Akshaye Khanna, who has been actively visible now owing to his role as an antagonist in the film Chhaava, opened up about experiencing pre-mature balding at the young age of 19. Discussing its impact on a young adult, Khanna expressed how it has the potential to ‘mentally break’ someone. Akshaye, who has been making far and few appearances in films, revealed how being  an actor, appearance plays a key role in their job and hence it is important to maintain it.

During an interaction with Mid-Day, Akshaye Khanna discussed this subject of pre-mature balding and stated, “It started happening at such a young age and it was like a pianist losing his fingers. It almost felt like that, in those days. I mean, till you really come to terms with it and it starts bothering you less. You know, waking up in the morning, looking at the papers and saying, ‘I can’t read that, what’s written? I need glasses.’ It would affect you, right? What is happening to me? My eyes are not working?"

He went on to assert the need for an actor to take care of his/her appearance and shared, “You might be a sportsman, a cricketer or a footballer, and realise that you might need knee surgery. So it’s heartbreaking, you might lose a year or two years of your career. So, as I said, it’s like a pianist losing his fingers, because the way you look, as an actor, is very important”. Furthermore, he insisted on how such things play a key role when you are younger and how it can leave some scarring effects on you. “Especially this part (face). I mean, this part (body) you can still cover it up or whatever. At 19-20, it’s devastating. It’s heartbreaking and it can mentally kill you," he added.

Akshaye Khanna is currently basking on the rave reviews he has been receiving for the role of Aurangzeb in Chhaava which stars Vicky Kaushal as the leading man, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.

Also Read: Vicky Kaushal and Akshaye Khanna’s intense rivalry in Chhaava: “We became Aurangzeb and Sambhaji Maharaj, no personal exchanges”

Pink, starring Taapsee Pannu, Amitabh Bachchan, Kirti Kulhari, Angad Bedi, Andrea Taraing, Vijay Varma, among others which was a part of one of the most groundbreaking films of the generation as it is a courtroom where three modern, independent women fight for justice against their perpetuators after facing sexual harassment and assault. Recalling the success and love the film received, Kirti discussed how it impacted the entire promotions and also explained how everything had become Taapsee-centric and also revealed that it caused issues between her relationship with the actress.

In an interview with Fever FM, Kirti discussed how the actress received prominence while promoting Pink as she said, “I saw the trailer was mainly filled with Taapsee and Mr Bachchan. That was first jhatka for me because I know what I have done in the film. Shoojit was like, ‘Don’t worry about it, let the film come out.’ I never do PR. I believe my work will be eventually seen.” Furthermore, Kirti Kulhari recalled how in terms of hierarchy, it was Amitabh Bachchan and Taapsee Pannu over her. “However, during the promotions, the PR machinery happened for Taapsee because she came after Mr Bachchan in that film. Eventually, it became her film and she became the Pink girl in terms of positioning and I saw that happening in front of me. This was the first shocker for me because I couldn’t understand this,” she shared.

From being nominated in the position of supporting actress to not being visible during the Pink promotions Taapsee went on to state, “My PR game was zero. It shook me.” Speaking of the impact it had on her relationship with the co-star, Kirti revealed that it did cause a little strain between them. She also mentioned her view point and added, “I think from her side, she didn’t notice this. She has been nice to me but that whole PR game, I took it a little personally.”

After the incident, however, Kirti also pointed out that this did leave an impact as later on, when she did Mission Mangal which also featured ensemble cast, she did assert on having as much visibility as her other co-stars (expect for Vidya Balan). Interestingly, this film too featured Taapsee as one of the girls who was responsible behind India landing on Mars. “I was very clear when I took up Mission Mangal. I told them, apart from Vidya, if I am not given equal positioning as the other girls, I won’t do it. I learnt the positioning game on the job,” she concluded.

Also Read: Kirti Kulhari opens up about the impact of her short hair : “People were expecting me to come out as a lesbian”

The Pan-India phenomenon has been on the rise since Baahubali. But even before that, the trend was being experimented with by Kamal Haasan. He released films like Indian (1996) in Hindi as Hindustani and remade Avvai Shanmughi (1996) into Hindi as Chachi 420 (1999). With Hey Ram, he went one step ahead – he shot the film in both Tamil and Hindi. It starred Kamal Haasan in the lead and also featured Shah Rukh Khan as well as Rani Mukerji in pivotal roles. The ambitious venture completed 25 years on February 18 and Bollywood Hungama stumbled upon an interesting fact about the film.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Hey Ram was nearly 210 minutes long. Bharat Shah presented the film in Hindi and he realized that its run time was a bit too much for the Hindi-speaking audiences. Hence, he requested Kamal Haasan to bring down the film’s length. Kamal, however, was against the idea. He felt that the film has a long duration for a reason and if any scene was cut, it would hamper the film and also his creative vision.”

The source continued, “Bharat Shah understood where Kamal Haasan came from but he also realized that things need to be looked at practically. Bharat bhai had a great bond with director Rajkumar Santoshi. Hence, he told the latter to watch the film and reduce the film’s run time by 30 minutes. Kamal Haasan was not informed about it.”

The source said, “Rajkumar Santoshi agreed to Bharat Shah’s request. He watched Hey Ram and then edited the film neatly in such a way that the essence of the film was not lost. This edited version was then brought to the cinemas in the Hindi-speaking market.”

