Reality TV star and actress Nikki Tamboli turned a year older and chose to ring in her special day in one of the most glamorous ways possible — in Dubai with model-actor Arbaz Patel by her side. The actress, who has always been a favorite on social media, treated fans to glimpses of her birthday celebrations, and it’s safe to say she made it nothing short of picture-perfect.

Nikki dropped a series of moments from her day that captured the luxury and romance of her getaway. One of the highlights was her time with Arbaz at an infinity pool overlooking the breathtaking Palm Jumeirah, where she looked radiant in a chic printed bikini. Adding to the special touch was a beautifully arranged platter of exotic fruits with the message ‘Happy Birthday Nikki’ — a sweet surprise that she and Arbaz enjoyed together.

Fans were quick to shower love in the comments section, wishing Nikki on her big day while also gushing over the couple’s adorable chemistry. With Nikki flashing her signature smile and Arbaz making sure the day was memorable, the duo once again gave their followers major couple goals.

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For those who don’t know, Nikki and Arbaz first met and fell in love during the reality show Bigg Boss Marathi 5. Their bond grew stronger after the show, and while they are often spotted together, the couple has clarified that they are not planning to tie the knot anytime soon. Instead, they’re enjoying their relationship at their own pace, sharing snippets of their journey with fans online.

On the professional front, Nikki Tamboli was last seen in Celebrity MasterChef India, where she impressed audiences and emerged as the first runner-up. Meanwhile, Arbaz Patel rose to fame with his stint in Splitsvilla X5 and has since carved a space for himself as both a model and an actor.

With such dreamy celebrations and their undeniable chemistry, Nikki and Arbaz continue to keep their fans hooked — whether on screen or in their real-life love story.

Also Read: Tulsi Kumar teams up with Manan Bhardwaj for new single ‘Bheegne De’ featuring Nikki Tamboli and Arbaz Patel

Bollywood actress Sonnalli Seygall is giving fans a refreshingly real glimpse into her postpartum journey. In a new video she shared online, the Pyaar Ka Punchnama star showcased what she eats in a day — and it’s not just about strict nutrition. From jeera water to cake to even rasgullas, the actress is embracing a balanced approach that focuses as much on feeling good as on staying healthy.

In the clip, Sonnalli can be seen starting her day with a glass of jeera water, known for its digestion-boosting properties, before moving on to wholesome meals and occasional sweet treats. But what caught everyone’s attention was her unapologetic inclusion of indulgences like cake and rasgullas. “From jeera water to rasgullas… it’s all part of the balance,” she captioned the post, adding, “Postpartum meals aren’t just about nutrition, they’re also about feeling good (and yes, cake is included)!”

The actress’s honesty struck a chord with new mothers everywhere who often feel pressured to “bounce back” with rigid diets. Sonnalli’s perspective highlights a more mindful and compassionate approach — one that values both physical and emotional well-being.

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Sonnalli Seygall, who shot to fame with the popular Pyaar Ka Punchnama franchise, tied the knot with restaurateur Ashesh L Sajnani in a dreamy wedding in June 2023. The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter, on November 27, 2024, and named her Shukar, which means “thankful.”

Since embracing motherhood, Sonnalli has been vocal about the changes, challenges, and joys that come with it. Her latest post is another step in normalizing the idea that women don’t have to give up on food pleasures in order to stay healthy.

By mixing traditional wellness practices like jeera water, dry fruits, smoothie bowls with everyday indulgences, Sonnalli is setting an example of balance and self-kindness. For new moms navigating similar journeys, her message is clear: it’s not just about how you look, but how you feel — and sometimes, that means saying yes to cake.

Also Read: Photos: Sonnalli Seygall, Amyra Dastur and others snapped in Santacruz

A big fear that plagues scriptwriters in our industry is that someone might plagiarize their script. Believe it or not, Imran Khan also went through a similar turmoil way back in 2005. The actor spoke about it in detail in an interview with Planet Bollywood.

Imran Khan began by saying, “The incident about me taking a script to a channel and it getting stolen happened in early 2005. In the aftermath of that, I found I was completely powerless and could not catch hold of the guys who did this to me. I had gone into this meeting. It had been set up through contacts. These people had no context of my family relationships or background. To them, I was just a kid off the street. That is why they felt comfortable enough to lift my script. I was helpless and could not hold them accountable. I was very upset about it. If I had some name or recognition of my own, they might not have done this. To what extent that is true is a debatable point. I was 22 at that point.”

Imran Khan further said, “I had spent a few months roaming the city and trying to find a position as an AD (assistant director). I had met a few people. One guy was working in the production department. He reached out to me and said that Abbas Tyrewala is making a film, and they are looking for new faces. They want you to come and audition for a part. I was aware of Abbas as I had seen his name on the credits of a few films I had liked. I had particularly appreciated his work as a lyricist. He had written lyrics for some songs I thought were very good. He had done some amount of screenwriting by then also. Since I recognized his name, I decided to meet him. We hit it off well in the very first meeting. I screen-tested for the part. Nandini Shrikent was the casting director of the film.”

The film in question was Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na (2008), which became his debut film.

Also Read: Imran Khan shares how living with girlfriend Lekha Washington changed his lifestyle; says, “Lekha and I had to share one plate and fork”

Bollywood powerhouse Kriti Sanon, who recently made her foray into production with Do Patti in 2024, delivered a candid and deeply motivational address at CNN-News18’s SheShakti 2025, emphasizing the importance of perseverance in a notoriously exclusive industry.

“You need to really be passionate about it and there is no shortcut. Nothing comes easy, there are no free lunches,” Sanon asserted, striking a chord with countless aspiring actors who face the uphill climb without legacy backing or industry connections. She elaborated bluntly: “You have to work hard towards it, and what is also very, very important is not to give up.” Her words resonated with a universal truth about showbiz: unless driven and resolute, success remains elusive.

For those who don’t come from a filmi background, the road can be especially steep. Kriti Sanon urged, “There will be times… when no one’s giving you anything on a platter. There will be so many people telling you why it’s too big a dream, why it can’t happen… or what is wrong with you… you’re too short, you’re too tall, you’re too thin…” She described the barrage of external negativity that many newcomers endure—questioning their looks, their talent, and their industry sense.

But Sanon’s message was clear: don’t let that derail you. “I feel people are going to tell you what’s wrong with you; no one’s really going to tell you that you can do it other than you.” She urged individuals to cultivate self-belief and resilience, especially when support is sparse.

Taking the long view, Kriti highlighted the value of patience in an industry obsessed with overnight success. “You really need to be very driven, passionate, and patient, because it will come when the time is right, but you have to keep working on yourself.” She reframed delays as opportunities for growth, encouraging hopefuls not to despair but to double down on self-improvement. “Maybe it’s taking so long because you need that time to work on yourself, to get better.”

Her optimism radiated as she added, “So it’ll happen when the time is right, I promise you that, but you have to be at it.”

Kriti Sanon’s journey has mirrored her message. The actress-turned-producer debuted behind the camera with Do Patti and has remained unstoppable. She’s currently shooting for Tere Ishk Mein, where she stars opposite Dhanush under the direction of acclaimed filmmaker Aanand L. Rai. Adding to the excitement, Sanon recently opened up kicking off work for Cocktail 2, directed by Homi Adajania—project details, however, remain tightly under wraps.

As Sanon continues to break moulds in front of and behind the camera, her speech at SheShakti 2025 stands as a stirring reminder that while Bollywood seldom serves success on a silver platter, it rewards those who refuse to give up.

Also Read: Kriti Sanon says ‘One step at a time’ as Homi Adajania shares Cocktail 2 prep glimpse

Jackie Shroff has always been more than a movie star. With his trademark scarf, streetwise charm, and decades of screen presence, he embodies a blend of old-school cool and earthy authenticity. Yet beyond the lights of Bollywood, another signature has defined him just as deeply: his unwavering bond with plants. For years, he has walked into events cradling a sapling instead of luxury gifts, turning a simple gesture into a quiet philosophy of life.

Now, his philosophy is crystal clear: nature belongs in every corner of our urban lives. “Har gali, har chhat, har balcony mein bas ek chhota jungle ugana hai,” Shroff says passionately. To him, plants aren’t decoration — they’re companions, therapists, and teachers. “They keep you patient, grounded, and connected to your roots,” he insists.

Unlike most celebrity endorsements, Shroff’s green message feels personal. He isn’t “acting” when he’s around plants. “No acting stress, just me doing what I love — being around plants and sharing that joy,” he recalls of a recent campaign shoot.

With climate change looming large, Shroff believes behavioural change starts small. “One little plant can bring you peace, health, and a home that looks and feels alive,” he says. For Jackie Shroff, planting a tree isn’t a favour to the world — it’s a favour to yourself, your family, and your planet.

Also Read: Jackie Shroff shares his parenting hack; says, “Gift your kids a seed, not a screen”

By going on record about Salman Khan’s unruly conduct on the sets of Sikandar — including turning up hours late and keeping child actors awake till 2 am — director A.R. Murugadoss has once again shed light on a long-standing malaise in Bollywood: the lack of discipline and dedication among some of its biggest superstars.

A director who has previously worked with Salman corroborates Murugadoss’s claims. “Murugadoss is absolutely right. Salman Khan never arrives on set before 2–3 pm for the morning shift. He then has his lunch, takes a nap, and shooting doesn’t begin before 5 pm. Most filmmakers find it impossible to work with him. But producers like Sajid Nadiadwala allow Salman to do what he likes. He has never been given a reason to change his ways.”

