Amit Trivedi had a conversation with Komal Nahta in which he revealed that he had no plans of composing songs for films. However, he made independent music with singer Shilpa Rao; the latter made Anurag Kashyap heard those songs and that’s how Anurag got interested to meet Amit Trivedi. This was a time when the acclaimed filmmaker was working on Dev D (2009), starring Abhay Deol.

Amit Trivedi said, “Anurag sir told me that he was doing a modern-day Devdas and that it had a requirement of some 12-15 songs. He shared some ideas and references. All this was very new for me. I went home and started working immediately. I took 6 months to compose 6 songs as my advertising work was also going on. 6 months later, Shilpa asked me for an update. I told her, ‘Are you sure you want to do this? Sir must have forgotten our meeting’. But she insisted that we had to meet him again.”

He continued, “Earlier, we met in Anurag sir’s office. This time, the meeting took place in my studio. Anurag sir came along with Vikas Bahl. Trust me, main kaanp raha tha. I was 26-27 years old. I had not seen Devdas. So, I saw both Dilip Kumar’s Devdas (1955) as well as Shah Rukh Khan’s Devdas (2002). That gave me an idea about the plot. Then, I composed as per what I understood. I feared ki main gaali khaunga and that this would be the first and last song of my career! However, they were so impressed and they liked all the songs.”

Amit added, “The next day, they called me for narration. I didn’t know what that meant (laughs). I heard the story after which I composed two more songs – ‘Saali Khushi’ and ‘Pardesi’. After listening to the tracks, Anurag sir tweaked a bit of the script and reimagined the film. I was like, ‘Wow. Aisa bhi hota hain’!”

He also stated, “Then, something happened. I don’t know exactly, but producer Ronnie Screwvala sir was not keen on making Dev D. So, the film went on hold. Anurag sir met me and said, ‘You have worked enough on Dev D. Tu abhi ruk jaa. Thoda hold pe hain. Meanwhile, I am producing a film called Aamir (2008). Raj Kumar Gupta is directing it. You work on this film while I figure out a way forward for Dev D’.”

Aamir, starring Rajeev Khandelwal, released first and hence marked Amit Trivedi’s debut as a film composer, even though Dev D was the first film he had worked on. Dev D eventually released eight months later.

Also Read: Abhay Deol recalls “creative flow” with Anurag Kashyap in BTS anecdote as Dev D set to re-release on April 24, 2026

For many viewers, Addinath M Kothare has emerged as one of the biggest surprises in Nayyi Navelli. An unexpected twist in the story has made his character and performance stand out. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Addinath M Kothare spoke about the response to his role, the challenges of working on the film, his experience with Yami Gautam Dhar and a lot more.

How has the response to your character in Nayyi Navelli been? It's been amazing so far. I am quite overwhelmed with the response that I am getting for my character. It's a festive family entertainer, which has been aptly released during the festive season. Hence, it's lovely to be in this space right now.

The film has a Dussehra connection. Is that why the makers decided to release it during this festive period? Absolutely. This is also why they fast-tracked the entire shoot. It was a very difficult film to make due to the VFX, fantasy elements, ensemble cast, songs, etc. Yet, it was a very well-planned and efficiently executed project. We started shooting in April, and here we are. So, it's amazing!

It's a passionately made film. The kind of detailing that has gone into it and the efforts taken by the team deserve special mention. Ravi Srivastava, who has worked on films like Slumdog Millionaire (2008) and Lion (2016), handled the production design of our film. Rishi Punjabi's cinematography is phenomenal. The whole team worked really hard. As for Aanand L Rai sir and Himanshu Sharma, they are master storytellers, as we all know (smiles).

Horror-comedy has become quite popular now, but you and your family have been pioneers in this genre. Your father, Mahesh Kothare, made the cult film Zapatlela (1993), followed by Pachhadlela (2004), on which you worked as an assistant director. You also acted in Zapatlela 2 (2013). What are your thoughts on returning to this genre?

(Laughs) Quite honestly, you can't plan or even predict these things. I feel blessed that I got a film in this genre. I am also fortunate that two of my films are releasing quite close to each other. While Nayyi Navelli is a fantasy centred around mythology, Ramayana is a historical.

