The Archies’ cast Suhana Khan, Khushi Kapoor, Dot, Agastya Nanda, Mihir Ahuja, Vedang Raina and Yuvraj Menda have officially announced the release date of their much-awaited musical film. Helmed by Zoya Akhtar, the film is set to arrive on Netflix on December 7, 2023. The announcement was unique as the cast was seen posing in front of a massive billboard that had the release date written on it.

The video sees all of the seven cast members being extremely excited about their billboard as the "100 days to go" countdown for the film begins. The billboard also has a countdown timer which tracks the number of days before the film launches on Netflix. The caption read, "Hamari kahaani ka countdown shuru ho chuka hai. This is a daily reminder that #TheArchies are making their grand entrance on 7th December."

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The Zoya Akhtar film is set in the 1960s, and it takes the audience to the fictional hilly town of Riverdale. The Archies is a coming-of-age musical following the lives of Riverdale’s favourite set of teenagers - Archie, Betty, Veronica, Jughead, Reggie, Ethel and Dilton. Seen through the lens of the unique Anglo-Indian community, The Archies explores friendship, freedom, love, heartbreak and rebellion. ALSO READ: Independence Day 2023: Suhana Khan, Khushi Kapoor, Agastya Nanda and The Archies cast spread the cheer in special way

Bollywood actor Sunny Deol is back with his latest release, Gadar 2. The film, helmed by Anil Sharma, also stars Ameesha Patel, and Utkarsh Sharma. It has entered the Rs. 450 Crores Club at the Indian box office. Till now, the film has collected Rs. 456.05 crores. However, in a recent conversation, the actor revealed that he is only focusing on acting now and won't be producing anything as he goes bankrupt while doing so.

In a conversation with BBC Asian Network, Sunny said, “The world has become very difficult. Years back, I could control things because distribution was normal. They were people we interacted with. There was a connection. Ever since the corporates have come in, there's nothing. For an individual to stand tall over there, it's difficult. You have to do your PR, and run around, and they won't give you your number of theatres. They don't want individuals to be there. I had a tough time with my films in this past decade. You're trying to do a certain kind of cinema, but you (don't get the backing)."

He added, “That's what I came in for. I became a producer, a director, wearing too many hats. A man can only do one job. So I said, ‘Throw everything away, just become an actor.’ So that's what I want to do now. Do as many films as I can as an actor.”

Helmed by Anil Sharma, the film is a sequel to the 2001 movie Gadar: Ek Prem Katha and it also stars Ameesha Patel, Utkarsh Sharma, Simratt Kaur and Manish Wadhwa. ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE: Sunny Deol opens up on hiking his fees after Gadar 2; says, “I know my worth”

Filmmaker Abir Sengupta is set to bring an explosive saga of a modern-day existential crisis with his next feature titled Risky Romeo. The film, billed as an edgy and stylish neo-noir comic tragedy, stars Sunny Singh and Kriti Kharbanda in never-seen-before avatars. A passion project for the director, Abir is also producing Risky Romeo with Anushree Mehta under their banner Jaadugar Films in association with Priyanka Mehrotra and Rameshchandra Yadav of PR Motion Pictures.

The makers announced their film with a stunning and striking motion poster. "Thrilled to announce the film, writer-director Abir Sengupta— who had previously directed Kiara Advani starrer Indoo Ki Jawani and produced Radhika Apte starrer Mrs. Undercover," said Risky Romeo is a neo-noir comic tragedy that depicts human behaviour in a "very unusual manner."

"The script is filled with dark humour, outlandish characters and a surreal treatment. When I narrated the script to Sunny, he instantly picked up the essence of the film. My business partner and producer of the film Anushree Mehta then introduced me to Kriti. She too instantly connected with the script and I landed both my lead cast. After toiling with multiple stories and ideas for almost 3 years, Risky Romeo was something that had my heart and soul and I knew that I had to make this film," Abir said.

Looks like tragedy is the new comedy, or is it vice versa? ???????? Excited to present to you the first look of my next film #RiskyRomeo

Filming begins this winter ????????️@mesunnysingh @Abirsenguptaa @anushreeAmehtaa #PriyankaMehrotra @rcdgr8 #JaadugarFilms #PRMotionPictures pic.twitter.com/1DMDzCFvaI

— kriti kharbanda (@kriti_official) August 29, 2023

Producer Anushree Mehta of Jaadugar Films jointly with Priyanka Mehrotra and Rameshchandra Yadav of PR Motion Pictures said, Risky Romeo will offer a genre 'rarely seen in Hindi cinema.' "Both our lead actors Sunny and Kriti will be seen in never-seen-before avatars and we cannot wait for the world to witness the same. This is a passion project in its true sense, not only for the writer-director but for everyone who is a part of Risky Romeo.”

Excited to don the role of Risky Romeo, Sunny Singh shared, “I have never ever played a character even close to this before. It is thrilling and challenging at the same time. This film needs me to prepare hard and completely transform myself into the character that Abir has written. His vision with this film and for my character is very unusual and that is something that I am really looking forward to. Anushree, Abir and I have been wanting to collaborate on something for a while now and finally, it is happening with this film that is dear to all of us. This will be the first time that I will have Kriti as my co-star and I am looking forward to the riot on set!"

Kriti Kharbanda expressed, “Sets have always been my happy place and I can’t wait to face the camera. I am very excited and really looking forward to working with this wonderful team. I’ve always given priority to the script and character, and I look forward to the challenge Abir has set for me. This script of Risky Romeo is special for more reasons than one and I can’t wait for the world to see it unfold.” ALSO READ: Kriti Kharbanda recalls a hotel incident when she found a camera hidden in her room

Kareena Kapoor Khan is the original Bollywood fashionista. The actress looks lovely in practically every outfit she wears. Nobody can stop Kareena Kapoor from winning us over, whether it's through her acting or her jaw-dropping style statements. She has a broad fashion sense and a style repertoire that includes some of the top choices of all time. There is no denying Kareena Kapoor's exquisite fashion sense and penchant for all things fashionable. Kareena, the real-life 'Poo,' always dazzles the crowd with her costume selections. This time she was dressed in a red corset dress.

Jaane Jaan, which to be released in September 2023, will star Vijay Varma, Jaideep Ahlawat, and Kareena Kapoor. For the many years that Kareena has been in Bollywood, we have admired her exquisite sense of style and dress choices. Her most recent Instagram photo is another proof of how unique her style is. Kareena wore a stunning tube midi dress and looked effortlessly chic. The tube dress had a corset-style bodice, an A-line bottom, and a fashionable side cut. She even added a bright red full-sleeved coat to her monochromatic ensemble. She went for a glam look for her makeup, opting for a bright red lip, lots of mascara, kohl-lined eyes, well-contoured cheeks, and charisma. Kareena wore a pair of revealing pointed heels to go with her no-accessories look.

Meanwhile, Jaane Jaan is Kareena Kapoor’s OTT debut with Netflix, the streaming platform, on Friday, revealed the title of Sujoy Ghosh directorial. Titled Jaane Jaan, the film is an adaptation of the book ‘Devotion of Suspect X’ by Japanese author Keigo Higashino. The film also stars Vijay Varma and Jaideep Ahlawat. Apart from that, Kareena Kapoor has The Crew with Tabu, Kriti Sanon and Diljit Dosanjh in the pipeline. She will also be Hansal Mehta's The Buckingham Murders.

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Also Read: Kareena Kapoor Khan, Jaideep Ahlawat, Vijay Varma starrer titled Jaane Jaan, to release on Netflix on September 21

Anees Bazmee is one of the most celebrated directors of Indian Cinema with multiple memorable comedies under his name. The ace director was all set to start shooting for a double-role comedy with Shahid Kapoor in the lead, however, the film is now scrapped due to creative differences with the actor over the script. While most directors take time to cope with such setbacks, Anees Bazmee is unstoppable. According to our highly placed sources, Anees Bazmee has started working on Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 for Kartik Aaryan.

"Anees Bazmee and team are currently working on the script of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 and are ready to take the film on floors in February 2024. The film is targeted to release during the Diwali 2024 weekend along with Akshay Kumar's Housefull 5," a source close to the director told Bollywood Hungama.

Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 is produced by Bhushan Kumar and takes the franchise forward marking the return of Kartik Aaryan as Rooh Baba. "It's a cult comedy franchise. Kartik Aaryan and Anees Bazmee raised the stakes of the first part with Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 and are now looking to make the biggest one in the franchise. Both are excited about the reunion and have already had multiple meetings in the last 10 days for this horror comedy," the source further told Bollywood Hungama.

Apart from Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, Anees Bazmee is also speaking to Varun Dhawan for a comic caper, which will roll in 2nd half of 2024.

Also Read: Hera Pheri 3: Paresh Rawal sets the record straight on Kartik Aaryan’s involvement in the film; says, “Kartik’s role was different and had a different kind of energy than Raju”

Kriti Sanon, the acclaimed Bollywood actress, embarked on her cinematic journey in 2014 with her debut film Heropanti. Fast forward nine years, and Kriti stands as a towering presence in the industry, commanding attention both on and off the screen. Her latest feat, clinching the coveted Best Actress award at the 69th National Awards, added another jewel to her crown. The award recognizes her exceptional performance in the 2021 release Mimi, where she brilliantly portrayed a surrogate mother. In the wake of her triumph, Kriti Sanon shared joyful moments with her family and industry peers, expressing her heartfelt gratitude for their support. However, the celebrations didn't stop there. On a recent Sunday, Kriti further commemorated her remarkable achievement with a grand celebration, attended by a slew of notable friends from the industry.

