Bigg Boss 17 stars Ankita Lokhande, Vicky Jain, winner Munawar Faruqui, Mannara Chopra, Abhishek Kumar, Isha Malviya, among others were a part of the Bigg Boss 17 success bash. Fans were curious to know about the changed dynamics between contestants after they left the house. While they were shocked to see Samarth Jurel and Isha making separate appearances, the bond between the other contestants inside the house seems to have improved as they were all seen partying and dancing together.

To celebrate the grand success of Munawar Faruqui, who won a reality show for the second time, his co-contestants even planned a cake cutting ceremony. The bash was attended by all the other celebrities too who were a part of the show, including the wild card contestants like actress Manasvi Mamgai, K Pop musician Aoora, along with the other participants like Rinku Dhawan, Jigna Vora, Neil Bhatt and Aishwarya Sharma, as well as celebrities like Pooja Bhatt and Arbaaz Khan.

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Bigg boss 17 khabri ???? (@bigboss17__khabrii)

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Bigg boss 17 khabri ???? (@bigboss17__khabrii)

For the unversed, Bigg Boss 17 was hosted by Salman Khan and the show gained a lot of momentum for the massive showdowns that happened between married couple Vicky Jain and Ankita Lokhande, so much so that their families too intervened multiple times to sort out their differences. On the other hand, the love triangle of Isha Malviya, Samarth Jurel, and Abhishek Kumar as well as the infidelity allegations against Munawar Faruqui after the entry of the latter's former ladylove Ayesha Khan as a wild card entry, too gained a lot of momentum on the show.

Also Read: Ankita Lokhande sends ‘virtual jhappi’ to fans as gratitude; describes her Pavitra Rishta to Bigg Boss 17 journey in her note

Last month, Bollywood Hungama reported that veteran actor Ajay Devgn will have a record 5 releases this year. Akshay Kumar, too, always has a couple of upcoming films in his kitty. But this type of behaviour is rarely seen in the younger lot of actors. Varun Dhawan, however, has proved to be an exception. If reports are to be believed, he has 5 films in his pipeline and one grand web series, which makes him stand out from the rest of his contemporaries.

Varun Dhawan had just one release in 2023 – Bawaal, co-starring Janhvi Kapoor. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, it premiered directly on Amazon Prime on July 21. This year, he’ll be seen in Baby John, produced by Jawan (2023) director Atlee. The teaser was out and caught attention. It also stars Keerthy Suresh, Wamiqa Gabbi and Jackie Shroff and is all set to release on May 31.

As per reports, around the time of Baby John’s release, Varun Dhawan’s film with Badrinath Ki Dulhania (2014) and Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania (2017) director Shashank Khaitan will also go on floors. It was recently also said that Janhvi Kapoor will reunite with Varun for this grand vibrant entertainer, produced by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “In the second half of 2024, Varun Dhawan will also shoot for his father David Dhawan’s next comic caper. Varun will then move to a different comedy set-up with No Entry’s second part.” The sequel to 2005’s biggest hit will once again be produced by Boney Kapoor and directed by Anees Bazmee. It is also being said that Zee Studios, too, has come on board and besides Varun, it also features Arjun Kapoor and Diljit Dosanjh.

Finally, Varun will then move to Bhediya 2. In April 2023, the sequel to the horror comedy was announced in a grand fashion at an event held by Jio Studios to announce its future slate. The first part, which was released in 2022, also starred Kriti Sanon and was the story of a man who turns into a wolf after being bitten by a wild creature. It was directed by Amar Kaushik and was also backed by Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films.

With all these films going on floors from May/June onwards, it is unlikely that they’ll get a release in 2024. However, besides Baby John, Varun Dhawan will have one more grand release this year – Citadel: India. The Amazon Prime Video web series is directed by Raj-DK and also stars Samantha Ruth Prabhu. It is a spin-off of the 2023 American series Citadel, featuring Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Richard Madden.

Also Read: Varun Dhawan unveils first poster of Baby John following title reveal, see photo

Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff along with the leading ladies of Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, Manushi Chillar and Alaya F, recently wrapped the extensive Jordan schedule of the film. The makers ensured that the four-song sequences were shot in the best way possible. For the same, choreographer Bosco Martis had done rigorous training with the cast; costume fittings were done in Mumbai.

Speaking to Midday about the hectic schedule in Jordan, producer Jackky Bhagnani said that the Royal Film Commission of Jordan provided much support for the seamless shoot. He revealed, “The Bade Miyan Chote Miyan title track was filmed in Jerash, an ancient city with a beautifully preserved Roman theatre. One romantic song was shot in the modern city of Amman. We also set a [party] song at a stunning man-made white sand beach.”

He added, “All aspects, from costumes to fittings to props, were organised in advance, within a span of 15 to 20 days. To ensure precision, Bosco even conducted a reference shoot in a Mumbai studio, to make sure he knew exactly what he wanted for the final product.”

Sonakshi Sinha was also in Jordan and will reportedly make an appearance in one of the songs. A source told the publication, “A top Bollywood leading lady features as a surprise element in the pool party number. It sees the four lead actors in swimwear, shaking a leg to the catchy beats. ‘Wallah Habibi’, a romantic track, was the last to be filmed in the deserts of Wadi Rum and sees the cast and over 100 background dancers in Arabic costumes and accessories.”

Vashu Bhagnani and Pooja Entertainment present Bade Miyan Chote Miyan in association with AAZ films. The film is written and directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, and produced by Vashu Bhagnani, Deepshikha Deshmukh, Jackky Bhagnani, Himanshu Kishan Mehra, and Ali Abbas Zafar. The film is all set to release on Eid 2024 in April. ALSO READ: Its a wrap! Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff conclude shoot for Bade Miyan Chote Miyan in Jordan

Actor Vikrant Massey and filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra are basking in the success of 12th Fail which was released in October 2023. Directed by Chopra, it collected Rs. 54.18 crore at the box office. While it continues receiving critical and audience acclaim after its streaming release, Boman Irani recently penned a thoughtful note praising both of them for their work.

On Thursday, February 8, the 3 Idiots actor wrote an elaborate note to Vikrant Massey, which recently earned him a Best Actor award at the Filmfare Awards 2024. The caption read, "You heard it before Vikrant Massey I know. Once more won't hurt.”

An excerpt reads, “You got it right Massey.. The truth is, the real preparation happens inside the soul of the character... You can't rehearse for that, can you ?  You can only live it through a belief that goes way beyond your stupendous external preparation for the role. You don't have to do for the camera. You have to be in front of the camera..."

He added, “You can't rehearse for that, can you? You can only live it through a belief that goes way beyond your stupendous external preparation for the role. You don't have to DO for the camera, you have to BE in front of the camera. That is exactly what happened. More strength to you, Massey; you have inspired a whole bunch of young actors, me included.”

Boman Irani went on to praise 12th Fail director Vidhu Vinod Chopra, stating, "I would be remiss if I didn't mention the amazing, wise, and astute direction that may have mentored you through your journey..."

He concluded, “VVC, to whom I owe my career, has made a film that seemed like something a young, fiery filmmaker created. Not taking anything away from your work, Massey, but with VVC in top youthful form in your corner, you could not have asked for more. You got it right, Massey. The movie was about honesty, and that's exactly what every angle of your face and eyes displayed.”

To this, Vikrant replied, “I’m extremely touched by your words Sir. Thank you for showering me and our film with such wonderfully warm words. We don’t just read them, but feel them deep within. Thank you for your generosity.”

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Boman Irani (@boman_irani)

12th Fail, based on a true story, draws from the struggles of the millions of students who attempt the UPSC entrance exam. But at the same time, it goes beyond that one exam and encourages people not to lose heart in the face of failure and to restart. ALSO READ: Vishal Bhardwaj hails 12th Fail as a Silver lining for independent cinema: It is pure filmmaking by Vidhu Vinod Chopra

At the prestigious World Government Summit 2024 in Dubai, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan is poised to engage in a conversation titled ‘The Making Of A Star: A Conversation With Shah Rukh Khan.’ In this exclusive 15-minute session, Khan will delve into the journey of his rise to stardom, offering profound insights. It will be Khan’s first time at the summit. Over the last few years, SRK has restricted his interactions with media and has only made a very few appearances, directly interacting with his audience.

Along with Shah Rukh Khan, several prominent names will be in attendance at the summit including Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, Qatari Emir His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Hamad Al Tahni, and Turkey's PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan. It will be a selected invite event which is taking place in Dubai on February 14.

In January 2024, Shah Rukh Khan was honoured as the Indian of the Year 2023, acknowledging his stellar contributions to cinema with blockbusters like Pathaan and Jawan, along with the success of Dunki. In a poignant 10-minute speech in New Delhi, Khan shared insights into his journey over the last few years, reflecting on both triumphs and challenges. In his closing words, he graciously recognized his devoted fans and followers, expressing gratitude for their unwavering support that transformed his recent films into unprecedented box office hits.

On the work front, Shah Rukh Khan is yet to announce his next project but speculations are that he is working with Sujoy Ghosh for Red Chillies Entertainment’s next King, starring alongside Suhana Khan. ALSO READ: Sushmita Sen reveals she wasn’t aware Shah Rukh Khan was a part of Main Hoon Na when she signed the film: “Nobody had been told anything”

Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya is all set to release tomorrow, Friday, February 9. Starring Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon, the trailers, the songs and the extensive promotions have caught attention. Content-wise, it promises to be a love story with a difference and now it has come to light that the film also has a surprise for the audience.

It turns out that popular actor Janhvi Kapoor has a special appearance in Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya. She appears at a crucial juncture in the film and adds a nice touch to the narrative. It’s interesting to note that Janhvi’s presence was well-hidden by the makers and no one ever got the slightest hint of it.

Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya is the second time that Janhvi Kapoor has appeared in a film produced by Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films. Earlier, she was seen in a full-fledged role in the horror comedy Roohi (2021), co-starring Rajkummar Rao and Varun Sharma. This is also her second consecutive cameo. She was last seen in a special appearance in Karan Johar’s directorial venture, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023), featuring Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt in the lead roles. She’ll be next seen in Mr & Mrs Mahi, co-starring Rajkummar Rao, Jr NTR-Saif Ali Khan starrer Devara and a political drama, Ulajh.

Besides Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon, Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya also stars Dimple Kapadia, Dharmendra, Rakesh Bedi and Rajesh Kumar. It is directed by debutant director duo Amit Joshi and Aradhana Sah. It is produced by Maddock Films, Jyoti Deshpande of Jio Studios and Laxman Utekar of Zara Hatke Zara Bachke (2023) fame. It tells the story of a young, dashing man who falls in love with a charming, witty lady only to later learn that the latter is a humanoid android robot.

Also Read: Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya continues Maddock Films’ endeavour of serving family entertainer with a high dose of humour

Sushmita Sen's illustrious career spans nearly three decades, marked by memorable performances. Among them, her portrayal of Miss Chandni in Main Hoon Na opposite Shah Rukh Khan stands out as a fan favourite. However, Sen recently disclosed that she was initially unaware of her casting alongside SRK.

Speaking to Pinkvilla, Sushmita Sen revealed that she wasn’t aware Shah Rukh Khan was a part of Main Hoon Na until she signed the movie. Recalling the shoot of the song ‘Dilbar Dilbar’ for Sirf Tum, choreographed by Farah, she asked, “The day I make a film, will you be my heroine? I said yes, whenever you make it. I’ll be there.” Several years later, when Farah reached out to Sushmita, the actress simply responded, “Tell me where to sign.”

“I never asked her who the hero is, I never asked anything about the movie. She kept her word, I kept mine and I went there,” she said, clueless about who the rest of the cast was. “I walk in very matter of fact and I walk in and go ‘Oh (with a loud gasp)’. I said ‘Farah, why is Shah Rukh Khan here? She said he is also wondering why you are here because nobody had been told anything. It was a surprise. I said when you took a promise from me, you should have told me that Shah Rukh would be in the movie. That’s an amazing thing that happened. She made this film with so much love.”

 Main Hoon Na also stars Zayed Khan, Kirron Kher, Boman Irani, Bindu, and Suniel Shetty, among others.

On the work front, Sushmita Sen was most recently seen in season 3 of the crime drama Aarya. ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE: Ila Arun on reuniting with Sushmita Sen after 17 years: Shes actually a woman very close to my heart

Siddharth Anand's Fighter, starring Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone and Anil Kapoor, is currently running in theatres. The film, released on January 25, has witnessed its songs trending nationwide. While the film is enjoying an amazing run in the theatres, the makers treated the audience with a romantic song 'Bekaar Dil' that was unveiled after the film's release. Now, the makers are releasing the film with the 'Bekaar Dil' song attached.

The makers of Fighter are all set to release the film with the 'Bekaar Dil' song attached. The song has been released and received tremendous love from the audience. Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone's sizzling chemistry truly impressed the masses. Now, the audience can enjoy this romantic track on the big screen with the release of the film with the song attached to it.

Bollywood Hungama previously revealed that the makers had re-approached the CBFC after they decided to delete the song, previously titled 'Ishq Thoda Thoda Dono Jagah'. The track's duration is 2 minutes and 38 seconds. The CBFC approved the deletion on January 22. Earlier, Fighter was 166.35 minutes or 2 hours 46 minutes and 35 seconds long. After the deletion of the song, the runtime of Fighter was 163.55 minutes, that is, 2 hours 43 minutes and 55 seconds.

Directed by Siddharth Anand and presented by Viacom18 Studios in association with Marflix Pictures, Fighter also stars Karan Singh Grover, Akshay Oberoi, Sanjeeda Sheikh and Mahesh Shetty. ALSO READ: Hrithik Roshan appreciates Siddharth Anand after dropping behind-the-scenes of Squadron Leader role in Fighter: “Thank you for giving this dream wings”

Hrithik Roshan is currently seen as Squadron Leader Shamsher Pathania aka Party in Fighter. In the aerial actioner directed by Siddharth Anand, the actor stars alongside Deepika Padukone and Anil Kapoor. In his recent post, he appreciated his character and the director. Fighter was released on January 25, 2024, in theatres.

Sharing a short video from Fighter of getting himself into the character of Party, Hrithik Roshan wrote, “The dichotomy of Squadron Leader Shamsher Pathania took me some time to wrap my head around. Call him Patty or Shammi, there was a constant tug of war within him. Shammi is deeply vulnerable, Patty is head strong and laser focused. Shammi is bogged down by guilt, Patty is chasing redemption. Shammi is obedient, Patty is a rule breaker, risk taker. Shammi is seeking his safe haven, Patty finds comfort in the confines of his Sukhoi Su-30 MKI. Shammi is the son, friend and lover, Patty is the #Fighter.”

He continued in the caption, “Thank you @s1danand for giving this dream wings (literally), pushing us to dizzying heights and patiently attuning us to your vision. Thank you to an exceptionally talented cast @deepikapadukone @anilskapoor @iamksgofficial @akshay0beroi @iamsanjeeda , you all inspired me to give my best each and every day.”

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Hrithik Roshan (@hrithikroshan)

On the work front, Hrithik Roshan will kick off the shoot for War 2, this month. He joins Jr. NTR in this Ayan Mukerji directorial. ALSO READ: From Shah Rukh Khan to Hrithik Roshan: 5 memorable onscreen Air Force officers of this millennium 5 

The chef is back and is ready to cook up a storm. Filmmaker Anushree Mehta, who made her debut with the Radhika Apte starrer Mrs Undercover last year, has now come on board to direct the Hindi remake of the loved 1972 classic Bawarchi, which was originally helmed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee.

The family comedy drama featured an ensemble led by actors Rajesh Khanna, Jaya Bachchan and Asrani, among others. Bawarchi was a remake of Rabi Ghosh starrer 1966 Bengali film Galpo Holeo Satti by Tapan Sinha.

The adaptation of the Hrishikesh Mukherjee feature will be the first movie out of the three-film collaboration between Jaadugar Films and Sameer Raj Sippy Productions. They will also remake timeless classics like Amitabh Bachchan-Jaya Bachchan starrer Mili (1975) and Gulzar's iconic 1972 drama Koshish.

Anushree Mehta described directing the Bawarchi adaptation as a "kaleidoscopic combination" of being excited, honoured, humbled coupled with the awareness of shouldering a "massive responsibility."

She said, "When my business partner Abir Sengupta (Jaadugar Films), Sameer Raj Sippy and I decided to join hands to produce these three iconic films, we were clear that we would leave no stone unturned in remaking them with utmost love and respect. During our discussion on Bawarchi, Abir and Sameer were of the opinion that I should be writing and directing the remake.”

She added, "They were convinced that I would be able to tell the story in a manner which would make them proud. We were in sync with our vision and I whole heartedly agreed to come board as the writer-director."

Remaking a loved classic such as Bawarchi naturally comes with a huge responsibility, but Anushree said that the adaptation would echo her "confidence, honesty and sensitivity."

"The idea of retelling a film is to adapt it according to the current times and make it more relatable to the world we live in today—while keeping the soul and purpose of the original intact. Since Bawarchi itself was a remake of a Bengali film, Hrishida in his time recreated it and made it relatable to that era. My attempt is going to be with a similar intention, to retell the classic story of Bawarchi in a way that the family audiences of all age groups can watch and enjoy the movie together. I'm aiming to create a wholesome, unforgettable family experience," she added.

Anushree Mehta has finished writing the Bawarchi adaptation and hopes to get the film on floors in 2024. Casting of the film is underway, with makers looking to lock an A list star.

Also Read: Team of Sunny Singh starrer Risky Romeo wraps shoot after one and a half months in Kolkata

Filmmaker Karan Johar has launched a lot of new artists and given break to rising stars. Not just actors, the filmmaker has given opportunities to potentials stars even in other fields. And seems like he is set to team up with the Qawwali singer and star Sagar Bhatia, and the prospect of it has send a wave of excitement amongst the audience.

Some time back, Sagar shared a picture on his social media in which he was posing with Karan. The budding singer and filmmaker met and it made the audience wonder if a possible collaboration is on the cards. Sharing the picture of him and Karan, Sagar wrote about the filmmaker, “मैंने इश्क़ के बारे में सुना बहुत है पर मिला आज पहली बार हूँ । (I had heard about love but I met it today for the first time). What a day, I am grateful for this and you will continue to inspire me.”

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Sagar Bhatia (@sagarthesoul)

Now, a source has revealed that the two are all set to collaborate on future projects. “Sagar is very excited to collaborate with someone as prominent as Karan Johar for his upcoming projects. It was always his wish to work with his banner and he is happy to have finally gotten a chance,” said the source.

Sagar’s music is famously known by the term ‘Sagar Wali Qawwali’, and the actor has redefined qawwali for the modern generation. He is known for recreating popular melodies like ‘Kiven Mukhre Ton’, ‘Tere Jeya Hor Disda’, ‘Je Tu Akhiyaan’ and more. He recently released his original single ‘Mera Ishq’ and it has garnered appreciation from the audience. Him teaming up with Karan is expected to create popular numbers and the official announcement for the same is looked forward.

Karan Johar’s last directorial was Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani last year. It had an ensemble cast of Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, Dharmendra, Jaya Bachchan and Shabana Azmi.

Also Read: Karan Johar and Prime Video announce six-part series Love Storiyaan: “The series looks at love in all its forms”

The makers of Jio Studios and Aamir Khan Productions' Laapataa Ladies are all set to treat the audience with a refreshing story on March 1, 2024. Kiran Rao's directorial received a standing ovation at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2023. As the promotions for the movie are in full swing, the director recently revealed that her ex-husband Aamir Khan has auditioned for the role, which is now being played by Ravi Kishan.