How was your experience of working with Yami Gautam Dhar? It was amazing. Despite being such a big star, she is very grounded and easy to talk to. She was also extremely helpful.

When you begin working on a film, you are still searching for your character, his body language, etc. Moreover, the film is set in Meerut, and I had to work a lot on the dialect, as I was the only non-North Indian actor on the set! Thankfully, I was somewhat familiar with the accent because of the films we watch. So, it wasn't completely alien to me. Also, in Mumbai, you get to hear the UP accent quite often.

Nevertheless, I had to work a lot on the dialect and other aspects of the character. On my first or second day of the shoot, Yami, Balaji Mohan sir and I were having a conversation. Yami cracked a joke, and I laughed. As I laughed, she stared at me for a moment and said, "Adi, this is Raja!" At that point, I was still trying to find the character. I knew I was close, but her observation helped push me in the right direction.

You had to wear extensive prosthetics, and a lot of VFX was also used for your scenes. How challenging was the experience? That was the biggest challenge of the film. I was covered in prosthetics from head to toe. There were prosthetic patches on my face, including my forehead and the veins on my face and neck. From my neck to my toes, I was wearing a complete silicone prosthetic bodysuit. There were days when I had to wear it for 12 hours!

It used to take me four hours to get ready and another one-and-a-half hour to remove the prosthetics. Moreover, we were shooting in May! But the production and direction teams took great care of me. On the sets, we had these anaconda ACs. They consisted of an AC unit with huge tubes that would crawl all over the set, just like anaconda snakes. There were five such ACs in total. Whenever I wore the suit, two of those five anacondas were reserved exclusively for me (laughs)!

I remember that on the first and second days, I became so itchy that I simply couldn't bear it. Thankfully, the direction team asked me to take a break. I got out of the suit, and we began figuring out how to get rid of the itchiness and make it possible for me to wear the suit for longer durations. Slowly, through trial and error, we found a solution. Before putting on the suit, I would cover myself with Abzorb Dusting Powder. There would be a thick layer of powder, almost 2 cm, all over my body! On top of that, I would wear a sweatsuit, like the ones swimmers wear, and then the prosthetics. That made things easier, though it took us two days to figure it out.

Yet, there were challenges. One day, I was wearing the prosthetics and rehearsing with Yami. Suddenly, I noticed that the floor had become wet. I wondered, ‘Yeh paani kahan se aa raha hai?’ Then I realized that my sweat was dripping through the silicone prosthetics! Andar se mera body melt ho raha tha!

How many days did you have to shoot wearing the prosthetics? We shot for around 50 days, out of which I wore the prosthetics for 20 days. I had to perform and get the emotions right while wearing that suit. Hence, it was a physically and mentally challenging process. But the production team was well-equipped to ensure that the actors were comfortable despite these challenges. That's the only reason I could pull it off.

Also Read: Jacqueline Fernandez has a hilarious cameo in Yami Gautam Dhar’s Nayyi Navelli

Actress-model Giorgia Andriani is set to feature in an upcoming Hindi thriller web series titled Dice. The series will see her play an Italian character and is scheduled to begin filming in November 2026.

The project will be shot across locations in Italy, including Potenza and Brindisi. The series is being produced and directed by Chandrakant Singh, with Angelo Viggino also attached as producer. Giorgia Andriani on exploring a new character For Giorgia, Dice will give her an opportunity to take on a new role while also bringing an aspect of her cultural background to the character.

Speaking about the project, Giorgia said, “I’m really excited to be a part of Dice and am eagerly looking forward to starting the shoot. It’s always exciting as an actor to explore a new character and immerse yourself in a different story.”

She added, “The fact that we will be shooting in Italy makes this experience even more special for me. I’m looking forward to being on set, working with the team and bringing this character to life.” Dice to be shot in Italy The upcoming thriller will be filmed in Italy, with Potenza and Brindisi among the locations planned for the shoot. The series will be presented in Hindi while Giorgia will portray an Italian character.

With production scheduled to begin in November, Dice adds another project to Giorgia’s acting journey as she takes on a role that connects her on-screen work with her Italian roots.