The celebratory gathering included the presence of industry luminaries such as Manish Malhotra, Varun Sharma, Ashwini Iyer Tiwari, Nitesh Tiwari, Mukesh Chhabra, and Dinesh Vijan, the producer of Mimi. Manish Malhotra shared a picture from the celebration featuring himself alongside the award-winning actress. The caption for this image read, “Gorgeous Kriti Sanon celebrating the national award.” Kriti herself looked stunning in a black ensemble, elegantly complemented by golden hoop earrings. Additionally, the group of friends posed together, capturing the essence of their joyful camaraderie. Manish Malhotra captured the moment writing, “Celebrating Kriti Sanon,” accompanied by heart emojis. The post featured a snapshot of the radiant group.

Apart from this, Kriti was last seen in Om Raut’s directorial Adipurush. Produced by T-Series, Bhushan Kumar & Krishan Kumar, Om Raut, Prasad Sutar, and Rajesh Nair of Retrophiles, it was released worldwide on June 16, 2023. The actress will be next seen in Ganapath with Tiger Shroff, The Crew alongside Kareena Kapoor Khan and Tabu, and an untitled next with Shahid Kapoor, which is set to release on December 7. There have also been reports about the yet-untitled film that will see Kriti as a robot and Shahid as a scientist, who falls in love with the former. Dharmendra is also part of the project. She also has venture with own production, titled, Do Patti.

Also Read: Kriti Sanon called Alia Bhatt after National Film Awards announcement: “Both of us were just too excited”

This Sunday, Soha Ali Khan graced her Instagram feed with a captivating photograph featuring herself alongside her illustrious mother, veteran actress Sharmila Tagore. The snapshot radiated warmth as the mother-daughter duo showcased their infectious smiles.

The picture captured the essence of their bond, as Soha tenderly wrapped her arms around her mother. Dressed in an elegant blue and white ensemble, Soha stood in contrast to Sharmila Tagore's radiant appearance in a printed red and purple saree, perfectly paired with a matching blouse. The caption accompanying the post cleverly played with words, as Soha wrote, “Had to capture the mom-ent #keepcalmandcallmom.”

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As soon as she shared the picture, fans and industry friends showered their love in the comments section. Sharmila's daughter Saba Ali Khan, reacting to the snapshot, left a simple yet heartfelt comment, “Lovely.” A user commented, “Still the most beautiful lady on earth ! Ms Tagore,” while another comment read, “Sharmila Ma’am is still the most graceful and beautiful woman! Gorgeous both of you.”

Sharmila Tagore's illustrious career began at the age of 14 with a role in the acclaimed Bengali drama The World of Apu, directed by Satyajit Ray. She not only solidified her position in Bengali cinema but also emerged as a prominent figure in Bollywood. Her repertoire includes iconic films such as Kashmir Ki Kali, Amar Prem, Daag, among others. Sharmila Tagore shared the screen with legendary actors like Dilip Kumar and Bollywood icons such as Rajesh Khanna, Dharmendra, Shammi Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan, and Sanjeev Kumar. Her versatile acting prowess left an indelible mark on the industry. More recently, she was seen in the family drama Gulmohar. On the other hand, Soha Ali Khan has carved her own path in the film industry. In the coming months, audiences can anticipate her appearance in Chhorii 2.

Also Read: Soha Ali Khan gives fans a sneak peek into Chhorii 2 dubbing session

After sharing years of companionship, Farhan Akhtar and Shibani Dandekar took their relationship to the next level with an intimate wedding on February 19, 2022. Their love story has been a delight to witness, with the couple often displaying their affection in public. As Shibani celebrated her birthday on August 27, Farhan marked the occasion with a heartfelt message for his beloved wife.

In a display of affection, Farhan took to Instagram to commemorate Shibani's special day. Alongside a joyful snapshot captured during one of their cherished date nights, he penned a heartfelt note that read, “Happy birthday partner…may life give you all you want and more…may you always have reasons to smile… (but enough about me) (wink emoji) love you loads. Have the best year yet. (heart emojis).”

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The warmth of their bond was evident as Shibani responded with equal love, writing, “I love you so much! Thank you for the best gift in the world! You!” Well-wishes and congratulatory messages flooded in. Even Farah Khan couldn't resist adding her humorous touch, stating, “She married into our family. Bas enough,” accompanied by a laughing emoji. Several other celebrities from the film industry extended their wishes. Reacting to the post, a user wrote, a fan expressed, “You guys make the most cutest pair mA,” while another comment read, “Happy birthday @shibaniakhtar . You have married the best guy & family of the world.” However, several fans enquired about Don 3 in the comments section.

Farhan Akhtar and Shibani Dandekar's journey has been one of love and growth. Their courtship spanned approximately three years before culminating in their wedding last year. Amidst their busy schedules, Shibani has continued to make a name for herself in the entertainment industry. Recently, she made waves with her appearance as a lesbian bride in an episode of Made in Heaven season 2. On the other hand, Farhan is embarking on exciting projects as well. The talented actor and filmmaker is gearing up for Don 3 and introduced Ranveer Singh as the new Don through a teaser unveiled earlier this month.

Also Read: Farhan Akhtar in talks to lead Begin Again remake; Nitya Mehra to direct

Veteran Bollywood actress Zeenat Aman has been very creative with her Instagram account since her debut on the social media platform in February. From cherished memories from film sets to captivating anecdotes from her travel diaries, and even delightful descriptions of her favourite cuisines, she takes her followers on a vibrant journey through her posts. In her recent Instagram update, Zeenat Aman took to her social media and posted an image of herself along with a note indicating that she doesn't have answers to all the questions. Just yesterday, Zeenat participated in an occasion where she discussed her professional journey.

Zeenat Aman shared a picture of herself and in reference to the event she attended recently. Zeenat wrote in caption, “During yesterday’s discussion, I put out a disclaimer: I don’t have all the answers. In fact no one does. And If someone claims otherwise - be wary!”

She further added, “See, life is messy. One day you can receive a compliment about your poise, and the next day you can spill chilli oil on your Sunday best!”

“(Photographed here towards the end of a leisurely lunch this afternoon. The picture has been artfully cropped so you don’t see quite how direct the above analogy is.),” Aman concluded.

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Zeenat Aman is an Indian actress and a former model. The Evil Within (1970), starring Dev Anand, marked the former beauty queen's acting debut. She has acted in films like Yaadon Ki Baarat, Satyam Shivam Sundaram, Qurbani, Dharam Veer, Hare Rama Hare Krishna, Insaaf Ka Tarazu among others. The actress will soon return to the silver screen with Faraz Arif Ansari’s next, Bun Tikki. As per reports, the plan is to take the movie on floors by November of this year in Himachal Pradesh. The director plans to talk about parenting and gender identity throughout the movie. Abhay Deol will play the role of a father in the film.

Also Read: Zeenat Aman shares a “caption for men”; says, “Nothing screams insecure like a man who’s afraid of or disgusted by things associated with women!”

As the countdown to the release of Shah Rukh Khan's much-awaited film Jawan inches closer, the excitement among fans has reached a crescendo. With just under two weeks left for the film's premiere, enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the unveiling of its trailer. In the midst of this fervour, filmmaker Karan Johar stirred up the anticipation further by hinting at having witnessed something extraordinary.

Taking to his Instagram stories, Karan Johar dropped a tantalizing hint, leaving followers speculating if his enigmatic proclamation referred to Shah Rukh Khan's Jawan. Johar's post avoided disclosing the film's title, yet his words were enough to set the rumour mill spinning. The post read, “I just saw the trailer of the century!!!!!!!” followed by the hashtag “#iykyk.” Swiftly, the online community began connecting the dots, suspecting that Johar's statement could be a nod to the much-anticipated Jawan trailer.

The impending action-packed film marks the directorial debut of Atlee in Bollywood. Atlee, known for steering three consecutive blockbusters alongside Thalapathy Vijay, Theri, Mersal, and Bigil is gearing up to make his mark on the Hindi film industry. Speculations are rife that Vijay might make a cameo appearance in Jawan, further adding to the film's intrigue. Joining the star-studded lineup, Deepika Padukone is set to grace the screen in a special appearance.

The cast of Jawan includes notables such as Sanya Malhotra, Priyamani, Girija Oak, and Sanjeeta Bhattacharya, among others. The film, presented by Red Chillies Entertainment, is directed by Atlee and produced by the esteemed Gauri Khan. Gaurav Verma contributes as co-producer. Fans across the globe can mark their calendars for the worldwide theatrical release of Jawan on September 7, 2023. The film will make its grand debut in theatres, offering audiences the experience in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu languages.

Also Read: Karan Johar discusses casting Jaya Bachchan in ‘nasty character’ for Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani; says, “That was her personality on celluloid”

Bollywood actors Sunny Deol and Ameesha Patel are back on the big screen with the latest release, Gadar 2. The film, helmed by Anil Sharma, also stars Utkarsh Sharma. It has entered the Rs. 400 Crores Club at the Indian box office. Till now, the film has collected Rs. 439.95 crores. However, in a recent conversation, the actor was asked about the ongoing criticism that the movie allegedly perpetuates anti-Pakistan and anti-Muslim agenda.

In conversation with BBC Asian Network, Sunny was asked about how the film has been considered ‘anti-Pakistani’. The actor said that both countries have “hatred among one another” since the partition. “I think people in both countries are like let it all go, we are normal humans on both sides,” he said in Punjabi. He added that a story has to have a villain and a hero.

“But throughout the film, whenever I have portrayed any character, I have never run anyone down. I don’t believe in that. Even Tara Singh is not that kind of person, not that kind of character. And I believe in such cinema,” he added.

“But we need to look at cinema, it’s not trying to affect this side or that side. That’s not what we are. We are global, we are for everyone. It’s only when it’s read and spoken by a certain sectors of people, then that thoughts come in time. Majority don’t do that, it’s a handful of people. That’s when the wave comes,” he added.

When asked about the religious imagery around the villain of Gadar 2 when the current climate has been very disturbing, he said, “Don’t take these films so seriously. There’s so much rubbish happening on digital and even news channels. Cinema comes for entertainment.” However, Deol said that movies have a certain exaggeration to make them look good or bad.