How Dil Se’s edited version treated audiences to ‘Chaiyya Chaiyya’ twice

This was not the first such South film which was edited in a certain manner to please the Hindi audience. Dil Se (1998), which incidentally also starred Shah Rukh Khan, was similarly edited without the knowledge or approval of its maker – Mani Ratnam.

Bollywood Hungama reported in August 2022 that viewers used to come to cinemas to watch the iconic song ‘Chaiyya Chaiyya’, which appeared in the first 15 minutes and then left. This affected the samosa and popcorn sales in theatres. Hence, exhibitors hit upon the novel idea of placing ‘Chaiyya Chaiyya’ in the end as well.

Yet again, it was Bharat Shah who was the presenter and he was okay with this idea. Ram Gopal Varma, one of the producers of Dil Se, confirmed to Bollywood Hungama, “Bharat Shah told me that ‘Bahut gadbad ho gaya hai. There’s one way of saving the situation’. According to him, the moment Shah Rukh and Manisha Koirala hug each other, we’ll cut the part where the bomb goes off. And we’ll add the ‘Chaiyya Chaiyya’ song! He reasoned that it’s the most liked song of the film and audience would get happy on seeing it twice. Mani Ratnam got very angry with the suggestion. He asked me a valid question, ‘How can Shah Rukh Khan hug Manisha Koirala and imagine Malaika Arora?’! I told Bharat about what Mani said. To which he said, ‘Toh yeh sab pehla sochna chahiye tha na. Aur usko bolo ki audience itna nahi sochenge. Unko do baar gaana dekhne ko mila hai toh woh log khush ho jaayenge!”

Also Read: Hindustani 2 trailer launch: Kamal Haasan talks highly of Shah Rukh Khan: “He worked in Hey Ram for FREE. That can only be done by a fan, a connoisseur of art and a good actor. I am ever thankful to him”

Shabana Azmi will be collaborating for the first time with South star Jyotika in the female-led high-stakes drama Dabba Cartel that also features an ensemble cast of Saie Tamhankar, Shalini Pandey, Anjali Anand, Nimisha Sajayan, among others. Recently, as Netflix dropped the trailer of this upcoming entertainer, the entire cast came together to speak about the show and their camaraderie with each other, wherein Azmi made a heartfelt confession about not wanting Jyotika for the part she was roped in to play.

During the launch, Shabana Azmi revealed that she attempted to convince the makers about not taking the Shaitaan actress for the part. “I have tried to remove two girls from this. One of them is Jyothika. She doesn’t know about this but I kept saying ‘yeh nahin usko lo (don’t take her)’. But these guys told me do what you want we won’t change her.” However, the actress added that she is grateful to them for maintaining their stand. “I am really grateful now that she’s here. Truly. It was my mistake. It would have robbed me of the pleasure of working with you," she added.

Dabba Cartel revolves around five middle-class women whose dabba business takes an unexpected turn, thrusting them into the heart of a high-stakes drug cartel. As the series unfolds in the bustling suburbs of Thane, , the women and their husbands find themselves entangled in something far more sinister — the murky world of Viva Life Pharmaceuticals. The recently released trailer gives a peek into this web of greed, betrayal, and unexpected alliances.

Directed by Hitesh Bhatia, written by Vishnu Menon and Bhavna Kher, and produced by Excel Entertainment, it is created by Shibani Akhtar, Vishnu Menon, Gaurav Kapur, and Akanksha Seda. It premieres on February 28, only on Netflix.

Also Read: Dabba Cartel Trailer Out: Shalini Pandey says, “It was very interesting playing the character of Raaji”

Karan Johar, who has been one of the most hailed filmmakers of the country, called out people who continue to live under a delusion, insisting that if there was vaccination for it, he would have given the same to many in the industry. The director-producer, who started his career by giving blockbuster films like Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, revealed that it was only on the sets of My Name Is Khan did he realize that he knows his job as a filmmaker. In an interaction, Karan asserted the need of being realistic and mentioned how he understands why his films worked or failed.

In an interaction with trade analyst Komal Nahta on Game Changers, Karan Johar opened up about how he had this epiphany of sorts on the sets of the Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol starrer which he felt was way out of his comfort zone as a filmmaker. He said, “It was after My Name Is Khan I believed in me that I knew my job," and added, “The film was beyond my talent and outside the scope. It was beyond my ability and style. I personally felt this was a film that Mani Ratnam should have directed. I took it up as a challenge. It was at this moment when I saw a couple of shots and scenes from the film and believed that I should continue my job as a director."

While the filmmaker was then known for his romantic and family dramas, My Name Is Khan dealt with much bigger issues like autism and racial profiling which many faced in the US after the 9/11 attacks. “I strongly believed that I was lucky. I never believed that I deserved it, but one day on the sets of My Name Is Khan, I thought, ‘Maybe I know my job.’ I have always believed that I have been more fortunate than talented," he stated.

“I am a realist and I am not deluded”, he shared, indicating how many in the industry continue to live with their ‘delulu’. Karan continued, “Delusion is a disease for which there is no vaccination. If only I had that vaccine, I would have given it to several people in this industry. They are all living in delusion”. “I am very much aware of my films and know reasons behind why some of them worked and some didn’t. I am 80% realistic. Sometimes I don’t understand these people. I don’t understand whether they are lying to themselves or they believe that they made a great film. In reality, it is not. We need to understand if a film didn’t work or it’s bad. They say people didn’t understand it," he mentioned.