In a conversation with ANI, Kiran Rao said that Aamir Khan liked the story and wanted to be a part of the film. She said, "Aamir loved the character and auditioned for it as well. But I felt that since he is a star, there would be more expectations from the character if he were to essay that role. Aamir was bringing a star baggage to the character. So, we wanted someone so fit for the role that you cannot make out what he does next. Ravi Kishan is amazing  I felt that there could not be a better Manohar than him.”

“In a way, Aamir helped a lot because he supported the idea of having fresh actors so that the viewers are pleasantly surprised and find some new things in the character and what Ravi Kishan brings to it. When you see stars, you understand that this is a hero and that is a villain. However, we had to keep the suspense till the end,” she said.

Laapataa Ladies stars Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Shrivastava and Chhaya Kadam. The film revolves around the comedic chaos as two newlywed couples embark on a train journey between small towns. Amidst the celebration, both brides mysteriously vanish, prompting the bewildered grooms to seek help from the police. The attempt to file a missing persons report, featuring Ravi Kishan as the cop, unfolds into a series of uproarious situations.

Presented by Jio Studios, Laapataa Ladies is directed by Kiran Rao and produced by Aamir Khan and Jyoti Deshpande. The film has been made under the banner of Aamir Khan Productions and Kindling Productions, with the script based on an award-winning story by Biplab Goswami. Sneha Desai writes the screenplay & dialogue, while the additional dialogues are by Divyanidhi Sharma. The film is all set for its release on March 1, 2024. ALSO READ: Rajkumar Santoshi on working with Aamir Khan and Sunny Deol in Lahore 1947; says, “This is truly the best dream team and rare to come together”

The biggest surprise and dhamaka of 2023 was the box office performance of Gadar 2. The film was expected to score big time at the box office. However, it was a pleasant surprise when it managed to enter the Rs. 500 crore club. It gave a new lease of life to the careers of Sunny Deol and director Anil Sharma, and it also led to a demand for Gadar 3. As per recent reports, the basic idea of Gadar 3 is locked and Bollywood Hungama has got some interesting details in this regard.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Gadar: Ek Prem Katha (2001) was set between 1947 and 1954. Gadar 2, meanwhile, is about the happenings in 1971. Many wondered if Gadar 3 would be set 2 decades ahead. Some even speculated that Gadar 3 will be about the India-Pakistan conflict in 1999.”

The source continued, “However, Gadar 3 will be set immediately after the events of Gadar 2. Or at the most, it’ll be set a few years after the incidents in the sequel. But there won’t be a huge jump in the timeline. The makers were clear about this aspect as it would not look logical for Tara Singh to remain young for so many years. Hence, there was no question that Gadar 3 would be set in the 1980s or 1999.”

The source also said, “Apart from Tara Singh, Sakina (Ameesha Patel) and Jeete (Utkarsh Sharma), too, will be a part of the third part. They, too, more or less, will play the same age as they did in Gadar 2.”

Another source told us, “The team of Gadar had four ideas for the third instalment. They were not in a hurry and took their team to go through them. Finally, one of the ideas was locked as it had the potential, as per the team. Like the first two parts, Gadar 3 is also expected to be rich in emotions, music, action and of course, patriotism.”

Reportedly, Gadar 3 is expected to go on floors in 2025.

Also Read: Amit Rai says CBFC ‘killed’ OMG 2’s family audience by issuing ‘A’ certificate: “Maybe it would have been neck and neck with Gadar 2”

Filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga, who is riding high on the massive success of Animal starring Ranbir Kapoor, has expressed his desire to work with superstar Shah Rukh Khan. Vanga had met Khan during Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in 2023 when Animal’s first teaser was about to be released.

Recalling his first meeting with SRK, Vanga told Siddharth Kannan that he told him, “It was great seeing you, sir. Pehli baar dekh raha hoon. Parde pe dekha tha. Live pehli baar dekh raha hoon. Yehi bolunga na? Yehi bola tha (“It was great seeing you sir. I am seeing [you] for the first time. I had seen [you] on the screen. I am seeing [you] live for the first time. This is what I will say, no? This is what [I] said.”).

He went on to add, “I want to work with Shah Rukh sir. Definitely. Chance mil gaya toh.”

In a previous interview with Dainik Bhaskar, Sandeep said, “I want to work with Shah Rukh Khan sir. Every hero ke liye kuch na kuch idea rahega. In Hindi, I definitely want to work with Shah Rukh sir, Ranveer Singh.”

Sandeep said, “We did not speak about it (Sandeep’s films). He [SRK] saw the [Animal] teaser, he liked the teaser. I showed him the teaser in the office, he had come during Ganpati.”

Meanwhile, Sandeep Reddy Vanga has an array of films line-up – Spirit with Prabhas, a project with Allu Arjun and Mahesh Babu. ALSO READ: Sandeep Reddy Vanga upset about Javed Akhtar’s criticism against Animal; says he should watch Farhan Akhtar’s Mirzapur: “You feel like puking”

Prime Video today announced the premiere date of its upcoming Amazon Original Series, Love Storiyaan, a six-part heart-warming chronicle of real-life love stories, conceptualized by Somen Mishra. The series features six real-life couples from across the country and their stories of love, hope, happiness, and triumph over all adversities. The stories have been skilfully captured through the lens of six directors – Akshay Indikar, Archana Phadke, Collin D’Cunha, Hardik Mehta, Shazia Iqbal, and Vivek Soni. A Dharmatic Entertainment Production, with Karan Johar, Apoorva Mehta and Somen Mishra serving as executive producers, Love Storiyaan is inspired by real-life stories featured on India Love Project, a social media community founded by former journalists Priya Ramani, Samar Halarnkar, and Niloufer Venkatraman.

“Love Storiyaan is a testament to Prime Video's unwavering commitment to crafting narratives that not only mirror the rich diversity of our audience but also deeply resonate with their hearts. This series opens a door to authentic and uplifting stories of love that transcend societal boundaries and challenge norms. It intricately intertwines a delicate tapestry, certain to tug at the viewers’ heartstrings for its resonant storytelling.” said Aparna Purohit, head of Originals, India and Southeast Asia, Prime Video. “India Love Project has been at the forefront of documenting incredible stories of real-life couples who have surmounted all possible challenges for their love, and we’re thrilled to immortalise their efforts with Love Storiyaan. The series also marks our first collaboration with Dharmatic Entertainment, further extending our incredibly successful partnership with Dharma Productions. Karan, Apoorva, Somen and each of the directors have breathed life into these special stories. We hope, this Valentine’s Day, they invoke the same feelings of hope, happiness and joy in our customers as they did for us.”

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Karan Johar (@karanjohar)

“Love Storiyaan for us, is more than just a faithful retelling of real-life love stories. The series looks at love in all its forms, painting a beautiful picture of connections that go beyond the ordinary,” said Karan Johar, Dharmatic Entertainment. “Over the years as a filmmaker and producer, I have had the privilege of telling several love stories that have defined the genre for Indian Cinema, however, what struck me about India Love Project, who helped us curate these stories, was the rawness and uniqueness of each of them. These are stories of real people, from different backgrounds, who faced colossal roadblocks in their journey of finding true love and shown tenacity and persevered by powering through the barriers of culture, faith, gender or even war. This is our first foray into bringing real stories of real people to audiences, and I am delighted that through Prime Video, whom we share a long-term association with, this series will be able to reach audiences far and wide, within India and across the world.”

“At Dharmatic Entertainment, our goal has been to tell stories that not only entertain, but also connect with the audience at an emotional level, and Love Storiyaan promises to do just that!” said Apoorva Mehta, Dharmatic Entertainment. “We’ve been great fans of the work done by Priya, Samar and Niloufer at India Love Project, and as storytellers, we’re thrilled to be able to take these wonderful stories curated by them and share these with our viewers in such a beautiful and heartfelt manner. Each of the couples in this six-part series share a unique journey, which we have told through the lens of our six directors – each of whom have brought their own special flair to their stories. What makes this even more special for us, is that Love Storiyaan is our first original series with our long-time partners, Prime Video. We’re excited to take this labour of love to audiences in India and internationally.”

“Love Storiyaan is not just a series. At its core, it is a journey into the depths of human strength and emotional endurance. From the very beginning, our vision was to craft a series that transcends the conventional boundaries of storytelling. With each story being told by a director who has a personal connection to it, which has allowed them to bring in their own insights and nuances to each story,” said Somen Mishra, series conceptualizer and executive producer, Dharmatic Entertainment. “Much like its inspiration, India Love Project, Love Storiyaan is a celebration of love in its most authentic and diverse forms. We’re delighted by the support we’ve received from the team at India Love Project for the series and having a global service like Prime Video take it to viewers worldwide.” ALSO READ: Karan Johar drops cryptic hints for upcoming film; fans guess Prithviraj Sukumaran, Kajol, and Ibrahim Ali Khan in Sarzameen

Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Animal, starring Ranbir Kapoor in the lead, received polarising reactions. The film went onto collect over Rs. 800 crore worldwide. The film, released on December 1 in 2023, is still running in theatres and currently streaming on Netflix. In a recent chat, Vanga revealed that he was sad by veteran writer and lyricist Javed Akhtar's criticism towards the film. He said that he should rather look into Farhan Akhtar’s work.

Speaking in an interview with Siddharth Kannan, Vanga said, “It is very clear that he did not watch the film. It’s very clear in that comment that he did not see the entire film. Now if someone is talking without watching the film, what can I say about them? Obviously, you feel bad because it is very clear that he has not seen the film and not only about him, anybody who is throwing stones on an art piece, why don’t they check their surroundings first?”

