolve to avenge the tragedy.

A Heartfelt Condemnation On 22 April, terrorists killed 26 people, including 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen, at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam, Kashmir. The attack, claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a Lashkar-e-Taiba offshoot, targeted tourists, marking one of the region’s deadliest assaults since the 2019 Pulwama attack. Hina, recently in Kashmir, shared her anguish: “The way this attack was conducted by heartless, inhuman, brainwashed terrorists who claim to be Muslims is beyond appalling. It breaks my heart.” She added, “As a Muslim, I want to apologise to all my fellow Hindus and fellow Indians.” A Call for Unity and Justice Hina, known for Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, stated collective pain: “It’s not about me or my pain—it’s the pain of everyone who lost their loved ones. It’s the pain every Indian is feeling.” Condemning the attackers, she wrote, “We must not mince words. I condemn it, I reject it, and I hate those who did it. Wholeheartedly, absolutely, unconditionally.” She urged Indians to avoid division, stating, “If we end up fighting each other, we would be doing what they want us to do.” Hina also called for the return of Kashmiri Pandits, saying, “Now it’s time we Kashmiris bring back our Kashmir where a Kashmiri Pandit lived like family with their fellow Kashmiri Muslims.” She concluded, “I want justice as an Indian, as a Muslim, and as a human being.”

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Hina Extends Support for India’s Response Hina expressed unwavering support for India’s security forces and the nation’s resolve to seek justice, stating, “I will support my country’s resolve to avenge this unconditionally.” Her post, widely shared on social media, resonated with fans praising her courage amid her ongoing battle with stage three breast cancer. The government has responded with high-level meetings, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed to hold the perpetrators accountable.

Also Read: Suniel Shetty urges Indians to plan Kashmir vacation after Pahalgam attack: “We have to show them that we are not scared”

The Delhi High Court has directed renowned music composer AR Rahman and production company Madras Talkies to deposit Rs 2 crores with the court registry in a copyright infringement case. The ruling, delivered on 25 April, also directed them to pay Rs. 2 lakh costs to Dagar. The case centres on the song ‘Veera Raja Veera’ from the 2023 film Ponniyin Selvan 2, which has been accused of copying an earlier composition.

The lawsuit was filed by Indian classical vocalist and Padma Shri awardee Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar in 2023. Dagar alleged that ‘Veera Raja Veera’ infringed on Shiva Stuti, a composition by his father, Nasir Faiyazuddin Dagar, and uncle, Zahiruddin Dagar, known collectively as the Junior Dagar Brothers. He sought a permanent injunction to prevent the song’s use, along with damages and recognition of moral rights.

Justice Prathiba M Singh, presiding over the case, observed that Shiva Stuti did not merely inspire ‘Veera Raja Veera’ but was “identical” to it, despite minor changes. Dagar argued that the song’s taal, beat, and musical structure mirrored Shiva Stuti, even though the lyrics differed. In contrast, AR Rahman contended that Shiva Stuti is a traditional composition in the public domain within the Dhrupad genre of Hindustani classical music. He further claimed that ‘Veera Raja Veera’ was an original work, incorporating Western musical elements with 227 distinct layers.

The court’s interim order requires Rahman and Madras Talkies to deposit Rs 2 crores while the case is ongoing. Additionally, after initially failing to do so, the defendants were instructed to update the song credits on online platforms to acknowledge the Junior Dagar Brothers.

Also Read: Imtiaz Ali reveals how Kashmiri girls mistook AR Rahman for an electrician: “These girls came to sing chorus and asked who the music director was” 

Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty has called for fearless unity following the devastating terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, urging Indians to visit the valley to boost tourism and defy terrorists. Speaking at the Lata Deenanath Mageshkar Award 2025 ceremony, he stressed that Kashmir remains integral to India and encouraged collective resilience.

“We Must Not Fall Into Fear” On 22 April, terrorists struck Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen, with several others injured. The attack, claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a Lashkar-e-Taiba offshoot, marks one of Kashmir’s deadliest incidents since the 2019 Pulwama attack. Shetty condemned the violence, saying, “The Almighty will see everything and respond. Right now, we need to stay united as Indians. We must not fall into the trap of those who are trying to spread fear and hatred, but stay united.” “Our Next Holiday Will Be in Kashmir” Shetty revealed he reached out to authorities, offering support. “I called them and said if you want us to come there for shooting or as tourists, we will definitely come,” he said. Amplifying his message, he urged, “As a citizen, we have to do one thing. We have to decide that our next holiday will be in Kashmir and nowhere else. We have to show them that we are not scared and actually there is no fear.”

Speaking of the professional front, the 63-year-old actor remains busy with Kesari Veer: Legends of Somnath, a historical epic set for release on 16 May 2025, co-starring Sooraj Pancholi and Vivek Oberoi. “It’s about warriors defending our heritage,” he said of the film. He also stars in Welcome to the Jungle with Akshay Kumar and Sanjay Dutt.

Also Read: Mahira Khan deletes Instagram post condemning Pahalgam terror attack

Moushumi Chatterjee’s cinematic journey began with Tarun Majumdar’s Bengali superhit Balika Badhu. She was just 19 at the time, but in this touching tale based on Rabindranath Tagore’s short story Samapti, she portrayed a much younger child-bride. Years later, Jaya Bhaduri would reprise the same role in Uphaar. In fact, Moushumi’s cinematic fate seems curiously intertwined with Jaya’s.

Moushumi recalls being signed on for Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s Guddi — the 1970 classic that catapulted Jaya into instant stardom. Hrishikesh Mukherjee, a close family friend of her father-in-law, the legendary singer-composer Hemant Mukherjee, had offered her the role after seeing her. But Moushumi was never informed when the project was quietly handed over to Jaya.

Guddi wasn’t the only major film she lost to Jaya. In 1972, Gulzar began shooting Koshish with Sanjeev Kumar and Moushumi. Then, almost overnight, she was replaced by Jaya. No explanations were offered. When I once asked Moushumi directly about Koshish, her response was uncharacteristically guarded, “I would never compromise my dignity for a role. Koshish is a chapter best forgotten and buried. Many years later, Gulzar (no ‘Saab’, please note) signed me for Angoor, again with Haribhai (Sanjeev Kumar). There is something called justice in this world.”

This evasiveness is rare from someone as outspoken as Moushumi. Amitabh Bachchan once confessed that working with her made him nervous — “You never knew what she might say next.” Their collaborations, including Benaam and Manzil, didn’t fare well at the box office, though decades later they finally scored a hit together with Shoojit Sircar’s Piku. “He said I hadn’t changed,” Moushumi laughs. “And why should I? I’m still the same mooh-phat Indu. I’ve never hesitated to call a spade a spade. People fear my unstoppable tongue — especially those who waste all their energy trying to be diplomatic.”