Helmed by Anil Sharma, the film is a sequel to the 2001 movie Gadar: Ek Prem Katha and it also stars Ameesha Patel, Utkarsh Sharma, Simratt Kaur and Manish Wadhwa. ALSO READ: Gadar 2: Sunny Deol shares an emotional video as the film enters Rs. 400 Crores Club

The hype for Shah Rukh Khan's much-awaited actioner Jawan is sky-high. Everyone is eagerly waiting to watch the action entertainer on the big screens. As the superstar Shah Rukh Khan always interacts with his fans through #AskSRK on Twitter, it's indeed a big treat for the fans to ask their question. From asking the superstar about music, the netizens flooded social media expressing their excitement for the film.

As soon as SRK started to answer his fans on the #AskSRK session, the fans came up with their question and received some really quirky and witty replies from the superstar.

One word for SRK's character

No tease, the one word that drives the movie is ‘Women’ it’s a film about women made for men!! Hope all like the Mass and Class….#Jawan https://t.co/FTKQhS7CyT — Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) August 26, 2023

Poem on the motion poster

Ok while I was doing #AskSRK @Sumitaroraa asked me to do the poem on the motion poster. You all also make ur poem and send it…let’s see who does it better. #Jawan pic.twitter.com/N3TosqfZYy — Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) August 26, 2023

Ahead on 5 faces of Justice

Actually there are many more faces in the film. Wait and watch….#Jawan https://t.co/E90QgNbEdp — Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) August 26, 2023

Nailing the bald look

And the stranger thing is I did it right after Pathaan. So it was very odd to have long hair and then suddenly bald! Wonder how it will affect my kids??!! Ha ha #Jawan https://t.co/ZMFKB1gJcc — Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) August 26, 2023

How many times Jawan can be watched

Ek baar Mann ke liye…ek baar Tann ke liye…ek baar Fun ke liye. Agar fan ho toh ek baar mere liye bhi dekh lena. 4 baar…#Jawan https://t.co/8YLU92gRI4 — Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) August 26, 2023

Who can watch Jawan

Bacche Buddhe aur #Jawan sab dekh sakte hain!! https://t.co/VigksgfeH5 — Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) August 26, 2023

SRK's best shooting experience from Jawan

Donning all the looks and varied roles. Hectic work but too much fun when I saw the results….#Jawan https://t.co/0hHqM3G8yA — Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) August 26, 2023

Jawan prevue 2

What do all want Prevue Reloaded or a song now. All decide and tell me will push @Atlee_dir for that only. He has to make na. #Jawan https://t.co/MqROmJDXgq — Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) August 26, 2023

While Jawan has left the nation absolutely dazzled with its action-packed prevue and captivating character posters, currently, the two songs 'Zinda Banda' and 'Chaleya' from the film are topping the charts, fans are eagerly looking for what next the superstar has for them to offer.

Jawan is a Red Chillies Entertainment presentation directed by Atlee, Produced by Gauri Khan, and Co-produced by Gaurav Verma. The film will be released worldwide in theatres on September 7, 2023 in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu languages.

Also Read: Ask SRK: Shah Rukh Khan treats fans with teaser of next Jawan track, 'Not Ramaiya Vastavaiya'; watch

R Balki’s films have always had strong and unique scripts. The credit for it goes not just to this expert filmmaker but also to his writing partner, screenwriter Rishi Virmani. The talented writer has written Ki & Ka (2016), Chup (2022), Lust Stories 2 (2023) and the recently released sports film Ghoomer (2023), for R Balki. He has also written films for others as well like Shimla Mirchi (2020) and Nazar Andaaz (2022). Rishi is now dabbling in period films like Chhava, starring Vicky Kaushal and based on Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, Main Atal Hoon, the biopic on Atal Bihari Vajpayee starring Pankaj Tripathi and a biopic on Saharashri Subrata Roy.

Bollywood Hungama exclusively spoke to Rishi Virmani about Ghoomer, working with Amitabh Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan and a lot more.

How has been the feedback for Ghoomer? The feedback has been quite good. For the first time, I have been flooded with a lot of phone calls and messages. My friends have been sharing screenshots of posts put up by people in their circle, appreciating the film. The point of the film was to tell an inspiring story. The message that one can fulfil their dreams despite shortcomings has reached people. A lot of mothers told me that they are taking their children to watch the film. Nowadays, fewer children pursue sports than before. We never had phones when we were growing up. Kids nowadays love to play football but on their phones, as the screen addiction is quite high. So many parents feel Ghoomer is apt to teach them the importance of outdoor sports.

The protagonists in R Balki’s films usually are a bit arrogant and have a dark sense of humour, from Amitabh Bachchan in R Balki’s first film Cheeni Kum (2007) or Abhishek Bachchan in R Balki’s latest release, Ghoomer. Where does it come from – you or R Balki? I don’t know where it’s coming from. In my point of view, every filmmaker comes with his own style. If it has an impression on the viewers, then they expect you to continue providing them with that kind of stuff. Like, after watching a refreshing film like Dil Chahta Hai (2001), you expect that newness from Farhan Akhtar every time. The tagline of Cheeni Kum (2007) was ‘a sugar free romance’. It made it clear that is film mein mithaas kam hogi! So, it was deliberately written in a certain manner. The character had lost the sweetness of life because he was 64, single, living with his mother who was forcing him to go to the gym! So, sarcasm was his mainstay. And it worked so well aur shayad uski jhalak har R Balki ki film mein dikh rahi hai.

Ultimately, when Bachchan says a dialogue, the impact he creates is very different from any other actor. We have always written for Amitabh Bachchan initially. In fact, we wouldn’t have made Cheeni Kum and other films had he refused. R Balki doesn’t settle for compromises.

Is R Balki also like the characters in his real life? (Laughs) He’s not like that at all. We have written characters who insult others in the film but he’s the opposite of that. He’s one of the nicest people in the industry. Certain people in the industry fly high as they see themselves as star makers or stars themselves. But R Balki is a very simple human being. He works, goes home and watches a film. You’ll never find him at a party. He just wants to make good films, which have not been made before. That’s his mantra. It inspires me to do original stuff.

Also, on his sets, there’s a nice professional set-up. It’s a no-nonsense environment. You don’t feel like tailing around stars to be in their good books as nobody is doing it. Everybody is focusing on giving their best, be it the DOP, the director etc.

Another USP of R Balki’s films is that one can explain its storyline in just one line… When he cracks an idea, he calls me. I would like to believe I am the first one to hear his story! Within 5 minutes, he will narrate the entire plot. He’ll never take 6 minutes! He’ll only take 5 minutes and I’ll clearly get an idea of the beginning, middle and end. And then we start writing. We don’t believe in saying ‘Aur sochte hai thoda’. We just attack! The more we write, the more the film gets clear.

How is it to work with Amitabh Bachchan? I was clear that I have so much respect for him that I would not like to hang around him and try to be friends with him forcefully. I felt it was the worst you can do to him! All my interactions with Amit ji happened during rehearsals before the shot. And he’s one of a kind. If he’s shooting outside in broad daylight, and clouds cover the sun, the unit has to wait until the sun shines again. The unit members estimate that it might take a couple of minutes for the shot to be filmed. Amit ji knows for the next 2-3 minutes, he’s not required. He won’t sit around with his phone or go to his van. Instead, he would call me and ask me to rehearse with him. We have already rehearsed 10 times before and yet, we’d do it again. This is how I have interacted with him, through dialogue readings! I cherish these moments. I feel ki isse accha aur kya ho sakta hai that I am helping him with his take.

How different is Abhishek Bachchan from Amitabh Bachchan? They are similar in many ways. Both are funny, humble and interact with everyone on the sets equally. And both are blessed with the best drunk performances. They can act like a drunk person better than a real drunkard! Be it Ghoomer or Shamitabh (2015), if you hear their lines carefully, you’ll find slurring at selective places. It’s not there throughout the line. There’ll be words that are difficult to pronounce once you are drunk. And they’ll nail this aspect beautifully, as if they have done a Ph.D. in such sequences!

Abhishek is amazing and one of the deepest actors we have today. The way he played in Paddy in Ghoomer, you can’t imagine anybody else. I remember we were shooting the three-page-long monologue scene late in the night at Panchgani in the winter. It was difficult to perform. He had to keep it very natural without making the scene melodramatic. We did some rehearsals. I even did the narration with him as we incorporated some improvisations. It was a three-camera setup. As soon as the camera rolled, we all had goosebumps as he got it right in just one take without any goof-ups or mispronunciation. To witness this kind of act in a challenging situation was magical. It is this magic that drives us in the field of cinema.

How did you enter the world of films? I was born in Meerut but I was brought up in Mumbai, in Andheri. I had access to the film industry through my school and college friends. I was lucky to know people who had some connection. As a kid, it used to be like ‘bachchon ko shooting dikhane le jao’. Through some uncle or aunty, I and my building friends had gone for film shoots and even trials in places like Natraj Studio, Sumit Theatre etc. When I was in college, I realized I had to work hard as Mumbai is an expensive place. My friends, meanwhile, were very wealthy. While some stayed in bungalows, a few of them had buildings of their own. One guy had a bowling alley in his house! Our lifestyle and income were drastically different. I was decent in studies and decided to get better academically, so that I have a bright future. I explored many options related to my stream, Commerce, like business management, chartered accountancy etc. But I would get bored with these courses and would quit in a few months. I guess it was God’s way of telling me that I was not meant for it. At that age, I didn’t realize.

Next to my college, Mithibai, there was an institution called Workstation which used to teach animation. I was eating wada pav one day when I happened to look at Workstation’s hoarding. I walked in. This was a time when animation was very new. I enrolled in a course. I started learning animation and this course bored me as well! I feared that I was going to land up nowhere.

Then I met a childhood friend. He was the first assistant director in Salaam-E-Ishq (2007). He suggested that I should also assist since I had already entered the creative world by doing the animation course. I didn’t know anything about this field but I felt safe as I knew that he would be there to guide me. By the time I tried to enrol in the film after a month, the direction team was full. He, however, told me that MAD Entertainment, which was producing Salaam-E-Ishq, was also making another film. That film turned out to be Cheeni Kum. This is how I met Balki and since then, there has been no looking back.

