The acclaimed film Haider (2014) completed 10 years on October 2. Starring Shahid Kapoor, Shraddha Kapoor, Tabu and Kay Kay Menon, it is considered one of the finest films by director Vishal Bhardwaj. It is an adaptation of Shakespeare’s Othello and is set in Kashmir where a young student goes on a path of self-destruction after his father is murdered. One of the most memorable parts of the film is when Shahid Kapoor performs the haunting song ‘Bismil’. The song was shot at Martand Sun Temple in Kashmir and thanks to this film, this historical place became widely popular among tourists. It’s a great example of how film tourism can impact tourism positively.

This piece of information was shared by Vishal Bhardwaj when he attended the Tourism Development Enclave in Srinagar earlier this year. Along with Vishal, prominent film personalities like Imtiaz Ali, Kabir Khan and Sanjay Suri also graced this event. Here, Vishal Bhardwaj revealed that ‘Bismil’ led to a spike in the footfalls at Martand Sun Temple. The filmmaker further said that the increase in tourist activity prompted the ASI (Archaeological Survey of India) to remove encroachments from the site.

The Martand Sun Temple is located around 10 km away from the town of Anantnag in Kashmir and was constructed in the eighth century BC.

‘Bismil’ was penned hauntingly by Gulzar and interestingly, this is the second song of the acclaimed lyricist to be shot in Martand Sun Temple. His much loved song ‘Tere Bina Zindagi Se Koi Shikwa Toh Nahi’ from his directorial venture Aandhi (1975), featuring Suchitra Sen and Sanjeev Kumar, was incidentally also shot in the same place.

Coming back to 'Bismil', the song has also been loved for the thought behind it. Vishal Bhardwaj, in a recent interview with The Times of India, revealed his inspiration behind the visuals of the track, “We created this song like a mousetrap where Shahid performs a play within a play. I wanted to create our own ‘Ek Hasina Thi Ek Deewana Tha’ moment in my way for Hamlet (laughs). Karz (1980) had a similar situation where Rishi Kapoor performed in front of Simi Garewal about the murder.”

‘Bismil’ helped choreographer Sudesh Adhana win the National Award. On this, Vishal said, “I used long, oversized puppets by Dadi Pudumjee, a great puppeteer, and he introduced me to Sudesh. I worked with them for two months in Paris, and right after that, I started shooting Haider. I brought all the sensibilities I learned during the opera, working with Dadi Pudumjee and Sudesh. It was so unconventional, so un-Bollywood-like. I'm saying this and I belong to Bollywood. And Sudesh won a National Award for that choreography.”

The song has been sung by Sukhwinder Singh. In The Times of India interview, Vishal Bhardwaj revealed, “Sukhwinder ko bahut khula gaane ki aadat hai - he's used to improvise a lot - but I told him, 'Is gaane mein track pe gaana padega, this is like an opera. We are telling a story in it'. Itna khoobsurat Gulzar sahab ne likha hai. I had only given him the phrase ‘Bismil Bismil Bulbule Bismil’, and from that, he wrote an entire epic. He’s a master.”

After reports of her first film Bedhadak being shelved, star kid and social media diva Shanaya Kapoor has been eagerly awaiting an opportunity to make her screen debut. And it seems that she has bagged an interesting venture which will feature her alongside popular actor Vikrant Massey, basking in the success of 12th Fail. The film in question is a romantic drama titled Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan and while reports of the same started surfacing earlier this month, the makers along with the cast have confirmed that the film has gone on floors.

Vikrant Massey confirmed the news by posting pictures on his social media platform. The actor along with the entire team of the film shared a photo of them holding a clapperboard as they commenced the shoot for their upcoming venture. Speaking about the film, it is described as, “Love is Blind… or is it the blind love? What is extraordinary is falling in love!” in the caption. It further read, “Mini Films brings to you Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan, a contemporary take on romance and ghosting. Join us on this unforgettable journey of love and incredible music.”

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Meanwhile, Shanaya Kapoor too expressed her enthusiasm about her debut project as she revealed, “Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan holds a special place in my heart. It’s very exciting for me to be sharing the screen with Vikrant in such a heartfelt and original story. My character is very close to my heart - she’s strong, emotional, and vibrant. And I am grateful for this opportunity! Shanaya also thanked her mentors and collaborators. “I’d like to thank Santosh for guiding me every step of the way,” she said, expressing her gratitude for the director's guidance. Additionally, she acknowledged her appreciation for the team, saying, “I’m excited about working with dynamic producers like Mansi and Varun Bagla. Need all your love and blessings as we embark this journey.”

Directed by Santoshi Singh, Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan is produced by Mansi and Varun Bangla under their banner Mini Films.

Also Read: Ananya Panday confesses that she, Navya Naveli Nanda, Shanaya Kapoor, Suhana Khan are part of a WhatsApp group called ‘Ananya’s Fans’: “I named it, obviously”

The official social media handle of Sony Entertainment Television garnered immense eyeballs earlier this week as it teased audiences by dropping an announcement clip marking the return of their iconic television series CID. The show went off air much to the disappointment of fans about a few years ago, after airing on television for over two decades. Now its return has sparked much excitement and adding to the same, the makers dropped an intriguing promo which has piqued interest of fans.

As CID is set to make a thrilling return on Sony Entertainment Television, bringing back its beloved cast of characters, which is Shivaji Satam as ACP Pradyuman, Dayanand Shetty as Inspector Daya, and Aditya Srivastava as officer Abhijeet. While the promo asserts their return it packs an unimaginable punch that has left fans shocked. Abhijeet and Daya, once inseparable friends, now stand as sworn enemies. The promo leaves us with the question – “Jo desh ke liye hamesha saath mein lade hai, aaj dushman ban kyun aamne saamne khade hai? Abhijeet ne Daya ko kyun maara (The warriors who fought together for the country, why have they become sworn enemies? Why did Abhijeet shoot Daya)?