Also Read: Giorgia Andriani’s regal romance and Kiara Advani’s rose romance led this week’s best floral fashion moments

Actor Ranbir Kapoor has leased out his apartment at Trump Towers in Pune’s Kalyani Nagar for a monthly rent of Rs 4.63 lakh. According to property registration documents accessed by CRE Matrix, the three-year leave-and-licence agreement was registered on October 6, 2026.

The agreement is expected to generate approximately Rs 1.75 crore in rental income for Ranbir Kapoor over the three-year tenure. Details of Ranbir Kapoor’s Pune property lease The agreement covers an apartment located on the 10th floor of Tower A at Trump Towers in Yerwada, Pune. The property measures around 6,094 sq ft and includes three covered parking spaces.

Ruchi Goel has been named as the licensee in the agreement, while Ranbir Kapoor is represented by his power of attorney holder, Shanti Shivdas Malik.

The leave-and-licence agreement is valid from September 20, 2026, to September 19, 2029. The monthly rent will increase by 5% each year during the tenure. The rent has been fixed at Rs 4.63 lakh per month for the first year, Rs 4.86 lakh for the second year and Rs 5.11 lakh for the third year.

The agreement also includes a security deposit of Rs 27.78 lakh. Ranbir Kapoor and Rishi Kapoor bought apartments in 2015 Ranbir Kapoor and his late father, veteran actor Rishi Kapoor, had purchased apartments at Trump Towers in Pune in 2015. The properties were reportedly bought for around Rs 13 crore each. Ranbir Kapoor currently gearing up for Ramayana The development comes as Ranbir Kapoor is busy with the promotions of Ramayana, directed by Nitesh Tiwari. The film is scheduled to release in cinemas on November 5, 2026.

Recently, the international trailer of Ramayana was unveiled at a grand event in Bengaluru. Ranbir attended the event along with the film’s cast and makers.

Also Read: Ramayana International trailer shares a glimpse of Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama having an epic face off with Yash as Ravana

Bigg Boss 20 contestant Qazi Touqeer recently opened up about the opportunities he received in the early years of his career, including a television offer from producer Ekta Kapoor. During a conversation with Aamrapali Dubey, the singer recalled meeting Kapoor in 2005 and explained why he eventually turned down the opportunity.

Qazi, who shot to fame after winning Fame Gurukul with Ruprekha Banerjee in 2005, said, “TV maine kabhi kiya nahin. TV ki opportunity bahot badi badi thi. Main khushkismat tha jiske liye Ekta Kapoor ji aayi 2005 mein and she narrated the story.” Qazi Touqeer recalls Ekta Kapoor’s narration Qazi went on to recall his interaction with Ekta Kapoor, saying, “Main sirf unki anguthiyan (rings) dekh raha tha. Rockstar ka pura character Ekta ji mujhe narrate kar rahi hai.”

Rather than directly telling Kapoor that he did not want to take up the project, Qazi said he communicated his decision through a woman named Anupama. He explained that he already had a film commitment and a contract in place. “Ma’am, I am already doing a film. I have a contract, it’s already signed,” Qazi recalled telling her. Qazi says media reports portrayed him negatively The singer also remembered the media coverage that followed his decision. According to Qazi, reports the next morning suggested that he had deliberately turned down Kapoor’s offer because he had a bigger opportunity. “Main subah breakfast mein dekh raha hoon, ‘Qazi ditched Ekta Kapoor. Qazi has a bigger fish to fry.’ Ye paper aisa hi hai, media aisa hi hai,” he said.

Qazi pointed out that there was no social media at the time through which he could immediately clarify his side of the story. “Us time clarification karne ke liye thodi tha hamare paas social media. Ho gaya badnaam, ban gaya arrogant” he added. Qazi Touqeer’s journey from Fame Gurukul to Bigg Boss 20 Qazi became a household name after winning Fame Gurukul alongside Ruprekha Banerjee in 2005. The reality singing competition also earned him a cash prize, a music contract and a car.