This isn’t the first time Salman’s indiscipline has cost a project. In 2019, Sanjay Leela Bhansali shelved the Salman-starrer Inshallah after repeated interference and delays from the actor. Bhansali, who had earlier collaborated with Salman on two of his finest works — Khamoshi and Hum… Dil De Chuke Sanam — took the instant decision to call off the film and vowed never to work with him again.

Although Salman and Bhansali remain close friends, the filmmaker has drawn a professional line. In 2022, when Salman pitched a film that would unite him and Shah Rukh Khan under Bhansali’s direction, the director refused outright. His stance was blunt: “Shah Rukh, yes. Salman, never!”

But Salman is hardly the first superstar to gain notoriety for tardiness and indiscipline. Before him, Rajesh Khanna, Sanjeev Kumar, and Shatrughan Sinha were repeat offenders.

Sharmila Tagore, who worked extensively with all three, recalls, “If I was shooting with Kaka (Rajesh Khanna), Haribhai (Sanjeev Kumar), or Shatru (Shatrughan Sinha), I made sure I reached for the morning shift only after lunch, or sometimes much later. It was annoying at first to wait for hours, but after working with them repeatedly, I got used to their eccentric timings.”

Shatrughan Sinha, however, defends himself, “I had an acute low blood pressure problem for which I had to do yoga every morning. Combined with late nights, that made me arrive late. But once I came on set, I never left until my work was done. Haven’t my heroines confirmed this? The great Dilip Kumar saab once gave me the lesson of a lifetime during the shooting of Kranti. I came at my usual SST (Shatru Standard Time), and as I entered, I saw him waving from his car as he left.”

In contrast, Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, and Aamir Khan are famously punctual. But for many others, late arrivals have been normalized.

Hema Malini, the only female star of her era who commanded as much clout as her male co-stars, refused to tolerate such behaviour, “With me, the notorious latecomers came on time. When one actor arrived three hours late on the first day of shooting, I told him I was going home. I warned that if he wasn’t punctual the next day, I would walk out of the film. He was on time the very next day,” she recalls.

Hema believes co-actors are partly to blame for superstar tantrums. “If the director and co-stars make it clear that such delays are unacceptable, stars would stop. It’s the industry’s silence that enables them.”

Murugadoss’s candid remarks may have stirred controversy, but they also highlight a long-suppressed truth about Bollywood’s star culture: punctuality and professionalism are optional for some, and non-negotiable for others.

Also Read: AR Murugadoss slams Salman Khan for arriving late on the sets of Sikandar; says, “We had to shoot entirely with green screen and VFX”

Ravi Chhabriya, who debuted as a director with the Diljit Dosanjh-starrer Detective Sherdil, had extensively worked as an assistant director in several films. Three of these films starred Salman Khan – Sultan (2016), Tiger Zinda Hai (2017) and Bharat (2019). In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Ravi Chhabriya talked in detail about his association with Salman Khan and a lot more.

Before the release of Bharat, there were reports that Varun Dhawan had a cameo in the Salman Khan-Katrina Kaif starrer. Later, it came to light that the scene had been edited out. Often, filmmakers put out deleted scenes on YouTube. Hence, can we expect the said scene to be out in public?

Ravi Chhabriya replied, “I guess it’s upto producer Atul Agnihotri sir. I have no idea if they are planning to put it out on YouTube. We shot the scene and during the final cut, it was decided to get it out.”

When asked what the scene was all about, Ravi Chhabriya answered, “It appears when Bharat is working in the oil field in the Middle East. There was a scene where Salman sir’s character and Varun’s character came together. It was a fun scene. Dono panja ladate hai.”

Besides the three films of Salman Khan, Ravi Chhabriya earlier assisted in two ventures of Yash Raj Films (YRF). He also had the opportunity to be around when Yash Chopra was still alive. On this, he revealed, “I worked on two films before I worked with Ali Abbas Zafar sir – Aurangzeb (2013) and Kill Dil (2014). I was there and we (he and Yash Chopra) exchanged pleasantries, like ‘Hi, hello’. I still remember that in the evenings, he used to take a walk around the entire YRF property. It was a dream to be around such people and their energies. Like other ADs, I used to also dream that someday I would be able to assist him (smiles). I even tried.”

Is he still in touch with Aditya Chopra and others at YRF? Ravi Chhabriya answered, “Yes. I am always in touch. I have grown up there. It was like a university for me. I used to stay close by and have worked for almost 8-9 years. So, they were like family.”

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Detective Sherdil director Ravi Chhabriya talks about working in three Salman Khan films as an AD; opens up on Sultan’s unforgettable mirror scene: “The way he performed that scene gave us GOOSEBUMPS…camera GENUINELY loves him”

Veteran actor Neena Gupta, celebrated for her candid demeanour and bold fashion choices, recently responded with grace and wit to a troll’s body-shaming comment after she posted a video from the airport. In the clip, Gupta shared how she carries homemade snacks during long airport waits—specifically, roti rolls packed in a tiffin filled with potatoes, chillies, paneer, onions, and other ingredients—with the caption: “Shorts wali desi girl.”

The video, featuring the actor dressed in a casual black outfit and shorts and speaking directly to the camera in the airport lounge, earned a mixed reaction from viewers. One commenter wrote, “Very good ...only request dont show your legs ,they are not well toned ...we have never seen dadi mummy showing their legs this way ...ageing gracefully is excellent.”

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Unfazed by the criticism, Gupta fired back with characteristic confidence and candor, “Don’t worry. These people who talk like this are basically jealous that they don’t have such good body, so ignore.”

Notably, many fans came to Gupta’s defence in the comments, with one pointing out, “What a demeaning comment from another WOMAN. Congratulations for being such a body shamer and being part of the problem.”

On the work front, she was last seen in Anurag Basu’s romantic drama Metro… In Dino, which featured a star-studded cast including Aditya Roy Kapur, Sara Ali Khan, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Ali Fazal, Konkona Sen Sharma, Pankaj Tripathi, and Anupam Kher, and performed well at the box office.

Also Read : Neena Gupta reflects on her first husband: “The love that I see in movies and read in books, I’ve never experienced that in real life”

The month of August started on a rocking note for superstar Shah Rukh Khan. On August 1, the winners of the 71st National Film Awards were announced and SRK won the award for Best Actor for his stupendous performance in Atlee’s Jawan (2023). Many celebrated his victory, but some had reservations. A few of them claimed that performances in a masala film shouldn’t be honoured, while some felt that it was not a National Award-worthy performance. Bollywood Hungama recently spoke with Nikhil Dwivedi and we asked him to comment on this matter. Interestingly, Shah Rukh Khan was the chief guest at a promotional event of Nikhil’s first film as an actor, My Name Is Anthony Gonsalves (2008).

Nikhil Dwivedi said, “The National Awards have a jury which always consists of eminent people. The problem is that a section of people questions everything. Either we should reject each and every award that they have chosen. We can’t say that the jury is right about the 5 awards but wrong about the rest of the 5 awards. That makes no sense to me. Either reject the jury’s outcome completely.”

Nikhil Dwivedi continued, “It’s not fair to say ‘I like this artist and hence, you have chosen correctly’ or ‘This artist should not have won’. Then, you become the jury! This commentary is absurd. I am sure the jury has taken its decision in full wisdom. These are the people who have been in the world of cinema for years. They must have thought it well and we must respect it.”

In Jawan, Shah Rukh Khan played the double role of Vikram Rathore and his son, Azad. Vikram is attacked by the goons of the antagonist, Kalee Gaikwad (Vijay Sethupathi) and loses his memory. His son, Azad, is born in prison. 30 years later, he is a police officer and is also a vigilante who goes out of his way to deliver justice. Both Azad and Vikram are unaware of each other and fireworks happen when they both meet, amid a lot of madness.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Nikhil Dwivedi explains why entourage expenses aren’t the real villain: “If an artist is charging Rs. 50 crores as his fees and Rs. 20 crores for his entourage, but his recovery is just Rs. 50 crores, that’s not feasible”

On Tuesday, Abundantia Entertainment and Collective Media Network announced a new film on Lord Hanuman that is reportedly being made entirely with Artificial Intelligence (AI). The announcement quickly stirred up heated debates within the Indian film fraternity, with many filmmakers and artists voicing concerns over the lack of a humane touch in creativity.

Among those who expressed strong displeasure was filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, known for his unfiltered opinions and acclaimed works like Gangs of Wasseypur. Taking to Instagram, Kashyap shared a long note sharply criticizing the production houses for this move and questioned the role of artist representation agencies in enabling such projects.

Kashyap’s post read, “Congratulations @vijaysubramaniam84 . Here is the man heading the @lifeatcollectiveartistsnetwork that represents artists, writer, directors , now producing a film made by AI . So much for looking after and representing the interests of creators. End of the day , all these agencies are only interested in making money off you and since they choose turkeys after turkeys for you and you’re not making enough for them , they are going all AI.”

He further continued, “Any actor or anyone who calls themselves artists and has a spine will be and should be either questioning him or leaving the agency since he has proved that he thinks you’re no match for his AI performance . This right here is the future for the spineless and cowardly so called artists in the Hindi Film industry. Well done Vijay Subramaniam . Shame is not enough on you. You should be in the gutter.”

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Kashyap’s explosive remarks immediately gained traction, with many in the industry resonating with his sentiment. His long-time friend and collaborator, Vikramaditya Motwane, also weighed in on the matter. The filmmaker, who earlier directed a project exploring the impact of Artificial Intelligence and its control over the public, voiced his criticism through his Instagram story. Motwane wrote, “And so it begins… Who TF needs writers and directors when it’s ‘Made in AI’.”

The joint backlash from Kashyap and Motwane reflects a larger concern brewing in the creative industry, where AI-generated art and content are increasingly being positioned as replacements for human creativity. While production houses hail technology as the future of filmmaking, many directors, writers, and actors fear that this shift undermines the very essence of storytelling rooted in human experiences.