Fans have been celebrating the return of the show and were seen thanking the makers for reviving their childhood memories again. Many of them, however, were saddened by the absence of the late Dinesh Phadnis who played the much-loved officer Frederick in the show.

Meanwhile, Shivaji Satam, who essays the role of ACP Pradyuman, have reacted to the show making a comeback and added, “In this edition of the show, the Daya-Abhijeet bond, once unbreakable, has snapped and the two are standing opposite each other. The very foundation of CID is shaken, and ACP Pradyuman's world will be turned upside down. It feels surreal to return as ACP Pradyuman after six years, a character that has received so much love and we promise a thrilling ride filled with suspense, and heart-stopping drama!"

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CID will soon be airing on Sony Entertainment Television but the dates and details are currently kept under wraps.

Also Read: CID 2 Promo Teaser: Shivaaji Satam to reunite with his team – Dayanand Shetty and Aditya Srivastava as the dramatic investigative series marks its return

Sussanne Khan celebrated her 49th birthday on October 26 and hosted a lavish bash to celebrate this special occasion with her family, friends, and loved ones. The entrepreneur’s bash garnered much attention for being a starry affair wherein it was not only attended by the Khan family including brother Zayed Khan and cousin Fardeen Khan but also by other B-Townies including her former husband Hrithik Roshan and Khan’s current boyfriend Arslan Goni. Several photos and videos were not only shared by the birthday girl on her social media but also by her guests.

Going by the fun videos that were shared on social media, it seems that the guests had a lot of fun in this punk themed party where many of them were dressed in black or milder tones. Sussanne Khan too was dressed in an all-black attire and heavily accessorized with gold stylish, statement pieces. Among the guests were actress Anushka Ranjan who attended the bash with actor-husband Aditya Seal, actress Karisma Tanna who attended with entrepreneur-husband Varun Bangera. Bollywood wives Bhavana Pandey and Maheep Kapoor also were a part of the bash wherein the former attended it with husband Chunky Panday. Actresses like Sonal Chauhan, Mandana Karimi, also seemed to have had a gala time with everyone.

A video of Sussanne Khan’s cake cutting ceremony was shared by one of her friends, who was a guest at the party, which was reposted by the entrepreneur. The adorable video saw Khan singing the ‘Birthday’ song along with everyone and showcasing her happiness over the immense love around her.

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Saba Azad also shared a beautiful picture with boyfriend Hrithik Roshan, birthday girl Khan and her boyfriend Arslan and penned the sweetest wish as she wrote, “Happy Birthday Soozaloo stay smiling always”.

If that wasn’t all, other guests like Orry aka Orhan Awatramani, Sussanne’s sister and designer Farah Khan Ali, and Arslan’s brother and popular actor Aly Goni also shared several candid moments from the bash on their respective social media handles.

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Also Read: Photos: Sussanne Khan, Mahima Choudhary, Poonam Dhillon, Madhoo and Geeta Basra snapped in Bandra

Amid the many star-studded cameos and extended special appearances in Singham Again, the crossover of the Dabangg and Singham franchise is what audiences are super-thrilled about. After much speculation about whether the special appearance of Salman Khan as Chulbul Pandey has been retained or not in the film, we finally hear that the audiences will definitely witness Chulbul and Singham coming together, as per recent reports. Meanwhile, we saw a glimpse of this cop energy when the latter came to promote the Rohit Shetty film on the sets of Bigg Boss 18.

While the recent Weekend Ka Vaar saw Salman Khan going over and condemning some contestants over last week’s incidents, the episode also featured some interesting surprises including the arrival of Ajay Devgn and Rohit Shetty. The channel dropped a promo on Saturday sparking much excitement among fans who can’t wait to see Chulbul and Singham collaborate. In the promo, the Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam co-stars show off their starry presence on camera, as Rohit directs them on camera. Audiences, who came across the clip, have showcased their excitement in the comment and have also referred to the ongoing reports about Khan’s special appearance in Singham Again. A user said, “Can't wait Chulbul & Singham in one frame”, whereas another one added, “Cameo confirm”.

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Meanwhile, another promo of some on the sets kind of fun has been unveiled recently. On Saturday, the makers posted another video where Rohit Shetty is seen playing an interesting game with contestants where they are asked to respond with a ‘yes’ for every question. If not, they will be punished.

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Speaking of Singham Again, the film marks the return of Ajay Devgn as Bajirao Singham and is the third film of the cop-action franchise, and the fifth film in the ambitious Rohit Shetty copverse. The movie will feature Kareena Kapoor Khan as the leading lady, Arjun Kapoor as the antagonist along with Tiger Shroff, Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Akshay Kumar, and Jackie Shroff in key roles. It is slated to release on November 1.

As for Bigg Boss 18, the reality show airs from Monday to Friday at 10 pm and on Saturdays and Sundays at 9:30 pm on Colors.

Also Read: Photos: Ajay Devgn and Rohit Shetty snapped promoting Singham Again on the sets of Bigg Boss 18

Director Raam Reddy’s stunning and cinematic labour of love, The Fable starring Manoj Bajpayee has been awarded the Special Jury Prize in the South Asia Competition at the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2024. Its Asia premiere was held last week at MAMI. Announcing the award, filmmaker Kabir Khan described the film as a polished and imaginative film, showcasing the director's ambitions.

Ram Reddy is currently in Spain for another film festival, and hence couldn’t stay for MAMI’s closing ceremony. But, his father, Producer Pratap Reddy read a message on behalf of the team and said, “We would like to thank MAMI for this wonderful opportunity to showcase our film at such a passionate and exciting festival. Our team worked from the heart, overcoming many challenges to bring this dream to the screen. We are deeply humbled and grateful for this recognition. The MAMI audience, in many ways, was our first audience, and we consider ourselves lucky to have received your support. Thank you all for making this dream come true.”