Also Read: Karan Johar reflects on Alia Bhatt’s journey; says, “Her emotional launch is Student of the Year, but her professional launch is Highway.”

Filmmaker Karan Johar recently discussed the success factor behind blockbuster films in Indian Cinema and insisted that conviction played a bigger role than logic. The producer-director pointed out how superhits and mega blockbusters that have achieved immense success in the past few years rely more on the filmmaker’s conviction in his work rather than logic by making references to films like Animal, RRR, Gadar.

In an interaction with Komal Nahta, Karan Johar revealed how S.S. Rajamouli showcases his immense faith in his work over anything else and also held it true for Sandeep Reddy Vanga and Anil Sharma, who too have experienced massive response at the box office. Revealing how logic doesn’t play a role in these films, Karan said, “Take Rajamouli sir’s movies, for instance. Where can you spot logic? You can only see conviction in his films. When that conviction comes to the forefront, even the audience will believe you. This holds true for all major blockbusters, including Animal, RRR and Gadar. They were all driven by conviction. If a person is shown beating up 1,000 people with just a handpump, it’s because of conviction. Anil Sharma believes Sunny Deol can do that, and as a result, the audience believes it too. And in Gadar 2, the moment he touches someone, they run away. That’s pure faith”.

“More often than not, you end up doubting yourself, second-guessing the audience and thinking too much about logic. That won’t help you in any way,” the filmmaker added insisting that conviction is the key element common between all these films.

On the work front, Karan Johar has multiple productions in the pipeline under his banner Dharma Productions and Dharmatic Entertainment. The filmmaker is also expected to return to direction with an intense action drama, which he announced on his 50th birthday, a few years ago.

Also Read: Karan Johar praises Shah Rukh Khan for making his films global hits; says, “He is not just a star; he is an emotion”

Kaveri Kapur's new single ‘Ek Dhaaga Toda Maine’ from her debut movie is making all the music for all the right reasons. Kaveri lent her voice to a rather melodious track that talks about the chaos that life sometimes becomes and how to deal with complexities that it throws our way. The single has been composed and rendered by Kaveri herself, with the Hindi lyrics penned by Prasoon Joshi and produced by maestro A R Rahman.

Kaveri had earlier talked about how she considers A R Rahman her mentor and opened up about him guiding her on her music journey. And now, the music maestro too has showered praises on Kaveri. He said, "Song writing, especially personalised thoughts in poetry is a gift, a blessing that not everyone gets. I think Kaveri has it naturally, through her genes and her point of view of the world. I loved working on this track with her, co-producing with her and I wish her the very best."

Kaveri recalled that she had first written ‘Ek Dhaaga Toda Maine’ when she was 15 years old, in English as ‘Reminisce’ and when she'd presented it to A R Rahman, he had expressed interest in producing it. And when her Bobby Aur Rishi Ki Love Story director Kunal Kohli heard the song, he asked for it to be added to the film's music album. That is how Prasoon Joshi was brought on to pen Hindi lyrics and the song came into being.

Speaking of the film, the romantic drama marks Kaveri’s foray into Hindi films and it co-starred Vardhaan Puri. Set against the urban contemporary romance, the film revolves around Bobby and Rishi whose chance meeting at the Heathrow airport takes them to a whirlwind trip to Cambridge where sparks fly but life forces them apart. Years after, the star-crossed lovers reunite but are left wondering if they will ever get a second chance at love. The film premiered last week on JioHotstar.

Also Read: Priyanka Chopra drops appreciation post for Shekhar Kapur and Suchitra Krishnamoorthy’s daughter Kaveri Kapur and her music in Bobby Aur Rishi Ki Love Story

Sheeba Akashdeep, who has been a part of films, television, and web-series, recently recalled her time with Akshay Kumar on the sets of Mr. Bond (1992). The actress revealed how while working in close proximity, often actors end up being together but the love soon fizzles out, albeit it does leave an impact on young minds. In a candid conversation, Sheeba opened up about developing a ‘friendship’ with the Khiladi star and also revealed how she took her own time to cool down from the impact of a breakup.

In a Pinkvilla report, Sheeba Akashdeep was quoted saying, “When you are young and working in close proximity, ho jata hai ishq (love happens)." Further talking about how their families too shared a bond, the actress continued, “Both fitness-crazy people… And family friends. My nani and his mom would play cards together.” However, she continued to insist that she doesn’t remember much about the breakup. “We were both kids. I don’t even talk about it. I find it so funny. What’s there to talk about it? I don’t even remember much stuff from that time. It’s been over three decades,” she maintained.

But Sheeba did open up about the impact the relationship had and how it is difficult to switch back to friends and asserted on the need to take time to heal. “Not when you are very young, very emotional. You are so emotional that you are unable to be normal after that for the longest time. Young love is very passionate and powerful and it’s like an explosion. So, when that explosion happens, it has to come down… Friendship doesn’t survive. There’s just too much invested in a relationship to be friends later. It just doesn’t happen, unless you are really mature,” she added.