With this controversy making headlines, the debate around the role of AI in cinema is expected to intensify, leaving the industry divided between innovation and authenticity.

Also Read: ‘Dear Country’, first song from Anurag Kashyap and Amazon MGM Studios’ Nishaanchi, out; watch

Mahesh Manjrekar and Sanjay Dutt once made for an envious director-actor jodi. Both collaborated for the first time on Vaastav (1999). The film turned out to be a cult and is considered to be one of the most accomplished performances of the actor. Later, Mahesh Manjrekar directed Sanjay Dutt in Kurukshetra (2000), Hathyar (2002), Pitaah (2002), Rakht (2004), Viruddh (2005) and Vaah Life Ho Toh Aisi (2005). If all goes well, both might join hands once again, after nearly two decades, for the remake of the acclaimed 2024 Marathi film, Juna Furniture.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Mahesh Manjrekar directed Juna Furniture and he played the main lead. The film got a lot of critical acclaim for its message, subject and performances. Mahesh realized that it has the potential to touch the Hindi-speaking audiences as well. Hence, he has begun work on the scripting of the Hindi remake.”

The source further said, “He has approached Sanjay Dutt as he feels that the veteran actor will do complete justice to the role. Both Mahesh Manjrekar and Sanjay Dutt are fond of each other. They have had a great time working with each other and it’s been a while since they collaborated on a project. This was also a reason why the filmmaker was keen on getting the actor on board. However, Sanjay Dutt is yet to reply to Mr Manjrekar on whether he'll be able to act in the remake.”

Juna Furniture is the story of a senior citizen and his son, an IAS officer. The senior citizen often finds himself in need of money and has to ask his son for it. Once, when the father has a similar need, the son is unavailable. The father is so distraught with this experience that he files a case against his son. The film also starred Bhushan Pradhan, Anusha Dandekar, Sameer Dharmadhikari, Sachin Khedekar, Shivaji Satam, Upendra Limaye and Mahesh's wife Medha Manjrekar.

Meanwhile, there were reports earlier this year that Mahesh Manjrekar and Sanjay Dutt might also collaborate on Vaastav 2.

Also Read: The Raja Saab: Sanjay Dutt fans get excited as makers of Prabhas starrer unveil new poster

2026 is going to be exciting as some of the biggest films, featuring popular names, are scheduled for release. One of the highly awaited ones is Love & War. It is directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and features an envious star cast comprising Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal. Another factor that is enticing about this film is that its Bhansali’s first film in 26 years, which will be shot abroad.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Sanjay Leela Bhansali is known for making grand and visually spectacular films. Yet, he hasn’t gone abroad for the same for his films like Devdas (2002), Black (2005), Saawariya (2007), Guzaarish (2010), Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-leela (2013), Bajirao Mastani (2015), Padmaavat (2018) and Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022). Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1998) was the last film for which he travelled abroad, to Hungary (depicted in the film as Italy), to shoot a crucial sequence of the second half.”

The source continued, “But for Love & War, there’s a requirement of a foreign location. Hence, the filmmaker travelled to Rome, Italy, for a recce earlier this month. The film is expected to be shot in the Italian capital and maybe, a few more places in Europe, later this year.”

As per reports, Sanjay Leela Bhansali will be shooting big face-off sequences between Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal this month. The report further stated that around 100 days of shooting were completed until July and 90 more days of filming are left.

Love & War is scheduled to be released on March 20, 2026, on Ramzan Eid. It reunites Sanjay Leela Bhansali with Ranbir Kapoor after nearly 18 years. Ranbir debuted in SLB’s Saawariya. Meanwhile, Alia had worked with the blockbuster director in his last film, Gangubai Kathiawadi. As for Vicky Kaushal, this is his first outing with Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

Also Read: Love & War starring Vicky Kaushal, Ranbir Kapoor heads to Madhya Pradesh for 15-day shoot at British-era army base: Report

In a startling revelation that underscores the systemic undervaluing of playback singers in India, renowned singer Kanika Kapoor—known for chart-topping hits like ‘Baby Doll’ and ‘Chittiyaan Kalaiyaan’—has shed light on the meagre compensation artists often receive for their work. Speaking on Uorfi Javed’s YouTube show Bunkk with Uorfi, she confessed to receiving just Rs. 101 for a song.

She stated, “Singers don’t really get paid. Main saare contracts dikhaati hu, 101 rupees milte hain. They say that they are doing you a favour. I can talk to you about the greatest singer of India. I am not going to give names, but very obvious. I don't think that even he is being paid for most of his greatest songs ever. Or has any publishing, or has any royalty structure. There is nothing like that in India today.”

Her comments paint a bleak picture of an industry where fame and chartbusters don’t necessarily translate into fair financial remuneration.

Kapoor further highlighted the precarious nature of singers' livelihoods, stating, “Only if you are alive and you are able to sing, agar aapki awaaz chal rahi hai, aur aap shows kar paa rahe hain. Jab tak aap shows kar paa rahe hain, tab tak aapko paise milenge. Kal ko kuchh ho jaaye to koi pension plan nahi hai singers ke liye.” (As long as your voice is working and you're able to perform shows, you'll keep earning. But if something happens tomorrow, there's no pension plan for singers)

These remarks expose a stark reality: the recorded music ecosystem often offers negligible direct compensation or any royalty infrastructure. Instead, artists are forced to depend heavily on live performances to make a living.

The revelations have sparked fresh discussions on the need for structural reforms in India’s music industry. With playback singing forming the backbone of Bollywood’s musical identity, her candid account is a call to action for fair contracts, royalty systems, and long-term safety nets to safeguard artists’ well-being.

Kanika Kapoor’s straightforward admission is more than a personal grievance—it’s a clarion call. Her words highlight that even with fame and hit songs, the financial fate of playback singers in India remains precarious, governed more by live-stage survival than fair recognition of their recorded contributions.

At least 120 crew members working on Ranveer Singh’s forthcoming film Dhurandhar have fallen ill due to suspected food poisoning during the shoot in Leh district of Ladakh, forcing the production to pause. The incident occurred on August 17 while filming at Pathar Sahib. “Over 100 workers of a Bollywood film crew were hospitalised in Leh after a suspected case of food poisoning late Sunday evening,” officials told Mid-Day.

The affected individuals experienced severe symptoms such as intense abdominal pain, vomiting, and headaches soon after eating, prompting immediate medical attention at the Sajal Narbbu Memorial Hospital. Around 600 people were served the food that day, out of whom 120 fell ill and required hospitalization. There are rumours suggesting that a few individuals also suffered cardiac-related complications.”

Food samples have been collected and sent for further analysis to pinpoint the root cause of the contamination. Meanwhile, the team has suspended shooting temporarily.

Dhurandhar marks Ranveer Singh’s first collaboration with director Aditya Dhar. While the storyline remains largely under wraps, the teaser hints at an origin story steeped in betrayal, courage, and a hidden war fought by unnamed figures in the shadows. The film also features an impressive ensemble, including Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, R Madhavan, and Arjun Rampal.

Reports suggest Ranveer and Aditya are already planning another project, slated to begin once Don 3 wraps. Dhurandhar is currently scheduled to worldwide theatrical release on December 5, 2025.

Also Read : Ranveer Singh unveils Sansaar by D’Decor’s musical ode to sustainable living

Filmmaker Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri has warned that he will pursue legal recourse if the release of his film The Bengal Files is prohibited in West Bengal. This statement came during a press conference following the disruption of the film’s trailer launch in Kolkata.

Scheduled to hit theatres on September 5, The Bengal Files delves into the Calcutta riots of August 16, 1946, triggered by the All-India Muslim League’s call for “Direct Action Day” .

Vivek Agnihotri recounted the series of setbacks faced during the trailer launch: it was initially cancelled by a multiplex, then shifted to a hotel where the power suddenly went out, and police eventually intervened to inquire whether proper permissions had been obtained .

“We will go by the Constitution. We will go legally. If they stop us, we will take the legal course. What can we do? We are common citizens like you… We will pray that sanity prevails and the state government does not do it,” said the director, directly challenging the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC government over alleged suppression of the film .

Addressing controversy involving Gopal Chandra Mukherjee—whose grandson Santanu Mukherjee has registered an FIR claiming the film portrays his grandfather as a “butcher”—Agnihotri clarified that the character is “an inspired character and not central to the plot.” He added, “I will not go into his history. Watch Santanu's interview. I can give you all the links. There is an interview of Gopal Mukherjee on BBC. In that interview, what he has said, we have only shown that much. I have nothing to do with Gopal Mukherjee's life, politics. He was a hero, and I have shown him as a hero.”

He said, “I respect Gopal Mukherjee a lot. His grandsons work with TMC. There is a compulsion there… They have done it legally. We are giving a legal answer to that.”

Agnihotri framed his work as an effort to bring forward “untold stories of India,” explaining: “Our purpose is very clear. I make films on Hindu civilization. That is why I make films on Hindu history. I do not consider myself capable of making films on Islamic history or Christian history.”

Also Read : Vivek Agnihotri faces FIR over alleged misrepresentation of Freedom Fighter Gopal Mukherjee in new film trailer

Bollywood actress Anita Advani recently spoke exclusively to the Indian Express, revealing intimate details about her private marriage with Rajesh Khanna and the challenges she faced within the film industry. Her revelations shed light on a side of Bollywood relationships rarely discussed publicly.

Advani began by explaining why she chose to remain silent about her wedding with Bollywood’s first superstar Rajesh Khanna. “We got married privately, but in the film industry, no one talks about such things openly. Everyone says ‘we’re friends’ or ‘we’re in a relationship’ or something else. But it was already reported in the media that I was with him, so neither of us felt the need to go and publicly announce that we were married. We never felt that need.”