Director Raam Reddy said, “It feels beautiful; like a full circle! I was fortunate to win the same award with Thithi in 2015; returning to MAMI with my second film and winning the same award again feels joyous beyond words. More than the award, it was the incredible audience interactions and reactions that made me feel like the film is in fact entertaining audiences the way I had hoped. I'm overjoyed by the MAMI experience and really can't wait to share The Fable with more audiences in India and around the world!”

Actor Manoj Bajpayee said, “Being a part of The Fable was a transformative experience. The story's quiet complexity challenged me as an actor. Portraying a character balancing nature and human emotion was a privilege. We began filming before the pandemic, paused, and then returned to complete it on the mountain. The crew emerged victorious despite all challenges, patiently waiting because we believed in Raam’s vision and passion. The Special Jury Prize at the MAMI Festival reflects the film's power and the dedication of everyone who made it possible.”

Executive Producers Guneet Monga Kapoor and Achin Jain of Sikhya Entertainment said, “We are incredibly proud of The Fable and the recognition it has received at MAMI. This award is a testament to the hard work, passion, and resilience of the entire team, from our visionary director Raam Reddy to the outstanding cast and crew. At Sikhya Entertainment, we always strive to champion bold, unique stories that push boundaries, and The Fable is exactly that. It's an honour to be part of this journey as Executive Producers and we’re excited to bring this powerful, imaginative film to more audiences around the world.”

The film also features performances by Priyanka Bose, Deepak Dobriyal, Tillotama Shome, Hiral Sidhu, and Awan Pookot. After a successful debut at MAMI, The Fable will continue its festival journey on the international circuit with several screenings planned. The film is set to be showcased at SEMINCI in Spain on October 25th and 26th, with screenings at Teatro Zorrilla and Cines Broadway. Following this, it will be presented at Brazil's MOSTRA festival from October 17th to 20th. In November, The Fable will screen at the 3 Continents Festival in France, the Leeds International Film Festival, and the Cork International Film Festival in Ireland.

Also Read : Bollywood STUNNED as Bihar offers HIGHEST film subsidy of up to Rs. 4 cr; Manoj Bajpayee, Pankaj Tripathi, Sanjay Mishra applaud the GAME-CHANGING move

Actor and entrepreneur Parul Gulati shared her admiration for Priyanka Chopra in an interview with India Today Digital. She expressed that Chopra motivates her to "have it all" in life. Known as 'Nish Hair Ki Malkin' from her appearance on Shark Tank, Parul also discussed her intention to return to acting while managing her successful business.

When discussing her idols in the film industry and potential future collaborations, Parul stated, “Priyanka Chopra will always be my idol. I'm a big fan of her work and her character as a person. Her journey of succeeding as an actress in both Bollywood and Hollywood, along with managing her own beauty business, shows that PeeCee is a woman who knows how to achieve it all.”

She further added, “I love Priyanka because she is multi-faceted from being an actor, producer, running her restaurant, to being an entrepreneur there’s not a single thing I feel that Priyanka cannot do. She inspires me to have it all and I feel it’s that drive which also inspires many other women out there. Hence, Priyanka Chopra will always been my inspiration and someone who really look up to.”

In addition to this, Parul expressed her desire to collaborate with filmmaker Imtiaz Ali, “As an actor, the one director I am really manifesting to work with is Imtiaz Ali. It’s my dream to be an Imtiaz Ali heroine. When it comes to him, it doesn’t matter whether it is a film or a show, it has to be him and I would readily work with him. Who doesn’t want to work with him and be the heroine of the cinematic world that he creates?”, she added.

She also stated, “All his female characters are so well-carved and beautifully written that one can’t help but fall in love with those varied layers that he depicts through his lovely characters and storyline. They are beautiful, crazy and layered, all at the same time. Imtiaz really empowers his women characters amazingly well and I’m really hoping I get to work with him super soon.”

Parul Gulati is recognized for her contributions to films, television, and TVF skits. Her notable projects include Silence 2: The Night Owl Bar Shootout, Girls Hostel, Made in Heaven Season 2, among others.

Also Read : Parul Gulati reveals an intriguing first look from her upcoming series: “Bloody fun time”

Anushka Ranjan has grown weary of sexism infiltrating daily life. The actor voiced her frustration about being repeatedly told to lower her voice, emphasizing that people often attempt to silence those who speak up, especially women.

In an interview with Hindustan Times, Anushka discusses the sexism she has faced, the questions people posed after her marriage to actor Aditya Seal, and her recent fundraiser for BETI.

Talking on the normalization of sexism, Anushka stated, “That is something that needs to change. I have been told so many times that ‘you are too much, and you are going to spoil women don't speak like that’. What is that supposed to mean? Am I spoilt? Am I doing anything wrong? I have made sure to keep my family with self-respect and dignity in place no matter what.”

She added, “People get a little scared about these things. They want to silence anyone who is too loud in a room, especially if it's a woman. I have felt that many times and that bothers me. If a girl has an opinion, it's always taken in multiple ways as opposed to just being like she has a brain. Sometimes, people even go to the extent that, ‘Are you PMS-ing... And I am like, what do you mean?”

The actor believes these are questions women encounter nearly every day and said, “We are trying our level best from our capacity to change this. But it's going to take a collective effort from every woman and man.”

Reflecting on the trivial questions she's faced, Anushka recalls that after marrying actor Aditya Seal in 2021, a director asked her, “Are you still acting?” She responded, “Once after my marriage, a director asked me ‘are you still acting?’ I was like why would I stop earning money and feeding myself? Why would you assume that suddenly I will stop working? Did I marry a bank?”

She added, “These are some silly small things which we deal with in our little way. I don't usually get or be dramatic about certain things. There are bigger problems in the world. We have to pick our battles. And I have chosen to fight, and it is to ensure women's lives around me are in a better position.”

Anushka is dedicated to making a difference in women's lives. Known for her roles in Batti Gul Meter Chalu and Fittrat, she hosted the 18th edition of the BETI Fundraiser Show, founded by her mother, Anu Ranjan. She emphasized that the event aimed to highlight the Kolkata rape case.