Also Read: Akshay Kumar pays tribute to Pulwama attack martyrs on 6th anniversary

Choreographer Farah Khan recently reflected on her past decision to reject Shilpa Shirodkar for Dil Se’s iconic song ‘Chhaiya Chhaiya.’ In a vlog, she jokingly admitted that she thought Shilpa was “100 kilos” and wondered how she would fit on the train. However, in a new vlog featuring Shilpa, Farah lightheartedly made amends, promising her a spot in ‘Chhaiya Chhaiya 2’ if the song ever gets remade.

In her latest vlog, Farah Khan, joined by her cook Dilip, visited Shilpa Shirodkar’s home, where the topic of her past rejection resurfaced. Shilpa playfully recalled Farah’s remarks, saying, “You said, ‘Shilpa was at least 100 kilos. How will she get on the train? And if she does, where will Shah Rukh stand?’” Both burst into laughter as Farah reassured her that she would definitely cast her in a sequel, to which Shilpa quipped, “I will be on the train with dancers and Shah Rukh!”

Farah also recalled how Shilpa was famous for her rain songs in the 1990s, joking that she always arrived on set with her own rain machine and water tanker.

However, Farah admitted feeling guilty about rejecting Shilpa, remembering that she had initially given her 15 days to work on her physique but ultimately felt there wasn’t enough visible change.

Shilpa had earlier revealed on Siddharth Kannan’s YouTube channel that she was rejected for ‘Chhaiya Chhaiya’ due to her weight and said, “I didn’t get it because I was fat. They just said I am fat.” While she acknowledged that missing out on ‘Chhaiya Chhaiya’ was disappointing, she maintained a positive outlook, added, “I will always feel bad that I didn’t get the song, but God gave me much more, and He is still giving me.”

Also Read : Main Hoon Na 2 on the cards? Farah Khan to reunite with Shah Rukh Khan, reveal reports

Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor marked a significant milestone with the launch of his lifestyle brand Arks and the grand opening of its first retail store in Bandra, Mumbai. He arrived at the store in the morning, warmly greeting and posing for the paparazzi. As he stepped into the fashion and lifestyle industry, his wife, actress Alia Bhatt, showed her support by sharing a special Instagram post, celebrating his achievement and congratulating him on realizing his dream.

On Friday, Alia Bhatt shared a series of pictures on Instagram, sporting a cap and sneakers from Ranbir Kapoor’s brand, Arks. In her caption, she playfully congratulated him and wrote, “Can literally now walk a mile in YOUR shoes—@arks is here! Congratulations, baby. Your dream is live! Shop elevated essentials now – link in bio!”

The first photo captures Alia flashing a bright smile while wearing a white Arks cap, followed by an image of her showcasing white sneakers. The last two pictures also feature her pet cat, Edward.

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Bipasha Basu also expressed her support for her Bachna Ae Haseeno co-star Ranbir Kapoor by reacting to Alia Bhatt’s post with several clapping emojis. Ahead of the brand’s launch, Alia had shared her excitement through an Instagram story, writing, “One dream 10 years in the making!! A self-funded homegrown brand comes to life! @arks launching on the 14th of February!!! Break a leg, baby.”

On the work front, Alia Bhatt will next appear in Alpha alongside Sharvari. Directed by Shiv Rawail, the film is the first female-led installment in the YRF Spy Universe. She is also set to star in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love and War, where she will share the screen with Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal.

Ranbir Kapoor is also set to star in Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana, alongside Sai Pallavi and Yash. The mythological drama will be released in two parts, scheduled for Diwali 2026 and 2027.

Also Read : Alia Bhatt drops intense workout video; says, “The struggle is important”

The beautiful and talented Anjana Sukhani is on cloud nine as her web series Bada Naam Karenge has received a lot of appreciation. Bollywood Hungama exclusively spoke to her about the show and a lot more.

How has been the feedback for Bada Naam Karenge? It has been very positive. I do understand that it’s not a lengthy character. But it’s important to the story. Hence, the reviews and also the love from the public have been very heartwarming. When we were making the show, director Palash Vaswani knew that this character would hold onto her own. I went with full belief that Palash would handle it very well and he did it.

It was a surprise to see you in such a role as you have never done something like that before. Were you surprised to be offered the character of Neeta? Not at all. Palash and I have been wanting to work together for a while. After Gullak, I knew that I wanted to work with this director. We were in touch constantly and when the first draft of the show was ready, he told me that he had a role for me. I manifested working with him and it happened to me. Thanks to him, the journey was very easy. When a director is sure of what he/she wants and how he/she wants it, it puts the actor at ease. All the actor then needs is to execute it emotionally right. The writing has been beautiful; Palash made it clear that I don’t have much dialogues but assured me that he’ll play with the silences. And he did it well as it's his forte. In the climax, there are no talkie scenes. The eyes do the talking for the characters.

I am sure many viewers in the end would have wanted Neeta to leave her husband Rajesh (played by Rajesh Tailang)… Maybe they are keeping it for Season 2! I don’t think it will happen. Rajshri ke shows mein divorces nahin hote (laughs). On a serious note, I understand that as there’s nothing that can’t be spoken about and solved. In the show, my character gets married even without knowing the man. They just got her married off in a week’s time; she didn’t even have a choice. Her brother has not accepted her even after 20 years. Also, she hasn’t been depicted as a working woman. Hence, where can she go? So, she had no choice but to stay put. I am sure there are a lot of women who probably want to get out (of such marriages) but are not able to as they are maybe not financially independent or emotionally stable enough to handle the situation. Though she is suppressed, she still has that opinion. In 20 years, she has reached the position that she can have a say but only to an extent.