One of your most exciting upcoming projects is Chhava, based on Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj… The film is backed by Dinesh Vijan of Maddock Films. He’s one of the most enterprising producers that we have. Producers usually provide you with whatever you want. Dinoo is a producer who will go a step ahead. Jo cheez nahin bhi hogi, woh bhi kahin se la ke de denge. If I tell him that I wish to meet some historian based in Pune for research purposes, within no time, an itinerary will be sent to me and all arrangements will be made. Director Laxman Utekar sir, on the other hand, knows the Maratha history inside out. Ask him any question related to that period and he’ll promptly answer. So yes, the research is quite extensive but these two gentlemen have made my work easier.

A lot of research is going on in all departments. Even the sets and artwork will amaze you. Everyone is putting their 100% to the project.

Are you happy with Vicky Kaushal’s casting in the lead role? Absolutely. I don’t think there’s anybody other than Vicky Kaushal whom you could think of playing Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. He was always in our minds when we were writing the film. I am sure once the trailers and posters of the film are out, everyone will realize that he’s just apt for the part. He’s a fabulous actor. His earlier films like Masaan (2015) and Love Per Square Foot (2018) were so different from each other. This shows his range effortlessly. In Sanju (2018), he was not even the main lead and yet, you can’t take your eyes off him.

Also Read: Vicky Kaushal says wedding with Katrina Kaif is his most treasured memory: “Happiest three days of my life”

Ananya Panday is currently seen on the big screen in her latest release, Dream Girl 2. The movie, released on Friday, also stars Ayushmann Khurrana in the lead role. In the middle of this, the actress has shared some pictures on Instagram that have got everyone talking.

The pictures show Ananya's father, actor Chunky Panday, dressed as a woman. He is wearing a pink outfit and a blonde wig. The pictures are from the song ‘Oye Pape Bachalo Tusi’ from the 1993 film Lootere. In the snapshot, Sunny Deol is seen wearing a turban, similar to his role, Tara Singh, in the blockbuster hit Gadar 2.

Ananya captioned the post, “Gadar 2 meets Barbie meets DreamGirl 2 [ROFL emojis] can't get over this. Thank you @divyasolgama for finding these gems.” Ananya's mother, Bhavana Pandey wrote "Love this" and added a bunch of red hearts and ROFL emojis. Chunky Panday followed suit.

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Coming back to Dream Girl 2, the film collected Rs 10.69 crore on day 1 at the box office. The actress celebrated this success by sharing a poster on her Instagram page. Her caption read, "Your Dream Girl is ruling hearts and the box office too! Thank you for all the pyaar!"

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Also Read: Dream Girl 2 Box Office Estimate Day 2: Jumps by 30 percent on Saturday; collects Rs. 14 crores

Bollywood actress Preity Zinta has mourned the loss of her father-in-law, Jon Swindle.

Zinta shared a throwback photo of herself with Swindle on Instagram, along with an emotional message. "Dear Jon, I will miss your warmth, your kindness & most of all your incredible sense of humor," she wrote. "I loved going shooting with you, loved cooking your favorite Indian dishes and having conversations on every topic under the sun."

She added, "Thank you so much for opening your home & your heart to me & my family. The East Coast will never be the same without you. I know you are at peace right now & at a happy place. Rest in peace."

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Her fans and friends have expressed their condolences on social media. “My deepest condolences to you and Gene. What a lovely photograph exudes so much love,” wrote actress Celina Jaitly. Simultaneously, Sussanne Khan commented, “so sorry to you and Gene for your loss pree.. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”

The photo shows Zinta and Swindle posing for the camera with an ear-to-ear smile. They appear to be at an Indian festival. For the unversed, Zinta married Gene Goodenough, Swindle's son, in 2016. The couple has two twins, Jai and Gia.

Also Read: Preity Zinta plays Koi Mil Gaya title track to put kids to sleep; talks about fond memories on Koi Mil Gaya’s 20th anniversary

Sridevi passed away in 2018, but she did get to see her daughter Janhvi Kapoor on screen before her death. In an interview with ETimes, producer Boney Kapoor, Sridevi's husband and Janhvi's father, revealed that they had seen the rushes of Dhadak when Sridevi was alive.

"We had seen the rushes of Dhadak when Sridevi was alive. So, she had seen her daughter on screen," Boney said. "Khushi had auditioned, too, and after Janhvi's audition, she got a scholarship at the New York Film Academy."

Boney also revealed that if Sridevi had been alive, she would have worked with Janhvi in the movie Kalank, which was earlier titled Shiddat. "When Janhvi grew up, Karan Johar came home and expressed his desire to launch her. He wanted to make Shiddat with Janhvi which was later released as Kalank.”

Kapoor further added, “He wanted Janhvi to play the role which was eventually played by Alia Bhatt in Kalank and he wanted Sridevi to play the role eventually played by Madhuri Dixit. Later, he decided to make Dhadak with Janhvi. Till Sridevi was alive, Kalank was called Shiddat. She had agreed to do the film reluctantly.”

Coming to Janhvi’s professional front, she was last seen in Nitesh Tiwari’s Bawaal, co-starring Varun Dhawan. The actress has an interesting line-up with a bunch of films in her kitty, including Mr. & Mrs. Mahi and Ulajh.

Also Read: Sridevi’s 60th Birth Anniversary: Khushi Kapoor drops a priceless throwback photo featuring Janhvi Kapoor; Boney Kapoor dedicates a special post

Bollywood couple Sonam Kapoor and Anand Ahuja celebrated a heartwarming milestone as their son, Vayu Kapoor Ahuja, turned one recently. The occasion was marked by an intimate family gathering that included touching moments and generous gifts.

Amid the joyous celebration, veteran actor Anil Kapoor took to Instagram to share a precious, unseen monochrome snapshot from Vayu's first birthday celebration. In the candid photograph, Anil is captured looking affectionately at his daughter Sonam, who cradled baby Vayu in her arms. Anil captioned the post with a heart emoji, writing, "Can never get tired of watching my baby girl hold her baby boy."

The post quickly became a sensation among Anil Kapoor's fans, drawing an outpouring of love. Sonam Kapoor, moved by her father's post, commented, "Love you dad." Anand Ahuja, Sonam's husband, chimed in, saying, "Best. How he lays his head on her shoulders."

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Notably, the Kapoor family's matriarch, Sunita Kapoor, shared glimpses of Vayu's first birthday celebration on her social media. Her post included endearing photos of herself holding the young birthday boy, Sonam cradling Vayu, and a video showcasing the minimalistic yet heartwarming decorations for the event.

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In a heartfelt message, Sunita expressed her love for Vayu, writing, "Happiest birthday to our biggest blessing... may god always protect you my angel. Love you, love you and love you even more."

Also Read: Inside Sonam Kapoor and Anand Ahuja’s son’s birthday: Actress shares beautiful décor and picture perfect moment with the entire family and her son Vayu

With only two weeks left before the release of Jawan, the anticipation for the Atlee directorial starring Shah Rukh Khan is on a full-time high. SRK and his looks in Jawan have intrigued the audiences since the launch of the prevue. The two songs ‘Zinda Banda’ and ‘Chaleya’, released in three languages, have also intrigued the audiences. Now, the makers plan to hold a grand audio launch in Chennai on August 30, 2023.

It is being reported that Shah Rukh Khan will join his co-star Nayanthara and director Atlee Kumar in Chennai on August 30 for the event. It is also a special occasion as the country will be celebrating the festival of Raksha Bandhan. It is also said that music composer Anirudh Ravichander will be in attendance and fans can expect a grand audio launch event.

Furthermore, the advance bookings for Jawan will reportedly start in India on August 27. It has already begun overseas.

Jawan is a Red Chillies Entertainment presentation directed by Atlee, produced by Gauri Khan, and co-produced by Gaurav Verma. The film will be released worldwide in theatres on September 7, 2023, in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu languages. ALSO READ: Jawan: Shah Rukh Khan unveils the many faces of justice in new riveting poster: “There’s a purpose behind every face”

Palak Tiwari has become the first Indian woman to be appointed as the brand ambassador of the U.S. Polo Assn. in the women's line. The actress and singer is known for her stylish and confident personality, which makes her a perfect fit for the brand.

The brand announced Palak as its new face during an event held on August 25 in Mumbai. Besides her, a bunch of celebs also attended the event including Arjun Rampal and Isabelle Kaif.

U.S. Polo Assn. is a global lifestyle brand that is known for its classic American style. The brand has a wide range of clothing, footwear, and accessories for men, women, and children.

Speaking of Palak, she is a young actress, who rose to fame for her music video ‘Bijli Bijli’ featuring Harrdy Sandhu. The song was a huge hit. She recently made her acting debut in the film Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan alongside Salman Khan.

Coming to the professional front, she will be next seen in the Sanjay Dutt starrer The Virgin Tree. Helmed by debutant director Sidhaant Sachdev, the upcoming film is said to be a horror-comedy.

Also Read: Palak Tiwari becomes the face of Sol de Janeiro’s mist range

Kriti Sanon has come a long way in her journey ever since this outsider made her debut in the industry 9 years ago. Earlier this week, she won the Best Actress award at the 69th National Award for her performance in Mimi. Kriti shared the Best Actress award with Alia Bhatt who won for Gangubai Kathiawadi.  Following her win, she was seen visiting the Siddhivinayak Temple to offer prayers.

The actress looked naturally glowing and beautiful in a gorgeous yellow suit. The paparazzi photographers there were heard congratulating the actress for her recent win as she also sweetly offered prasad to them. Kriti was also seen posing with some of the kids and other public there.