“We had the Kolkata rape case in mind. It felt a bit frivolous to host just another event with celebrities. We wanted it to be more than an entertainment show. This year, we encouraged more people to come and speak, to join us, and to be part of this movement that requires everyone's collective effort,” she concluded.

Also Read : Anushka Ranjan to host charity fashion show celebrating everyday heroes through BETI initiative

Actors Vidya Balan and Madhuri Dixit captivated fans by performing together on stage to their new song, ‘Ami Je Tomar 3.0,’ from the movie Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, at an event in Mumbai. In a video shared by a paparazzo on Instagram, Vidya stumbled on stage but won fans over by seamlessly continuing her dance with grace.

In the clip, Vidya and Madhuri Dixit danced side by side when Vidya suddenly stumbled but maintained her poise, continuing the performance. She stood closer to Madhuri, who guided her through the next steps. The audience applauded as they wrapped up their performance.

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One fan commented, "Wow, she handled herself so gracefully after the fall and still completed the performance. Such poise!" Another remarked, "Madhuri's skill in guiding her when she forgot the steps after the fall!" A viewer added, "Hats off to Madhuri ma'am for supporting Vidya ma'am." Another fan noted, "Look at how the other lady supports her in every move; this unscripted grace only comes with experience." An Instagram user observed, "That's how you turn a stumble into a power move."

Vidya later expressed admiration for Madhuri, sharing that she had always dreamed of dancing with her ever since watching her iconic performance in Ek Do Teen from Tezaab. Quoted by ANI, Vidya said, “Today, one of my dreams came true. After seeing Ek Do Teen, I wanted to dance like her, and today, I finally did even though I fell, the way she handled me shows why she's Madhuri Dixit.” While the track has always been a fan favorite since the first film, this time it featured a dynamic face-off between Vidya Balan and Madhuri Dixit.

Directed by Anees Bazmee and produced by Bhushan Kumar, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 continues the franchise’s blend of horror and comedy. The film stars Madhuri Dixit, Vidya Balan, Kartik Aaryan, Triptii Dimri, Rajpal Yadav, and Sanjay Mishra, among others. Scheduled for a November 1 release, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 is set to compete at the box office with Rohit Shetty's Singham Again.

Also Read : Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’s Ami Je Tomar 3.0 launch: Vidya Balan left RED-FACED as Bhushan Kumar reveals that she declined to work in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2

Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal’s first venture as producers, Girls Will Be Girls, continues its remarkable journey on the global stage, sweeping multiple awards at the prestigious MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2024. Directed by Suchi Talati, the film, which has already garnered international acclaim, winning awards at festivals like the Sundance Film Festival, added four more honors to its growing list of achievements at MAMI: the Films Critics Guild Sensitivity Award, the Young Critics Choice Award, Jury Special Mention in the South Asian Film Category and the Netpac Award.

Starring Kani Kusruti, Preeti Panigrahi, Kesav Benoy Kiron, and Jitin Gulati, the film is a compelling portrayal of nuanced characters and sensitive storytelling. Produced under Chadha and Fazal’s joint venture Pushing Buttons Studios in collaboration with Blink Digital and Dolce Vita Films, Girls Will Be Girls has struck a chord with audiences and critics alike.

Expressing their excitement about the film’s success, Richa Chadha shared, "Winning these awards at MAMI feels like a homecoming for us. After the incredible journey Girls Will Be Girls has had at international festivals, it's truly heartwarming to see the film being embraced with such love and appreciation on our home turf. the talented cast of Kani Kusruti, Preeti Panigrahi, Kesav Benoy Kiron, and Jitin Gulati delivered performances that were both raw and authentic. Ali and I are so proud of what we've achieved with Girls Will Be Girls and are thrilled that it’s getting the recognition it deserves"

Ali Fazal says - "What makes these wins even more special is that the film was specially recognized in the gender category. As a man, and a cinephile I am so excited to see these stories about women told by women. They are resonating with a wide range of audiences in a profound way. We owe this success to our incredible team. Shuchi's direction brought the story to life in the most beautiful manner."

The film, with it's aching nostalgia and thought-provoking themes, has been lauded for its tender female gaze. It continues to blaze a trail not just as an exemplary piece of filmmaking but as a statement on the evolving landscape of Indian cinema, where unconventional stories are being embraced more widely.

Also Read: Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal’s maiden production Girls Will Be Girls set for India premiere at MAMI Mumbai Film Festival

Fans couldn’t be more excited as the official social media handle of Sony Entertainment Television dropped a major update about one of its most loved series. We are talking about CID! For the unversed, CID featured Shivaaji Satam in the lead role along with Daya Shetty and Aditya Srivastava, and the late Dinesh Phadnis in key roles. The episodic serial was not only known for its cases but also for its extensive drama that left audiences entertained. On Thursday, Sony surprised its fans by dropping a teaser of sorts, further sharing that the promo will drop on October 26.

A short clip was shared on the social media platform Instagram on October 24 to announce the return of CID 2 which featured Shivaaji Satam in his usual ACP Pradyuman look but not much was revealed about the rest of the team. With Pradyuman looking concerned as he arrives at a location where there are multiple bomb blasts, the clip featured the show’s special whistle theme asserting its return. It further sparked excitement among social media users when it went on to announce that the promo will be unveiled on Saturday as fans couldn’t more excited to see what the new season holds in store for them.

Fans couldn’t help but drop their happy comments on this post. “Finally come back CID ??i am so happy”, “Best show show I am very happy cid back”, “All time favorite show?? so happpyyy”, “I am so excited”, “Bachpan k din laut aye hain i am soo excited”.

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While several actors have been a part of the show in the past, it is yet to be seen who will be retained for the new reason. However, the announcement has asserted that along with Shivaaji Satam, Daya Shetty as Daya, and Aditya as Abhijeet will also be a part of the show. However, one of the most beloved characters Frederick will be missed by fans since actor Dinesh Phadnis, who essayed the role, passed away in December 2023.