The show talks about real India, where kids still hide from their parents that they drink. Were you worried how the hard-nosed critics would react as they might not know that such a side of India also exists? 65% of our population is under 35. We are only seeing from an urban point of view that aisa hota nahin hai. But in 2 and 3-tier cities, people are still not comfortable drinking with their parents or even having an opinion about it with them. Like I would never drink in front of my parents. We have never reached that stage and as Indians, I don’t think we ever will. We even shouldn’t do it as we are doing it out of respect and not fear.

Most of the web shows nowadays have too much sex and violence. Bada Naam Karenge is a rare show which is a clean family entertainer… It’s the only such show across all platforms (laughs). I would like to mention that my previous show Saas Bahu Achaar Pvt Ltd was also pretty much on the same lines. So, I guess I am choosing my directors wisely (laughs). Bada Naam Karenge depicts value systems, celebration, pain, etc. It's like a complete package. My mother was seeing the sixth episode and during the song ‘Naino Se Cheater’, she started dancing (smiles). It was a joyous moment and I recorded it (laughs). Hence, even the elders are enjoying it. Otherwise, mothers usually opt for TV as they don’t get clean content on the web.

Bada Naam Karenge is backed by Sooraj Barjatya. It is said that on his sets, no one shouts or gets angry. Is that true? Aapne bilkul sahi suna hai! We didn’t hear anyone raising their voice, be it the director, producer or spot boy. Sometimes, to give instructors, people tend to talk loudly. That also didn’t happen here. Hence, you get to work in a satvik atmosphere on Rajshri sets!

How was your experience of interacting with Sooraj Barjatya? I kept missing him by a whisker. When the actors were shooting in Mumbai, I was not a part of the schedule. When he was leaving Indore is when I had just arrived in the city. When he returned to Indore, I had just left! I was the only actor who missed meeting him while everybody else had a conversation with him. Eventually, I got my chance while the interviews were happening. We had a very nice chat. He’s very humble. He makes you feel that he’s the fan while you are the star but it's vice versa (smiles).

How was it working with Rajesh Tailang? You have the maximum scenes with him… His performance is very nuanced. Yet, you don’t feel that he has made any effort for it. He just flows into a character. It was also perfect casting. The requirement was for an actor who was charming but also wicked.

It was great to see you and him being paired together… When I was told I’d be cast opposite him, I was like ‘This is no match’! But we needed that ‘no match’ pairing. Hence, we also have a scene where Jyoti aunty says, ‘Aapko yeh kahan se mil gayi?’!

Will there be a Season 2? There’s not much of a cliff-hanger though… Thoda cliff-hanger toh hai. Rajesh ji ka character ab tak sudhra nahin hai. Rajshri ke show mein sab sudhre hue hote hai (laughs). Hence, there’s still that hope that he’ll turn a new leaf.

Was there ever a scene between you and Mohit (Sameer Dharmadhikari)? There was never supposed to be a scene between us. It was only verbally spoken that this was her past and it has hampered the last 20 years of her life.

It was heartbreaking to see what she went through… Yes, but this also happens in real. People hold grudges and they do that till the very end, without realizing that it’s a small life. Forgive and move on.

Were there any bloopers or funny moments on the sets? A lot of them. We have fallen and stumbled. Galti se gaali de di. On Rajshri sets, even saying ‘pagal hai kya’ is considered an abuse!

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Anjana Sukhani recalls being “completely ignored” in Good Newwz promotions; reveals Akshay Kumar arranged press meet for her at Dharma Productions office; says, “If I do five extra interviews, it won’t affect anyone’s stardom”

Deepika Padukone turned heads at Cartier’s high jewellery showcase in Dubai, celebrating the brand’s 25th anniversary in the Middle East. As Cartier’s High Jewellery Global Ambassador since 2022, the global icon once again proved why she is the perfect muse for the luxury brand, donning a breathtaking ensemble that effortlessly complements the opulence of her jewellery.

The Showstopping Necklace At the heart of Deepika’s look was a statement Cartier High Jewellery necklace, a masterpiece of intricate craftsmanship. The design featured black-and-white patterns inspired by butterfly wings, a recurring motif in Cartier’s creations. This contrast was enhanced by the delicate chalcedony beads, exuding a sense of freshness and elegance. The pièce de résistance was a striking 63.76-carat rubellite pendant, which added a pop of deep red, balancing the ethereal tones of the necklace with a bold, luxurious touch. The Custom Gown: A Perfect Canvas Deepika’s attire was nothing short of a red-carpet spectacle. Styled by celebrity stylist Shaleena Nathani, she opted for a voluminous black gown, custom-designed by Jade by Monica and Karishma. The silhouette featured a sweetheart neckline, off-the-shoulder puff sleeves, and dramatic ruffle detailing. The timeless elegance of the gown provided the perfect backdrop for the exquisite jewellery, allowing the necklace to take center stage while maintaining an aura of regal sophistication. Hair & Makeup: A Subtle Yet Striking Finish Deepika’s beauty look, crafted by celebrity makeup artist Anil C and hair stylist Gabriel Georgiou, perfectly complemented her ensemble. She sported a sleek, center-parted low bun, secured with a black ribbon, adding a touch of vintage glamour. Her makeup featured softly sculpted cheeks, a flawless matte base, and intense smokey eyes that enhanced her signature kohl-rimmed gaze. Nude lips balanced the look, keeping the focus on her eyes and the grandeur of the jewellery. Capturing the Moment Photographer Vaishnav Praveen masterfully captured Deepika against the dramatic Dubai skyline, creating a mesmerizing visual spectacle. The golden hues of the sunset lent an ethereal glow to the setting, elevating the allure of the ensemble. Each frame exuded an air of timeless elegance, perfectly in sync with Cartier’s legacy of luxury.