She recounted the intimate ceremony, which took place at a small temple within their home. “I had a mangal sutra made, gold with black beads. He made me wear it. Then he applied sindoor and said, ‘From today, you are my responsibility.’ That’s how our wedding happened one night, just like that.”

Addressing her early involvement in her Khanna’s life, Advani said, “Yes, I came into his life before Dimple Kapadia. But we didn’t get married at the time because I was so young. Eventually, I went back to Jaipur.”

The actress also revealed the shocking treatment she faced during Kakaji’s chautha ceremony. “They had bouncers stationed there to stop me from coming in, I learned this from friends. When I told them I planned to go, they warned me that I would not be allowed inside. Still, they said, ‘If anything happens, we’re here for you.’ But I was stunned and asked, ‘Why all this?’ Some of my staff and close friends encouraged me to go, even suggested I carry a camera and record what they do. But I thought, how can I do such a thing on such a solemn day? So I didn’t go. I held my own chautha for him alone at a temple.”

Reflecting on the situation, Advani stated, “It would have been beneath my dignity to go there after everything. And frankly, it was beneath theirs to treat me that way, to call bouncers for me. One of my friends who did attend told me that they were blocking seats to ensure I wouldn’t have a place to sit. They even told one of our family lawyers to ‘handle me’ if I showed up. What does that even mean? I was shocked. I would never go to Kakaji’s chautha to create a scene. I would never even think of it. That’s why I didn’t go. And what happened there? It was all just a show. No one had any real feelings for him.”

Her candid interview provides a rare glimpse into the personal struggles and emotional dynamics of Bollywood, where public appearances often mask private realities.

Also Read: Sharmila Tagore on the re-release of Aradhana, “I was taken as a serious actor in Hindi cinema after this film”

Actor Nakuul Mehta and his wife Jankee Parekh Mehta have announced the arrival of their second child, a daughter, on August 17, 2025, delighting fans and well-wishers across the country. The couple also revealed her birth date as August 15 along with her name in a heartfelt social media post on Instagram which received ample love from the actor’s fans and well-wishers.

Sharing the joyous news on social media, Nakuul wrote, “She’s here. Sufi finally has his Rumi. Our hearts are complete. 15th August 2025. Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it.”

The announcement immediately garnered a wave of congratulatory messages from the entertainment industry. Celebrities took to social media to shower blessings and love. Gauahar Khan commented, “Awwwww god bless… so happy for your family. Many many congratulations,” while Bharti Singh added, “congratulations yahooooo rumiiiiiii welcome.” Dia Mirza extended her wishes saying, “So much love to all 4 of you,” and Karan V Grover wrote, “Stay blessed Mehta Parivaar.” Sanaya Irani shared her excitement, exclaiming, “Congratulations. It’s a giiiiirrrrrllllll. Lots of love.” Manjari Fadnis, Neeti Mohan, Leenesh Mattoo, Mansi Srivastava, Harshdeep Kaur, Meiyang Chang, Gautam Rode, Karan Mehra, among others also joined in with heartfelt messages, celebrating the family’s happiness.

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This marks the second addition to the Mehta family. The couple had shared the news of Jankee’s second pregnancy in June 2025 with a playful post that read, “The boy is ready for additional responsibility. So are we. We are accepting blessings, ????????????????????.” Their first child, a son named Sufi, was born on 3 February 2021. Nakuul’s social media posts highlight not just the joy of parenthood, but also the poetic and reflective nature that fans have come to admire.

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Nakuul and Jankee’s love story spans over a decade. The couple first met during their teenage years and eventually tied the knot on 28 January 2012 in a traditional Hindu wedding ceremony. Their long-standing relationship has been marked by mutual respect, creativity, and shared passions, making their journey to parenthood a celebrated chapter among fans and industry peers alike.

Also Read: Nakuul Mehta opens up about his new collaboration with Star Plus show Udne Ki Aasha; says, “It was a homecoming of sorts to Star Plus where I started my television career”

Vivek Agnihotri directorial The Bengal Files witnessed a fresh controversy as Shantanu Mukherjee, grandson of celebrated Bengali freedom fighter Gopal Mukherjee, filed a police complaint against the filmmaker. The grievance comes in response to the trailer of Agnihotri's upcoming political drama, unveiled on August 16, which coincides with the 80th anniversary of the "Great Calcutta Killings," also known as 'Direct Action Day.'

According to Shantanu Mukherjee, the film inaccurately portrays his grandfather, calling him “Kashai” (meaning butcher) and “Patha” (meaning goat), terms he describes as deeply disrespectful. "My grandfather was an important figure in the freedom movement, working alongside prominent leaders, with his ideology aligned with Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. To label him in such derogatory terms is not only historically inaccurate but also offensive to our family and the community," Shantanu stated in a statement reported by India Today.

In protest, Shantanu has sent a legal notice to Vivek Agnihotri and lodged a formal FIR demanding a public apology. He expressed frustration that the filmmakers failed to consult the family or verify historical facts before the release of the trailer. "I think Vivek Agnihotri should research more on this. From where did they get this wrong information? He has not contacted us either. That's why we are protesting and will continue to do so," he said.

The film, which is the third installment in Agnihotri’s "Files Trilogy" following The Tashkent Files (2019) and The Kashmir Files (2022), revolves around the 1946 Great Calcutta Killings and the Noakhali riots. It seeks to depict the events as genocide and highlights how these historical atrocities were allegedly silenced or ignored in mainstream narratives. The trailer's release on the anniversary of the tragedy has added emotional weight and intensified public scrutiny.

Film analysts note that Agnihotri’s projects often stir debate for their portrayal of historical events, and this latest controversy underscores the sensitivity surrounding depictions of real-life freedom fighters. Historians and community leaders have echoed Shantanu’s concerns, emphasizing the importance of responsible storytelling when representing figures who played pivotal roles in India’s independence movement.

The dispute raises critical questions about the responsibility of filmmakers to consult families and historians before dramatizing historical events. Whether the controversy will lead to edits in the film or a formal apology remains to be seen, but the FIR and legal notice signal that the debate is only just beginning.

Also Read: Vivek Agnihotri’s The Bengal Files trailer stopped in West Bengal; says, “Democracy is dead in Tagore and Vivekananda’s land”

Bollywood’s beloved superstar Shah Rukh Khan delighted his fans on Saturday evening by hosting an impromptu #AskSRK session on X (formerly Twitter). Known for his witty banter and straightforward charm, SRK answered questions ranging from his upcoming film King to fans’ curiosity about his future projects.

When a fan asked for an update on King, the actor shared a playful yet reassuring progress report. “Did some good shoot… starting soon again. Only leg shots then move to upper body… Insha Allah will be done fast. @justSidAnand is working hard to finish,” SRK revealed. His tongue-in-cheek description of shooting “leg shots” first had fans amused, while also signalling that the project is steadily moving ahead under director Siddharth Anand’s watch.

Did some good shoot….starting soon again. Only leg shots then move to upper body….Insha Allah will be done fast. @justSidAnand is working hard to finish. https://t.co/d88P2te8ll — Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) August 16, 2025

Another fan probed whether audiences could expect Shah Rukh Khan in any other movie besides King. In his signature style, SRK quipped: “Just KING… naam toh suna hoga (have you heard the name)?” The sharp reply instantly trended across social media, reinforcing the anticipation surrounding his first major theatrical release since Dunki.

Just KING….naam toh suna hoga? https://t.co/8zLVmkwmUR — Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) August 16, 2025

King is shaping up to be one of 2025’s most talked-about films. Written by Sujoy Ghosh and directed by Siddharth Anand, the film is expected to be a slick gangster action drama. Adding to the excitement, it marks the theatrical debut of Suhana Khan, Shah Rukh’s daughter, who was last seen in Zoya Akhtar’s Netflix film The Archies as she will be seen sharing screen space with her father for the first time. The cast also includes Abhishek Bachchan, reportedly playing the antagonist, along with Munjya fame Abhay Verma in a pivotal role.

The timing of SRK’s interactive session is noteworthy, coming just a day before Netflix dropped the teaser of Aryan Khan’s directorial debut series The Ba**ds of Bollywood*. As always, Shah Rukh Khan’s session was a mix of humor, honesty, and his signature warmth that keeps his fanbase loyal. With King progressing swiftly and Aryan stepping into direction, audiences can expect a Khan double celebration in the months ahead.

Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan marks Independence Day with AbRam in a heartwarming post

On Saturday, the trailer launch of Vivek Agnihotri’s upcoming and much-debated film The Bengal Files, which depicts the 1946 Calcutta communal riots, was halted at a luxury hotel in Kolkata. The move was met with little surprise, given the sensitive subject matter and the expected backlash. The ruling All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal is known for its strong stance on protecting the state’s minority community.

A senior Trinamool leader, who is also a veteran actor, told this writer on condition of anonymity, “It is unlikely Agnihotri’s film will be released in West Bengal. He has a reputation for being a troublemaker. The Kashmir Files stirred up disturbing anti-Muslim sentiments. That won’t be allowed to happen here.”

Responding to the incident, Vivek Agnihotri took to social media, tweeting, “With anguish I inform you: Today West Bengal police, on orders of ‘top authorities’, illegally stopped the trailer of #TheBengalFiles. First theatres, now even a private hotel.”

Later, speaking further on the controversy, Agnihotri remarked, “Who fears the truth of Hindu genocide? And why? Democracy is dead in Tagore and Vivekananda’s land. The trailer is now being seen all over the country, but since it is based in Bengal, we wanted its launch here. They don’t want the atrocities on Bengali Hindus in 1946 and the fightback of people like Gopal Mukherjee to be shown in cinema. If it is a part of history, do you want to change history? There can be only one reason behind such a move — to ignore the conspiracy to divide Bengal again.”