He later explored acting, including an appearance in the song ‘Afghan Jalebi’ from Phantom, and participated in the reality show Sarkaar Ki Duniya. He subsequently spent years performing live and working on other projects before returning to the spotlight as a contestant on Salman Khan-hosted Bigg Boss 20 in 2026.

Also Read: Bigg Boss 20: Prince Narula REACTS to Nakul Dhull-Gullu clash, praises Kanika Mann for calmly handling the situation

The grand Diwali release, Ramayana, is three weeks away from release, and the excitement is steadily building up with each passing day. It's going to have the biggest release for an Indian film ever globally and the makers have been steadily working towards it. In a significant development, the censor process in the United States of America has been completed.

The Motion Picture Association has passed Ramayana with a PG-13 rating. This rating is similar to U/A in India and means that some material maybe inappropriate for children below the age of 13.

As per the Motion Picture Association website, Ramayana was awarded the said rating due to 'sequences of strong violence and action, and some bloody images'.

The other major development is that Ramayana has been passed internationally with a runtime of more than 3 hours. As per the website of IMAX, the duration of the film is 3 hours and 15 minutes. However, as per trade sources, the English version of Ramayana is expected to be shorter, at around 2 hours and 45 minutes. A clearer picture on this front will emerge in a few days.

Ramayana is Ranbir Kapoor's immediate release after Animal (2023). Incidentally, it is also the second film of his career, after Animal, to have a duration of more than 3 hours.

Also Read: Ramayana: Anupam Kher lends his voice to Jatayu as makers unveil new poster titled ‘The Wings of Dharma’

The much-loved Drishyam The Conclusion continues to remain steady at the box office. The Ajay Devgn-starrer crossed the Rs. 300 crore mark on Sunday, October 11, and is now expected to cross the Rs. 375 crore mark at the very least, with an outside chance of entering the coveted Rs. 400 crore club. The film has remained strong even on weekdays. As a result, its distributors, Panorama Studios, have asked cinemas to ensure that the thriller gets sufficient shows in its third week.

A trade source told Bollywood Hungama, “The distributors have asked single-screen cinemas to allot at least 3 shows to Drishyam The Conclusion from October 16. In two-screen theatres, they have sought 5 shows, while in three-screen cinemas, they have asked for 6 shows, including 1 morning show. In four-screen multiplexes, their request is for 7 shows, including 1 morning show, and in five-screen multiplexes, they have asked for 8 shows, including 1 morning show. In six-screen cinemas, they have sought 10 shows, while for theatres with seven screens or more, their demand is for 15 shows.”

The source continued, “Their request has put exhibitors in a dilemma, as several films are lined up for release this week, including Nayyi Navelli, Prahaar, Street Fighter, Jailer 2, Ranabaali, etc. All these films have the potential to attract audiences, including the last two, which will also release in Hindi. As a result, cinemas are trying to negotiate with the distributors of various films and arrive at a consensus.”

It is for this reason that advance bookings for the upcoming week are yet to open at several cinemas. When asked when the issue is likely to be resolved, the source replied, “It's difficult to say, going by recent experiences. The matter might be resolved by Wednesday morning or evening, or it could even extend to Thursday, just a day before the new releases arrive in cinemas.”

An industry insider commented, “Drishyam The Conclusion still has a lot of gas left in the tank and can continue to attract audiences despite the competition. The makers have also asked exhibitors to sell tickets at regular prices, which should further entice moviegoers.”

Also Read: Mohanlal reviews Ajay Devgn starrer Drishyam The Conclusion; Star Studios thanks him

Anupam Kher and Boman Irani’s Khosla Ka Ghosla 2 has received a new theatrical release date. The sequel, originally scheduled for release on August 28, 2026, will now hit cinemas on March 5, 2027.

The makers announced the revised date on social media with a new poster. Sharing the update, they wrote, “Deal Pakki! The Khoslas are ready to take possession of cinemas with #KhoslaKaGhosla2, arriving on the big screen on 5th March 2027!”

The announcement confirms a delay of several months for the sequel, which brings back characters from the much-loved 2006 comedy Khosla Ka Ghosla. The original film, directed by Dibakar Banerjee, revolved around a middle-class Delhi family caught up in a property dispute.