Also Read: CID actor Dinesh Phadnis succumbs to multiple organ failure at 57, confirms Dayanand Shetty

Riddhima Kapoor Sahni, the daughter of Rishi and Neetu Kapoor, appeared on the latest season of Fabulous Lives vs Bollywood Wives. In an interview with Galatta India, she discussed her relationship with her sister-in-law, Alia Bhatt, and described their bond as "easy" after Alia married Ranbir Kapoor and joined the Kapoor family. Riddhima also mentioned that Alia has put in a lot of effort to integrate into the family.

After Alia's wedding, Riddhima discussed bringing her into the family and said, “We are very comfortable being around each other. We give them their space. We don't call them up every single day. She makes a lot of effort… with the family. We love her, we are there for her anytime. Wherever So this happened very naturally, this love. Nothing was forced upon. It is a very natural bonding.”

Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor got married at his Bandra home, Vastu, in April 2022. The couple had a small, intimate ceremony with only 30-35 close friends and family members in attendance. In November 2022, they welcomed their daughter, Raha.

In the same conversation, Alia Bhatt shared a voice message, saying, “If there’s anybody who has all the khabar (news) in the world, that’s Riddhima. She casually drops the biggest gossip bombs and all of it usually ends up being true. So, she’s way ahead of all of us, especially her brother (Ranbir). But, she is also the most kindest, loving, generous human being who only has love to give. She is also the most entertaining and fabulous bua (aunt) who has taught Raha all kinds of things. Thanks to you, I am doing ‘Uma Joshi ye ye ye’ almost 20 times a day. I feel very happy and grateful to have you in my life as the most wonderful sister. I won’t say sister-in-law because you are more than that.”

Also Read : Fabulous Lives vs Bollywood Wives: Riddhima Kapoor Sahni felt jealous when Ranbir Kapoor was born; would throw him off the cradle: “I would pinch him…”

Priyanka Chopra starrer Saat Khoon Maaf which featured her with a bevy of popular Bollywood actors, from Neil Nitin Mukesh to John Abraham to Irrfan Khan, to Annu Kapoor, was directed by Vishal Bhardwaj. Being adapted from a Ruskin Bond novel ‘Susanna’s Seven Husbands’, the story featured several intimate and violent scenes too. Annu Kapoor who played her fifth husband Inspector Keemat Lal in the movie, recalled the shooting of the movie and revealed that PC was uncomfortable with their kissing scene.

In a podcast with ANI, Annu Kapoor recalled the incident where Vishal Bhardwaj told him about Priyanka Chopra not being comfortable with the intimate scene. While Annu asked Vishal to change the scene, the latter, however, remained insistent on it. “Vishal Bhardwaj told me that she is being shy. I told him, ‘If she’s uncomfortable, remove the scene’. But he said, ‘Why should I remove the scene? It’s important’. I’m a serious man, I don’t enjoy joking around on set. I got over with the combined shots. When it came to my solo shots, even assistants were impressed how I managed to perform them,” Annu stated in the podcast.

He went on to share that the actress may not have been this uncomfortable if he was a quintessential hero. “It’s obvious to me that Priyanka Chopra would’ve had no objection had I been the hero. Here I am, no personality, no looks, that’s why she had a problem. This made her very upset, I don’t know why,” he added.

In the past, Priyanka Chopra had shared her anger over a few comments made by Annu Kapoor regarding doing intimate scenes with the actress in the Vishal Bhardwaj thriller. “If he wants to do intimate scenes and pass such cheap comments, then he should do those kind of films. Such scenes were never part of our film,” she said, adding, “I don’t think he knew that his comments would upset me. But, his statements have really upset me. It was very wrong of him to speak the way he did.”, she had told Hindustan Times in 2011.

Also Read: Priyanka Chopra shares sweet birthday wish to ‘Tisha’ Parineeti Chopra

Adnan Siddiqui, who is best known for his role in Sridevi starrer Mom, recently took to social media to slam the recreation of a Pakistani song ‘Akhiyaan De Khol’ which was remixed for the upcoming Netflix thriller Do Patti. The song features Kriti Sanon dancing in a sexy red bodycon jumpsuit which has not gone down well with the Pakistani actor. He has taken to the social media platform to share his displeasure over this kind of ‘obscenity’ and furthermore, he has also received immense support from the social media fam.

Taking to social media platform X, Adnan Siddiqui shared a photo of Kriti Sanon from the song ‘Akhiyaan De Khol’ and wrote, “Imitation can be flattering, but not when it means tearing apart a classic by a legend. Please show some respect for Reshma jee and the legacy she left behind. Her music deserves to be treated with the dignity it commands, not reduced to just another sordid ripoff.” Many social media users too vouched for the same and called the song ‘disrespectful’ towards the original singers and musicians. “Thank you for saying this. What an obscene way to honour the legend that Reshma ji is. Just the audacity makes me puke. Thank you”, read one of the comments. “I agree with you. Reshma ji's song has been used for a cabaret which is highly offensive. Also a blatant disregard of folk music. Bollywood needs a wake-up call.”, said another fan. Meanwhile, many others also defended Kriti Sanon and the remake by sharing their disagreements over Siddiqui’s comments.

Imitation can be flattering, but not when it means tearing apart a classic by a legend. Please show some respect for Reshma jee and the legacy she left behind. Her music deserves to be treated with the dignity it commands, not reduced to just another sordid ripoff. pic.twitter.com/aNBLHIjGvB — Adnan Siddiqui (@adnanactor) October 20, 2024

Speaking of the song in Do Patti, ‘Akhiyaan De Khol’ is composed by the famous Tanishk Bagchi, who is known for his contemporary remixes, along with Shilpa Rao singing it and Kausar Munir rewriting the lyrics. Coming to the film, it is a Netflix thriller featuring Kriti Sanon in a never-before-seen avatar of rival twins along with Kajol playing a cop and marking the film debut of renowned TV actor Shaheer Sheikh. Also marking Sanon’s debut production and co-produced by Kanika Dhillon, the film will be releasing on October 25.