Veteran actor Anupam Kher, who essays the role of Mahatma Gandhi in The Bengal Files, also came forward in support of the film. Speaking exclusively to this writer, Kher said, “The Bengal Files tells only the truth. Why fear the truth?”

Also Read: Vivek Agnihotri launches The Bengal Files trailer on Direct Action Day in Kolkata – Here’s why the date matters

Netflix, in collaboration with Red Chillies Entertainment Pvt. Ltd., has unveiled the much-anticipated first look of The Ba***ds of Bollywood, marking Aryan Khan’s official directorial debut. The streaming giant shared a teaser across its social media platforms, giving audiences a first taste of what promises to be an unconventional, high-energy series.

The teaser opens with a voiceover reminiscent of the romantic tone from his father Shah Rukh Khan starrer classic Mohabbatein, evoking nostalgia for Bollywood’s golden era. However, the atmosphere quickly shifts, landing a biting punchline that signals a departure from convention. While the voice might faintly remind audiences of Shah Rukh Khan, the delivery, intent, and freshness is introduced by none other than Aryan showcasing his uniqueness.

With this teaser, Aryan Khan steps into the limelight as a storyteller in his own right. His opening words in the video encapsulate the essence of the show: “Bollywood – jisse aapne saalon se pyaar bhi kiya aur vaar bhi kiya, main bhi wohi karunga, bohot saara pyaar… aur thoda sa vaar.” The line suggests that the series will celebrate Bollywood’s charm while also critiquing its clichés, blending reverence with rebellion.

Described as “fun, filmy, aur thoda zyaada,” the show aims to straddle the line between homage and satire. It promises to be provocative yet rooted, stylised yet chaotic, bringing forward a voice that represents a generational shift in how Bollywood stories are told and consumed.

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The series features an ensemble cast including Bobby Deol, Lakshya, Sahher Bambba, Manoj Pahwa, Mona Singh, Manish Chaudhari, Raghav Juyal, Anya Singh, Vijayant Kohli, and Gautami Kapoor. With such a diverse lineup, expectations are high for a multi-layered narrative packed with drama, humour, and self-awareness.

Behind the scenes, The Ba***ds of Bollywood has heavyweight backing. Gauri Khan serves as the producer, while Bonnie Jain and Akshat Verma take on the role of executive producers. Aryan Khan co-created the series along with Bilal Siddiqi and Manav Chauhan, with the trio also credited as writers.

The teaser concludes with Netflix’s announcement that a detailed preview of the series will be released on August 20, setting the stage for one of the most talked-about debuts in recent memory.

As anticipation builds, Aryan Khan’s first project signals not only a personal milestone but also the arrival of a new narrative voice - one that dares to playfully dissect the very industry it was born into.

Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan treats fans to a surprise; announces the teaser drop of the directorial debut of his son Aryan Khan on August 17

The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2025 turned into a star-studded celebration as Indian cinema’s finest talents were honoured at the prestigious Awards Night. Applause, emotion, and pride filled the air as filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan’s poignant drama Homebound emerged as the evening’s biggest winner, bagging both Best Film and Best Director.

Bollywood icon Aamir Khan was conferred with the coveted Excellence in Cinema Award, recognising his unparalleled legacy and contribution to Indian cinema. Speaking about his win, Aamir Khan said, “I have been attracted to telling stories from a very young age. Filmmaking is a collaborative art and this award and recognition wouldn’t have been possible without my writers, directors, co-stars, and the audiences who have given me the opportunity to tell the stories and be part of the many stories I have been part of.”

Meanwhile, Abhishek Bachchan delivered an emotional moment on stage as he won Best Actor (Male) – Film for I Want to Talk. Abhishek Bachchan, visibly moved after his Best Actor win, added, “Life has come a full circle for me. I came here in 2022 where I was feted with the excellence in cinema award for my body of work. But this is an emotional moment for me to get the best actor on this very stage and be recognised for my role in a film that’s extremely special to me. It was 3 years back in Melbourne at this same festival where Shoojit Da offered me this role in I Want To Talk. It was Shoojit Da who believed in me that I could pull off this role and this role is an ode to my father and my daughter because it’s about caring and raising a parent.”

The festival’s winners reflected the incredible diversity and depth of Indian storytelling across formats. Homebound was declared Best Film, while Neeraj Ghaywan won Best Director for the same. Angammal earned the title of Best Indie Film with Gugun Kigpen receiving a Special Mention for Boong. Geetha Kailasam won Best Actor (Female) – Film for her performance in Angammal.

The television segment saw Black Warrant win Best Series, with Jaideep Ahlawat taking home Best Actor (Male) – Series for Paatal Lok Season 2, and Nimisha Sajayan winning Best Actor (Female) – Series for Dabba Cartel. Reflecting on the journey, Jaideep said "This award is truly overwhelming. To be recognized on an international platform like the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne is an honor I will cherish forever. Hathiram Chaudhary's journey has been an extraordinary one, and this award belongs to the entire team who poured their heart and soul into making Paatal Lok what it is today. I’m deeply grateful to the jury and, most importantly, to the audience for their love and support. This is for all of you."

Among the honorary recognitions, Arvind Swamy was celebrated with the Leadership in Cinema Award, Vir Das was honoured with the Disruptor Award, Aditi Rao Hydari was recognised for Diversity in Cinema, and Baksho Bondi won the Equality in Cinema Award. Arvind Swamy shared his happiness over the award and stated, “I’m still a student of cinema even though I have been given leadership in cinema for my work. If anyone offers me role even today that’s in my comfort zone, I wouldn’t do it, I always want roles that challenge me. I’m grateful for the recognition to be given the Leadership in Cinema award at IFFM 2025.”

Other categories included the short film  where Kalar Pencils by Dhananjay Santosh Goregaonkar won Best Short Film (India), while Drifters by David Liu was awarded Best Short Film (Australia).

Now in its 16th edition, IFFM has once again reaffirmed its status as the largest Indian film festival outside of India, bringing together filmmakers, stars, and audiences in a grand celebration of cinema. The festival continues until August 24, with Homebound serving as the closing film.

Also Read: Aamir Khan inaugurates Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2025 with Gauri Spratt; unveils opening night film Baksho Bondi

The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2025 turned into a star-studded celebration as Indian cinema’s finest talents were honoured at the prestigious Awards Night. Applause, emotion, and pride filled the air as filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan’s poignant drama Homebound emerged as the evening’s biggest winner, bagging both Best Film and Best Director.

Bollywood icon Aamir Khan was conferred with the coveted Excellence in Cinema Award, recognising his unparalleled legacy and contribution to Indian cinema. Speaking about his win, Aamir Khan said, “I have been attracted to telling stories from a very young age. Filmmaking is a collaborative art and this award and recognition wouldn’t have been possible without my writers, directors, co-stars, and the audiences who have given me the opportunity to tell the stories and be part of the many stories I have been part of.”

Meanwhile, Abhishek Bachchan delivered an emotional moment on stage as he won Best Actor (Male) – Film for I Want to Talk. Abhishek Bachchan, visibly moved after his Best Actor win, added, “Life has come a full circle for me. I came here in 2022 where I was feted with the excellence in cinema award for my body of work. But this is an emotional moment for me to get the best actor on this very stage and be recognised for my role in a film that’s extremely special to me. It was 3 years back in Melbourne at this same festival where Shoojit Da offered me this role in I Want To Talk. It was Shoojit Da who believed in me that I could pull off this role and this role is an ode to my father and my daughter because it’s about caring and raising a parent.”

The festival’s winners reflected the incredible diversity and depth of Indian storytelling across formats. Homebound was declared Best Film, while Neeraj Ghaywan won Best Director for the same. Angammal earned the title of Best Indie Film with Gugun Kigpen receiving a Special Mention for Boong. Geetha Kailasam won Best Actor (Female) – Film for her performance in Angammal.

The television segment saw Black Warrant win Best Series, with Jaideep Ahlawat taking home Best Actor (Male) – Series for Paatal Lok Season 2, and Nimisha Sajayan winning Best Actor (Female) – Series for Dabba Cartel. Reflecting on the journey, Jaideep said "This award is truly overwhelming. To be recognized on an international platform like the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne is an honor I will cherish forever. Hathiram Chaudhary's journey has been an extraordinary one, and this award belongs to the entire team who poured their heart and soul into making Paatal Lok what it is today. I’m deeply grateful to the jury and, most importantly, to the audience for their love and support. This is for all of you."

Among the honorary recognitions, Arvind Swamy was celebrated with the Leadership in Cinema Award, Vir Das was honoured with the Disruptor Award, Aditi Rao Hydari was recognised for Diversity in Cinema, and Baksho Bondi won the Equality in Cinema Award. Arvind Swamy shared his happiness over the award and stated, “I’m still a student of cinema even though I have been given leadership in cinema for my work. If anyone offers me role even today that’s in my comfort zone, I wouldn’t do it, I always want roles that challenge me. I’m grateful for the recognition to be given the Leadership in Cinema award at IFFM 2025.”

Other categories included the short film  where Kalar Pencils by Dhananjay Santosh Goregaonkar won Best Short Film (India), while Drifters by David Liu was awarded Best Short Film (Australia).

Now in its 16th edition, IFFM has once again reaffirmed its status as the largest Indian film festival outside of India, bringing together filmmakers, stars, and audiences in a grand celebration of cinema. The festival continues until August 24, with Homebound serving as the closing film.