He continued, “Why didn’t he tell the same thing to Farhan Akhtar when he was producing Mirzapur. Duniya bhar ke gaali Mirzapur ek show mein hai and I haven’t watched the whole show. When the show was translated to Telugu, if you watch that, then you will feel like puking. Why is he not checking his son’s work?”

Javed Akhtar had criticised a particular scene in the movie where Triptii Dimri's Zoya is asked to lick the show of Ranbir Kapoor’s Ranvijay. “If there’s a film in which a man asks a woman to lick his shoe or if a man says it’s okay to slap a woman… and the film is a super hit, that’s dangerous,” Akhtar had said.

Animal also stars Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol, Rashmika Mandanna, Triptii Dimri, Prem Chopra and Suresh Oberoi among others. ALSO READ: Ranveer Singh spoke to Sandeep Reddy Vanga for 40 minutes on phone after watching Animal: “He sent such a lengthy message that I had read three-four times”

Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar dropped a new song 'Shambhu.' This high-energy Shiva anthem, sung by Akshay Kumar himself along with Sudhir Yaduvanshi and Vikram Montrose, was released on 5th February on Times Music. The release of the song one month before the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri aims to resonate with devotees seeking a spiritual and uplifting musical experience during this divine celebration.

With 'Shambhu', the actor not only lends his vocal prowess to the composition but also infuses it with his trademark high-energy performance. Ganesh Acharya's direction enhances the visual narrative complementing the powerful musical rendition.

Our divine tribute, #Shambhu, is here for all to experience! ???????????? #ShambhuOutNow -->https://t.co/1hYf0QERmt pic.twitter.com/qOyr4Hfsdd

— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) February 5, 2024

In a statement, Akshay Kumar expressed,"'Shambhu' comes from a deep place in my heart that has only been beating with the name Jai Shri Mahakaal! For the longest time, I have been a Shiva bhakt but lately, my connection with him and devotion towards him has only become deeper. I feel he is the power, he is the love, he is the help we all need, he is the saviour, he is the surrender we all look to surrender to, he is the be-all and end-all. With this song, I just offer a droplet that I am to the infinite consciousness that Shiva is! Jai Shri Mahakaal

Mandar Thakur, CEO of Times Music stated, "We are thrilled to collaborate with Akshay Kumar on this divine musical venture. 'Shambhu' is not just a song; it's an extraordinary blend of audio and cinematic visual experience”. ALSO READ: Akshay Kumar and Bosco Martis dance on ‘Uncha Lamba Kad’ from Welcome in Jordan; watch

Suparn S Varma is on a roll of late thanks to the success of his web shows like The Family Man, Rana Naidu, The Trial and Sultan Of Delhi and the much-loved flick, Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai. And now, he’s all set to back a film based on yet another controversial and hard-hitting court case – the Shah Bano Begum case.

For those who are not aware, the Shah Bano Begum vs Mohd. Ahmad Khan case, commonly known as the Shah Bano Begum case, is considered to be a landmark milestone in post-independence India. It was filed in 1978 by Shah Bano, then 62-year-old, after her husband Mohd. Ahmad Khan divorced her. She asked for maintenance for herself and her five children under Section 123 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. Shah Bano won the case and it led to an uproar since a section of the people believed that the judgement was in conflict with Islamic law. It led to a debate about having different civil codes for different religions in India and this discussion continues more than 40 years after the verdict was pronounced.

Suparn S Varma has locked the script and is in the process of finalizing the cast and crew. The makers are confident that a film on Shah Bano Begum's case is important for today’s generation as it also displays women empowerment in all its glory. ALSO READ: 20 Years of Zameen EXCLUSIVE: Suparn Varma talks about the process of writing Rohit Shetty’s debut directorial: “The plane hijack track was there but Ajay Devgn suggested that ‘Plane ko Pakistan le jao’!”

India won big at the 2024 Grammy Awards on February 4 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Musicians Shankar Mahadevan Ganesh Rajagopalan and Zakir Hussain won big at the awards.

In a photo shared by the official account of Grammys on their X (formerly known as Twitter) account, Shankar Mahadevan and Ganesh Rajagopalan were seen accepting their award. “Congrats Best Global Music Album winner - 'This Moment' Shakti. #GRAMMYs,” the caption read.

Congrats Best Global Music Album winner - 'This Moment' Shakti. #GRAMMYs ???? WATCH NOW https://t.co/OuKk34kvdu pic.twitter.com/N7vXftfaDy

— Recording Academy / GRAMMYs (@RecordingAcad) February 4, 2024

Mahadevan said in his acceptance speech, “Thank you boys. Thank you God, family, friends, and India. India, we are proud of you…Last but not the least, I would like to dedicate this award to my wife whom every note of my music is dedicated to.”

Another big moment came for India on Sunday night in the US when Zakir Hussain secured the Best Global Music Performance for his contribution to ‘Pashto’ alongside Bela Fleck and Edgar Meyer, featuring Rakesh Chaurasia. Zakir won three Grammys in one night whereas Chaurasia secured two awards. ALSO READ: Sonu Nigam enchants Ayodhya with his performance on ‘Ram Siya Ram’ at Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha ceremony; Shankar Mahadevan, Anuradha Paudwal sing Ram bhajans, watch videos

In one of the shocking news last week, actress Poonam Pandey faked her death, claiming to raise awareness about cervical cancer. On February 2, the actress was reported to have died of cervical cancer and her management confirmed the news. It was only a day after, when she posted on her official Instagram account, stating it was all to raise awareness of the said cancer. That has led to extreme backlash from all corners. In multiple videos, Poonam Pandey explained why she took such an extreme step.

In one of the videos posted on her Instagram, Poonam Pandey said, “My PR is not involved in this. My mother had cancer. My mom was very ill while she was going through it. I am glad, since yesterday, all I am seeing and reading is about cervical cancer. I know what we went through, the whole house was shaken up.”

“I know I am going to get a lot of gaalis, my best friend is angry with me. I feel terrible." Poonam shared, “I know this is not a joke, at least my message has reached right.”

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Bollywood Hungama???? (@realbollywoodhungama)

The agency Schbang, which spearheaded the campaign, put out on an apology. “Yes, we were involved in the initiative for Poonam Pandey to spread awareness about Cervical Cancer in collaboration with Hauterfly. To start off, we would like to extend a heartfelt apology - especially towards those who have been triggered as a result of having faced/having a loved one face the hardships of any kind of Cancer," the statement read.

“Our actions were driven by a singular mission - to elevate awareness about Cervical Cancer. In 2022, India registered 123,907 Cervical Cancer cases and 77,348 deaths. After Breast Cancer, Cervical Cancer is the second-most frequent malignancy affecting middle-aged women in India," it added.

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Poonam Pandey (@poonampandeyreal)

In her Instagram post on Saturday, February 3, Poonam Pandey shared a clip of the speech by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for cervical cancer vaccination in the 2024 budget discussion in parliament. ALSO READ: Poonam Pandey’s husband, Sam Bombay, addresses death stunt controversy; says, “When I heard the news, I felt nothing in my heart”

Amidst the buzz surrounding her upcoming project Heeramandi, Sanjeeda Shaikh finds herself in the limelight once again, this time for her role in the action-packed film Fighter, starring Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone in the lead. Portraying the character of Saanchi Gill, she has garnered widespread acclaim for her performance alongside co-star Karan Singh Grover.

Hrithik Roshan, who essayed a pivotal role in Fighter, recently took to X (formerly Twitter) to laud Sanjeeda's acting prowess. Expressing his admiration, he wrote, “I absolutely agree with you Sandeep. @iamsanjeeda is a brilliant actor! She made emoting in the scene so easy for me.” The praise came in response to a fan's heartfelt tribute to Sanjeeda's performance in the film. In the tweet, the user wrote, “Dear @iamsanjeeda. This is an appreciation tweet for you. You looked flawless in the movie #Fighter. Your emotional scene with @iHrithik is one of the best scenes in the movie. It was beautifully executed. #FighterBlockbuster #FighterMovie.”

Grateful for the acknowledgment from the Bollywood actor, Sanjeeda Shaikh reciprocated the appreciation in the comments section, expressing her heartfelt gratitude to Hrithik for his support and encouragement. She wrote, “Thankyou for getting out the best from me. Most honest and giving actor @iHrithik.”

Thankyou for getting out the best from me ???? Most honest and giving actor@iHrithik ❤️ — Sanjeeda Shaikh (@iamsanjeeda) February 2, 2024

Directed by Siddharth Anand, Fighter captivated audiences with its gripping narrative cantered around skilled IAF pilots combating militant activities along the LOC. In addition to Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone, and Anil Kapoor, the film boasted an ensemble cast including Karan Singh Grover, Akshay Oberoi, Rishabh Sawhney, Ashutosh Rana, Talat Aziz, and Sharib Hashmi.

Fighter is produced by Viacom 18 Motion Pictures and Siddharth Anand’s banner Marflix Pictures.

Also Read: Did the overdose of Pakistan-bashing by Hindi films in recent times go against Hrithik Roshan-starrer Fighter? Trade experts share their views

Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar and renowned choreographer Bosco Martis recently set the internet on fire with their rendition of ‘Uncha Lamba Kad.’ The track from the 2007 film Welcome, featuring Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif, continues to resonate with audiences.

Amidst their busy schedule shooting for the upcoming film Bade Miyan Chote Miyan in Jordan, Akshay Kumar and Bosco Martis took a moment to relive the magic of the song. Sharing a lively video on Instagram, the dynamic duo showcased their moves. Dressed in their casual attires, Akshay Kumar and Bosco Martis danced to the beats of ‘Uncha Lamba Kad.’

Bosco Martis, expressing his gratitude towards Akshay Kumar's spirit, captioned the video, "It is always a vibe working with @akshaykumar sir! And this is how we create it #uchalambakad . Thanks so much sir for inspiring all of us to live healthy and laugh our way through even in the toughest of times LOVE YOU SIR," accompanied by red heart emojis.