Diplomacy, clearly, is not Moushumi’s style. While being directed by Aparna Sen in The Chinese Wife, she accused the filmmaker of making her look old and tired out of jealousy. Aparna wisely chose not to respond.

After her Hindi film debut in Shakti Samanta’s Anuraag, Moushumi quickly became associated with a string of hits. Her second Hindi release, Kuchhe Dhaage, was directed by Raj Khosla. So impressed was Khosla by her potent mix of innocence and oomph that he cast her again in Prem Kahani opposite Rajesh Khanna. But Khanna wanted his favourite heroine, Mumtaz — and once again, Moushumi was replaced.

“Story of my life,” the eternal Balika Badhu chuckles.

Sukesh Chandrashekhar, currently in jail for his alleged involvement in a Rs. 200 crores extortion case, has once again made headlines - this time for naming a tulip garden in Bali after the late mother of Bollywood actress Jacqueline Fernandez. While the act may have been presented as a tribute, it has sparked a wave of backlash online, with many netizens calling it continued harassment.

The move has ignited outrage on social media, where users have expressed concern for Jacqueline and condemned Sukesh’s persistent gestures as emotionally manipulative. Comments across various platforms reflect a growing sentiment that what may once have been seen as romantic is now widely viewed as a violation of personal boundaries.

“This is pure harassment. Let’s support Jackie. She’s at her weakest without her mom,” one user commented, echoing the growing chorus of support for the actress. Other responses from social media included. “This needs to stop” “No woman deserves to be harassed. Stand strong, Jacqueline. We’re with you.” “He’s been doing this for quite some time now… Toxic and how?” “It’s getting a bit too much honestly… no woman deserves it. It’s legit harassment” – were some of the comments.

For many, Sukesh’s actions - ranging from love letters to public declarations and gifts - have become more about spectacle than sentiment. Some argue these are not acts of affection, but of emotional manipulation at the cost of Jacqueline’s privacy and mental well-being. “She deserves peace at this point in her life. Not all this drama,” a comment read, summing up the weariness many feel witnessing the saga unfold.

Jacqueline Fernandez, who has firmly distanced herself from Sukesh following revelations of his criminal activities, has yet to release a new statement in response to the tulip garden gesture. However, she has consistently maintained a clear stance and has not entertained any of his advances, despite his ongoing attempts to draw public attention.

Also Read: Sukesh Chandrashekhar gifts Jacqueline Fernandez a Tulip garden in Bali in memory of her late mother: “Mom will surely have a rebirth as our daughter”

Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan has long captivated audiences not only with his films but also with the personal stories that offer glimpses into his life beyond the screen. One such emotional moment unfolded during his appearance on Amitabh Bachchan’s widely watched quiz show, Kaun Banega Crorepati. There, Shah Rukh shared a heartfelt reason for never having visited Kashmir — a childhood promise he made to his late father.

Shah Rukh revealed that his paternal grandmother was from Kashmir, which gave his bond with the region a deeper, personal significance. Reflecting on an emotional conversation with his father, he recalled, “My father’s mother was Kashmiri. To unhone mujhe zindagi mein bola tha teen jagah zaroor dekhna life mein, ‘main rahun ya naa rahun. Ek Istanbul zaroor dekhna, ek Italy main Rome zaroor dekhna aur ek Kashmir hai zaroor dekhna. Lekin baaki do mere bina bhi dekh lena par Kashmir mere bina mat dekhna.’”

This touching memory remained with Shah Rukh long after his father’s death. He shared, “My father passed away very early. I’ve been all over the world lekin mai Kashmir kabhi nahi gaya. Bohot saare mauke bhi mile, doston ne bohot bulaya, ghar wale chutti pe bhi gaye, par main Kashmir kabhi nahi gaya. Kyunki mere father ne kaha tha ki Kashmir mere bina mat dekhna, Kashmir main dikhaaunga.” (“He passed away very early. I’ve been all over the world, but I never went to Kashmir. I had many opportunities — friends invited me; family went on vacations — but I never went. Because my father had told me not to see Kashmir without him, that he would show it to me himself.”)

This heartfelt revelation resonated deeply with audiences, as many connected with the profound respect and love Shah Rukh has for his father’s words. His lifelong commitment to a childhood promise highlighted a more personal and grounded side of the actor.

However, attentive fans were quick to recall that Shah Rukh had visited Kashmir during the filming of Yash Chopra’s romantic drama Jab Tak Hai Jaan (2012). Picturesque locations such as Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Ladakh, and Pangong Lake were showcased in the movie. One fan pointed out online, “Dunno what was the date of this KBC episode but he did visit Kashmir with Yash Chopra when he was doing JTHJ shooting there back in 2011-12.”

Still, many defended Shah Rukh, clarifying that although he didn’t visit Kashmir with his own father, he did go there with his mentor and “father figure” Yash Chopra. The emotional tone of his statement seemed to reflect a more personal and meaningful visit, rather than a professional or work-related one.

Also Read : Pavail Gulatie calls himself a “graduate from the Shah Rukh Khan School of chivalry”

Fawad Khan is preparing for his Bollywood comeback with the film Abir Gulaal, where he stars alongside Vaani Kapoor. The movie has been creating a stir—not just for bringing Fawad back in a romantic lead, but also for stirring online controversy. While many fans are excited about his return, others have expressed disapproval, claiming that Pakistani actors shouldn't be given opportunities in India.

In an exclusive interview with News18 Showsha, Dia Mirza shared her thoughts on the matter, voicing her support for Fawad Khan’s return to Bollywood. She emphasized that art should not be associated with hatred and expressed her desire to see more collaborations with Pakistani artists moving forward.

Dia said, “It is a political question. If the circumstances to seek a ban on artists were completely…I’ve always believed that art is and should always be the medium of peace and harmony. We should never, ever allow art and sport to be tangled or mixed with hate. It’s just good that Fawad is back in the film, you know that we will be watching soon. I hope this leads to many more such opportunities for other collaborations.”

It's important to note that Dia Mirza’s interview took place before the tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. Her statements were not intended as a reaction to or commentary on those recent events.

In the meantime, Fawad Khan has previously featured in three Bollywood films: Khoobsurat (2014), Kapoor & Sons (2016), and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016). Each of these movies received significant attention, largely due to Fawad's widespread popularity among Indian audiences.

Also Read : Dia Mirza opens up on returning to production after 6 years: “I’m looking for diversity and stories that represent powerful, incredible women in unique ways”

How do you feel about your beloved comedy returning to theatres? Very good! Andaz Apna Apna has become the people’s favourite go-to film when they need a good laugh. The entire film is just one crazy joyride. So yes, the re-release makes complete sense. Its reach, appeal, and impact have gone far beyond anything I ever expected. I still remember when producer Vinay Sinha came to me with the idea of doing a film with Aamir Khan. Vinayji used to manage Aamir’s work. He convinced me to do the film through my stomach.