Also Read: Aamir Khan inaugurates Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2025 with Gauri Spratt; unveils opening night film Baksho Bondi

The wait for one of Bollywood’s most anticipated sequels is finally over. On the occasion of India’s 79th Independence Day, the makers of Border 2 unveiled the film’s first poster along with its official release date. The war drama, inspired by true stories, is set to hit theatres on January 22, 2026, giving audiences the perfect build-up to the extended Republic Day weekend.

The timing of the announcement serves as a tribute to India’s Bravehearts, echoing the patriotic sentiment that made the original Border a landmark film in Indian cinema. The newly released poster showcases Sunny Deol back in his most memorable role — a battle-hardened soldier — dressed in military gear and gripping a bazooka with fierce determination. With an intense gaze and the weight of duty etched on his face, Deol embodies the courage and sacrifice of the Indian armed forces, ready to once again lead audiences into an emotionally charged cinematic battlefield.

Speaking about the announcement, producer Bhushan Kumar said, “Border is more than a film — it’s an emotion for every Indian. With Border 2, we aim to carry forward that legacy and bring it to a new generation. The new release date gives audiences more time to come together and experience the film in theatres during an extended Republic Day weekend.”

Producer Nidhi Dutta added, “The first Border was a heartfelt salute to our armed forces. This time, we return with the same passion, a fresh story, and a promise to evoke the same pride and tears in every theatre. With the new release date, we are happy to bring the film to cinemas sooner, allowing audiences to enjoy a longer Republic Day weekend.”

Director Anurag Singh highlighted the significance of the Independence Day reveal, stating, “Announcing the date on Independence Day is symbolic. This day reminds us of the sacrifices made by our soldiers for India’s freedom and so does our film. It’s an honour and a privilege to honour their undying spirit through this story.”

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Directed by Anurag Singh, Border 2 features an ensemble cast including Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, Ahan Shetty, Medha Rana, Mona Singh, and Sonam Bajwa. The film is produced by Bhushan Kumar and J.P. Dutta, with production support from Krishan Kumar and Nidhi Dutta, under the banners of T-Series and J.P. Films.

Backed by a powerful production team including Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, J.P. Dutta, and Nidhi Dutta, Border 2 promises to uphold the emotional intensity and patriotic fervour of its predecessor while introducing a new generation of viewers to its legacy. With its release timed to coincide with a long Republic Day weekend, the film is poised to deliver a stirring tribute to the heroism and indomitable spirit of the Indian soldier.

Audiences can gear up for what promises to be a monumental saga of patriotism, courage, and sacrifice as Border 2 storms into cinemas nationwide on January 22, 2026.

Also Read: BREAKING: CBFC passes date announcement teaser of Border 2 with a U/A 16+ certificate

An old video of actress Mrunal Thakur from her Kumkum Bhagya days resurfaced online a couple of days ago, sparking controversy and heated discussions across social media. The clip, dating back to her time on the popular Ektaa R. Kapoor show on Zee TV, features Thakur in a light-hearted media interaction with her co-star Arjit Taneja.

In the video, Mrunal is heard asking, “Would you rather marry someone who is more manly with muscles?” When Taneja responds that he would prefer a physically fit partner, she quips, “Go marry Bipasha then. Listen, I am far better than Bipasha.” While seemingly meant as playful banter, the remark did not sit well with fans of Bollywood actress Bipasha Basu, many interpreting it as body-shaming and dismissive.

As the clip gained traction online with fans and followers slamming Thakur for her opinions, Mrunal decided to address the matter head-on by issuing a candid apology on her social media page. “19-year-old me as a teenager said many silly things. I didn’t always understand the weight of my voice or how much words, even in jest, could hurt. But it did, and for that I am deeply sorry. My intent was never to body-shame anyone,” her statement read. She further added, “It was playful banter in an interview that went too far. But I understand how it came across, and I truly wish I had chosen my words differently. With time, I’ve grown to appreciate that beauty comes in every form, and that’s something I truly value now.”

Her clarification has been widely shared, with many appreciating her honesty, growth, and willingness to take accountability. The actress, known for her strong yet empathetic persona, concluded by reiterating her belief that women can be both “soft and strong” — a combination she believes makes them unstoppable.

Also Read: Mrunal Thakur: “If someone hacks my phone they will find…” | Star Tech

This Independence Day is more special for Hindi film lovers as the all-time classic Sholay completes 50 glorious years. Directed by Ramesh Sippy, written by Salim-Javed (Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar) and starring Sanjeev Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Amjad Khan, Hema Malini and Jaya Bachchan, the movie continues to win hearts generation after generation.

A major achievement for Sholay was that it ran for as many as five years on a trot in Mumbai’s Minerva cinema. It was founded by filmmaker and producer FC Mehra and was later looked after by his son and veteran filmmaker Umesh Mehra. On Sholay’s 50th anniversary, Mehra went down memory lane in an exclusive chat with Bollywood Hungama on its phenomenal run in their cinema and also provided some interesting trivia related to the film.

Umesh Mehra refutes stories about Sholay struggling in the initial weeks

When Sholay was released in 1975, Minerva and their film business was run by FC Mehra. Umesh Mehra recalled that at that time, he was a young assistant director and was just too happy to attend the film’s star-studded premiere.

It has been said a lot in the media over the decades that Sholay didn’t perform well in the first two weeks and picked up only after that. However, Umesh Mehra said that there is no truth to this. “No truth in it. Bakwaas, sab jhooth hai,” he said. “It was full in advance for two years. Every day it was full. There was this negative publicity which is very common in our industry. Some vested interests will try and bring down a film. There was another lobby which kept saying that the film is going to flop. But who can win against the public?”

Sholay, the only film that genuinely ran in cinema for years

Over the years, there have been quite a few films that have run in cinemas for years. But Mehra said that Sholay was the only film that had an organic run. “In my humble opinion, this was the only film that had a genuine run,” he said. “There are many films that have run (for a number of years) but they have not had that public paid run. Maybe they were paid by the producer, distributor or actor. But this was the only film which the public made run for five years.”

The original run of Sholay was four hours long

Sholay’s runtime was little over three hours when it released. Mehra revealed that the first run of the film was much longer. “I know for a fact that the first run of the film when they shot was over four hours. Shinde sahab (the late legendary editor MS Shinde) brought that down to three hours. It’s not a straightforward screenplay – there is flashback and other things. He was a brilliant man,” he said. Interestingly, MS Shinde was the only member from the Sholay team to receive a Filmfare Award that year.

Sholay’s print was stuck with the Customs just before the premiere

Just before Sholay’s premiere at Minerva on the evening of August 14, its 70 mm print couldn’t reach the cinema. “The whole industry was there,” recalled Mehra. “It was a huge premiere. An interesting part is that the 70 mm print was stuck in the Customs. So, they showed the film in cinemascope print for the premiere. And 95% of the people could not make the difference at that point of time. Minerva had that special projection system through which cinemascope covered the whole screen. So, people were like, ‘Kya effect hai!’, ‘Kya impact hai!’.” The 70 mm print reached the cinema later in the day and the movie was played again.

Pic 1 - Advance booking for Sholay which opened a week before its release Pic 2 - Sholay enter into 35th Week in Minerva

Pic 3 - Sholay enter into 246th Week in Minerva. Balcony Ticket price - ₹5.50

Image Credit - Naved & Shiv Shetty https://t.co/IyuvsfsTqE pic.twitter.com/e8C3ITnH7t

— Mumbai Heritage (@mumbaiheritage) August 31, 2024

One-kilometre-long queues for advance booking

Umesh Mehra revealed that for two years, every show of Sholay in Minerva was full one week in advance. “There was one (ticket) window for balcony and one for stall,” he said. “Every Friday when the booking opened, each of these lines would be one kilometre long. The film continued (in regular shows) for two years and then in matinee it continued up to five years.”

He added, “Minerva always had this unique position of having huge openings even for films like Deewar or our own Alibaba Aur 40 Chor. The queue of a kilometre became a norm. Minerva got connected to all successful films. Anybody who put up a movie in Minerva, knew, at least, 15 to 25 weeks was confirmed. Metro just took the tagline but Minerva was called the ‘Pride of Maharashtra’.”

Audience throwing money on the screen was common back then

Those were the days when the public reaction was seen to be believed. “Whether it was Sholay or the opening sequence of Alibaba’s cave in Alibaba Aur 40 Chor, public used to whistle and clap,” he said. “During songs, they used to throw coins. The sweepers would be happy as they could collect that money. And dancing in the aisles was a common phenomenon. The whole atmosphere was something else to watch a film.”

Stars often visited Minerva to check public reactions

Like other cinemas, filmstars used to visit Minerva too to check out public reactions. From the cast of Sholay, the debutant villain showed up once. “I think Amjad Khan came,” said Mehra. “Whenever stars would come, they would come late at night. We had a special sort of system where the lift took them directly to the top floor of the auditorium. So, nobody used to realize when they came and left.”

How many times Umesh Mehra has seen Sholay?

When asked how many times has he seen Sholay, Mehra said, “I would have seen the film 50 or 100 times. I don’t even remember how many times. My office was in the basement. So, whenever I had time, I used watch. It was a huge learning on how screenplay moves, how action moves, how a film is shot, etc. It was a textbook for all of us in that generation.”

Also Read: Sholay to be honoured at Toronto International Film Festival along with Stephen Spielberg’s Jaws, confirms Javed Akhtar

Actors Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor, along with director Tushar Jalota, visited the Tirupati temple to seek divine blessings ahead of the release of their upcoming romantic drama Param Sundari. The film, produced by Maddock Films, is slated to hit theatres on August 29, 2025.

The visit to the holy shrine comes just days after the makers unveiled the trailer on August 12, 2025. The film marks the first on-screen collaboration between Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor, a pairing that has already generated buzz among fans.