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Bosco Martis (@boscomartis)

The tribute didn't go unnoticed, as Katrina Kaif, the leading lady from the original song, showered praise on the nostalgic moment. Commenting on Bosco Martis' post, she reminisced, “Too much fun that song was.”

Talking about Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, shot across stunning locations such as Mumbai, London, Abu Dhabi, Scotland, and Jordan, this pan-India film is mounted on a grand scale. Apart from Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff playing agents, the film also stars Prithviraj Sukumaran in an intriguing villainous role, with Sonakshi Sinha, Manushi Chhillar, and Alaya F in significant parts. Produced by Vashu Bhagnani, Deepshikha Deshmukh, Jackky Bhagnani, Himanshu Kishan Mehra, Ali Abbas Zafar, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan is slated to release on Eid April 2024 in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada.

Also Read: Akshay Kumar reminds of his OMG 2 character as he drops teaser of his upcoming song ‘Shambhu’

Although Poonam Pandey did things that made me uncomfortable, I liked her. Aware of my seniority, she nevertheless chose to address me as ‘Subhash’, and I liked it. It didn’t come from a place of disrespect.

What really bothered her was the belief that she provoked sex crimes with her provocative conduct. “Apparently my pictures are responsible for crime against women. Ha ha, really? The same reasoning was used against me during the Nirbhaya case in Delhi. I want to ask all those people who find me provocative enough to induce crime, was there no crime against women before I arrived on the scene?”

Poonam felt people needed a scapegoat for their own failings. “Why blame me for social evils? I am just a girl trying to find my place in the world. I am used to being targeted by the moral police and the morcha wallis. When law and order fails, the blame has to pinned to some convenient target. But why blame me? What have I done? Main toh sirf baat karti hoon. Maine kuch kiya nahin. There are renowned respected actresses who heave and thrust in item songs. They are watched by a lot more men than I am,” she said.

Poonam had a point. She firmly believed rape has no connection with the pin-up provocateurs. “I don’t think men go out and commit crime against women because of what they see in films and in pictures. On the contrary, I feel there would be far less crime against women if there would be more sexual gratification at home for men belonging to a certain class who don’t have direct and easy access to female company.”

This is where Poonam felt the revival of the beer-bar culture did its bit to decrease the damage. “I think re-opening the beer bars would reduce crime against women on the streets. Men would be able to have at least some access to erotic gratification,” she said.

Poonam objected strongly to the view that women invite unwanted attention by the way they dress. “Oh please! Five-year old girls get raped (actually, a lot younger too, dear Poonam). Do they wear short skirts that provoke such crimes? It is ridiculous to suggest that rape can be prevented if women remain fully clothed,” she reasoned.

In any case, Poonam felt mainstream Hindi cinema has a lot to be answerable for. “I’ve seen them indulge in shameless sex talk where heroes are making pointed references to women’s body parts. What kind of example are these iconic stars setting? I’ve never posed nude. Even that picture that was posted of me nude after the IPL victory was morphed. I even admitted that later at the risk of disappointing my fans. I’ve threatened to go nude. But have I really done it?”

Poonam asserted, “I don’t think I’ve ever crossed limits. I’ve always said more than I’ve done. I’ve seen so many posters and hoardings that are far more suggestive than mine. My posters have nothing scandalous in them. I haven’t shown my private parts,” she said.

Poonam admitted she was nervous because of the negative attention. She said, “People in this country give so much respect to a hardcore porn actress from abroad. Whereas I have never done anything that can be considered pornographic. Mere jaisi bechari si lakdi ko target kiya jaa rahi hai. I have never crossed limits.”

Poonam admitted there was a team working on her audacious image. Poonam’s journey into being an internet icon began when during the 2011 World Cup she spunkily vowed to streak if India won.

Recalling her initiation into super-notoriety Poonam laughed, “That was quite something. I never expected to get so much attention for it. That incident brought me into the limelight. But it went out of hand. I had 20-25 criminal cases against me. It took me a huge amount of effort to extricate myself from all the trouble. But you know what? It was worth it. That one incident got me more attention than I ever imagined.”

Also Read: When Poonam Pandey opened up about her bold choices: “If you have to survive, you cannot post n*** pictures”

The rise of deepfake technology is causing ripples of concern, especially as Bollywood celebrities find themselves unwitting participants in its manipulations. Addressing this concerning trend during the promotions of their upcoming film Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya, Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon shared their thoughts on the matter.

Kriti expressed her apprehension, highlighting the numerous morphed videos that have surfaced and the rapid progress in AI technology. She told India Today, “It is concerning and there are several morphed ones that came out. But there are also AI-generated news anchors which means that we are moving forward really fast. So, an AI partner is possible in coming years.”

In agreement, Shahid Kapoor delved deeper into the societal implications and said, “Human beings are themselves the problem. They have done this to the world. We are pushing the blame on AI. We are used to not living in reality. We keep projecting something else on social media that is not a reality and keep comparing reality with what we see on social media and then leads one into depression. That is the truth. Simulation ho chuka hain and we are looking for an alternate reality. That is what AI is and it is something as fundamental as a relationship. There is a difference between man-made and god created. This is there in this film, shown in a subtle way.”

Talking about the film, Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya, Shahid and Kriti essay the roles of a robotic expert and a robot, respectively. With veteran actors Dharmendra and Dimple Kapadia also part of the cast, anticipation runs high for the film’s release on February 9, 2024.

Also Read: Shahid Kapoor – Kriti Sanon unfold their love story, share kisses, romantic moments in ‘Tum Se’ song from Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya, watch

Following much anticipation around Yash Raj Films’ first female-led Spy Universe actioner starring Alia Bhatt and Sharvari Wagh, the makers have now announced The Railway Men’s Shiv Rawail as the director. The announcement was made on February 2, 2024. Shiv Rawail has previously worked as assistant director on Shah Rukh Khan’s Fan and Aamir Khan’s Dhoom 3, before making his debut as a director with YRF Entertainment’s Netflix series The Railway Men.

“Shiv‘s debut directorial for YRF, The Railway Men, is a humongous hit and he is the talk of the town today. He is young and has a brilliant pulse on what the youth would want to consume as entertainment as is evident with the global success that he has delivered under the guidance of Aditya Chopra. Thus, Adi is confident that he is the best director to helm the young female-led action entertainer from the YRF spy universe that stars Alia Bhatt in the lead with the rising star of the industry, Sharvari,” a trade source told Variety.

Alia Bhatt and Sharvari Wagh will play super agents in the yet-to-be-titled film. It will be a part of the YRF Spy Universe. It kicked off with Salman Khan’s Ek Tha Tiger (2012) then followed by Tiger Zinda Hai (2017), and War (2019), starring Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff.

It was taken forward with Pathaan, starring Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone and John Abraham and then Tiger 3 with Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif. Now, the next project will be War 2 starring Hrithik Roshan, NTR Jr. and Kiara Advani and directed by Ayan Mukerji. This will be followed by SRK and Salman’s Tiger vs Pathaan. ALSO READ: Mahesh Bhatt shares his reaction to Ranbir Kapoor-Alia Bhatt revealing daughter Raha’s face; says, “I, myself, was quite surprised that they did that”

Fighter, starring Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone, is currently running in theatres. Also starring Anil Kapoor, Karan Singh Grover and Akshay Oberoi in pivotal roles, the film directed by Siddharth Anand, was released on January 25. While the film has received mid response from the audience and critics, the box office has witnessed lacklustre performance. In a recent chat, Siddharth Anand said that Hrithik Roshan does not like to take credit but he always has great inputs to his films.

Speaking to Gallata Plus, Siddharth shared, “I have a lot of instances where Hrithik has contributed. Even in War, he is a huge contributor in alleviating Tiger’s (Shroff) character, Khalid. Whenever he would talk to me, it would be only about Khalid and that shows he has got a 360-degree purview on a film. He is not like a horse with blinders, only looking at his character.”

He feels that he and Hrithik are great collaborators. Siddharth Anand added, “I don’t look at him as an actor. He will have so many notes on everything. Strengthening everybody else is also a lot of his effort and his purview. Him wanting to develop an equation with Sanchi in the film (Fighter) is also him. He thinks like a director and not an actor. He becomes an actor only on set.”

He further said, “As a director, my advice to other directors would be, ‘Don’t resist his engagement. Don’t look at it as a threat. He is only coming to improve your vision. You as a director have a powerful right, so don’t be afraid to hear suggestions. He is never going to go on camera and say, ‘Yeh mera input hai.’”

In the same conversation, he also said that he did not want to take away the stardom of Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone in the film and make them more realistic. “I have kept the scenes deliberately very real. Of course, when you have Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone, you want to heighten the romance and use their stardom, but I wanted to use them only as Patty and Mini and show how they would react,” he said.

Fighter also stars Sanjeeda Shaikh, Talat Aziz, Pradum Shukla, and Pradum Jaykar in pivotal roles. The film marks Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone’s first collaboration and the former’s third one with Siddharth Anand after Bang Bang and War. ALSO READ: Siddharth Anand breaks silence on mediocre performance of Fighter at box office: “It is a huge leap for a filmmaker”

Fighter, starring Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone, is currently running in theatres. Also starring Anil Kapoor, Karan Singh Grover and Akshay Oberoi in pivotal roles, the film directed by Siddharth Anand, was released on January 25. However, the audience and critics' responses have been mixed and many have even criticized the dialogues, tonality and even writing of the film. The film has also seen mediocre collections at the box office. When asked the director, what could be the reason for the lacklustre performance of the film, he had this to say.

Speaking to Gallata Plus, Siddharth Anand said, “Our expectations as makers have become a little unrealistic. I am talking about myself also, having delivered Pathaan just one year ago. We need to keep our expectations in check and align them with the product. Also, it was a working day. Thursday is considered mid-week. For instance, we held a special screening for friends and family on Thursday, and whoever we texted and asked, at least 40% of them asked, ‘Is the show in the evening?’ So, that time, it hit us how will people bunk work or bunk school and come in the morning.”