What do you mean? I remember he brought the most delicious food for me. Over lunch, he suggested we do something different with Aamir. I had just made two back-to-back serious films, Ghayal and Damini. We thought — why not try a comedy? Little did we know that Andaz Apna Apna would turn into such a laugh riot, both during the shoot and after release. That doesn’t always happen. Often, the cast and crew would be rolling with laughter while shooting a comedy, but once the film hits theatres, audiences don’t find it funny. But I remember our brilliant cinematographer laughing so hard during Andaz Apna Apna that he actually fell off the trolley.

How did you get Aamir and Salman to agree to work together? We had decided on a story about two warring buddies — human avatars of Tom and Jerry. Once Aamir was on board, I brought Salman into the picture. Both were already big stars by then, but they had no issues working together. In fact, they became even better friends during the shoot. The sets were constantly buzzing with laughter. Our cameraman would often quiver with hilarity while filming scenes — the camera would literally shake along with him! We had to pause shooting several times just to let the laughter die down.

I believe a lot of the humour was improvised? Not at all! I don’t work that way. I direct my actors very closely. All the scenes and dialogues are worked out in advance — there’s very little room for improvisation. Andaz Apna Apna was no exception. Every joke and gag were scripted. People assume Aamir and Salman named their characters Amar and Prem as a nod to Amar Prem, but that’s not true. Their names had nothing to do with Shakti Samanta’s film. Even Aamir’s iconic “Aila!” and Salman’s “Ooi Maa!” were my ideas.

You’re known for directing your actors closely. Yes, I used to give Aamir and Salman cues from behind the camera. For instance, in the scene where Salman is fed julaab (laxative) and keeps trying to confess his love, I was the one making that gud-gud-gud rumbling sound from behind the camera. Salman didn’t know when or where it would happen — that unpredictability made the scene even funnier.

Andaz Apna Apna had many firsts to its credit. It was my first comedy. It was the first — and so far, only — time Aamir and Salman came together on screen. Paresh Rawal had only played villains until then. We gave him a comic image. We revived the classic ‘Ajit-Robert’ kind of humour, casting Ajit’s son as a carbon copy of him. Raveena and Karisma Kapoor appeared together and even exchanged screen names — Raveena played Karisma, and Karisma played Raveena. We had no idea the jokes would land so well. Good comic writing depends on how much humour you can extract from the situation.

Curiously, Andaz Apna Apna got a lukewarm response when it first released in April 1994? Yes, it was very badly marketed and distributed. Nobody even knew the film was releasing. We got a below-average opening. But over the years, the film has gained cult status. People remember every dialogue from Andaz Apna Apna, just like they do with Mughal-e-Azam and Sholay.

If you had the chance to re-release another one of your films, which would it be? (Promptly) Lajja. I don’t think it got its due.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Family of Andaz Apna Apna’s producer talk about re-release, bust the ‘flop’ myth: “It had a silver jubilee in a Mumbai theatre; distributors confirmed that they made money”; open up on film’s SURPRISE tax-free status: “Agar ek film aapko hasati hai aur aapke gham bhulati hai…”

The tragic terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, which targeted pilgrims and claimed multiple lives, has left the nation shaken. As reports of the brutal ambush continue to pour in, Bollywood celebrities have taken to social media to express their grief, anger, and solidarity with the victims. From Akshay Kumar and Sanjay Dutt to Raveena Tandon and Sonu Sood, actors across generations are condemning the cowardly act and calling for justice. Here's how the film fraternity is reacting to the heartbreaking incident.

Horrified to know of the terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam. Sheer evil to kill innocent people like this. Prayers for their families. ???? — Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) April 22, 2025

Heart goes out to the victims of the #Pahalgam attack. My thoughts are with their families. Praying for peace and justice. — Jr NTR (@tarak9999) April 23, 2025

They killed our people in cold blood. This can’t be forgiven, these terrorists need to know we are not staying quiet. We need to retaliate, I request our Prime Minister @narendramodi ji, Home Minister @AmitShah ji and Defence Minister @rajnathsingh ji to give them what they… — Sanjay Dutt (@duttsanjay) April 22, 2025

Strongly condemn the cowardly terrorist attack on innocent tourists in Kashmir’s #Pahalgam. Terrorism should not have any place in a civilized world and this dastardly act is unacceptable. My deepest condolences to the families who lost their dear ones and prayers for early… — sonu sood (@SonuSood) April 22, 2025

ग़लत … ग़लत… ग़लत !!! पहलगाम हत्याकांड!! शब्द आज नपुंसक हैं!! ???? #Pahalgam pic.twitter.com/h5dOOtEQfx — Anupam Kher (@AnupamPKher) April 22, 2025

#PahalgamTerrorAttack we were in #Pahalgam for a family holiday 3 years ago. At this same spot. This is what the terrorists want. To scare away families like us. We can’t let them succeed. We won’t. Prayers go out to the families of the victims. ???? ???? ???????? pic.twitter.com/FYLC6nbEtG — kunal kohli (@kunalkohli) April 22, 2025

OMG. OMG. OMG. Just landed in Chicago to learn about this inhuman tragedy. I had feared this for a long time. I’ve been saying all along — it wasn’t peace in Kashmir, it was a strategic silence. I urge @AmitShah ji to immediately safeguard both Kashmir and Bengal before another… pic.twitter.com/NTHzYuxORO

— Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri (@vivekagnihotri) April 22, 2025

Om Shanti. ????????????️???????? condolences. Shocked and angry . No words to express the anguish. Prayers and strength to the victims . Time we all let go of petty in-house fighting , UNITE and realise the true enemy. https://t.co/zSUIGHo1QP — Raveena Tandon (@TandonRaveena) April 22, 2025

A shadow of sorrow falls heavy today, as news of the horrific terror attack in Kashmir breaks our hearts. Sending deepest condolences and prayers to all the families who have tragically lost loved ones. Now, more than ever, the world must come together in solidarity against…

— Vivek Anand Oberoi (@vivekoberoi) April 22, 2025

My heart goes out to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. It is devastating to witness such cruelty. No cause can ever justify the taking of innocent lives. To the grieving families, your sorrow is beyond words. Please know that you are not alone. The entire nation stands… — Mohanlal (@Mohanlal) April 22, 2025

I strongly condemn the heinous terror attack in Pahalgam. My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones, and I wish strength and recovery to the injured. India stands united — in grief, in resolve, and in our commitment to uphold law, order, and national…

— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) April 22, 2025

Shocked and saddened by the terror attack in Pahalgam. Such incidents have no place in our society and should be strongly condemned. My prayers are with the families of those affected.