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On the work front, Kriti Sanon will next be seen in Ganapath Part 1, a sci-fi love story with Shahid Kapoor, The Crew with Kareena Kapoor Khan and Tabu along with her maiden production venture, Do Patti which also stars her in the lead along with Kajol. ALSO READ: Inside Kriti Sanon’s joyful celebration following her Best Actress win for Mimi; see pictures

Vicky Kaushal is happily married to Katrina Kaif. The actors had a private wedding ceremony in December of 2021, having kept their relationship away from the limelight for years. Kaushal admits that his wedding is the most treasured memory of his life.

In an interview with Grazia India, Vicky was asked, “What’s your most treasured memory?” He said, "My wedding, the happiest three days of my life, and many such moments, like even on film sets there have been moments when you feel like something special just happened. You felt it. Those moments are very special.”

He added, “When I cracked my first audition I told my mom about it and she started dancing. That was the first time I saw her dancing. Many such moments, like even on film sets there have been moments when you feel like something special just happened. You felt it. Those moments are very special.”

On the work front, Vicky Kaushal was last seen in Zara Hatke Zara Bachke. He will next star in Meghna Gulzar's Sam Bahadur. He also has YRF's The Great Indian Family. ALSO READ: National Film Awards 2023: Vicky Kaushal and Shoojit Sircar dedicate the prestigious wins to late Irrfan Khan

Veteran lyricist Dev Kohli passed away today at his residence in Mumbai. He was admitted at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital for about three months for age related issues. He was discharged just 10 days ago. He breathed his last today at 4 am. He was 81. His last rites would be conducted today at the Oshiwara Crematorium in Mumbai.

Dev Kohli wrote songs for over 100 Bollywood movies. He started his career in the early 1970s with films like Lal Patthar, Khoon Khoon, Salaakhen, etc. He acquired more fame in late 1980s and 90s for his work in successful films like Maine Pyar Kiya, Patthar Ke Phool, 100 Days, Bhabhi, Khiladi, Balwaan, Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman, Baazigar, Hum Aapke Hain Koun, Kaante etc.

Kohli was active in films till around 2007-2008. Along with romantic films, he also wrote lyrics for David Dhawan comedies like Judwaa, Gharwali Baharwali, Biwi No. 1, Jodi No. 1, Kyun Kii… Main Jhuth Nahin Bolta and Chor Machaye Shor, thereby proving his versatility.

The veteran lyricist was known for working with a number of well-known music composers like Shankar-Jaikishan, Raam Laxman, Ravindra Jain, Anu Malik, Anand-Milind and Anand Raj Anand.

Television actress and influencer Anushka Sen has announced that she has been appointed Honorary Brand Ambassador of Korean Tourism. The actress took to her Instagram account to share the news.

Sharing a series of photos of herself holding a plaque, she wrote, “Immensely happy and excited to announce that I’ve been appointed as the ‘Honorary Brand Ambassador’ of Korean Tourism. Thanks to Korea Tourism Organization for giving me this big opportunity, it was my dream to become the bridge between Korea and India, and now it’s comes true. @kto_india.”

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Back in 2022, she announced that she plans to extend her opportunities in the global market. She partnered with Asia Lab in order to enter the market and explore new opportunities. Anushka Sen wants to create content between India and Korea through various projects. "As a global platform for creatives, Asia Lab (based in South Korea) will manage Anushka Sen's expansion into the Korean and Global market. We are looking forward to various co-operations with the outstanding Indian actress," the statement read.

On the work front, Anushka Sen was last seen in Khatron Ke Khiladi 11 making her the youngest contestant to participate in the Fear Factor India format. She was recently seen in ‘Teri Aadat 2’ music video with Siddharth Nigam. ALSO READ: Celebrating Anushka Sen’s Style: Five Jaw-Dropping Indian Traditional Looks on Her Birthday

Jawan’s release is less than two weeks away and as expected, the fan clubs of Shah Rukh Khan are going all out. Bollywood Hungama exclusively spoke with the heads of two major fan clubs to find out what they are upto. They made it clear that they want to go beyond what they achieved during SRK’s last release, Pathaan.

Shah Rukh Khan Warriors FAN Club

Javed Shaikh, the founder of Shah Rukh Khan Warriors FAN Club, exclusively told Bollywood Hungama, “Last time, we had put up 20,000 posters. This time, we plan to put up 50,000 posters in 50 cities. On August 15, we did charity as well as promotions in 30+ cities. We distributed food among the underprivileged and also provided notebooks to school and college students.”

He connected us to Taha Jilani from the city of Kannad, situated in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra. Taha and other fan members went bald, just like Shah Rukh Khan in Jawan. Taha Jilani told us, “We were so excited to see Shah Rukh Khan sir’s bald look in Jawan’s Prevue that 4-5 people from our fan club, including me, decided to go bald. Later, 6-7 fans also got motivated and shaved their heads!”

Aurangabad SRK Warriors are surpassing their own benchmarks by promoting #Jawan through the distribution of food boxes within their city. This initiative not only enhances the movie's promotion but also contributes positively to the local community.#ShahRukhKhan #IndependenceDay pic.twitter.com/uTRbL2nS31 — Shah Rukh Khan Warriors FAN Club (@TeamSRKWarriors) August 15, 2023

How do the town residents when they see bald SRK fans putting out posters of a bald SRK? Taha replied, “Logon ko deewangi dikhti hai Khan saab ke liye. It’s quite fun to go around the city with this look and put up posters. Even the onlookers enjoy watching us!”

He added, “We go all out. Even in places where there are no cinemas, we are promoting Jawan.”

SRKians in Bhiwandi, Mumbai, mark #IndependenceDay2023 by providing meals to the less fortunate ️ Thanks to @SaddamKhansrkf1 & Team!#JawanCharityEvent#Jawan #ShahRukhKhan #Chaleyapic.twitter.com/mBZDUWbyNd

— Shah Rukh Khan Warriors FAN Club (@TeamSRKWarriors) August 15, 2023

We then spoke to Mizan Sayani, who works in a medical company and who replicated the bandaged look of SRK and promoted Jawan in Ahmedabad Metro! He was also joined by other fan members who also went around with their bandaged faces on the mass transit system.

Mizan said, “We had done a screening of Jawan’s Prevue the day it was launched. We loved sir’s dance in the metro at the end of the Prevue. I told the team then that we should do a metro activity. Then one day, we put up the bandage on our face and entered a metro station.”

When asked if they danced to ‘Bekaraar Karke Humein’ like Shah Rukh Khan in Jawan, Mizan Sayani laughed and said, “Yes, we did!”

SRK Warriors from Kannad promoting #Jawan in their city ️#ShahRukhKhanpic.twitter.com/OFvRLQu9Sy — Shah Rukh Khan Warriors FAN Club (@TeamSRKWarriors) August 19, 2023

Mizan said that this campaign was an eye-opener for him and other fan club members, “It made us realize that Khan saab has so many more fans. The moment we entered the station, the police and the security staff got concerned. They asked us, ‘Aap logon ko kya hua? Kya aapka accident hua hai?’! We informed them that we were promoting Jawan and showed them sir’s bandaged look. They clicked pictures with us and we invited them to watch the film's first day first show.”

He continued, “Then we got into a train. A lot of women passengers were in our compartment. It was apt as Jawan is based on women empowerment. Some of the female members of our fan club gave them posters of the film and explained to them our activity. They expressed a desire to click pictures with us. We held the first day first show poster and clicked snaps with them. Then we went to a different compartment and interacted with more passengers. Some kids were also present and they loved our look. They told us that they loved Pathaan. Even senior citizens were present and they told us how much they love SRK. They were quite surprised to see us promoting the film in this manner.”

Ahmedabad ke Zinda Bando ne kiya Zabardast promotion #Jawan ka Well done @mizsayani & Team ️

| @iamsrk @Atlee_dir @RedChilliesEnt |#ShahRukhKhan #Chaleya pic.twitter.com/NNUECsZ54B

— Shah Rukh Khan Warriors FAN Club (@TeamSRKWarriors) August 13, 2023

Javed Shaikh proudly said, “I guarantee you that what we do for Khan saab and at such levels, no one can do. Some people often say that someone must be sponsoring us or it is a paid activity. But it’s not true. We do it ourselves and invest money from our pockets. Hamara pyaar hi aisa hai Khan saab ke liye. Well-qualified people from IT and other fields who earn a package of Rs. 15 lakhs are also on the streets and putting up posters of Jawan. Sochiye kis level ka pyaar hai!”

Talking about plans, Javed said, “The moment the advance booking commences, we’ll start booking tickets in cinemas where we’ll be doing the celebrations. We are already prepping for the first-day first-show celebrations. We’ll install a 50-foot poster, take out a rally etc.”

Thankfully, for SRK Fans, there’s no negativity surrounding Jawan, unlike Pathaan. Mizan Sayani revealed, “We faced some issues during Pathaan. In Ahmedabad, some groups tore posters of Pathaan, including the ones that we had put up. We held meetings with the police before the first day first show. My family members were also concerned. We were hoping that viewers come in full force and that they wouldn’t face any issues. Fortunately, it was a grand success. A lot of media also covered our celebrations. Their headlines were ‘Shah Rukh ke fans Bajrang Dal par huye bhaari’!”

He continued, “With Jawan, there’s zero problem. And we don’t know if such a film will ever come again. Hence, we are going full out.”

SRK Universe:

Yash Paryani, the co-founder of the biggest Shah Rukh Khan fan club, SRK Universe, shared his plans with us, “For Pathaan, we had screenings and events in 200 cities. This time, we have gone past the figure of 200. For Jawan, we are organizing screenings in 300 cities and counting. That’s roughly 10 cities in every state. We have figured out the major cinemas that are situated even in smaller towns and will be conducting our events there. Also, since Jawan is a Pan-India film, we have also targeted Southern cities compared to Pathaan. There, our celebrations will be full massy, just the way it is for the South films!”