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Anupam Kher and Boman Irani return to the franchise

Khosla Ka Ghosla 2 is directed by Prashant Bhagia and sees Anupam Kher and Boman Irani reprise their respective roles as Kamal Kishore Khosla and property dealer Kishan Khurana.

The returning cast also includes Ranvir Shorey, Parvin Dabas, Tara Sharma and Kiran Juneja. The sequel further features Ravi Kishan, Divya Khossla, Harsh Chhaya, Tanya Maniktala and Danish Iqbal, among others.

The makers have not revealed the full storyline yet. However, the sequel is expected to revisit the themes that defined the original film, including middle-class aspirations, property disputes and the schemes that emerge when the Khosla family finds itself dealing with another challenge.

Backed by T-Series Films and Tandav Films, the film is produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Savita Raj Hiremath and Raaj Hiremath. Khosla Ka Ghosla 2 is now scheduled to release in theatres on March 5, 2027.

Also Read: Anupam Kher REACTS after Khosla Ka Ghosla 2 reel crosses 150 million views: “A big highlight of our lives”

In July, Bollywood Hungama was the first to inform readers that Imtiaz Ali and Mahaveer Jain were planning to introduce fresh faces as the female lead in their upcoming friendship comedy, Side Heroes. We have now learned that the makers have zeroed in on playback sensation Heer for one of the female leads in the film.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Heer is not just a talented singer but also a promising performer. She gave an impressive audition, and the makers felt that she would be perfect for the part. Interestingly, her character in the film is also a singer. Hence, casting a real-life playback singer would lend authenticity to the character.”

The source further revealed, “The makers are in advanced discussions with Heer and are expected to make an official announcement about her casting soon.”

About Heer

Heer has lent her voice to several notable songs in recent times. In Aamir Khan's production Batwara 1947, she sang 'Tabassum' alongside Sonu Nigam and 'Chal Anjaane'. Both songs were composed by A R Rahman, who also composed the music for Ram Charan-starrer Peddi. In this Pan-India film, Heer lent her voice to the song 'Hellallallo'.

Her other recent songs include 'Roop Di Rani' from Pati Patni Aur Woh Do, alongside Guru Randhawa, and 'Chhaap Tilak' from Ginny Wedss Sunny 2. Both songs were composed by Tanishk Bagchi.

About Side Heroes

Side Heroes is a hilarious friendship-reunion film with a touch of nostalgia, set in the heartland of India. Besides Heer, ot stars Varun Sharma, Abhishek Banerjee and Aparshakti Khurana. It is produced by Imtiaz Ali, Mahaveer Jain, Mrighdeep Singh Lamba and Shikha K Ahluwalia, written by Siddarth Sen (director of Good Luck Jerry) and Pankaj Matta, and directed by Ssanjay Tripaathy.

In September, Bollywood Hungama exclusively reported that Side Heroes would be among the rare Hindi films to be shot entirely in Bihar. The film is scheduled to release on Friendship Day 2027.

Also Read: Imtiaz Ali reveals how Subhash Ghai SAVED Socha Na Tha: “He bought the film at a price higher than its actual value”; admits Showman was once FURIOUS with him: “He signed me for a film, but I backed out”

The Siddharth Anand directed King is among the most awaited films of 2026 as it marks the return of Shah Rukh Khan to the big screen after 3 long years. The action-packed thriller is touted to be one of the most expensive films ever made, with a reported cost of production of Rs. 450 crores, and the insiders can't stop raving about the scale of this Siddharth Anand entertainer. With just 70 days left for its big theatrical release all across the globe, Bollywood Hungama has an earth-shattering update on King.

According to very reliable insiders, Siddharth Anand is all set to unleash an action-packed teaser of King on Shah Rukh Khan's birthday - 2nd November 2026. "It's a birthday gift from team King to all Shah Rukh Khan fans, and Siddharth Anand is going to deliver a new SRK experience. The teaser cut is apparently mind-blowing with Shah Rukh Khan like never before, delivering larger-than-life dialogues with style and suave," a source told Bollywood Hungama discreetly.