Also Read: Do Patti: Kajol showers praises on Kriti Sanon; says, “It was amazing to witness her transform from one character to the other”

Karan Johar is currently the most talked-about personality on social media, not only for his cinematic ventures but also for his headline-grabbing merger with Aadar Poonawalla. While the filmmaker's collaboration with Poonawalla has been making waves across national media, we have exclusive information about another major development - Karan Johar's digital debut. According to sources close to the project, Karan is all set to direct his first-ever web series for Netflix, marking an exciting new chapter in his illustrious career.

"Karan Johar's debut series for Netflix has been titled Jet Set Go. It is set against the backdrop of the aviation industry and the filmmaker is all set to go on floors in February 2025 with a start-to-finish schedule. 3 actresses from the Indian Film Industry will come on board the web show," a source told Bollywood Hungama.

According to the source, Jet Set Go is a subject close to the heart of Karan Johar, and he is excited to make his debut as a director on Netflix with a series like Jet Set Go, which is a pure family entertainer. "Karan is aiming to introduce a new flavour of story telling with Jet Set Go. He is enthusiastic to take this on floors by February," the source told us further.

Meanwhile, Karan has multiple films in the production and the next in line for him is the Sankaran Nair Biopic with Akshay Kumar, followed by Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor's Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari

Also Read: Karan Johar and Maheka Mirpuri raise ₹2.25 crore at 12th Annual Charity Gala for Cancer awareness

Kareena Kapoor Khan and Diljit Dosanjh have appeared in several films together. Earlier in 2024, they collaborated in the heist comedy Crew, where their chemistry in the song ‘Naina’ captivated audiences. Recently, Kareena expressed that her favorite international collaboration was with Diljit on ‘Naina’, declaring herself a big fan of his.

In a recent conversation at the NDTV World Summit, Kareena Kapoor Khan was asked about her favorite international collaboration. Kareena said, “I think the best collaboration has to be kyunki hum Diljit Dosanjh ke bahut bade fan hain, woh toh sab jaante hain (I am a big fan of Diljit Dosanjh, and everyone knows that).”

Kareena Kapoor Khan praised Diljit Dosanjh for elevating the song ‘Naina’ from Crew and Punjabi music to new heights, stating that he has placed them on "global billboards." She highlighted that Diljit has remained true to his roots and culture, calling "Naina" a special song and a fantastic international collaboration.

Diljit has also expressed his admiration for Kareena on several occasions. A playful moment they shared on stage during his performance at Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant's pre-wedding event went viral, where he jokingly held Kareena's hand and said, “Hoyegi Rihanna, Hoyegi Beyonce, saddi ta ae hi Rihanna, ae hi Beyonce.”

On the work front, Kareena Kapoor Khan recently starred in the crime thriller The Buckingham Murders, which is particularly special for her as it marks her debut as a producer. The film features a cast that includes Ranveer Brar, Ash Tandon, Assad Raja, Prabhleen Sandhu, Sanjeev Mehra, Adwoa Akoto, and Zain Hussain, and is directed by Hansal Mehta, with production by Shobha Kapoor, Ektaa R Kapoor, and Kareena herself.

Additionally, a Kareena Kapoor Khan Film Festival took place from September 20 to 27, 2024, re-releasing many of her iconic films like Jab We Met, Omkara, and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham in theaters across India.

Kareena is also preparing for the release of the Cop Universe film Singham Again, set to premiere on Diwali 2024.

Also Read : Kareena Kapoor Khan celebrates global recognition of Indian films, music and dance; says, “Indian films and fashion are having a very big moment”

Actor Karisma Kapoor has shown she still has the moves that captivated audiences in the 90s. In a recent advertisement, she revisited her iconic song ‘Sona Kitna Sona’ from the 1997 film Hero No. 1, leaving fans thrilled.

The classic track, which originally featured Karisma Kapoor dancing alongside Govinda, has been revived with her trademark energy and charm, effortlessly bringing back the nostalgia.

Karisma Kapoor appears in a new advertisement for Swiggy Instamart, which was recently shared on Instagram. The video caption humorously reads, “Sone ka 10 minutes mein pohachna kisi karishme se toh kam nahi?”

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The advertisement was released in line with the upcoming Dhanteras festivities, promoting Swiggy Instamart's festive offerings, including the delivery of gold within ten minutes. In the clip, Karisma dances on a film set to the iconic track, while the music director repeatedly changes the lyrics, humorously explaining it by saying, “Sona to chale gaya.”

The advertisement has widespread nostalgia, with fans and followers going to social media to express their excitement at seeing Karisma dance to the famous song.

Actor Ridhima Pandit was equally impressed, writing, "Mannnn @therealkarismakapoor loookkks the sameee. Wowww, howww." "Ain't no way you convinced Karishma Kapoor for this," one said, while another added, "Karishma is a true queen... She is so beautiful." "Karishma is slaying so hard," said one person, while another added, "Karishma Kapoor has still got those moves.. 90s nostalgia with a 2024 twist." One comment read, "You still look the same," while another exclaimed, "Karishma Kapoor is proof that some things only improve with time."

Actor Ridhima Pandit was equally impressed, writing, "Mannnn @therealkarismakapoor loookkks the sameee. Wowww, howww." "Ain't no way you convinced Karishma Kapoor for this," one said, while another added, "Karishma is a true queen... She is so beautiful." "Karishma is slaying so hard," said one person, while another added, "Karishma Kapoor has still got those moves.. 90s nostalgia with a 2024 twist." One comment read, "You still look the same," while another exclaimed, "Karishma Kapoor is proof that some things only improve with time."