He continued, “The 60-feet cutout of Shah Rukh sir will be there even this time. In some places, we have put up 40-50 feet posters already. In Mumbai, due to the permissions, we’ll be able to install only a day before release. We have also ordered lion rings, T-shirts, pants, masks etc. as special merchandise.”

Yash also stated, “Our fan clubs have branches in 60 countries. I don’t think our films even release in so many countries. The first day first show and all the major promotional campaigns will be held in these foreign countries too.”

Last time, SRK Universe organized screenings in Mumbai’s iconic single-screen complex, Gaiety-Galaxy. Yash Paryani, on this, exulted, “We’ll have the first day first shows not just in Gaiety but also in Ghatkopar and neighbouring cities like Navi Mumbai, Badlapur, Kalyan etc.”

He added, “During the release of Gadar 2, we put up the cutouts and standees of Jawan in many important theatres across the country.” He also said, “Even in London, we had Jawan-themed boat parties. We branded the boat with Jawan’s posters. It was a big success.”

And that’s not all. He revealed, “Some special plans are being made. We’ll unveil once it gets confirmed.”

Two weeks ago, SRK Universe celebrated the 10th anniversary of Shah Rukh Khan’s blockbuster Chennai Express (2013). Yash Paryani explained, “We held Chennai Express’s screening in 55 cities. It was a promotional activity as the film had a connection with Jawan. Just like Jawan, Chennai Express also had a South angle and featured Priyamani. We played Jawan’s Prevue before the film. The reaction videos went viral.”

SRKians from #Dhubri HAVING A BLAST at the special screening of #ChennaiExpress watching #JawanPrevue DM @iamsmh_555 to join our Dhubri team or @JoinSRKUniverse for the rest of the cities! @iamsrk @RedChilliesEnt @Atlee_dir @VijaySethuOffl #10YearsOfChennaiExpress… pic.twitter.com/lQKJH8ZIiD

— Shah Rukh Khan Universe Fan Club (@SRKUniverse) August 10, 2023

Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan starrer Jawan to illuminate the world’s largest IMAX screen in Germany

Wes Anderson’s visually stunning drama, Asteroid City, was finally released in cinemas in India on August 25. The film was scheduled to release in India on June 23, a week after its release in North America on June 16, 2023. However, the film was postponed as it was stuck at the hands of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The film was allowed a theatrical release, after two visual cuts.

As per the cut list, Scarlett Johansson’s full frontal nude shot, lasting around 3 seconds, was axed by the CBFC. The scene has been edited smoothly and viewers won’t even realize that the crucial sequence had a cut.

Scarlett Johansson, in an interview, said that she didn't feel any discomfort about filming one of her rare nude scenes. She, however, added that Wes Anderson was uncomfortable filming the sequence.

The other scene cut by CBFC lasts around 30 seconds and shows a child smoking. The removal of this scene does affect the experience a bit for the viewers as it establishes the growing romance between the two characters.

After these cuts were carried out, the CBFC passed the film with a U/A certificate. The run time of Asteroid City, as mentioned on the censor certificate, is 105 minutes, that is, 1 hour and 45 minutes. A source said, “The film was pushed by nearly two months as it took a while for the team in India to get approvals from the makers for the deletion of these two visuals.”

Asteroid City is not the first Wes Anderson film to get cuts from the Censors. His much-loved film, The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014), was given an ‘A’ certificate and yet, four minutes of its scenes were removed. Scenes of violence and even the word ‘f**k’ were retained but shots involving sexual undertones and visuals were snipped. Shockingly, a non-violent and non-sexual scene where characters decide to escape from prison using chocolate-based confectionery was deleted. CBFC suffered a lot of backlash due to these cuts.

Last month, another Hollywood film that got cut was Oppenheimer. Unlike Asteroid City, the makers of Oppenheimer self-censored the much-talked-about sex scene involving Florence Pugh. The makers went as far as editing a nude shot of her with a CGI-made black dress, leaving viewers amused and even agitated. What also shocked viewers was that the controversial Bhagavad Gita scene was retained by the CBFC.

Also Read: Scarlett Johansson and Chris Evans open up about their reunion with Jeremy Renner post his snowplow accident; actress says, “On the Avengers text chain, we’re like, ‘OK, you beat us all’”

Rani Mukerji's blockbuster Mardaani franchise, in which she essays the character of Shivani Shivaji Roy, has won her unanimous love and acclaim. The film completed 9 years earlier this week. Rani says, “I’m very proud of the Mardaani franchise. As an actor, I have tried to project women very differently through my films. I realised I could contribute towards showcasing women as real agents of change for society to look at.”

She adds, “I have tried to show women as ambitious, self-reliant, courageous, go-getters who are uncompromising, feisty and upright individuals. Mardaani fits into my vision for women in cinema aptly and because of this synergy, I think I have been able to give 200 percent to this character.”

Rani feels there is a lot of similarity between her Mardaani character, Shivani Shivaji Roy and how she is in real life. Rani says, “Shivani and I are the same. There is no difference. I have never let anyone tell me how to lead my life and I have fought all my battles by myself. Shivani Shivaji Roy is exactly the same. Maybe this is why people love the franchise and my character so much because I’m actually playing myself through this cop.”

“Mardaani franchise is quite a glass-ceiling-shattering one as it’s a blockbuster franchise with a woman as the lead. I hope the success of this franchise will help in many more films being made with women at the forefront,” she says.

Mardaani was a 2014 action thriller film directed by the late Pradeep Sarkar and starring Rani Mukerji. The film was a critical and commercial success, and it earned Tahir Raj Bhasin a lot of praise for his performance as the villain. ALSO READ: 9 Years of Mardaani: Tahir Raj Bhasin remembers late director Pradeep Sarkar; shares BTS featuring Rani Mukerji

In over a decade, Alia Bhatt has come a long way since her debut in Student of the Year. So has Kriti Sanon in over her 9-year-long career in the film industry. Now, both actresses are celebrating their prestigious wins at the 69th National Film Awards 2023 which took place on August 24. Alia Bhatt shared the award with Kriti Sanon for the Best Actress for their performances in Gangubai Kathiawadi and Mimi, respectively.

Taking to Instagram on Thursday, Alia Bhatt did the iconic Gangu pose and wrote, “To Sanjay Sir..To the entire crew..To my family..To my team & last but most definitely not the least to my audience..This national award is yours .. because without you ALL none of this would be possible.. eriously!!! I am SO grateful ????.. I do not take moments like these lightly.. I hope to continue to entertain for as long as I can.. Love and light..Gangu (also known as alia).”

She congratulated Kriti and added, “P.S - Kriti .. I remember messaging you the day I saw Mimi .. it was such an honest and powerful performance.. I cried and cried.. so so well deserved.. shine on you star… the world is your oyster @kritisanon.”

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Taking to her social media, Kriti expressed her gratitude for the big win as she wrote, "ELATED - OVERWHELMED – GRATEFUL. Still sinking it in.. pinching myself.. this has actually happened! The National Award for Best Actress for Mimi! Thank you to the jury who considered my performance worthy of the most prestigious award! It means the world to me! Dinoo, I can't thank you enough for believing in me and my potential, for standing by me always and for giving me a film I'll treasure all my life! Laxman sir.. You always told me "Mimi, dekhna aapko is film ke liye National Award milega" ..Mil gaya sir! And I couldn't have done this without you. Mom, Dad, Nups.. You guys are my lifeline! Thank you for always being my constant cheerleaders..”

She added, “Congratulations Aliaaaa! So so well deserved! I've always admired your work and I'm too excited that I get to share this huge moment with you! Yayyyiiee!! Biggg hug. Lets Celebrate!!”

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Duped and sold to a brothel, Gangubai Kathiawadi is a story of a young woman who fearlessly reclaims her power, using underworld connections to preside over the world she was once a pawn in. Directed and written by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Gangubai Kathiawadi is produced by Bhansali Productions and Dr. Jayantilal Gada (Pen Studios.) The film features a remarkable lineup of actors, including Alia Bhatt, Ajay Devgn, Jim Sarbh, Shantanu Maheshwari, Vijay Raaz, Indira Tiwari and Seema Bhargava among others.

On the other hand, Mimi, helmed by Laxman Utekar, is the story of a girl who decides to become a surrogate mother. The story is inspired by a Marathi film Mala Aai Vhhaychy. It stars Kriti Sanon, Pankaj Tripathi, Sai Tamhankar, Supriya Pathak and Manoj Pahwa.

Meanwhile, Alia Bhatt has signed YRF’s female-driven spy movie. She also has another Dharma Productions’ in the works with Vasan Bala.

On the work front, Kriti will next be seen in Ganapath Part 1, a sci-fi love story with Shahid Kapoor as well as couple of other unannounced projects. ALSO READ: 69th National Film Awards: Alia Bhatt and Kriti Sanon jointly win Best Actress Award

Bollywood actors Sunny Deol and Ameesha Patel are back on the big screen with their latest release, Gadar 2. A sequel to the 2001 release Gadar: Ek Prem Katha, the film helmed by Anil Sharma also stars Utkarsh Sharma. The film entered Rs. 400 crore club at the Indian box office on August 23. However, 'Main Nikla Gaddi Leke' and 'Udd Jaa Kaale Kaava' music composer Uttam Singh has slammed the makers.

In an interview with Amar Ujala, Uttam Singh said in Hindi, “They didn’t call me for Gadar 2 and I don’t have the habit of calling and asking for work. They have used two of my songs in the film and I have also heard that they have used the background music that I composed. They should at least have the etiquette to ask me once and talk to me before using my songs in the film.”

After the film crossed Rs. 400 crore mark at the box office, Sunny Deol took to Instagram to share a video to thank the audiences. In the video, he said, "Hello everyone. First and foremost, aap sab ka bahut bahut dhanyawaad. Aapko picture pasand aayi. Maine socha bhi nahi tha. Hum log 400 cross kar chuke hai, aage jaenge. But yeh sab aapke wajah se hua hai, aapko film pasand aayi, Tara Singh pasand aya, Sakeena pasand ayi, pura parivar pasand aya. So, thank you, thank you, thank you."