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Cartier’s Exhibition: A Journey of Wonders Deepika’s appearance at the event was in celebration of Cartier’s ‘A Journey of Wonders’ exhibition, set to open at the Al Shindagha Museum in Dubai on February 16 and 17, 2025. The event promises a showcase of Cartier’s most exquisite pieces, with Deepika’s look serving as a fitting prelude to the artistry and craftsmanship on display.

Also Read: Deepika Padukone expresses gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi; appreciates his commitment towards mental health

On Tuesday, Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi showcased his support towards the next generation of India by announcing Pariksha Pe Charcha that deals with exam-related stress, anxiety and mental health issues that have become quite rampant among young students. While Deepika Padukone was invited as the guest of honor for one of the episodes, PM Modi not only welcomed her but also appreciated her for her extensive work towards mental health. Responding to his post, the Pathaan star too has expressed her gratitude.

PM Narendra Modi took to his official Instagram page to share a video of the kids discussing exam stress and other factors of Pariksha Pe Charcha as he shared, “Among the most common topics #ExamWarriors want to discuss is mental health and wellbeing. Therefore, this year's Pariksha Pe Charcha has an episode specially dedicated to this which will play tomorrow, 12th February. And we have @deepikapadukone, who is very passionate about this subject, talking about it.” Responding to the same, Deepika Padukone added, “Thank you honorable Prime Minister @narendramodi for your commitment towards the cause of Mental Health. I look forward to launching our episode tomorrow!”

Speaking of Pariksha Pe Charcha, Deepika marked the second episode that went on air on February 12, 2025, at 10 AM. This year, Pariksha Pe Charcha (PPC) has introduced a new format, bringing together notable personalities from various fields to guide students preparing for their board exams and will be broadcast live across multiple platforms, ensuring wide accessibility for students and parents.

Meanwhile, coming to film commitments of the actress, Deepika Padukone continues her maternity break after the birth of her and Ranveer Singh’s daughter Dua in September. She is yet to announce the upcoming slate of her projects.

Also Read: Prime Minister Narendra Modi applauds Deepika Padukone for promoting mental health in Pariksha Pe Charcha

Nora Fatehi’s fans marked her birthday by engaging in charitable activities. In a heartfelt gesture, her admirers celebrated her special day by giving back to those in need, engaging in various charitable activities.

Every year the fan clubs conduct this incredible gesture by collecting funds to donate food to underprivileged children in India. Touched by their generosity, the trending queen took to Instagram today to acknowledge and appreciate their efforts with the caption, “That’s such a beautiful, generous and selfless gesture! Shoutout to my Fans!”

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Nora Fatehi global impact couldn't get any special with this charity work and the dominance on the international stage. The collaboration with Jason Derulo and Tommy Brown for ‘Snake’ has become the most viewed video within 24 hours and securing the #2 spot globally, but it has also entered the Spotify global charts at #3. Snake has crossed 90M views and Nora is hinting on even collaborating with international artists again for major record breaking hits.

Nora Fatehi is speculated to collaborate again with Snake producer Tommy Brown and songwriter Theron Billie, known for his work with Bruno Mars and ROSÉ on APT.

Also Read : Nora Fatehi and Tommy Brown tease new collab with Grammy Winner Theron Billie

Junaid Khan and Khushi Kapoor, who recently made their theatrical debut with the romantic comedy Loveyapa, opened up about belonging to a film family as they opened up about their early brush with acting. It is a known fact that Khan is a trained theatre artist and has been a part of the industry for many years. The actor, however, confessed that he underwent extensive acting and theatre courses, for which his parents spent an exorbitant amount and appreciated his luck for having parents with such strong financial backing.

Comparing how his father decided to learn more on the job rather than investing in acting classes and appreciating his parents’ efforts for sending him to these classes, Junaid Khan told The Indian Express, “I had the privilege of being able to go to theatre school, and spend a 'ridonculous' amount of my parents' money on a theatre education. That's a huge privilege, especially for a career that has no financial upside on the horizon”. Khan went on to continue about how his father learnt these skills and added, “Dad did spend a lot of time at FTII doing diploma films. So, he didn't go to acting school per se. But yeah, he learnt largely on the job.”

Junaid opened up about actors taking different approaches and shared, “I think different actors also approach things differently. As we work, as we learn, we develop tools that come to our aid when we need them. But I think a lot of it is again, just language. If you talk to dad about it, he will have done something but we just call it different things."

On the film front, Junaid Khan made his debut with the YRF film Maharaj co-starring Jaideep Ahlawat, Shalini Pandey, and Sharvari in key roles. The film, based on true events, released on Netflix last year.