On the work front, Karisma Kapoor made her acting debut with Prem Qaidi in 1991 and gained fame with films like Raja Babu, Andaz Apna Apna, Coolie No. 1, Raja Hindustani, Hero No. 1, Dil To Pagal Hai, Fiza, and Zubeidaa. Recently, she appeared in Homi Adajania's mystery-thriller Murder Mubarak and received acclaim for her role in the thriller series Brown.

Also Read : Karisma Kapoor exposes Kareena Kapoor’s gossip connection with Ranbir Kapoor and Karan Johar: “They know everything that is happening in the industry”

Several reports had claimed that Yash declined the role of Ravana in Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana. However, in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Yash broke his silence, confirming that he will indeed portray Ravana in the film, which also features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram and Sai Pallavi as Sita. Yash added that Ravana is likely the only character he would consider playing in the epic.

In the interview, Yash shared that his first introduction to Ramayana came during a conversation with Namit Malhotra of DNEG and Prime Focus. Yash was impressed by Namit's passion, and their perspectives on the project aligned with his vision. Namit then asked if Yash would be interested in playing the role of Ravana in the film.

Yash said, “If the character is treated like a character… if this doesn’t happen today, then the film won’t happen. To make a film with that kind of budget, you need those kind of actors to come together and work for the project. It has to be beyond yourself and your stardom. We have to place the project and the vision first.” He added that the conversation progressed and he chose to co-produce the picture.

He added, “It’s a very fascinating character. I wouldn’t have done it for any other reason. In Ramayana, if you had asked me, ‘Would you play any other character?’ Probably not. For me, Ravana is the most exciting character to play as an actor so I really like the shades and the nuances of particular character. There’s vast scope to present it in a very different way. As an actor, I am very excited. Hopefully, it’s going to be a very unique approach to it.”

Pre-production for Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana is reportedly in full swing. Earlier this year, a leaked photo from the set, showing Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi in costume, went viral on social media. Though the team has yet to make an official announcement, the film has been generating strong buzz for some time. The makers are targeting a 2025 release.

Also Read : Yash and Kiara Advani gear up for romantic sequences in Toxic amid Mumbai schedule: Report

Salman Khan, who will mark his return in theatres in a massy avatar in Sikandar, kicked off this project with Sajid Nadiadwala earlier this year amid much excitement. However, the film seems to have faced a hurdle in the aftermath of the assassination of Baba Siddique. With the Khan family worried over the shooting outside their residence, followed by the demise of a close friend and an influential political figure, we hear that Salman has decided to stay put for the next few days at least.

Although the exact time has not been decided as to how long will Salman Khan will not be participating in the shoot, sources close to the actor have reportedly asserted that it is the best solution for the star as of now. “It is no longer enough to provide him stern security. For some time now, Salman would have to lie really now. He won’t be shooting for anything for quite a while, indefinitely I’d say,” a source was quoted saying to Times Now.

The source also mentioned about how Sikandar requires extreme dedication from Khan, which he will not be able to provide considering the emotional turmoil he has been undergoing after the sudden demise of Siddique. “Abhi kuch nahin kaha jaa sakta hai (Nothing can be said as of now). Sikandar requires a whole lot of choreographed action. Director Murugadoss needed Salman’s full attention. But right now that seems impossible. The way ahead is still very unclear. Right now, the most important thing is Salman and his family’s safety. That won’t be compromised under any circumstance,” the source added.

Coming to Sikandar, the film has A R Murugadoss as the director and boasts of an ensemble cast with Rashmika Mandanna as the leading lady and Kajal Aggarwal, Prateik Babbar, among others playing key roles. Produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, the film is scheduled to release during Eid 2025. But, it is yet to be seen if the makers will be retaining this release date, after Khan’s sudden decision to take a break.

Also Read: Salman Khan bolsters security amid rising threats; buys bulletproof car worth Rs. 2 crores from Dubai: Report

Amid much rumours of Yuvika Chaudhary being pregnant, the actress along with her reality show star husband Prince Narula announced the arrival of their first child after over five years of marriage. On Sunday, during the occasion of Karwa Chauth, Yuvika and Narula welcomed their baby girl. The latter took to social media to share a photo from the baby shower and announce the news to his social media fam. Now a day after his wife’s delivery, the couple have shared first picture with their beloved daughter.

Taking to their Instagram feed, Prince Narula and Yuvika Chaudhary dropped a picture where they have hidden the face of their newborn daughter with a baby emoji. The actress seems to be in the labour room and is seen in a hospital gown whereas an emotional father Prince Narula seems thrilled to welcome his ‘little princess’. Yuvika posted evil-eye and heart emojis in the caption and the post also received much love from their social media fam. TV actress Kanika Mann, Karan Kundrra, Neha Bagga, Sambhavna Seth, Mahhi Vij, Nisha Rawal, Harsh Arora, as well as the couple’s fans shared their best wishes and congratulatory messages on the platform.

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After announcing their first pregnancy via IVF in June, earlier this month, Prince Narula also shared several pictures and videos as he hosted a private and intimate bash for his wife to celebrate their sixth anniversary on October 12.

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For the unversed, Prince Narula and Yuvika Chaudhary met on the sets of Bigg Boss 9 and ever since then the couple have been together. They also participated in the celebrity couple dance reality show Nach Baliye.

Also Read: Yuvika Chaudhary flaunts her baby bump in a beautiful set of photoshoots; Prince Narula can’t stop showering love

Karwa Chauth, one of the most significant festivals for married women in India, was celebrated with great enthusiasm across Bollywood this year. Several Bollywood celebrities marked the occasion by sharing glimpses of their festivities, decked up in traditional outfits, and performing rituals with their partners. Here's a roundup of Bollywood stars who celebrated Karwa Chauth in 2024.

"Filmy" Priyanka Chopra celebrates festivities with Nick Jonas

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Katrina Kaif poses with Vicky Kaushal and family!