Gadar 2 is a story about Tara Singh, Sakeena and their son who gets captured in Pakistan and Tara defies all odds to rescue him. ALSO READ: Sunny Deol denies signing Border sequel: “I am only concentrating on Gadar 2”

Renowned Indian actress Seema Deo, celebrated for her memorable performances in classic Hindi films like Anand and Koshish, breathed her last today at 81. Her son, filmmaker Abhinay Deo, confirmed the news of her passing, who revealed that she had been battling Alzheimer's disease.

Abhinay Deo shared with indianexpress.com, "Mom passed away earlier today. She was fine, she was suffering from Alzheimer’s, but otherwise, she was fine." In 2020, Abhinay publicly shared his mother's medical condition, calling for prayers and support from well-wishers.

Seema Deo, who appeared in over 80 films during her illustrious career, was not only a prominent figure in Hindi cinema but also a celebrated name in Marathi cinema. Her contributions to Marathi cinema included roles in films like Jagachya Pathivar and Vardakshina. She continued to enchant audiences with her talent, with her last appearance in the 2021 Marathi film Jivan Sandhya.

Reflecting on her career, Seema Deo had credited her guru, Raja Paranjape, for her success. In a past event in Pune, she remarked, "Whatever I could achieve in my career, it’s all because of my guru Raja Paranjape. He not only taught me to act but also trained me so rigorously that it became very natural."

Seema Deo was married to the legendary actor Ramesh Deo, who passed away last year on February 2. Ramesh Deo also played a prominent part in Anand.

Imran Khan, the charismatic actor who recently stirred a social media storm with his hints about a Bollywood comeback, once again captivated his Instafam on Wednesday. The artist delved into the treasure trove of memories as he shared a series of enchanting behind-the-scenes photographs from his 2010 film Break Ke Baad. What added a special touch to the nostalgia trip was the presence of his co-star, the stunning Deepika Padukone, in the images.

Sharing the BTS pictures, Imran wrote in caption, “In the summer of 2010, I went to Mauritius to shoot Break ke Baad. We swam every day, ate a lot of seafood, sampled Mauritian rum (potent), and made some friends for life. It was a blast. Apparently, in between all the revelries, we managed to make a film as well. This one always had a special place in my heart, because of how much I enjoyed making it. I can't show you many of the behind the scenes photographs, as it may compromise the modesty of certain individuals... but here's a glimpse.”

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Reacting to the post, Deepika Padukone commented, “Soo True!” Actor Akshay Oberoi wrote, “Best soundtrack ever @dontpanic79.” YouTuber Ashish Chanchlani wrote in comments, “Another underrated film.” Several fans also showered their love. A user wrote, “We need those times back???? Adhoorey is still on top of my playlist and also Dhoop ke Makaan. We miss you in the cinemas Imran Khan hope you’ll be back and with exactly these kind of hopeless romcoms which give our souls unadulterated happiness uff uff watching the movie again today,” while another comment read, “I watched this in the theatre as a triple feature with an X-Men movie and another animated one. The fact that this one stayed with me and I can't even remember the other one's names.... says a lot.”

Break Ke Baad, a romantic drama directed by Danish Aslam, struck a chord with audiences for its relatable storyline and the palpable chemistry between Imran Khan's character Abhay and Deepika Padukone's character Aaliya. The film's legacy has endured over the years, making it a standout in both actors' filmographies.

Also Read: Imran Khan reacts sportingly to refund request for Luck and Kidnap; says, “They never cleared my final payment”

Prime Video today announced the exclusive streaming premiere of the blockbuster, Satyaprem Ki Katha, starring Kartik Aaryan and Kiara Advani in the lead. Appreciated for an unusual plotline, an exciting ensemble cast, a thought-provoking narrative, the romantic drama is touted as a breeze of fresh air of entertainment and went on to become a box-office hit. Now, the film, which was earlier available for rental on the platform, has now released on the streaming platform where members can watch it for free.

Speaking of the film, it follows Satyaprem (Kartik Aaryan) in his quest for love, eventually falling in love with Katha (Kiara Advani). Their journey from laughter, friendship, and finally marriage hits a rocky terrain when Satyaprem confronts a major ‘truth’, which tests their bond. Promising the perfect dose of romance, drama and comedy, the film has also led to much eagerness and anticipation for its global streaming premiere.

Manish Menghani, director of Content Licensing at Prime Video, India, said, "Prime Video is determined to bring exciting, engaging and compelling content across genres and languages to its valued customers across the globe. As part of our exclusive partnership with Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, we are thrilled to take Satyaprem Ki Katha to households not just in India but across the world. Embodying our promise of unparalleled entertainment, the film offers a captivating narrative that's enhanced by strong performances. We are certain, families will more than enjoy this endearing tale from the comforts of their homes."

Producer Sajid Nadiadwala said, "Satyaprem Ki Katha is indeed a special film with a thought-provoking message. I am truly humbled with the film's overwhelming success across theaters, and it is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire team. We are now delighted to take this film with a beautiful message to audiences across the globe, thanks to the reach of Prime Video."

"With Satyaprem Ki Katha, we knew that we wanted to bring out an imperative subject, blended with a dose of entertainment," said director Sameer Vidwans. "I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Kartik and Kiara who embraced Sattu and Katha as their own and for the powerhouses Sajid Sir, Shareen and Kishor Sir for entrusting our poignant story. I am glad that the audience gave a thumbs-up to the film and am equally excited for the film's streaming premiere in India and 240 countries worldwide."

"Satyaprem is one of my most loved characters till date and is very close to my heart. The journey of bringing Sattu to life on screen has been an incredible and enriching experience. It was a one-of-a-kind role - who is simple, honest, and madly in love," said the actor, Kartik Aaryan. "I thoroughly enjoyed playing this emotionally charged character and I am eternally thankful to the incredible team behind the film. It is also so humbling that audiences in theatres have connected with the film and loved Sattu so much that they created a hashtag #BeLikeSattu. I now look forward to audiences from different corners of the world to watch the film," he added.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Kiara Advani on her consecutive hits including Satyaprem Ki Katha: “Everyone sets out to make a good film; nobody really sets out to make a bad film”

Aaliyah Kashyap and Shane Gregoire, who have never shied away from showing their love for each other are setting yet another series of couple goals. The duo, who got engaged in the month of May, recently hosted a traditional and fun engagement bash for their friends, family, and loved ones. And now, on the occasion of Shane’s birthday, Ms. Kashyap decided to make it special by sharing an adorable post, which she dedicated to her soon-to-be-husband.

Aaliyah Kashyap took to Instagram to share a series of some special moments she spent with Shane Gregoire, which not only included some fun times at home but also some beautiful moments with their pets, Cosmo and Kai. She also dedicated a sweet post expressing gratitude towards him for being the perfect pet parent as she said, “happy 24th birthday to my fiancé, my best friend & the best dad to our babies @cosmoandkai ?? i love you so much forever & always <3” Shane too responded to his ladylove’s perfect message saying, “Aw thank you my girl <3 <3 I love you so much <3 <3”. Many of the couple’s friends including Vedang Raina, who is making his Bollywood debut with The Archies, too dropped a birthday wish for Gregoire.

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Speaking about Aaliyah Kashyap, the star kid is a popular YouTube influencer, and her father and filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has never spoken about his daughter wanting to enter the film industry. However, she enjoys a massive fan following on social media. The couple had a dreamy proposal in Bali and later, they hosted a star-studded bash which was attended by many in the industry. The two of them are expected to tie the knot somewhere in 2025.

Also Read: Aaliya Kashyap shares heartwarming engagement pictures with fiancé Shane Gregoire; see post

Despite only entering the profession a short time ago, Ananya Panday has already made a significant impact on Bollywood, fashion, and beauty. Her seamless sense of style and flawless fashionable choices have elevated the actor to new heights. Our admiration for her style and wardrobe choices extends beyond only our admiration for her performances. The starlet understands just how to keep her fans on their toes by donning everything from red-carpet gowns to street style clothes. Daily fashion bombs have been dropped by Ananya Panday. The upcoming movie Dream Girl 2 stars Ananya Panday and Ayushmann Khurrana, who have been working hard to promote the movie. However, this time, she thought of delivering another stunning look in white dress.

Ananya Panday's pantheon of preferred clothing items includes white basics.  You'll be persuaded to update your look in no time by Ananya Panday's newest addition to her wardrobe. A lovely midi dress from the clothing line House of CB is the newest white piece to go on board. The dress has a charming sweetheart neckline and has an underwired bust with gathering, and the pin tuck bodice incorporates internal boning to help define the waist. We adore the lovely lace-up back, and the lace-edged lining completes the feminine look. Ananya accessorised her look with a pair of clunky black boots. The actress gave her makeup a bronze finish. She highlighted her eyelashes with thick mascara after applying kohl to her eyelids. She also gave her lips a touch of nude glossy colour. The actress highlighted her cheeks with highlighter to finish it off. She left her hair loosely curled.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Ananya is all set to be seen in Dream Girl 2 alongside Ayushmann Khurrana. She also has Kho Gaye Hum Kahan with Siddhant and Adarsh Gourav. Recently, the promo of her upcoming series, Calling Bae was unveiled and her fans were waiting to see her in a different avatar. Ananya is also a part of Vikramaditya Motwane's untitled next.

SUMMARY OF LOOK DETAILS:

ACTRESS: Ananya Panday

OUTFIT: House of CB

STYLIST: Meagan Concessio

HAIR: Ayesha Devitre

MAKE-UP: Stacy Gomez

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Also Read: Ananya Panday’s blue velvet gown worth Rs.93,221 for Dream Girl 2 promotions is made for glam evenings

The wedding season in India is a vibrant tapestry of traditions, colors, and, of course, stunning bridal attire. When it comes to finding inspiration for the most important day of their lives, Indian brides often look beyond their borders to the Pakistani entertainment industry. Pakistani actresses, known for their timeless elegance and graceful style, have become a wellspring of ideas and inspiration for brides across the border. So, are you ready with your best jhumkas and thumkas? If not here are a few Pakistani celebrities in their best ethnic looks to be your fashion inspiration and up your ethnic game like an ace.