Also Read: Loveyapa director Advait Chandan Praises Junaid Khan and Khushi Kapoor; says, “Their dedication is next level”

Sony LIV’s The Waking of a Nation, created and directed by National Award-winning and International Emmy-nominated filmmaker Ram Madhvani, will stream from March 7. The fictional series explores a lesser-known chapter of history.

Set against the backdrop of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, The Waking of a Nation follows lawyer Kantilal Sahni (Taaruk Raina) as he navigates colonial deceit. With the Hunter Commission distorting history, Kantilal confronts racism, erasure, and the struggle for truth. Bound by childhood friendships, he and his companions—Ali Allahbaksh (Sahil Mehta), Hari Singh Aulakh (Bhawsheel Singh), and Poonam (Nikita Dutta)—unravel a conspiracy that challenges their beliefs and alters their fate.

Speaking about the show, creator-director Ram Madhvani shared, “I have always been deeply interested in colonialism and, by extension, the issues of racism and prejudice. Questions surrounding cultural, linguistic, social, and artistic colonization have long troubled me. As I was contemplating my next project, I knew it had to be rooted in our past, in the British Raj, and in our freedom struggle. That’s when the idea for The Waking of a Nation came to life. Thanks to Sony LIV, we now have an exciting show that combines a courtroom drama with the powerful story of three friends and how India became India.”

Produced by Ram Madhvani and Amita Madhvani under the Ram Madhvani Films banner , the series features a stellar ensemble cast, including Taaruk Raina, Nikita Dutta, Sahil Mehta, Bhawsheel Singh, Alex Reece, and Paul McEwan amongst others. Written by Shantanu Srivastava and Shatrujeet Nath and Ram Madhvani , the show promises a compelling blend of historical intrigue, friendship, and the power struggles that shaped the massive investigation.

Also Read : From Anil Kapoor to Abhishek Bachchan, industry showers love on Boman Irani’s directorial debut The Mehta Boys

Unlike the showsha of Bollywood, the simple yet heartfelt wedding of Siddharth Chopra and model-actress Neelam Upadhyaya has definitely won the heart of netizens who couldn’t stop appreciating the ‘wholesome’ vibe. Attended by global star Priyanka Chopra Jonas and her husband, American pop singer Nick Jonas, the wedding festivities kicked off last week with Haldi, Mehendi, Cocktail, Sangeet and other festivities, a glimpse of each function being shared by PC on her social media page. As the shaadi ceremony, followed by the reception concluded these celebrations, Priyanka posted pictures of the same as well.

Priyanka Chopra drops pics and videos from ‘SidNee Ki Shaadi’

Taking to her official Instagram page, Priyanka Chopra shared moments from the wedding ceremony which included the varmala ceremony (exchanging of garlands), the gatbandhan ritual (tying the knot of bride and groom’s dupattas) ahead of the pheras, groom’s entry, baaratis having a gala time dancing for the special day, and also photo with her in-laws – Denis and Kevin Jonas Sr., among others. “To a lifetime of love, laughter, sunshine and happiness <3 #SidNee ki shaadi! @siddharthchopra89 @neelamupadhyaya”.

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Earlier, the actress also posted glimpses of the glamorous Sangeet wherein the entire Chopra family was seen coming together and sharing an fun-filled evening of dance, music, and heartfelt performances from the family members.

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Netizens cannot stop showering love            

After having a full dose of glitz and glamour in B-town weddings in the past, internet seems to have fallen in love with the wedding ceremonies of Siddharth Chopra and Neelam Upadhyaya. Many of them showered the comment section, appreciating Priyanka Chopra, Nick Jonas, and their families for hosting simple ceremonies devoid of the starry affairs which is what Bollywood is famous for. “Felt like our natural weddings...like we all do... So nice and authentic..no drama baazi..”, read one of the comments from the post. In fact, many of them shared similar views which they shared on the post and they read, “She is just a perfect example of a real woman, this is how grounded a star must be to really be a star. I really don’t remember when I saw such unscripted Indian wedding scenes from stars”, “Finally a celebrity wedding looking like a fun real wedding and not a Bollywood circus… congratulations to the couple”, “This is first celeb wedding which seems like ghar ki shaadi.. And Priyanka is just simple girl enjoying her veer di wedding.. Loved watching this..”  were some of the many comments dropped on the post.

Speaking further about Siddharth Chopra and Neelam Upadhyaya, the couple got engaged in a roka ceremony in August last year and have now tied the knot on February 7.

Also Read: Priyanka Chopra dancing on ‘Darling’ to Nick Jonas singing ‘Tu Maan Meri Jaan’: Sangeet videos from Siddharth Chopra’s wedding go viral

Sanya Malhotra, who has portrayed the role of Richa in the recently released OTT film Mrs, has garnered widespread acclaim. Being a remake of the Malayalam film The Great Indian Kitchen, the movie captures the transformative journey of a simple housewife after marriage. Overwhelmed with gratitude, Sanya took to social media to express her thanks for the love and praise she's received for her outstanding acting in the film.

Sharing a series of photos from the film, Sanya Malhotra captioned it saying, “Grateful beyond words for all the love for Mrs”. In the photos features Sanya standing on a picturesque terrace and in one of them, she is accompanied co-star Nishant Dahiya, who plays the role of her husband Diwakar, exuding a sense of nostalgia and elegance.