— Ram Charan (@AlwaysRamCharan) April 22, 2025

A dark day… Deeply saddened by the attack in #Pahalgam. Hope we find the strength to stand together against such cruelty..????????????????????????My thoughts and prayers are with the families during this difficult time…. — Mahesh Babu (@urstrulyMahesh) April 23, 2025

Soo heart broken by #Pahalgam Attack . Such a beautiful place with kind hearted people . Condolences to all the families, near and dear of the victims. May their innocent souls rest in peace . Truly Heart breaking — Allu Arjun (@alluarjun) April 23, 2025

pic.twitter.com/kHxx1UsF4R — Anil Kapoor (@AnilKapoor) April 23, 2025

Deeply shocked and horrified by the brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam. This senseless act of violence against innocent lives is absolutely inexcusable and must be condemned in the strongest possible terms. My heartfelt condolences go out to the families of those who lost their…

— Farhan Akhtar (@FarOutAkhtar) April 23, 2025

Deeply disturbed, disgusted and heartbroken with the cowardly act of Terrorism that took place in Pahalgam. My condolences to the families of the departed souls, may they rest in peace. Prays for the speedy recovery of those injured. May justice and the spirit of humanity prevail… — Hrithik Roshan (@iHrithik) April 23, 2025

#PahalgamAttack pic.twitter.com/PhTp0c4clU — PRIYANKA (@priyankachopra) April 23, 2025

Absolutely heartbroken by the #Pahalgam terror attack. Words fall short in the face of such tragedy. It’s hard to even imagine the pain and trauma the affected families are going through right now. The entire nation stands in deep mourning, united in grief and solidarity.

We…

— Mammootty (@mammukka) April 23, 2025

I celebrated my birthday 2 years ago in Pahalgam, amidst shooting a film, amidst laughter, amidst my local Kashmiri friends who took the greatest care of us.. What happened yesterday is heartbreaking and infuriating - calling yourself a Force and shooting tourists is the most…

— Vijay Deverakonda (@TheDeverakonda) April 23, 2025

Deeply saddened by the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. My heartfelt condolences to the families who’ve lost their loved ones. Praying for strength, healing, and peace for all those affected. Grateful to Hon’ble PM @narendramodi ji for the swift response and… https://t.co/EbyMQww6Rp — Nagarjuna Akkineni (@iamnagarjuna) April 23, 2025

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Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Here’s why Vicky Kaushal has been thanked in Akshay Kumar-starrer Kesari Chapter 2

Last week, Bollywood Hungama reported that some of the biggest celebrities will be attending the first ever World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (aka WAVES Summit) which will be held in Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai between May 1-4, 2025. The organizers of the much-awaited summit have put up the schedule and it makes it clear the first edition of WAVES will be one of the biggest events of the year. In this article, Bollywood Hungama will inform readers on some of the most exciting panels of the summit.

May 1

The summit will begin with a bang with the panel 'Legends & Legacies: The Stories That Shaped India’s Soul'. It'll be moderated by Akshay Kumar and will feature Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini, Mithun Chakraborty, Rajinikanth, Mohanlal and Chiranjeevi! This will arguably be the most star-studded panel discussion ever.

Karan Johar will then moderate the 'The New Mainstream: Breaking Borders, Building Legends' session. It will be attended by S S Rajamouli, A R Rahman, Anil Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal.

This will be followed by the 'Multiple Industries: Best Practices' session. Moderated by Anupama Chopra, it will be graced by the Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya (2024) actors, Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon.

Superstar Shah Rukh Khan will then come in front of the WAVES attendees. The fireside chat is named 'The Journey: From Outsider to Ruler' and will be moderated by Karan Johar.

Pushpa 2-star Allu Arjun will make his presence felt with the 'India's Creative Ascent: M&E Leaders on Becoming a Global Powerhouse' panel. He'll be joined by German footballer Ariane Hingst, Italian model Binaca Balti, Israeli actress Rona Lee Shimon and US singer Mary Jorie Millben. Barun Das will be the moderator of this session.

Lastly, Mayank Shekhar will moderate the 'Remembering Manoj Kumar: Ace Filmmaker, True Nationalist'. It'll be graced by Manoj Kumar's son Kunal Goswami, Madhur Bhandarkar, ace journalist Bharti S Pradhan and author-lyricist Raajiv Shrivaastav.

May 2

The second day will begin with Aamir Khan's starry presence. He'll attend the 'Studios of the Future: Putting India on World Studio Map' session. It'll be moderated by Ritesh Sidhwani. Aamir will be joined by producer Dinesh Vijan, Namit Malhotra of Prime Focus, PVR's Ajay Bijli and American film producer Charles Roven.

In the afternoon, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Kareena Kapoor will come together along with Nana Patekar and Vijay Devarakonda for 'Cinema: The Soft Power' session, moderated by Karan Johar.

Aamir Khan will be back in the evening for 'Indian Cinema, Oriental Look' session. It'll be moderated by NDTV director Sanjay Pugalia and will also be attended by directors Peter Ho Sun Chun, Stanley Tong and Prasad Shetty.

In between, Aamir will also hold a masterclass called 'Redefining Indian Cinema'.

Another Bachchan family member - Abhishek Bachchan - will also grace the summit. He'll attend the 'Pan-Indian Cinema: Myth or Momentum?' session along with Nagarjuna, Amitabh Bachchan, Karthi and Khushbu. Naman Ramachandran will be the moderator.

Shraddha Kapoor, who has one of the highest followers for an Indian on Instagram, will speak in the 'Trends and Virality: How Gen Z Consumes Content'. She'll be joined by Adam Mosseri, Head, Instagram, Meta.

For 'The Changing Face of Indian Cinema', Baradwaj Rangan will be the moderator while Riteish Deshmukh, Ravi Mohan and Sonali Kulkarni will be the panellists.

Lastly, Bhushan Kumar of T-Series will talk along with Lyor Cohen, CEO, YouTube Music during the 'How Indian Music is Exporting Culture' session.

May 3

Ted Sarandos, CEO, Netflix, will have a fireside chat during 'Streaming the New India: Culture, Connectivity & Creative Capital' session.

During the 'OTT Revolution: How AI, Personalization & Interactive Content Are Changing Streaming Landscape' session, Neeraj Roy, Managing Director, Hungama Digital Media Entertainment Pvt Ltd, will speak along with Vishal Dhupar, MD, South Asia, NVIDIA, Bivek Sharma, Chief AI Officer, PwC and Rohit Jain, President, Lionsgate Play. Gaurav Gandhi of Amazon Prime Video will be the moderator.

Farhan Akhtar will hold a masterclass on 'The Craft of Direction'.

May 4

Richie Mehta of Delhi Crime and Poacher fame will conduct a masterclass on films.

Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan condemns Pahalgam terror attack: “Words fail to express the sadness and anger”

In a startling incident, Mumbai police received a phone call on Tuesday alleging a plot to assassinate actor Tiger Shroff. According to reports, the caller informed the authorities that a security agency owner had hired him to kill the actor. He further claimed he had been provided with a revolver and Rs.2 lakh in cash to execute the plan.

Following the phone call, Mumbai police intensified their investigation. Authorities promptly registered an FIR, and the accused was subsequently arrested in Kapurthala, Punjab.

As more information is awaited, Lokmat Times has revealed that the accused is a 35-year-old man named Manish Kumar Sujinder Singh. According to the police, Singh was driven by anger and a desire for revenge after facing salary deductions due to frequent absences from work. In an effort to frame his superiors and tarnish the company's reputation, he allegedly fabricated the entire story.

Meanwhile, Khar Police have booked Manish Kumar Singh under IPC Sections 353(2), 212, and 217 for disseminating false information and attempting to provoke public unrest.

On the professional front, Tiger Shroff is busy filming his much-anticipated movie, Baaghi 4. Earlier this month, to mark his 35th birthday, the actor unveiled a new poster of the film, featuring his character Ronnie in a more intense and rugged look.

Tiger Shroff wrote, “The franchise that gave me an identity and allowed me to express my eagerness to prove myself as an action hero… is now the franchise that is redefining who I am. He’s definitely not the same this time, but I hope you all accept him the way you did eight years ago. #gratitude, #SajidNadiadwala’s, and #Baaghi4.”

Baaghi 4, directed by A. Harsha, features a star-studded cast including Sanjay Dutt, Harnaaz Sandhu, and Sonam Bajwa alongside Tiger Shroff in lead roles. The film is slated for release on September 5, 2025.

Also Read : Director Ahmed Khan’s son Azaan speaks on MMA prep and training with Tiger Shroff: “He helped me build the foundation”

You were recently in Mandwa shooting. Tell me about that project? I’m doing a patriotic period piece — about a driven and passionate man who organizes India’s first general election. It’s got a lovely feel in terms of time and place, and it’s quite dramatic and emotionally uplifting. Rahul Dholakia and I talked a lot, and so much of what we spoke about is in the script! It’s quite amazing.

You will next be seen in Netflix’s heist thriller Jewel Thief: The Heist Begins. Jewel Thief is a fun caper — double-crosses, heists, twists! It has scale and pace and should be a fun ride. I always loved the part. At its core, it’s a father-son drama.

What was it like working with Jaideep Ahlawat? Jaideep is perhaps the most impressive actor I’ve worked with in recent times. I’ve learned a lot from him.

Jewel Thief reunites you with Siddharth Anand, with whom you did movies like Ta Ra Rum Pum and Salaam Namaste. Sid is a big movie maker. So, it was fun to do this with him. In his last avatar, we were doing very stylish rom-coms that are still very cool! He always wanted to do action. He tried to stay away, but he couldn’t help putting something of himself into the film.

You were one of the pioneers of the Indian OTT space, having scored a resounding sixer with Sacred Games. Do you think the platform has evolved over the years? I think the platform is trying to become more accessible to Indian thinking — more commercial and basic. When we did Sacred Games, it was made for people to aspire to watch. Now with Jewel Thief, we’re keeping it simple, but still giving it scale and style. Netflix is such a respectable platform — the whole world watches. It’s fab to be on it.

What are your other upcoming projects? I’m doing a film with Priyadarshan next — I play a blind man. It’s very exciting.

Saif, you and the family went through a terribly traumatic experience recently. What is your takeaway from that? My takeaway is that you must lock your doors and be careful. We have a lot — and a lot of people don’t. So while I am grateful, we must understand that reality and act accordingly. Lock things. Block access points. And smarten up security. It’s sad. I never believed in security — I hate having people around me. But I suppose it needs to be there, at least for a while.

It must have shaken you to the core. It wasn’t my time to go. Maybe I’m meant to do a few more good films... have some more nice times with family and friends. Do some more charity. Just make sure you’re damn good. Work hard and, hopefully, the world will appreciate it.

Also Read: Makers of Jewel Thief release a quirky video to promise a theatre-like experience while watching the Saif Ali Khan starrer

Saif Ali Khan recently shared that he has purchased a luxurious residence at The St. Regis Marsa Arabia Island, located at The Pearl in Doha, Qatar. Speaking at a press event organized by Alfardan Group, Saif expressed what attracted him to the property, highlighting Qatar's safety, scenic beauty, and its convenient proximity to India. He described his experience there as feeling “safe” and like “a home away from home,” making it an ideal retreat for his family.

Saif Ali Khan spoke about his positive experience living in the property, explaining what makes it feel special. He shared, “Think of a holiday home or a second home. There are a few things I think of. One is that it’s not very far away and it’s easily accessible. And then the other thing is, the most important thing is that it’s very safe and it feels very good to be there. And the concept of an island within an island is also very luxurious and beautiful, and it’s just a really lovely place to live. And the feeling you get when you’re there is the important thing, and the views, and the food, and the kind of lifestyle, and the pace of living, and these are a few of the things that led to my decision.”

The actor referred to the property as his “home away from home.” He explained, “I had gone there to do some work, and I was shooting for something, and I stayed at the property, and I thought it was amazing, and there was something about the mixture of privacy and luxury that I really liked. And again, it was things like food and the way the menu was curated and various things like this. I mean, literally in a nutshell, it felt like home away from home, so that made it very easy. The main thing really is that it's peaceful and secluded if that's the kind of thing you are looking for.” He also mentioned that he’s looking forward to bringing his family, especially his children, Taimur Ali Khan and Jehangir Ali Khan, to the new property.

In addition to his new property in Doha, Saif Ali Khan owns several other residences. He currently lives with his family, including wife-actor Kareena Kapoor and sons Taimur and Jeh, in their Bandra apartment. Saif also has his ancestral Pataudi Palace. Furthermore, he owns properties in London and Gstaad.

Saif Ali Khan purchased this property just months after a frightening incident in which he was attacked. On January 16, an accused named Shehzad allegedly attempted a robbery by breaking into Saif’s Bandra residence. During the break-in, Saif was stabbed and suffered severe injuries, including damage to his thoracic spine and other parts of his body. He was immediately rushed to Lilavati Hospital, where he received treatment for five days before being discharged on January 21.

On the work front, Saif Ali Khan will next be seen in Netflix’s highly anticipated film Jewel Thief: The Heist Begins. The film also stars Jaideep Ahlawat, Kunal Kapoor, and Nikita Dutta in key roles. Directed by Kookie Gulati and Robbie Grewal, Jewel Thief follows the story of a charismatic thief (Saif) and his partner (Jaideep) as they scheme to steal the ultra-rare African Red Sun diamond, all while being pursued by a determined detective (Kunal). Jewel Thief: The Heist Begins will start streaming on Netflix from April 25.