Explaining further about the aerial actioner, he added, “Another thing is the genre. Fighter is a huge leap for a filmmaker. It’s a space that is unexplored and absolutely new. It has no reference point for the audience. They are like, ‘What are these planes doing?'”

Siddharth added, “There is a huge percentage of our country, I would say, 90 per cent, who have not flown in planes, who have not been to an airport, so how would they know what’s happening in the movie? This is my dissection. They felt this is a little alien. They didn’t understand what kind of exhilaration they are supposed to feel in the air action, so there is a certain initial disconnect. But once you enter the theatre, you realise this is such a basic film.”

Fighter also stars Sanjeeda Shaikh, Talat Aziz, Pradum Shukla, and Pradum Jaykar in pivotal roles. The film marks Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone’s first collaboration and the former’s third one with Siddharth Anand after Bang Bang and War. ALSO READ: Hrithik Roshan-Deepika Padukone starrer Fighter CRASHES BIG TIME on Monday - fall even BIGGER than Adipurush; likely to end lifetime around Rs. 160-170 cr.

Fighter has won hearts with its intense action and patriotic fervour. Set against the backdrop of Indian Air Force, Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone, Anil Kapoor, and the rest of the star play sincere officers who come together to avenge the attacks on India . Actor R Madhavan recently caught up with the film and seemed very impressed with it, and he also went on to share a review on the social media platform.

R Madhavan took to X, formerly known as Twitter, after watching Fighter and couldn’t help but heaps praises about the film in his review. He wrote, "@justSidAnand —-What an extraordinary film #Fighter is …with brilliant work by all concerned … Take a bow the entire cast and crew.. you guys have given Indian cinema a fantastic, super motivating, moving, and an archival film. This is simply going to be a hallmark of how truly international Indian cinema has become today. @iHrithik @deepikapadukone @AnilKapoor"

@justSidAnand —-What an extraordinary film #Fighter is …with brilliant work by all concerned … Take a bow the entire cast and crew.. you guys have given Indian cinema a fantastic, super motivating, moving, and an archival film. This is simply going to be a hallmark of how truly… — Ranganathan Madhavan (@ActorMadhavan) January 30, 2024

After receiving this note of praises from R Madhavan, a thrilled Siddharth Anand too responded by expressing his gratitude on the platform and wrote, "Maddy! Thank you man for your kindest words. The team will be so happy for this recognition, especially from an artiste of your calibre! Means a lot ??"

Maddy! Thank you man for your kindest words. The team will be so happy for this recognition, especially from an artiste of your calibre! Means a lot ❤️ https://t.co/5aI3uAjSlc — Siddharth Anand (@justSidAnand) January 30, 2024

Directed by Siddharth Anand and presented by Viacom18 Studios in association with Marflix Pictures, Fighter seamlessly intertwines heart-thumping action with patriotic fervor and promises to deliver an unparalleled experience with its aerial action sequences. Also starring Karan Singh Grover and Akshay Oberoi in key roles, Fighter released in the theaters on January 25.

Also Read: Hrithik Roshan tends to push back on bare-chest scenes and dance sequences; says, “I don’t think anybody wakes up as the best version of themselves”

The much-awaited glimpse of the debut web-series of Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Heeramandi is finally here! Considering that it comes from the house of this popular filmmaker who is known for his lavish and extensive sets, the film based on 1940s’ courtesan culture boasts of such heavy mounted gharana sets with enviable costumes as it gives a glimpse of the lead characters which includes Sharmin Segal, Manisha Koirala, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sonakshi Sinha, and even Sanjeeda Sheikh.

The teaser takes us into the world of courtesans as they introduce us to the innocent-looking and young courtesan played by Sharmin Sehgal, followed by Manisha Koirala and Aditi Rao Hydari. Richa Chadha’s entry in the promo is powerful but it is the entry of Sonakshi Sinha clad in a black attire that spells revenge. Although the teaser has been carefully edited without giving out much details, they also showcase the intensity of the characters essayed by them, especially Sonakshi. The teaser shows us glimpses of how the web show will showcase the disruptions and chaos of the 1940s when India was on the verge of getting its Independence.

As per a statement released by Netflix, in the midst of a power struggle in Heeramandi, a young heir caught in the crossfire chooses love over succession, disrupting the status quo. Set in pre-independent India against a burgeoning freedom movement, the final thread holding the art of tawaifs (courtesans) is put to the test. Hailed as the grandest and most-awaited seriesm this is Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s 14-year passion project which he will be unveiling in collaboration with Netflix to global audiences.

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Netflix US (@netflix)

Heeramandi is expected to be an epic saga of love, power, revenge and freedom. The series promises to be a profound celebration of art, culture, beauty, and Bhansali, in his own words, has revealed that it is tribute to iconic films on courtesans like Pakeezah and Mughal-E-Azam.

Also Read: Set of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Heeramandi spread across a humongous area of 1,60,000 sq ft

Mannara Chopra, who has maintained time and again that she doesn’t like to use the ‘Chopra’ name for her fame, retained a similar rule in the Bigg Boss 17 house. She had insisted that the contestants directed any comments towards her without dragging her family, especially her cousin and global superstar Priyanka Chopra Jonas. Meanwhile, during several moments which she encountered in the BB house, she was seen receiving support from Dr. Madhu Chopra and the latter’s daughter Priyanka too.

Recently opening up about a conversation that Mannara Chopra had with Priyanka Chopra Jonas about her stint in the Bigg Boss 17 house, the actress told the media, Priyanka told me, ‘Mujhe saari jagah tere hee tags aate jaa rahe the. Mujhe tera saara journey pata hai.’ Yeh telecast America mein nahi ho raha tha. Usne kaha pehle apna gala thik kar. Kyunki waha itna baat karna padhta hai. (I seem to be receiving a lot of tags of your name on my social media. I know your entire journey even though the show doesn’t get telecasted in America. She told me to take care of my throat because I had to speak a lot in the house).”

Continuing further, Mannara added, “But she gave me a lot of good tips also. She said, ‘I am so proud of you ke tuney family ke naam pe game nahi khela. Tuney bola mere baarein mein baat karo.’ Maine bola, Haan didi. Thora mujhe awkward lag raha tha ghar ke andar family ke baare. Then she asked me, ‘Ab tereko gift kya chahiye? Hum tereko cash bhej rahe hai.’ I said nahi, mujhe dresses chahiye, kapde. (you didn’t use the family name to play the game. You said if you want to speak about me, then it should be only be me. I agreed with her and also told her I felt awkward to talk about our family inside the house. She also asked me if I wanted any gift. She wanted to send cash but I said no. I told her I need clothes) So many interviews, so many events. Then she said, ‘Promise, hum kapde bhejenge (we will send clothes).’ Now I am waiting for the clothes and I’ll rock!”

In the past, Priyanka Chopra Jonas had taken to her Instagram story and had come out in support of her cousin Mannara during the show. On the other hand, her mother Dr. Madhu Chopra too had voiced out her concern when several female contestants on the show had ganged up against the South actress and were seen having a showdown with her.

Also Read: Bigg Boss 17: Priyanka Chopra’s mother Madhu Chopra comes in support of Mannara Chopra post her showdown with Ankita Lokhande, Isha Malviya, and Ayesha Khan

After delivering a heartfelt performance in the romantic drama Satyaprem Ki Katha last year, Kartik Aaryan is gearing up for the release of his next film Chandu Champion. While he kicked off the film last year, he has now completed the final schedule after a challenging eight months shoot, where he also underwent extensive physical transformation. After a gruelling training session and an extensive diet to achieve a lean frame, the actor, after completing the shoot, was treated to his favourite sweet dish by his director Kabir Khan.

Kartik Aaryan was seen enjoying his favourite sweet dish RasMalai at the wrap-up party of Chandu Champion. Sharing a video of the same from the sets of the movie, Kartik took to his social media and penned down a note commemorating the completion of the final schedule as he said, "This RasMalai Tasted Like Victory ! Finally eating sugar after a year !! After more than a year of intense preparation and 8 months of day-n-night shoots across the globe, today we complete the shooting journey of #ChanduChampion. And it couldn’t have been sweeter than my fav, Rasmalai - from the Man himself who carved this challenging path for me… you have been a profound inspiration Sir! @kabirkhan ?? #SajidNadiadwala @wardakhannadiadwala ?? #ItsAWrap #FeelingSad #FeelingGuilty #ChanduChampion #14thJune2024".

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by KARTIK AARYAN (@kartikaaryan)

It is well known that Kartik Aaryan has gone through a massive transformation to get into the shape of his character in the sports-action drama. The actor is expected to play a soldier along with the plotline also extensively revolving around sports. Directed by Kabir Khan and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala under his banner Nadiadwala and Grandsons, the film is also expected to star Shraddha Kapoor as the leading lady and it is slated for release on June 14.

Also Read: Chandu Champion: “Amazed by the progress Kartik Aaryan has made”, reveals swimmer Virdhawal Khade

While Tiger Shroff and Hrithik Roshan together won hearts as sleek spies in the YRF action entertainer War, fans are excited to see the franchise return with the superstar headlining the cast. However, some interesting names have been added to the star cast like RRR fame Jr NTR and Kiara Advani, who will be essaying key roles in War 2. Now, the latest update on that front is that the film is going on floors in Mumbai next month, as per ETimes report.

Not too long ago, Hrithik Roshan was seen travelling across the country to promote his latest release Fighter. And now we hear that he is expected to commence shooting on War 2. In fact, we hear that the preps have started on full swing and that Roshan, who decided to immerse himself into getting fit to play an Indian Air Force officer in his latest release, has kicked off work on this actioner. We hear that the shooting for the film will kick off from Mumbai and that the filmmaker has already jotted down foreign locales where the film will continue to be shot.