Although the film recently was dropped on OTT, Mrs. has already earned prestigious accolades after being screened several film festivals along with standing ovations at the Melbourne Indian Film Festival and IFFI, Goa and Sanya also receiving the Best Actress award at the New York Indian Film Festival.

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Coming to the film, it portrays the life of an ambitious who has to navigate the challenges of marriage after entering a quintessential orthodox Indian family set up. The film revolves around her journey of self-discovery as she tries to follow her own path, find her voice, and express herself freely even as society imposed expectations with regard to her marital life. The film released on ZEE5 on February 7.

Meanwhile, Sanya Malhotra has a busy 2025 ahead with her gearing up for the release of the much-anticipated Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari starring Varun Dhawan, Janhvi Kapoor, Maniesh Paul, and others. Along with that, there is also speculation about an upcoming collaboration with Anurag Kashyap and Bobby Deol.

Also Read: Sanya Malhotra reflects on Mrs. role: “I tried to build Richa’s character”

Kareena Kapoor Khan recently shared a cryptic note following the stabbing incident involving her husband, actor Saif Ali Khan. The incident occurred on January 16, 2025, at their Bandra residence in Mumbai, where Saif was attacked by an intruder. A 2.5-inch blade fragment was surgically removed from his spine after a five-hour procedure at Lilavati Hospital. Kareena’s post, shared on Instagram, reflected on the complexities of life and the challenges of understanding personal struggles.

The note read, “You'll never truly understand Marriages, Divorces, Anxieties, Childbirth, Death of a loved one, Parenting... Until it actually happens to you. Theories and assumptions of situations in life are not realities. You think you are smarter than most until life humbles you when it's your turn.” The message, though not directly referencing the incident, resonated with her followers, who interpreted it as a reflection on the couple’s recent ordeal.

The Incident and Aftermath

The attack on Saif Ali Khan shocked the film industry and fans alike. Mumbai Police arrested the assailant, identified as Bangladeshi national Shareeful Islam Shehzad Mohammad Rohilla Amin Fakir, on January 19. The investigation revealed that the attacker had entered the couple’s residence with malicious intent. Following the incident, Saif and Kareena requested the paparazzi to respect their family’s privacy, especially concerning their sons, Taimur Ali Khan and Jehangir Ali Khan.

Speaking of the professional front, Saif recently made his first public appearance at the Next On Netflix event for the teaser launch of his new film, Jewel Thief - The Heist Begins. Saif’s co-star Jaideep Ahlawat, in a chat with HT, said, “I have seen those marks and everything. That is the point that he took it in the right way and came back to work. He gave that priority to his work.”

Also Read: Akashdeep Sabir says, “despite Rs 21 crores fee, Kareena Kapoor can’t afford security” as he shares thoughts on pay parity

In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, actress Anjana Sukhani candidly discussed her experience of being left out of the promotional activities for the 2019 hit film Good Newwz. Despite playing an integral role in the movie, Anjana revealed that she felt sidelined during the film’s marketing campaign, which primarily focused on the lead stars—Akshay Kumar, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Kiara Advani, and Diljit Dosanjh.

Anjana, who portrayed the character of Akshay’s on-screen sister in the film, expressed her disappointment, stating, “I understand that the people who are helming the film are the biggest superstars of our country. We have Kareena Kapoor Khan, Akshay Kumar, Kiara Advani, and Diljit Dosanjh. They are iconic superstars today, and I was not in the lead, but I think I was a very integral part of the film because she is the one who literally pushes her brother to say, ‘Please do it this way.’”

The actress acknowledged the highs and lows of her career, admitting that she had faced a lean phase before Good Newwz came her way. However, she emphasized that being completely excluded from the promotions was disheartening. “Maybe there was a time when I was a little out of work for a year or two, and then Good Newwz happened. I wasn’t expecting them to rally me with them everywhere because it’s the story about two couples—fair enough—but to completely ignore one out of promotions? I don’t understand the marketing strategy of people,” she said.

Anjana further elaborated on the importance of leveraging every actor’s credibility, regardless of their star power. “I don’t get it. If you have chosen an actor, every actor comes with a certain amount of credibility. Your credibility could be a hundred on hundred; mine would be 20 on 100. No problem with that, but use it. Akshay Kumar doesn’t need publicity; he is Akshay Kumar. But I need it. I am not Kareena Kapoor, so I need it. I need a little more push than somebody else,” she explained.

The actress revealed that she reached out to Akshay Kumar, who was also a co-producer of the film, to express her concerns. “I told Akshay about it because I was really hurt not being included at all anywhere. So, I told him, ‘Please do help me out with this. Your little push can help me so far, and nobody loses here. If I do five extra interviews, it won’t affect somebody’s stardom. It might just only help with selling extra tickets,’” she shared.

Anjana appreciated Akshay’s gesture of arranging a press meet for her at Dharma Productions’ office, where she conducted a few interviews. “He was honestly very kind enough to arrange a press meet for me at the Dharma office, and there I did some interviews,” she said.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Anjana Sukhani recalls Nikkhil Advani being “mean and harsh sometimes” during Salaam-E-Ishq shoot; reveals she wasn’t informed about kissing scene with Anil Kapoor, saying, “This wouldn’t happen to a star kid”