Also Read : Alaya F gets nostalgic as old promo video from Jawaani Jaaneman surfaces, remembers her debut with Saif Ali Khan

Shah Rukh Khan and Rohit Shetty scored a major hit with Chennai Express, but their follow-up film, Dilwale, didn’t achieve the same box office success. Since then, there have been ongoing rumors about a rift between the two. However, Rohit Shetty has recently dismissed those claims, putting the speculation to rest.

In a candid conversation with Komal Nahta on the Game Changers podcast, Rohit Shetty addressed and dismissed the rumors of a fallout with Shah Rukh Khan. He stated, “Nahi aisa kuch nahi,” making it clear that there’s no animosity between them.

He went on to explain, “Ek respect hai humare beech me aur Dilwale ke baad ye hua ki immediately phir humne humare khud ki production house kholi. Humne decide kiya ki hum khud ki filmein banayenge. Agar loss bhi ho to humara ho, jabki loss nahi hua tha.”

Rohit Shetty clarified that although Dilwale didn’t perform as strongly in the domestic market, it was a significant hit internationally. For context, the film was produced by Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan under their production house, Red Chillies Entertainment.

Rohit Shetty also opened up about the meaningful relationships he’s formed in the film industry. He shared that he shares a brotherly bond with Ajay Devgn, whom he sees as an elder brother, and has developed a close friendship with actors like Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone. Speaking highly of Deepika’s commitment, he mentioned that she completed the final schedule of Singham Again while four months pregnant. “Such relationships are rare,” he remarked.

On the work front, Shah Rukh Khan is preparing for his upcoming film King, where he’ll be seen on screen alongside his daughter, Suhana Khan, for the very first time. Directed by Siddharth Anand, the film also stars Abhishek Bachchan and Abhay Verma in prominent roles.

On the other hand, Rohit Shetty is busy with Singham Again, the latest chapter in his popular cop universe, featuring a powerhouse ensemble cast.

Also Read : Tamannaah Bhatia reunites with John Abraham for Rohit Shetty’s biographical film on Rakesh Maria’s life

Yash Raj Films (YRF) is creatively collaborating with a master of the romance genre, Mohit Suri, for a love story that has been titled Saiyaara. This is the first film produced by the company’s CEO Akshaye Widhani.

The much-awaited romantic film, Saiyaara, which introduces two new faces in the Hindi film industry - Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda - is set to release on July 18, 2025, in theatres worldwide.

Presented by Aditya Chopra, directed by Mohit Suri and produced by Akshaye Widhani, Saiyaara is being billed as an intense love story that brings YRF and Mohit Suri, both known for their huge generation-defining successes in the romantic genre, together for the first time!

As per reports, much of the film was shot in 2024 and in February this year, Mohit Suri shot a music festival sequence with 1,000 background artists at Vrundavan Studios in Malad, Mumbai. Reportedly, Ahaan Panday was seen performing on stage and the crowd got mesmerized by his performance. In the middle of his performance, Ahaan also jumps from the stage to further woo the audience. Aneet Padda, who was seen in the OTT show Big Girls Don’t Cry (2024), was also a part of this sequence.

The announcement of Saiyaara is sure to enhance the excitement of this film for various reasons. The title pays homage to a memorable song from YRF’s 2012 blockbuster film Ek Tha Tiger. Also, with action films reaching a saturation point, there’s a demand to see love stories and Saiyaara comes at the right time. Moreover, July 18 is also an empty slot which hasn’t been taken over by any Hindi film or major Hollywood biggie. All eyes are now on Saiyaara’s trailers and songs and if they click with the audience, this film has the potential to emerge as a profitable venture and also carve a special place in the hearts of young romantics.

Also Read: Mohit Suri shoots music festival sequence with 1,000 artistes for Ahaan Panday’s debut film: Report

Gold House will host its fourth annual Gold Gala on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at the Music Center in downtown Los Angeles.

Known as the premier and most-watched celebration of Asian Pacific and multicultural excellence, the Gold Gala will bring together more than 600 influential guests to spotlight the 2025 A100 List—a curated selection of the 100 most impactful Asian Pacific leaders in culture (to be revealed on May 1, 2025). The event will feature on-stage presentations to celebrated honorees including Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Jon M. Chu, Laufey, Min Jin Lee, Prabal Gurung, Pokémon CEO Tsunekazu Ishihara (alongside Pikachu), Ang Lee, Anderson .Paak, Megan Thee Stallion, and the cast and creators of Moana 2. Olympians and Paralympians Suni Lee, Chuck Aoki, and Lee Kiefer will also be honored. Singer-songwriter Laufey will perform a special rendition of her upcoming single, Silver Lining.

This year’s theme, First Light, represents the hopeful rays that cut through adversity, honoring pioneers who have illuminated paths for others—being the first not only for themselves but for generations to come.

The evening will feature a specially curated dinner by OpenTable, highlighting Filipino cuisine. The menu will be created by James Beard Award-winning chef Lord Maynard Llera, known for his acclaimed LA restaurant Kuya Lord.

Guests will enjoy thoughtfully crafted experiences throughout the night—from signature cocktails courtesy of Hennessy and hydration by Smartwater, to brand activations from partners such as L’Oréal Groupe, Genesis Motor America, and Maybelline. The Walter and Shirley Wang Foundation will also sponsor the media room for the Gold Carpet.

Attendees will depart with exclusive gift bags including The Whoo's Imperial Youth Skin Cream, an Everlane ReNew Transit Backpack, a custom “24K Gold” Gap hoodie, Prabal Gurung’s memoir Walk Like a Girl (provided by GoldenTV), and more.

The celebration continues with the Billboard x Gold House Founders Party, headlined by Grammy-winning artist DJ Pee. Wee (Anderson .Paak). The after-party will feature a vibrant arcade corner by Rakuten Viki, delicious bites from Panda Express®, and the return of the crowd-favorite Celebrity Karaoke Room.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas, award-winning actor and producer and New York Times bestselling author, will receive the inaugural Global Vanguard Honor for her unprecedented 25-year career bridging Asian Pacific and Western cultures through acclaimed work across Hindi cinema and Hollywood, her continual elevation of underrepresented voices, and her unparalleled global platform—recognized by Time 100 and Forbes’ “Most Powerful Women.”

The Gala will feature notable presenters such as H.E.R., Guillermo Del Toro, Ming-Na Wen, Kelly Marie Tran, and Debby Soo (CEO of OpenTable). A tribute moment led by K-pop legends will highlight the genre’s global cultural impact, including a special preview of Prime Video’s “Lee Soo Man: The King of K-Pop.” Comedian JR De Guzman will deliver a lively tribute to the event's partners.