We hear that the teaser will mark the global launch of the marketing campaign for King, as the intent of the team is to deliver a project that's unlike anything seen before from India in the genre. "If audiences loved the scale of Pathaan and Jawan, Sid has taken things a notch higher with King. The action, thrill, and most importantly music will take the audiences on a ride this Christmas," tells the source.

King also features Kareena Kapoor in a special appearance, as she will be seen shaking the legs with SRK on a song titled Daddy Cool. The makers plan to shoot it in South Africa in October, and it is said to be one of the major highlights of the film. Produced by Red Chillies and Marflix, King is slated for release on December 24, 2026.

Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, and Alia Bhatt reunite for a new and fun Rungta Steel ad, and the internet can’t get enough

Less than a month is left for the release of Ramayana, and the excitement is steadily building. Yesterday, the makers finally announced that the much-awaited film will release in cinemas worldwide on November 5. They also revealed that advance bookings will commence on Dussehra, October 20. Meanwhile, the makers are working round the clock to ensure an unprecedented release in overseas markets.

A trade source told Bollywood Hungama, “Producer Namit Malhotra and the core team of Ramayana are determined to make it the biggest release ever for an Indian film. They have been working towards this goal for a long time. The film's promotion at CinemaCon 2026 and San Diego Comic-Con was a step in that direction. Getting Sony Pictures on board for international distribution was also a huge shot in the arm.”

The source continued, “To make the film accessible and appealing to audiences across the globe, Ramayana has been dubbed in nearly 40 languages. As a result, viewers across the world will be able to experience the film in all its glory in a language they understand, without having to rely on subtitles. This is the first time an Indian film has been dubbed on such a massive scale. The complete list of languages in which the film has been dubbed will be unveiled in a week or two.”

Ramayana stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman and Ravie Dubey as Lakshman. It is directed by Nitesh Tiwari of Dangal (2016) fame and produced by Namit Malhotra. The music is composed by A R Rahman and Hans Zimmer.

The mythological epic is being made as a two-part saga, with the first instalment arriving in cinemas on November 5, 2026, that is, in the Diwali week. The second part is scheduled for release during Diwali 2027.

Also Read: Ramayana makers announce worldwide release of Part 1 on November 5, 2026 with new poster featuring Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Ravie Dubey and Yash

Mumbai Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against actor Imran Khan, his girlfriend Lekha Washington and several others following their detention during a protest at August Kranti Maidan on Saturday, October 10. The demonstration was organised in support of the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) protest in Delhi, which called for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

The FIR was registered at Gamdevi police station under Sections 223, 126(2), 189(2), 189(3) and 189(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), according to reports. The provisions cited in the case relate to disobedience of orders issued by public servants, wrongful restraint and offences associated with unlawful assembly. The complaint was filed by police personnel following the gathering, which took place amid heightened security arrangements in the area.

According to reports, more than 400 people were detained during the protest, with some accounts putting the number at around 600 across Mumbai. Those detained included Imran, Lekha and Imran’s cousin, Zayn Marie Khan. They were released later that night.

Ahead of the demonstration, police personnel had barricaded roads surrounding August Kranti Maidan and deployed additional staff to prevent the gathering from proceeding. The detentions took place as authorities maintained security in the area.

Following his detention, Imran took to Instagram to share a selfie from inside a police van. The actor accompanied the picture with the caption, “Apparently I'm going for a drive.”

Lekha also shared updates on social media following the detention. She said she did not know where the police were taking them. After their release, she alleged that the police were not allowing them to return home or arrange a vehicle. She later reassured her followers that they were safe and on their way home.

The Mumbai protest was held in solidarity with the CJP’s demonstration in Delhi, where protesters were also detained during a major police operation. The movement has been demanding Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation over allegations concerning the revision of electoral rolls.

With the registration of the FIR, the legal proceedings against Imran, Lekha and the other individuals named in the case have become a fresh development following Saturday’s demonstration. Further details about the case and any subsequent police action remain awaited.

Also Read : Imran Khan to showcase his drift skills at Royal Enfield GRRR Nights × Underground in Mumbai on August 23

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

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

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

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

Nana Patekar's demise: What happened?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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