A source was quoted in these reports confirmed these details adding, "Ayan Mukerji has already captured overseas location plates approximately two months ago. Currently, a set is under construction in the city in preparation for Hrithik's first shooting schedule".

A lot of expectations are riding high on this film which will mark Hrithik Roshan’s return on the big screen as a spy and audiences can expect some new twists and turns. Being a part of the ambitious YRF spy universe which is being created by Aditya Chopra, there were references to War 2 in the last release Tiger 3, which is also a part of this spyverse along with Pathaan. With Jr NTR as the antagonist and Kiara Advani expected to play the female lead, War 2 is expected to be releasing by the end of this year.

Also Read: Hrithik Roshan promises War 2 will be fun: “My challenge is to show Kabir in a different light”

Netflix India recently elevated the long weekend with the global digital release of the much-anticipated blockbuster film Animal on January 26, 2024. Boasting a cast including Ranbir Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol, Rashmika Mandanna, and Triptii Dimri, the movie is now accessible in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada, on Netflix. Released in theatres on December 2023, the film, helmed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, garnered polarizing reactions but collected more than Rs. 800 crore at the global box office.

Now, five days after the release of the film on the platform, the film has garnered 6.2 million viewers with 20 million watch time hours. Animal is soaring at No. 4 on Netflix’s Non-English Film list, in its first week of the release.

Recently, Ranbir Kapoor was felicitated with the Best Actor Award at Filmfare 2024 in Gujarat for his performance in Animal.

Directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, this action drama explores the intricacies of modern-day relationships, focusing on the dynamics between a father and son. The film is produced by Bhushan Kumar and Krishan Kumar, Murad Khetani, and Pranay Reddy Vanga. ALSO READ: Ranbir Kapoor signs Sanjay Leela Bhansalis Love & War on his own terms and conditions - fixed working hours and 270 days for shoot

Renowned actor Ashok Saraf, celebrated for his prolific contributions to Marathi cinema and Hindi films, has been honoured with the prestigious Maharashtra Bhushan Award 2023. Acknowledging his stellar career, the announcement was made by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The award stands as a testament to Saraf's enduring legacy and his role in shaping the cinematic narrative, transcending boundaries.

“Chief Minister announced giving 2023 Varshacha Maharashtra Bhushan Award to senior Marathi film and theatre actor Ashok Saraf for his immense contribution in the field of art. Ashok Saraf is not only humorous but has shown various shades from serious nature to villainous tendencies through his acting and has congratulated such Chief Ministers as Ghadaville and Rasikanwar Adhirajya Gajwale," wrote the Maharashtra CM on FaceBook, now called Meta.

Ashok Saraf gained fame for his performances in Marathi plays and later transitioned to films. Some of his notable Marathi films include Chal Re Laxya Mumbaila, Ashi Hi Banwa Banwi, and Thartharat. In Hindi cinema, he appeared in films like Shaukeen, Pyaar Kiya Toh Darna Kya, Chhoti Si Baat, and Rang Birangi.

Tamannaah Bhatia is set to collaborate with Dharma Productions’ digital wing, Dharmatic Entertainment, for an upcoming start-up dramedy, set for Prime Video India. While the title of the project is kept under wraps, Archit Kumar of Dr. Arora fame will be directing this light-hearted series.

As per a report in Peeping Moon, this dramedy will feature two women and the casting for the second lead is underway. The report states, “Currently in pre-production, filming is slated for mid-March or early April, creating anticipation for a nuanced exploration of the highs and lows of the startup journey.”

This marks the second project Dharmatic Entertainment following Showtime, starring Emraan Hashmi and Naseeruddin Shah. It is set for a summer 2024 release.

For Tamanaah Bhatia, this marks her fourth digital project, following Prime Video’s Jee Karda, Netflix’s Plan A Plan B and Disney+Hotstar’s Aakhiri Sach.

On the work front, Tamannaah Bhatia will next star in John Abraham starrer Vedaa, Nawazuddin Siddiqui starrer Bole Chudiyan, and Tamil movie Arnamanai 4. ALSO READ: Tamannaah Bhatia embarks on a spiritual sojourn, visits Kamakhya temple with loved ones; see pics

Hrithik Roshan starrer Fighter is currently running in the theatres. The film also stars Deepika Padukone and Anil Kapoor. In a recent conversation, the actor spoke about the aerial actioner and the sequel of War, starring Jr. NTR.

In a conversation with Pinkvilla, Hrithik Roshan said, “Kabir has definitely left a mark. And getting into Kabir’s boots is going to be fun because this time, my challenge is to show Kabir in a different light. A different aspect of him which is going to be interesting”.

War 2 will be the sixth movie in the YRF Spy Universe. This includes Ek Tha Tiger (2012), Tiger Zinda Hai (2017), War (2019), Pathaan (2022), and Tiger 3 (2023). Hrithik had a cameo as Kabir in the post-credits of Tiger 3, which was helmed by Ayan Mukerji. This will eventually lead to Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan starrer Tiger vs Pathaan.

Interestingly, War 2 already commenced shooting last year with body doubles. However, Hrithik Roshan and Jr. NTR are set to kick off their schedules in February 2024. The film aims to be released in 2025. ALSO READ: Fighter Box Office: Film emerges as Hrithik Roshan's 6th release to gross Rs. 200 cr. Worldwide

Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan found himself in a shocking situation recently when a group of enthusiastic fans caused chaos at a recent awards show. In a video circulated on Instagram, Kartik can be seen gearing up for his grand entrance at the event. As he made his way towards the venue, he acknowledged and greeted his fans. However, the situation took an unexpected turn when the crowd attempted to breach the barricade to get closer to him.

The frenzy resulted in several fans tumbling over each other, creating a moment of panic. Fortunately, intervention from police officials helped restore order and ensure the safety of everyone involved. The incident left Kartik visibly stunned.

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Viral Bhayani (@viralbhayani)

Talking about his professional endeavours, Kartik Aaryan is gearing up for his upcoming project, Chandu Champion. The film is slated for release on June 14, where it will go head-to-head with Kangana Ranaut's Emergency. Directed and scripted by Kabir Khan, the movie delves into the life of Murlikant Petkar, India’s first Paralympic gold medallist in freestyle swimming.

In addition to Chandu Champion, Kartik has a packed schedule ahead. He is set to begin filming for Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 under the direction of Anees Bazmee, along with projects like Aashiqui 3, Hansal Mehta’s Captain India, the Hindi remake of Kirik Party, and an untitled film in collaboration with Karan Johar.

Also Read: Kartik Aaryan unveils NEW LOOK from Chandu Champion on the occasion of India’s Republic Day

Bollywood actress Bipasha Basu delighted her Instagram followers on January 28 by sharing heartwarming glimpses of her husband-actor Karan Singh Grover, spent with their daughter, Devi Basu Singh Grover.

Bipasha first treated her followers to a delightful video capturing Karan and Devi enjoying the beauty of a setting sun from the comfort of their Mumbai residence. The clip showcased Karan, dressed in a black t-shirt and a matching cap with little Devi, who looked adorable in a printed co-ord set. Alongside the video, Bipasha penned a heartfelt caption, “Sunsets, Devi and Papa (red heart emojis).”

Following this, Bipasha shared another video featuring Devi, this time enjoying playful antics with her elder sister, Nivi. The clip began with Bipasha and Devi embarking on a trip to her sister’s home, where the two sisters and their companions engaged in a playtime session. Surrounded by stuffed toys, Devi crawled and played on the floor.

Meanwhile on the work front, Bipasha Basu was last seen on the big screen in the film Alone with Karan Singh Grover. The couple once again were seen together in the web series Dangerous in 2020, which is streaming on MX Player. The actress also essayed the character of an anchor in the horror show Darr Sabko Lagta Hai which aired on &TV.

On the other hand, Karan was recently seen in Fighter. Talking about the film, directed by Siddharth Anand, Fighter, the aerial action drama has garnered attention for its portrayal of the bravery and dedication of IAF officers who safeguard the nation's skies with unwavering courage. The film is a first-of-its-kind collaboration between the makers and the Indian Air Force who have extended their support to make the inspiring tale of Fighter come to life.

Also Read: Bipasha Basu raves about husband Karan Singh Grover’s film Fighter after special screening; see post

The gripping teaser of Ajay Devgn, Jyotika and R Madhavan starrer Shaitaan has introduced audiences to a sinister world where Shaitaan controls everything and everybody. The intrigue that the teaser has generated has added to the anticipation of what the film holds.

While everyone awaits to know about this edge-of-the-seat natural thriller, the makers have decided to share yet another glimpse into the wicked world of Shaitaan.

For the first time, Bigg Boss' house will be taken over by Shaitaan. Keeping it to the theme of the film, Shaitaan will command the contestants and put them to some mind-boggling tasks.

Ajay Devgn and R Madhavan will join Salman Khan for the finale to talk about how Shaitaan will soon take over the theatres on 8th March 2024. ALSO READ: Shaitaan: First look of R Madhavan, Jyothika, and Ajay Devgn gets unveiled; teaser to be unveiled on January 25

Rashmika Mandanna wrapped shooting Chhava on Saturday which also stars Vicky Kaushal in the lead role. Earlier on Saturday, Rashmika took to social media to pen a lengthy note following the wrap of the film, Chhava. She praised her co-star Vicky Kaushal and the entire cast and crew.

Calling her a ‘major inspiration’, Vicky responded on Instagram saying, “@rashmika_mandanna… neen yennane ullia? The whole set is missing your warmth and energy immensely. People don’t know that the smile you have on your worst days is bigger and better than the smile most have on their best days. Major inspiration! Thank you for being our Yesubai and my regards to Aunty as well. Oh and btw what are you thinking now?”