Also Read : Priyanka Chopra expresses gratitude to Danielle and Kevin Jonas for hosting Malti’s Easter celebration

You’ve put out a very passionate video in response to Anurag Kashyap’s shocking slur against the Brahmin community? I feel this man has crossed all limits of decency. Bhai Sahab, this arrogant and ignorant individual, who claims to be a filmmaker and social commentator, is completely out of his mind. He has clearly lost not just his sanity but also his creative spark. His frustration stems from his repeated failures, and he is in desperate need of counselling.

Would he dare make such a comment about any other community? I challenge him to try. He would be ripped apart and left to rot. Hindus have always been benevolent and tolerant, and that grace has often come at the cost of their dignity. But let’s not forget—Durvasa and Parashuram were Brahmins too. Their rage is legendary.

Do you think Kashyap has serious anger management issues? Don’t test our patience any further. The consequences won’t be pleasant. This man has long been the flag bearer of cinema laced with vulgarity in every shape, size, and form. After wreaking havoc on Indian cinema, he now seems determined to fracture society as well.

Also Read: Manoj Muntashir on Ranveer Allahbadia controversy, “India’s youth is making India weak, we should ask them to just shut up”

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan shared a new photo with her husband Abhishek Bachchan as they celebrated their 18th wedding anniversary. Posting on Instagram on Sunday, Aishwarya included their daughter Aaradhya Bachchan in the heartwarming family picture.

In the selfie taken by Aishwarya, the trio was seen smiling happily for the camera. Abhishek Bachchan was holding both Aaradhya and Aishwarya, while Aaradhya leaned her face against Aishwarya’s in the photo. The family twinned in white outfits. Aishwarya shared the picture with a white heart emoji in her caption.

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  A post shared by AishwaryaRaiBachchan (@aishwaryaraibachchan_arb)

Reacting to the post, a fan commented, “So happy to see you guys together in a frame after so long.” Another wrote, “God bless the precious family. Love u, mam.” One person excitedly said, “Omg, queen just posted,” while another Instagram user expressed, “Omg. I'm very happy after seeing this picture.” A fan also pointed out, “This post slaps all the divorce rumours.”

Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai got married in 2007. They welcomed their daughter, Aaradhya, in November 2011.

Abhishek Bachchan was last seen in Be Happy, directed by Remo D’Souza. The film tells the heartfelt story of Shiv (played by Abhishek), a devoted single father, who navigates life's challenges alongside his witty yet loving daughter, Dhara (Inayat Verma). Be Happy also stars Nora Fatehi, Nassar, Johny Lever, and Harleen Sethi. It premiered on Prime Video on March 14.

Abhishek Bachchan will next star in Housefull 5, alongside Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, Fardeen Khan, Jacqueline Fernandez, Nargis Fakhri, Sanjay Dutt, Jackie Shroff, Chunky Pandey, Johnny Lever, and Shreyas Talpade. Directed by Tarun Mansukhani, the comedy film will also feature Dino Morea, Chitrangada Singh, Ranjeet, Soundarya Sharma, and Nikitin Dheer. Housefull 5 is set to release on June 6 this year.

Aishwarya Rai's last film was Ponniyin Selvan: II, directed by Mani Ratnam. She has not yet announced her next project.

Also Read : Aishwarya Rai Bachchan attends a family wedding in Pune; Abhishek Bachchan poses with actress in group photo

Actor Kajol took to Instagram on Sunday to celebrate her daughter Nysa Devgn’s birthday, who just turned 22. She posted a heartfelt message along with some lovely photos to mark the special occasion.

In the first photo, Nysa Devgn was captured laughing while posing at home, dressed in a yellow outfit complemented by earrings and bracelets. A hand, likely Kajol's, was seen holding her scarf. In the second image, Nysa tossed her hair while gazing directly at the camera.

While sharing the pictures, Kajol captioned the post, “Am I her blueprint or is she mine ? Can’t really tell now.. so much to learn from you always. May the sun always shine for you and may the wind always blow through your rock star hair in the right way. love love love u my darling girl!”

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  A post shared by Kajol Devgan (@kajol)

Responding to Kajol’s post, her sister Tanishaa Mukerji dropped yellow heart emojis, while actor Renuka Shahane commented, “Happy, fabulous birthday to Nysa.” One fan wrote, “She is so pretty like you,” and another added, “She has a beautiful smile, and we all know where she got it from.” An Instagram user praised Kajol’s caption, saying, “So well written. Actually, she is your carbon copy. Happy birthday, Nysa… Enjoy your day.”

Nysa's father, actor Ajay Devgn, also posted a heartwarming birthday tribute to his daughter on Instagram. He shared a mirror selfie with Nysa and wrote, “Selfies only happen because Nysa wouldn't take no for an answer. Thank you for always capturing memories... Happy Birthday, my baby! Love you endlessly @nysadevgan.”

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  A post shared by Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn)

Kajol and actor Ajay Devgn tied the knot in 1999. The couple has two children — their daughter Nysa, born in 2003, and their son Yug, born in 2010.

On the work front, Kajol was last seen in the film Do Patti, where she starred alongside Kriti Sanon and Shaheer Sheikh. The movie marks the directorial debut of Shashanka Chaturvedi and is written by Kanika Dhillon. Produced by Kanika Dhillon, Do Patti is currently available for streaming on Netflix.

Kajol is set to appear next in the upcoming action-thriller Maharagni – Queen of Queens. Directed by Charan Tej Uppalapati, the film boasts a stellar cast including Naseeruddin Shah, Prabhu Deva, Jisshu Sengupta, Aditya Seal, and Pramod Pathak.

Also Read : Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge: Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol starrer to be immortalized with bronze statue in Leicester Square, London

The increasing footfalls for director Karan Singh Tyagi and producer Karan Johar’s Kesari Chapter 2 have brought joy not only to the two Karans, but also to the film trade at large. Trade guru and film analyst Taran Adarsh says, “The power of good cinema speaks louder than words, and Kesari Chapter 2 is a shining example of this truth. The film has opened stronger than Akshay Kumar’s recent content-driven ventures, and its impressive Saturday growth clearly indicates that it has struck a chord with the audience.

What’s particularly noteworthy is the smart release strategy: Kesari Chapter 2 was targeted specifically at multiplex audiences and released primarily in multiplexes and premium single screens. This calculated approach has paid off.

The recreation of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, the gripping courtroom sequences, and the towering performances by Akshay Kumar, R. Madhavan, and Ananya Panday have all played a crucial role in the film’s success.”

Producer and trade insider Girish Johar adds, “Kesari 2 has not only received critical acclaim, it has also won appreciation from its core metro audience. People and Akshay Sir's fans are truly enjoying the film. The relevance and contemporary storytelling are also being appreciated. The film had a good weekend, and we really hope it stays strong during the weekdays.”