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About the Trailer The 2-minute, 40-second trailer introduces viewers to Param Sundari’s central love story — a romance that transcends geography, language, and cultural boundaries. Sidharth plays Param, a charming Punjabi boy, while Janhvi portrays Sundari, a spirited South Indian girl.

The trailer opens with a light-hearted sequence of Param and Sundari flirting inside a church. Their playful banter is peppered with witty references to both Bollywood and regional cinema. However, the tone shifts when Sundari accuses Param of playing with people’s emotions, setting the stage for a dramatic conflict.

The narrative follows Param’s journey as he attempts to win back Sundari’s trust and prove the sincerity of his love, against the backdrop of familial and societal expectations.

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The Buzz Around Param Sundari Backed by Maddock Films, the project has been touted as a pan-India romantic entertainer that blends humour, drama, and cross-cultural charm. With Sidharth and Janhvi pairing up for the first time, expectations are high for their on-screen chemistry. Param Sundari is scheduled for a nationwide theatrical release on August 29, 2025.

Also Read: Janhvi Kapoor’s dialect coach Sheba Raju showers praise on her for her accent in Param Sundari: “You sound perfect as a half Malayali, half Tamil ponnu”

In a move as bold as it is rooted, Ugaoo — India’s #1 home gardening company — has announced beloved actor and pop culture icon Jackie Shroff as its brand ambassador. This collaboration with the well-known environmentalist marks a pivotal moment for Ugaoo as it evolves from a green brand adored by urban audiences to a cultural mainstay across India’s Tier 2 and 3 cities.

Having spent a decade cultivating a greener India, Ugaoo has played a key role in shaping how urban Indians perceive and interact with nature in their everyday lives. The brand has steadily built emotional equity through a strong content-first strategy, using storytelling, community-driven campaigns, and relatable plant care content to make gardening less intimidating and more joyful for everybody. Ugaoo’s digital presence has cultivated a loyal, plant-loving community that views houseplants not just as décor, but as meaningful companions, symbols of personal growth, and tools for emotional expression.

As Ugaoo enters its next phase of growth, reaching deeper into the heartland, it needs more than a campaign; it needs a cultural bridge. Jackie Shroff, the beloved Bollywood actor and original green crusader, fits this role seamlessly. Known for his earthy authenticity, irreverent charm, and lifelong love for plants, Jackie has always walked the walk. From arriving at events with a spider plant slung around his neck, spreading the green message far and wide, to nurturing his organic farm, his connection to nature is both personal and deeply profound.

Moreover, Jackie’s legacy as a pop culture icon with a devoted fan base that cuts across age groups makes him the perfect ambassador for Ugaoo. This brand resonates equally with Gen Z, millennials, and older generations. His persona is timeless, his appeal is cross-generational, and his relevance in India’s cultural imagination makes this collaboration a natural fit.

“Jackie Shroff is not just a face, he’s a feeling. For years, we’ve worked to make plants a part of India’s emotional and cultural fabric. And Jackie embodies everything we believe in: he's playful, rooted, and passionately green. There is nobody we would have worked with in this capacity — it was Jackie or no one. As we prepare to expand across Bharat, his presence brings instant relatability, timeless credibility, and a refreshing sense of fun to our story,” said Siddhant Bhalinge, Founder & CEO of Ugaoo.

Jackie’s association with Ugaoo launches with a high-impact campaign film conceptualised by Thought Over Design and produced by Cathect Studios. Set in a cozy living room, the film opens on a dramatic note with a distraught plant parent grieving over her wilted Alocasia. Jackie consoles her in his signature style, ordering a fresh one from Ugaoo, with the promise of a longer and healthier plant for life. The film ends with the unforgettable line, “Ugaoo, Bhidu, Ugaoo,” blending emotion, humour, and plant care into a perfectly potted story.

Speaking of the association, Jackie Shroff said, "Plants aren't just decor; they're companions, therapy, and a connection to life. Putting my hands in the soil brings me peace. Associating with Ugaoo is a no-brainer; they're spreading a green movement across India. Together, we're nurturing a generation that values nature. I'm glad to be a part of this mission, inspiring others to live rooted and connected."

This collaboration is more than a celebrity tie-in; it’s a cultural moment. It signals Ugaoo’s ambition to embed itself into the everyday lives of Indians by using plants not just as décor but as emotional connectors. The brand is also tapping into a growing trend: making plant gifting a thoughtful, lasting alternative to traditional gifts like flowers and chocolates, symbolising care, growth, and continuity.

Whether it’s a spider plant sent as an apology, twin succulents exchanged as modern-day friendship bracelets, or a potted pothos marking a couple’s first home together, Ugaoo is redefining how India expresses emotion. Plants, unlike other conventional gifts, last longer, grow with you, and become shared symbols of care and connection.

Simultaneously, Ugaoo continues to champion gardening as a mental wellness ritual. With more people seeking mindful habits in their fast-paced urban lives, simple acts like watering plants, nurturing leaves, and watching something grow have emerged as a powerful, grounding routine.

With over 1 million customers and a growing footprint across e-commerce, q-commerce, and offline stores in Mumbai, Pune, and Bengaluru, Ugaoo is now primed for outsized scale. Jackie’s association marks the beginning of a series of initiatives, from new product formats to regional storytelling, that will cement Ugaoo’s position as India’s most culturally relevant and emotionally resonant green brand.

As India begins to view plants not just as purchases but as an integral part of how we live, love, and heal, Ugaoo — with Jackie Shroff by its side — is here to lead the way.

Also Read: Ajay Devgn mimics Sunny Deol, Suniel Shetty, Jackie Shroff in hilarious Border spoof in Son of Sardaar 2

The excitement among fans is reaching fever pitch as the upcoming action thriller War 2 has officially received the go-ahead for release on August 14. Marking the first-ever collaboration between Bollywood superstar Hrithik Roshan and Telugu cinema icon Jr NTR, the film is set to deliver a power-packed cinematic experience. Jr NTR took to social media to express his heartfelt gratitude to the Andhra Pradesh government for facilitating the film’s release through a new government order.

In a recent tweet, Jr NTR wrote, “My sincere thanks to the Honourable CM of Andhra Pradesh, Sri @NCBN garu and the Honourable Deputy CM, Sri @PawanKalyan garu, for passing the new G.O. for the #War2 release. I also extend my gratitude to the Cinematography Minister Sri @kanduladurgesh garu.” The gesture reflects the strong support from the state government towards big cinematic ventures, underscoring the growing importance of pan-India films.

My sincere thanks to the Honourable CM of Andhra Pradesh, Sri @NCBN garu and the Honourable Deputy CM, Sri @PawanKalyan garu, for passing the new G.O. for the #War2 release. I also extend my gratitude to the Cinematography Minister Sri @kanduladurgesh garu. — Jr NTR (@tarak9999) August 12, 2025

Directed by Ayan Mukerji and produced by Aditya Chopra under the prestigious Yash Raj Films banner, War 2 is the sixth installment in the acclaimed YRF Spy Universe and serves as a sequel to the 2019 blockbuster War. The film boasts a stellar ensemble cast with Hrithik Roshan, Jr NTR, and Kiara Advani in lead roles, accompanied by powerhouse actors Ashutosh Rana and Anil Kapoor.

War 2 weaves an intense narrative centred around Kabir Dhaliwal, a former Indian intelligence agent who turned rogue and evolved into one of the most dangerous adversaries threatening national security. In response, the Indian government deploys Special Units Officer Vikram, portrayed by Hrithik Roshan, a highly skilled and relentless operative. Vikram’s mission is clear: neutralize the threat posed by Kabir. However, beneath his tough exterior lies a complicated past that fuels his resolve to complete this perilous task.

The film promises a gripping blend of thrilling action sequences, emotionally charged moments, and a compelling storyline that explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and patriotism. With the YRF Spy Universe gaining momentum, War 2 is poised to elevate the franchise to new heights.

As August 14 approaches, anticipation continues to build, with fans eagerly awaiting the first glimpse of this high-octane thriller. The powerful collaboration between Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR is expected to draw audiences across language barriers, cementing War 2 as one of the year’s most anticipated releases.

Also Read: War 2 end credits hide 2 game-changing YRF Spy Universe secrets

Radico Khaitan Limited has announced a landmark partnership with Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, his son Aryan Khan’s D’YAVOL Luxury Collective, and entrepreneur Nikhil Kamath, co-founder of Zerodha, to introduce a new premium alcoholic beverages venture under D’YAVOL Spirits. This collaboration seeks to develop some of the finest spirits in the world, targeting discerning consumers both within India and in international markets, focusing on globally sourced products that celebrate rich regional heritage through bottled-in-origin offerings.

The board of directors at Radico Khaitan has given the green light for a strategic investment and collaboration with D’YAVOL Spirits B.V. and D’YAVOL Spirits Private Limited. Under this agreement, Radico Khaitan will acquire a 47.5% equity stake in each company, with a total investment valued at up to Rs. 40 crore.

The partnership agreements, signed with D’YAVOL B.V., D’YAVOL India, Aryan Khan, Harprit Singh, NK Enterprises Holding Limited, and Kamath Technology LLP, position Radico Khaitan as the largest shareholder across both entities. The alliance will be responsible for the global marketing, trading, and distribution of premium spirit brands, with luxury tequila set to be the flagship launch.

Abhishek Khaitan, Managing Director of Radico Khaitan, expressed his enthusiasm: “Radico Khaitan has always believed in leading the alcobev space with consumer-centric innovation. With D’YAVOL Spirits, we are entering a bold new chapter, combining our proven expertise in blending, marketing and distribution with the charm and charisma of the global icon Shah Rukh Khan, the entrepreneurial spirit of Aryan Khan and Nikhil Kamath’s disruptive and visionary outlook.”