In her lengthy post, the Animal actor wrote, “It’s been such a pleasure working with you. You are just tooooo warm and kind (except for the last day where you were just taking my case) but most days you were amazing. I am kidding..you are such a gem. I will always wish the best for you man. Was such a pleasure. mom has told me to convey regards to you.”

Talking about the film's director Laxman Utekar, she added, “I just wonder how can a man handle such a bigg set with at least 1500 working people with such calm and poise..sir you have seen me as Yesubai when no one in the world could've even thought about this and I truly wonder how...and not just me...the whole country will wonder how.”

Vicky Kaushal will next star alongside Rashmika Mandanna in director Laxman Utekar's next film Chhava. The film is being produced by Dinesh Vijan's Maddock Films and is all set to hit the theatres on December 6, 2024. ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE: Vicky Kaushal’s fitness commitment prevails despite limited sleep, says celebrity fitness trainer Kris Gethin: “He is very dedicated”

Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan was recently caught in a video, assaulting his disciple with a bottle. The video went viral on social media on Saturday, January 27. Following this, the singer released a clarification statement.

In a subsequent video, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan issued a clarification about the video, revealing that a mistake made by his student led to disciplinary action. Khan acknowledged the error and emphasized that the disciplinary measure was taken to uphold the standards of his teaching.

Famous singer Rahat Fateh Ali khan beating his servent for bottle of Alcohol pic.twitter.com/9DZwYxgPmV — Ghulam Abbas Shah (@ghulamabbasshah) January 27, 2024

In another video, the said man or disciple said that Rahat Fateh Ali Khan apologized to him later and he does not have any complaints against him. “Ustad ji came and apologized to me. He is my father, murshid, guru and there is nothing wrong with a father punishing his son. Creating a controversy over this video is a way of blackmailing my ustad,” he said.

بوتل میں پیر صاحب کا دم کیا ہوا پانی تھا pic.twitter.com/tTwQqkUS5n — Tariq Mateen (@tariqmateen) January 27, 2024

The said disciple’s father, was standing alongside Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and said that he sees no wrong in a master punishing his disciple.

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan hails from a family steeped in the music industry. His uncle, the venerable Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, remains etched in history as an illustrious member of a renowned qawwali ensemble. Over the years, he has become the head of the qawwali gharana and leads a pack of singers. ALSO READ: Rahat Fateh Ali Khan pays tribute to Sidhu Moosewala on his first death anniversary at a concert in California; dedicates ‘Akhiyan Udeek Diyan’

Siddharth Anand's Fighter has been released in the theatres. Having brought a plethora of action, the film stars Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone, and Anil Kapoor among several others. Team Fighter, the cast Hrithik, Anil, Karan Singh Grover, Akshay Oberoi and director Siddharth Anand visited a theatre in Mumbai.

The actors made a surprise visit at the screening, delighting fans. The team greeted the fans at the cinema hall. Hrithik expressed gratitude to the fans for their immense love and support for the film. Moreover, Fighter is enjoying a phenomenal run in the theatres. Sharing the delightful moment on his social media, Hrithik shared a video that captured fans cheering and hooting. He captioned the video, "And it’s done! This is why I do what I do. So happy seeing these smiling faces. Thank you so much for all the love!"

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Hrithik Roshan (@hrithikroshan)

Directed by Siddharth Anand and presented by Viacom18 Studios in association with Marflix Pictures, Fighter has collected Rs. 65.80 crores. ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE: Hrithik Roshan began Fighter fitness training 5-6 months prior to the shoot; Celebrity trainer Kris Geithin says: He has prioritised his health over aesthetics

Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal's maiden production, Girls Will Be Girls, has emerged as the breakout film at Sundance Film Festival 2024 and won two awards! After winning over critics who gave it glowing reviews, this small film with a big heart went on to win the feted Audience award in the World Dramatic Entry category, as well as the Special Jury Award for the Lead actress Preeti Panigrahi.

Written and directed by debutant Shuchi Talati, Girls Will Be Girls is a remarkable coming-of-age film that has garnered unanimous acclaim from the most influential international critics at one of the biggest film festivals in the world. The movie, produced through the collaborative efforts of Chadha and Fazal's joint venture Pushing Buttons Studios with Blink Digital and Dolce Vita Films has managed to win hearts and critics both. As the sole Indian narrative feature at the festival, Girls Will Be Girls stood out, while the Indian Documentary Film 'Nocturnes' also won a prize.

Speaking of this, director Shuchi said, “Directing 'Girls will be Girls' was a deeply personal and rewarding experience. The film's success at Sundance is a testament to the collaborative efforts of a dedicated team. Richa has protected this story and film like a Lioness. It's heartening to see our story resonate with audiences and critics alike, and I hope it sparks important conversations about coming-of-age experiences, that we don't often get to see on screen"

Adding to this, producers Richa and Ali said, “We embarked on this journey with Girls Will Be Girls with courage and the overwhelming response at Sundance has been the stuff of dreams! This experience reinforces our belief in the power of storytelling and the need to champion diverse narratives that resonate globally. As actors, we've always craved powerful stories but getting those opportunities wasn't always in our hands. That's why it's heartening to see our new actors receiving this global acclaim. This recognition motivates us to continue pushing boundaries and telling new stories" ALSO READ: Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal fly off to the US for world premiere of debut production Girls Will Be Girls at Sundance Film Festival

Republic Day in India observed annually on January 26, holds profound significance, symbolizing the nation's transformation into a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic. The day unfolds with the unfurling of the national flag and national anthem echoing through the air. The day is a testament to India's commitment to pluralism and democratic values. Amidst the grandeur of parades and cultural events, Bollywood celebs celebrate the occasion by hoisting the flag and extending wishes to their followers. From Salman Khan to Katrina Kaif, Vicky Kaushal to Hrithik Roshan, everyone shared photos and videos on their respective social media platforms.

SALMAN KHAN

Wishing A Very Happy Republic Day To All — Salman Khan (@BeingSalmanKhan) January 26, 2024

KATRINA KAIF & VICKY KAUSHAL

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Katrina Kaif (@katrinakaif)

RAKUL PREET SINGH

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Rakul Singh (@rakulpreet)

AMITABH BACHCHAN

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Amitabh Bachchan (@amitabhbachchan)

SHILPA SHETTY

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Shilpa Shetty Kundra (@theshilpashetty)

KAJOL

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Kajol Devgan (@kajol)

HRITHIK ROSHAN

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Hrithik Roshan (@hrithikroshan)

SONU SOOD

Happy Republic Day ???????? pic.twitter.com/pFrpMuirak — sonu sood (@SonuSood) January 26, 2024

ALSO READ: Shah Rukh Khan celebrates Republic Day 2024, shares photo with Indian flag: “May the Tiranga always fly high”

ZEE5 announced the world digital premiere of the much-awaited comedy-drama, Khichdi 2: Mission Paanthukistan. Khichdi 2, the follow-up to Khichdi: The Movie (2010) stars Supriya Pathak Kapur, Rajeev Mehta, Anang Desai, Vandana Pathak, Jamnadas Majethia, Kirti Kulhari, Anant Vidhaat Sharma, Reyaansh Vir Chaddha, Flora Saini in prominent roles along with surprise cameos by Farah Khan and Pratik Gandhi. The movie is set to premiere on ZEE5 on 9th February 2024.

In the sequel, the Parekh family goes on an adventure to save the world with Praful playing a double role and also serving as an emperor of a fictional country Paanthukistan. The absurdity, the gags and the silliness return as the Parekh family’s adventure transcends various landscapes – cities, beaches, snow-clad mountains, deserts, and caves. The film promises an uproarious adventure as the Parekh family stumbles upon a royal revelation that catapults them into a whirlwind of comedic chaos.

Producer Jamnadas Majethia further said, “For more than two decades, the Khichdi franchise has been a source of laughter for audiences, creating a nostalgic connection with them. Even after more than a decade since our last film, the excitement has been still buzzing with constant inquiries about the return of Khichdi! It has a robust bond with its fans, and with the World Digital Premiere of Khichdi 2 on ZEE5, we are thrilled that this enduring comedy franchise will continue to not only expand its family but also cross international borders.”

Parekh parivaar ke bade log are back with 2x the madness! ????#Khichdi2 premieres on 9th February, only on #ZEE5#Khichdi2OnZEE5 pic.twitter.com/0ae7k6aXa2 — ZEE5 (@ZEE5India) January 25, 2024

Writer and director Aatish Kapadia said, “Fans eagerly awaited the return of Khichdi, and with this new offering, we're bringing back the unmatched craziness of the Khichdi family through their comedic escapades in Paanthukistan. The franchise holds a special place in our hearts, and through this sequel, we aim to amplify the laughter, craziness, and quintessential humour that fans love. Working with this exceptional cast has been an absolute joy and returning with them after so many years felt like home. I believe our collaborative efforts will bring forth a memorable chapter in the Khichdi legacy.”

Supriya Pathak, the vivacious Hansa, joyfully said, "Bringing Hansa back in Khichdi 2: Mission Paanthukistan has been an absolute delight. The laughter, camaraderie, and sheer absurdity of the character never fail to bring a smile to my face. Hansa as a character has resonated so well across all age groups and it has been the most gratifying role of my life. This new instalment guarantees another laughter-filled rollercoaster ride and what better platform than ZEE5 for a homegrown show like Khichdi”.

Created by Jamnadas Majethia and Aatish Kapadia's Hats Off Productions, Khichdi first premiered as a TV series in 2002 on Star Plus. The second season, titled Instant Khichdi, aired in 2004 on Star One. The show was made into a movie in 2010. ALSO READ: Khichdi 2 trailer launch: Kiku Sharda jokes about Dunki: “Bulane ke liye toh hum Shah Rukh Khan ji ko bhi bula le. Par woh yahaan pe aake ‘Dunki’ baatein karenge”