Trade expert Atul Mohan notes, “Word of mouth and positive reviews really did the job. The opening wasn’t great, but as the shows went on, occupancy kept swelling. People have started saying the old Akshay Kumar is back—the one we missed before COVID.

Hats off to the marketing team too, for cleverly planning those free pre-release previews in select cities. That definitely helped create buzz. Just like Chhava stirred up anti-Mughal sentiment, Kesari 2 seems to be sparking an anti-British wave. Have we stumbled upon a new formula here?”

Bihar’s prominent film distributor Kishan Damani concludes, “The strong opening of Kesari 2, even with a limited release across 900 screens, is clearly due to the strength of its content. The movie sheds light on facts many of us were unaware of. The word of mouth is strong and is translating into numbers with every passing show.”

Time for celebrations at Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions and Akshay Kumar’s Cape of Good Hope production house.

Also Read: Karan Johar on casting R. Madhavan in Kesari Chapter 2: “Maddy is an absolutely outstanding actor”

Urvashi Rautela has found herself in the spotlight yet again for a comment made during an interview with Siddharth Kanan. In the now-viral clip, the actress was heard speaking about a temple in Uttarakhand, which many interpreted as her claiming it was built in her ‘honour’. The reaction online was swift and largely critical, with social media users accusing her of self-glorification.

In what appears to be an attempt to clear the air, Urvashi and her team have now issued a statement urging people to listen to the full context of her comments before jumping to conclusions. The backlash, they suggest, stems from a misunderstanding of her words.

Addressing the controversy directly, Urvashi said, “There is a temple in my name in Uttarakhand, not Urvashi Rautela’s temple. Now people don’t even listen to things properly; just hearing ‘Urvashi’ or ‘temple,’ they assumed that people worship Urvashi Rautela. Listen to this video properly and then speak. It is essential that before making baseless allegations or derogatory comments against any individual, the facts are thoroughly verified. Everyone in society should treat each other with respect and understanding so that everyone’s rights can be protected.”

The clarification suggests that the actress was referring to the Urvashi Mandir, a site associated with Hindu mythology and not a shrine dedicated to herself. However, the phrasing in the original interview — where she appeared to link the temple with her own identity — triggered a wave of confusion and ridicule.

In the interview, the actress claimed, “There is a temple in my name in Uttarakhand. If one visits Badrinath, there is a ‘Urvashi temple’ right next to it.” When asked if people go there to seek blessings, she replied, “Ab mandir hai toh woh hi toh karenge (It’s a temple, they will do that only).”

While her latest statement calls for respect and fact-checking, it also appears to serve as a form of damage control after the public response took a negative turn. Whether the clarification will help ease the criticism remains to be seen, but for now, the incident stands as another reminder of how easily offhand remarks can spiral in the digital age.

Also Read: Urvashi Rautela faces outrage over claim, “There is a temple in my name in Uttarakhand”

R. Madhavan is earning widespread acclaim for his powerful portrayal of Neville McKinley in Kesari Chapter 2, which hit theatres on April 18. Starring alongside Akshay Kumar and Ananya Panday, the film delves into the volatile aftermath of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. But while the ensemble has been praised as a whole, it’s Madhavan’s layered performance as the film’s antagonist Neville McKinley that is drawing particular attention.

In a newly released behind-the-scenes aka BTS video, director Karan Singh Tyagi and producer Karan Johar offer insight into the making of Madhavan’s character — a British-educated Indian lawyer torn between allegiance to the Crown and the moral reckoning of colonial brutality. “When the character 'Neville' was written, we needed a solid actor, a solid antagonist to combat the protagonist — and we all know that 'Maddy' Madhavan is an absolutely outstanding actor,” said Karan Johar, underlining the narrative importance of the character. “He walked around like a tiger,” recalled director Karan Singh Tyagi about Madhavan’s commanding presence on his very first day on set.

The Instagram reel, shared by the makers, is captioned, “Every stare, every silence, every decision — crafted to leave a mark. Here's a glimpse into how Neville McKinley, the face of fear, was created.” Neville McKinley is far from a stereotypical villain. Rooted in historical nuance, he is inspired by an amalgamation of ten real-life lawyers employed to counter Sir Sankaran Nayar’s legal challenge to the British Empire. This gives Madhavan ample scope to portray not just menace, but internal conflict — making McKinley both fearsome and tragically human.

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The release of this BTS video also coincides with a major milestone in Madhavan’s career: 25 years in Indian cinema. Known for his versatility and commitment to meaningful storytelling, the actor has delivered back-to-back critically acclaimed roles, including in Hisaab Barabar, in the cricket drama Test. His upcoming films include a highly anticipated biopic on inventor G.D. Naidu and a romantic thriller Aap Jaisa Koi in the pipeline.

Also Read: Kesari 2 director Karan Singh Tyagi talks history, law, and his love for courtroom dramas

The first major event of the upcoming love story Abir Gulaal was held in Global Village, Dubai, UAE on April 19 and it was attended by the film’s team. All the visitors to Global Village were allowed access to the film's music launch. As expected, thousands of people lined up to catch the event and they also couldn’t control themselves when the film’s lead actor, Fawad Khan, came on stage.

A few hours before the event, the entire album of Abir Gulaal was launched on digital platforms. The event began with Amit Trivedi and his team of singers performing on 'Tain Tain', 'Angreji Rang Rasiya' etc. Then, the hosts invited Vaani Kapoor, and she talked about the film and the Global Village.

Soon, crowds started chanting ‘Fawad, Fawad’ as they demanded to see the dashing star. In no time, Fawad came on stage and sang the song ‘Kuch Na Kaho’ from 1942 - A Love Story (1994). Fawad can be seen humming the same track in the teaser of Abir Gulaal. His entry had a great effect on the audience.

Fawad Khan then spoke highly of Vaani Kapoor, “The most amazing thing about working with Vaani is that she is an extremely warm and talented person. Aap logon ne pehle bhi inka kaam dekha hoga aur bahut enjoy kiya hoga. I had the privilege of working with her. She is an absolute treat and a very, very, very gifted performer. I had an amazing time working with her as well as the entire crew.”

Vaani Kapoor began by saying, “I feel that Fawad is gifted and lovely. I am not going to talk about his looks because we are all on the same page when it comes to that!” The crowd hooted loudly at this statement.

Vaani Kapoor further said, “He is a great human being and a lovely actor and one of the kindest and warmest people I have met. He has no ego and no baggage. He is grounded and very inspiring. I am inspired by this man here (smiles).”

She ended by saying, “I feel that this film is a celebration of love and it is made with nothing but love. All we hope is for the audience to return us the same amount of love.”

Abir Gulaal releases in cinemas on May 9.

Also Rea: Fawad Khan makes comeback with Abir Gulaal; teaser unveils a dreamy romance with Vaani Kapoor