Glam it up with sequins

Shah Ruk Khan’s stunning co-star Mahira Khan from Raees never goes wrong when choosing her ethnic looks, as she serves her fans with this sizzling hot look in a sequin saree paired with minimal statement jewellery.

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Chiffon for the win!

Saba Qamar, known for her sartorial choices when it comes to ethnic wear. Once again proves to all the desi girls out there that a perfect chiffon saree with a natural face is something no one can beat.

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Serving like the Queen

Hania Aamir for a wedding picked an ivory raw silk shirt with churidar sleeves and an angrakha-style neckline that is totally adorned with intricate silver dabka, cutdana, nakshi, and sitara work. It has an organza dupatta with chatta of silver sitara all over it and an ivory Indian raw silk churidar. Hania chose a pair of lovely butterfly earrings to enhance her appearance. Her middle-parted hair looked great tied back in a tidy knot for a sleek hairstyle. Her ethnic aspect is made more beautiful by the gajra on her wrist. She had glossy lips and kohl-rimmed eyes for her makeup.

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Keep it classic in white

The Sanam Teri Kasam beaut Mawra Hocane who relishes immense popularity in India sets her fashion goals minimal yet elegant with her understated traditional ensembles and natural makeup an ethnic that shall never disappoint.

Pretty in pink

Pakistani actor and model winning multiple hearts by making it to the headlines for her beautiful fashion choices. Recently Maya Ali was seen radiating elegance in a pink anarkali making it the must-wear for this wedding season. Did you too fall in love with her style? Watch her on ‘Ranjish Hi Sahi’ airing from the 23rd August from 7 PM only on Zindagi DTH service (Tata Play, Dish TV, D2H, Airtel) to be even more mesmerized.

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Also Read: Mahira Khan to tie the knot with longtime businessman beau Salim Karim in September?

Bollywood actor Ameesha Patel is back on the big screen with the latest Gadar 2. The film stars Sunny Deol and Utkarsh Sharma. It has collected Rs. 388.60 crores at the Indian box office. In a chat with Bollywood Hungama, the actress spoke at length about her career, Gadar: Ek Prem Katha and more. During the conversation, she recalled how after the release of Gadar, Sanjay Leela Bhansali asked her to retire right.

“Mr. Sanjay Leela Bhansali, after watching Gadar, wrote a really beautiful letter, a complimentary letter to me. And when I had a meeting with him, he said, ‘Ameesha, you should retire now.’ I said, ‘Why?’ He said, ‘Because you’ve already achieved in two films what most people don't achieve in their entire career. Once in a lifetime, a Mughal-e-Azam, a Mother India, a Pakeezah, a Sholay gets made. You had it in your second film. So what's next?' I didn't understand it at that time because I was a kid, so new to the film world," Ameesha Patel told Bollywood Hungama.

In the same conversation, she added, “Gadar set the bar so high that anything in my films that were superhits after that, whether it was Humraaz (2002), Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007) or Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd. (2007), it was a straight comparison to Gadar.”

Gadar 2 is currently running in theatres. The film, helmed by Anil Sharma, is closing at Rs. 400 crore at the box office.

ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE: Ameesha Patel reveals that her friends and family had written off Gadar 2

Back in October 2022, Vidyut Jammwal and Aditya Datt announced their next project Crakk - Jeetegaa Toh Jiyegaa which is scheduled to release in 2023. It was presented by Reliance Entertainment and produced by Action Hero Films & PZ Pictures, and will be jointly produced by Vidyut Jammwal, Parag Sanghvi, and Action Hero Films and is written as well as directed by Aditya Datt. The film also stars Arjun Rampal with Jacqueline Fernandez in the lead role. However, it seems like Fernandez has now been replaced in the movie by Nora Fatehi.

In recent times, T-Series took over the production of the project. Jacqueline Fernandez has been in the headlines since her alleged involvement with Sukesh Chandrashekar. The actress had reportedly kicked off shooting in October itself. Now, as per a report in Hindustan Times, Nora is on board as the female lead. Interestingly, she is also mired in the same controversy and they are currently at loggerheads over a defamation case.

Crakk - Jeetegaa Toh Jiyegaa is going to be India’s first-ever extreme sports action film and revolves around the journey of a man from the slums of Mumbai to the world of extreme underground sports. It will have Vidyut Jammwal performing a variety of extreme sports stunts and action sequences all on his own.

Crakk is co-produced by Adi Sharmaa and Aditya Chowksey, written by Aditya Datt, Sarim Momim, Rehan Khan with the additional screenplay - dialogue by Mohendar Pratap Singh. Crakk - Jeetegaa Toh Jiyegaa has commenced shooting in Poland and is scheduled to release in 2023. ALSO READ: Nora Fatehi is all set to make her Telugu debut with Matka along with Varun Tej; poses with director Karuna Kumar

Made in Heaven season 2 released on streaming service, Prime Video recently, and a few days later, it got a huge shout-out from the dairy brand Amul, in its typical utterly, buttery fashion. The 8-episode web series has now become the talk of the town, for the stellar performances by the cast consisting of Sobhita Dhulipala, Arjun Mathur, Jim Sarbh, Kalki Koechlin, Shashank Arora and Shivani Raghuvanshi and it's tight, engaging plot.

Amul took to their Instagram to share their new topical giving a shoutout to the web series. The poster read “Made in Oven”, Amul “Weds with Bread”. In the caption, they wrote, "#Amul Topical: Web series addresses many social issues!"

To this, creator Zoya Akhtar reacted to this by reposting the creative and captioning the post with a “smile emoji.”

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The second season of Made in Heaven dives further into the lives of its protagonists as they deal with the difficulties of planning and celebrating marriages while their own lives take unexpected turns. While including a number of cameos, the series stars Sobhita Dhulipala and Arjun Mathur in lead roles along with some new additions of Mona Singh, Ishwak Singh and Trinetra Haldar.

The seven-episode series, set against the backdrop of opulent Indian weddings, is directed by Alankrita Shrivastava, Neeraj Ghaywan, Nitya Mehra, Reema Kagti and Zoya Akhtar, and is currently streaming on Prime Video. ALSO READ: Made In Heaven 2 creators Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti defend the preachy tone: “It’s not about checklisting evils in our society”

The action entertainer Major Saab recently completed 25 years. Starring Amitabh Bachchan, Ajay Devgn and Sonali Bendre, it was released on June 26, 1998, and was one of the few hits of Big B before he changed gears with Mohabbatein (2000). The film is remembered not just for its performances and plot but also for the chartbuster song ‘Sona Sona’. As Major Saab celebrates its 25th anniversary, we bring to you two fascinating trivia from this Tinnu Anand directorial.

According to Komal Nahta's Film Information Magazine's June 27, 1998 issue, ‘Sona Sona’, sung by Sudesh Bhosle, Sonu Nigam and Jaspinder Narula, was originally meant for Amitabh Bachchan’s 1999 release Lal Baadshah. Music director Aadesh Shrivastava composed the dance number for K C Bokadia’s film. However, the producer-director realized that there was no situation for ‘Sona Sona’ in Lal Baadshah. By then, Amitabh Bachchan had heard it and loved it a lot. This is when K C Bokadia decided to part with the rights to the songs. ‘Sona Sona’, thus, became a part of Major Saab, which was produced by Big B’s AB Corp Ltd (ABCL).

That’s not all. Producer Vashu Bhagnani also had a heartfelt contribution to Major Saab. As per Film Information Magazine's June 13, 1998 issue, the publicity materials of Major Saab were not ready as late as three weeks before the scheduled date of release. This was a matter of concern at a time when social media was non-existent. Hence, makers had to rely on hoardings to get the public aware as well as excited about their product. The situation was so grave that ABCL even contemplated postponing Major Saab’s release.

This is when Vashu Bhagnani, producer of Bade Miyan Chote Miyan (1999), also starring Amitabh Bachchan, came to the rescue. He took charge of getting the posters prepared in the shortest time possible. At the same time, he also ensured that the quality of the publicity materials was not compromised.

Finally, on June 11, two appealing back-lit hoardings, designed by Himanshu and Rahul Nanda, were put up at two strategic locations in Mumbai – at the junction of Linking Road and S V Road, Bandra and outside Mela restaurant, Worli. The hoardings caught a lot of attention and hence, got thumbs up from the public. And the same goes for the large-hearted producer, Vashu Bhagnani.

Bade Miyan Chote Miyan was released nearly four months after Major Saab’s release, on October 16, 1998. Also starring Govinda, this David Dhawan-directorial was a hit at the box office, just like Major Saab.

Gadar 2 starring Sunny Deol is smashing records on the big screen. Released on August 11, the film has garnered Rs. 375.10 crore at the Indian box office till now. The film continues to be a rage on single screens. Celebrating the movie and the success of it, director Anil Sharma received warm wishes from Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas.

Anil Sharma took to his Instagram handle to share that Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas sent him a note and flowers on the success of the movie. For unversed, Priyanka made her Bollywood debut in Anil Sharma’s 2003 film Hero: Love Story Of A Spy starring opposite Sunny Deol. The director captioned the post, “Thx @priyankachopra and @nickjonas for your warm wishes…it really touched my heart #Gadar2."

In the note, the couple wrote, “Dear Anil Sir, Congratulations on the super success of Gadar 2! Lots of wishes for the future endeavors! Much love, Priyanka and Nick.”

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Gadar 2 also stars Ameesha Patel and Utkarsh Sharma. Directed by Anil Sharma, it is produced by Zee Studios and Anil Sharma Productions. ALSO READ: Gadar 2 makes history as first Indian film to release in Monterrey, Mexico