Shah Rukh Khan added, “Every great idea needs the right energy behind it. With Abhishek’s experience, Nikhil’s passion, and our creative instinct at D’YAVOL, we are building something bold, relevant, and future-facing." Aryan Khan, Co-Founder of D’YAVOL, highlighted the brand’s cultural aspirations and shared, “Our ambition is to shape a brand that doesn’t just sit on a shelf but lives in culture.”

Entrepreneur Nikhil Kamath shared his perspective on the evolving luxury market and stated, “Tomorrow’s best brands will be built on history, culture, and craftsmanship. That’s what excites me about D’YAVOL — an Indian brand with the intent and ability to compete anywhere in the world.”

This collaboration marks a significant step in Radico Khaitan’s strategy to expand its footprint in the luxury spirits segment, leveraging star power and entrepreneurial expertise to capture a growing demand for sophisticated, heritage-rich alcoholic beverages.

Also Read: Neil Nitin Mukesh hails Shah Rukh Khan and Kartik Aaryan for conquering without connections; says, “We all draw inspiration, it’s very refreshing to see that”

Vaani Kapoor is no stranger to transformation, but her turn in Mandala Murders is something else entirely — a performance steeped in quiet torment, emotional claustrophobia, and the haunting stillness of unspoken pain. Netflix’s dark, psychological crime thriller doesn’t just stretch her as an actor; it forces her into an emotional terrain where shadows aren’t just visual but visceral.

For Kapoor, one scene remains etched in her memory. “There’s a moment when Rea finally feels relieved when the guilt of that little girl leaves her for good. It’s quiet but deeply emotional… like stepping into a space where pain and relief exist side by side,” she recalls. On set, it was less about grand gestures and more about surrendering to the subtleties — the slight relaxation of shoulders, the softening of eyes, the tear that falls after years of holding it back. “That rawness made the moment deeply personal for me.”

In Mandala Murders, trauma is not a plot device — it’s the air her character breathes. The series marries a labyrinthine mystery with aching questions about justice and identity. Kapoor admitted, “What stayed with me… was how it combines a gripping, out of the ordinary mystery with deep questions about justice and identity. Being part of a story that’s both intense and thought provoking made the experience special.”

This is Kapoor’s first major OTT release on Netflix, a platform that beams her performance to living rooms from Mumbai to Madrid. Did that global scale shift her approach? “There was definitely an awareness… but I’ve always believed in giving every character the same honesty and care, no matter who or how many people are watching. That said, it’s a really sweet feeling to know the love and appreciation are coming from all across the world.”

The series’ heavy atmosphere isn’t just in the writing — it’s in the production design, where dimly lit rooms, oppressive colour palettes, and a constant hum of unease seep into her performance. “The sets, colours, and atmosphere made the world feel heavy and tense, which helped me show how she was feeling inside. Being in that environment made it easier to bring her story to life in a natural way.”

Now that she’s proven her mettle in the dark, twisted corridors of crime drama, does Kapoor see herself returning to this genre? Her answer is telling. “I believe there’s room to explore all kinds of characters and stories. So, I’m open to wherever the journey takes me next.”

In Mandala Murders, Vaani Kapoor doesn’t just shed her glamorous image — she buries it, only to exhume something far more compelling: an actress willing to embrace discomfort, mine silence for meaning, and let the shadows speak as loudly as the light. It’s the kind of performance that lingers long after the credits roll, quietly taking up residence in the viewer’s mind — exactly where she wants it.

Also Read: Vaani Kapoor stuns in rose gold tissue Anarkali worth Rs 84.4k for Mandala Murders promotions

Sara Ali Khan is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and talented actresses in Indian cinema. With remarkable roles and an undeniable screen presence, she has emerged as the voice of a generation. In just a short time in the industry, she has garnered a massive and loyal fan following. Beyond her acting prowess, her impeccable fashion sense has been the talk of the town. Be it ethnic elegance or chic western wear, she exudes a royal and regal charm in every ensemble. With her grace, confidence, and effortless poise, she turns heads wherever she goes. Today, as she celebrates her birthday, we look at 6 times Sara Ali Khan proved she is every bit regal and royal in her outfits!

A Royal Vision in White Sara Ali Khan stunned in a pure white strapless mini dress adorned with delicate ruffled floral detailing. She paired it with white stilettos, a neat bun, diamond earrings, and a simple watch, a true vision of elegance and royalty in white.

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Slaying Blue Pastel with Royal Grace Sara Ali Khan looked enchanting in a strapless pastel blue mini dress featuring a dramatic bow at the back. With her hair tied into a simple ponytail, she radiated royal charm. Diamond earrings and golden stilettos completed the look, making her the epitome of elegance in pastel.

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Sara Ali Khan’s Royal Charm in gown Sara Ali Khan looked every bit a princess in a nude-toned gown featuring a thigh-high slit and elegant cut-out detailing at the waist. Adorned with crystal embellishments and a dramatic trail flowing from her shoulder, she styled her hair in a unique bun, with nude makeup and glossy lips.

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Indian Princess in Lehenga Sara Ali Khan looked like an Indian royal princess in an exquisite lehenga crafted from vintage brocade sarees, featuring multi-coloured panels, a violet blouse with golden designs, and a golden silk dupatta with red borders. She styled her hair in soft waves, adorned with a violet rose, and wore a green emerald choker.

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Royal Barbie Doll in Baby Pink Sara Ali Khan looked adorable in a bubblegum pink mini latex dress featuring a cute bow on the front. She paired it with matching pink heels, pink nails, a small bun hairstyle, and golden earrings, radiating playful yet chic charm.

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Embracing the Indian Couture Royalty Sara Ali Khan dazzled in a multicolored, richly embroidered lehenga featuring intricate ikkat work that celebrates cultural heritage and craftsmanship. She paired it with a deep-cut choli and a heavy, gracefully draped dupatta. Her royal look was completed with heavy traditional jewelry, highlighting her regal elegance.

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Also Read: Ibrahim Ali Khan shares heartfelt Raksha Bandhan post for sister Sara Ali Khan: “I promise in this lifetime to always take care of you, always stand by you, always support you” 

The clash between Hrithik Roshan and NTR's War 2 with Rajinikanth's Coolie is turning out to be a lot more intense than expected. While the Lokesh Kanagaraj film is running a one-horse race at the worldwide box office, it has managed to fight against the YRF Spy Universe saga despite a limited release in some centres. Going against the general norm, the iconic single screen of India - Raj Mandir - has allotted 1 show to Coolie and 4 shows to War 2 on Thursday.

And to everyone's surprise, Coolie is scoring better per-show than War 2 at the iconic single screens, despite not getting a single prime time show. As per the data set we analysed early in the morning on BookMyShow, Coolie has sold 250 tickets in Raj Mandir for the 8.45 AM show alone, whereas War 2 has sold overall 500 tickets in all 4 shows put together.

The per-show average of Coolie is 250, and there is a high chance for it to get housefull in advance booking alone. The per-show average of War 2 on the other hand is half of Coolie i.e. 125 tickets per show. A source told Bollywood Hungama on anonymity, "If Coolie had got one more show in Raj Mandir, it could have surpassed the overall sales of War 2. However, the film is still fighting out a 400 crore biggie with just one show. The hype for Coolie is real, but restricted due to fractured showcasing."

At the moment, Raj Mandir is one of the very few cinema halls to share shows of War 2 with Coolie. It would be exciting to see if others follow the same.

Also Read: War 2 GRAND event in Hyderabad: Jr NTR remembers Hrithik Roshan’s “BEAUTIFUL hug” on first day of shoot: “I am extremely PROUD to have danced beside you”; adds, “Ayan Mukerji will be remembered for directing one of the GREATEST films of our time”

The makers and cast of the much-awaited historical drama Chhaava recently gathered for a Star Gold roundtable, where they revealed astonishing, unplanned coincidences that occurred during the film’s production — events that mirror the very history they were recreating on screen.

At the heart of these revelations was a remarkable incident during the shooting of the film’s climax. The night of February 2 marked the gruelling shoot of a pivotal, intense sequence involving actor Vicky Kaushal. During this demanding scene, Vicky suffered a nerve injury to his arm, which forced the entire production to halt for nearly two months. What left the entire Chhaava team in awe was the realization that this exact date — February 2 — is historically significant as the day when Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj endured brutal torture in real life. This eerie parallel added an unexpected depth and emotional gravity to the filming experience, making the team feel a deep connection to the legendary Maratha warrior’s sacrifice.

The coincidences did not end there. While shooting the Rajyabhishek (coronation) scene of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the cast and crew were struck by the fact that the filming date aligned perfectly with Sambhaji Maharaj’s actual ascension to the throne. This serendipitous timing further intensified the sense of destiny surrounding the project, as if the past and present were converging in a poetic dance of history and cinema.

Director Laxman Utekar, alongside Vicky Kaushal, Divya Dutta (who portrays Maharani Soyrabai), and Vineet Singh Kumar (playing Kavi Kalash), shared these behind-the-scenes moments, expressing how these unplanned historical coincidences left them inspired and humbled. The experience has given Chhaava a profound emotional layer that audiences are sure to feel.

Chhaava is set to premiere on Star Gold this Independence Day weekend, August 17, Sunday at 8 PM. This epic saga of courage, sacrifice, and honor pays tribute to the indomitable spirit of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, making it a must-watch for history buffs and cinema lovers alike. Don’t miss witnessing the roar of Chhaava and experience history coming alive on your screens this Independence Day!

Also Read: Chhaava team expresses happiness as the film premieres on television, to air on Star Gold this Independence Day weekend