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Kriti Kharbanda looks regal on her first Karwa Chauth

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Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal's banter on fasting is pure couple goals!

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Raghav Chadha and Parineeti Chopra perform rituals

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Karwa Chauth 2024 featuring Bollywood wives and their fabulous lives!

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Raveena Tandon's Karwa Chauth pics are a sight to behold!

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Bipasha Basu pens heartwarming note for Karan Singh Grover

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Shilpa Shetty joins ladies to perform Karwa Chauth rituals

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This year’s Karwa Chauth was a beautiful blend of tradition and love in Bollywood. From first-time celebrants like Sonakshi Sinha and Rakul Preet Singh to seasoned couples like Shilpa Shetty and Raveena Tandon, the festival was marked with joy, love, and festive cheer across the industry.

Also Read: Rakul Preet Singh shares heartfelt Karwa Chauth moments with Jackky Bhagnani: “My sun, moon, universe, my everything” 

Choreographer Remo D'Souza and his wife Lizelle D'Souza have found themselves at the center of a controversy after being accused of a Rs 11.96 crores fraud by a dance troupe. The couple, however, has firmly denied the allegations and urged the public and media to avoid spreading rumors until the facts are clarified.

Remo and Lizelle’s Statement on the Allegations On Sunday, Remo and Lizelle took to their Instagram accounts to issue a joint statement in response to the viral news. They expressed their disappointment over the media reports and stressed that no concrete facts have been established. Their statement read:

"It has come to our notice through media reports that some complaint has been registered alleging fraud in regards to a certain dance troupe. It's disheartening that such information has been published. We would like to request everyone to abstain from spreading rumours before ascertaining true facts."

The couple also reassured their supporters that they will continue to cooperate with the authorities. "We shall put our case forward in due time and will continue to cooperate with the authorities in every way possible like we have done so far," the statement added. In closing, they thanked their fans for their unwavering support: "We would like to thank our family, friends and fans for the outpouring of love and continuous support."

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The Rs 11.96 Crores Fraud Allegation The accusation against Remo and Lizelle stems from a complaint filed by a 26-year-old dancer at Mira Road police station. The dancer claims that he and his troupe were cheated out of Rs 11.96 crores between 2018 and July 2024. The police have launched an investigation into the matter, and the case is currently under review.

Also Read: Remo D’Souza and wife Lizelle accused of cheating dance troupe of Rs 11.96 crores: Report 

Rakul Preet Singh, who married Jackky Bhagnani earlier this year, marked her first Karwa Chauth on Sunday. Despite being on bed rest due to a recent injury, the actress took to Instagram to share glimpses of her celebration. Rakul looked radiant as she embraced the festive spirit from the comfort of her home.

Rakul Preet's First Karwa Chauth Look Rakul shared heartwarming photos on her Instagram stories, giving fans a peek into her intimate Karwa Chauth celebration. Dressed in a stunning red outfit, the actress completed her festive look with sindoor, leaving her hair open. In the pictures, Rakul can be seen sharing warm, cosy moments with her husband, Jackky Bhagnani, who twinned with her in a red kurta featuring floral prints. Despite being on bed rest, Rakul’s joy and festive spirit shone through.

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Earlier in the day, Rakul shared a light-hearted post, writing, “Bed rest wala first Karwa Chauth.” This was a reference to her ongoing recovery from a back injury, which she recently spoke about in a message to her fans. Rakul Preet's Health Update Rakul had shared an update on her health earlier this month, revealing that she had suffered a back spasm while performing an 80 kg deadlift during her workout routine. In a candid video message, she reassured her fans that she would “bounce back stronger.” 

"Hi, my lovely people. Well, here is a little health update. I did something very stupid. I did not listen to my body. I had a spasm, kept pushing it, and it turned into a major injury. I have been on the bed for the last six days. I think it will take another week or so for me to fully recover. I really hope I recover faster than that because it is not easy for me to give in and rest," Rakul said in her video.

Despite the setback, Rakul's positive energy and determination have been evident throughout her recovery process. Her fans are eagerly awaiting her full recovery so she can get back to her routine.

Also Read: Rakul Preet Singh celebrates her first Karwa Chauth post-wedding while on bed rest!

Ajay Devgn and Rohit Shetty attended a special screening of Singham (2011) yesterday, where they interacted with fans and shared exciting updates about Singham Again. The blockbuster duo discussed how the Singham Again cast came together for this highly anticipated family entertainer.

During the interaction, Rohit was asked about the cop universe. He said, “When we were doing Simmba, I came to him (Ajay Devgn) and said let's merge into it and make a universe in our country also. Let's see. There was a risk. If Simmba would have not worked, Singham was coming in that film, plus Sooryavanshi as well. So again, it was like a risk we took. Then for the Hindi audience, they will understand this thing that Singham kaise aa gaya isme? Achha ab ye kaun hai? (How did he arrive here and who is he?). It worked for us and then after that, we all started making universe sort of thing in every genre.”

Talking about the entry scene in Simmba, Ajay said, “Ya, of course, I remember we started shooting it, when the Scorpio (car) turns in and I get off, that again becomes so significant that it had to be repeated and it became a part of Singham's character.”

The film features Ajay Devgn, Akshay Kumar, Ranveer Singh, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Arjun Kapoor, Jackie Shroff, Deepika Padukone, and Tiger Shroff.

The film will release on November 1, 2024.

Also Read: Ajay Devgn and Rohit Shetty attend special fan sreening of Singham, reveal how ‘Ata Majhi Satakli’ dialogue came about: “It became an iconic line”

Ajay Devgn and Rohit Shetty attended a special screening of Singham (2011) yesterday, where they interacted with fans and shared exciting updates about Singham Again. The blockbuster duo revealed how the cult line ‘Ata Majhi Satakli’ became iconic and discussed how the Singham Again cast came together for this highly anticipated family entertainer.

During the interaction, Rohit was asked about the popular dialogue and how it became a sensation over the years. He said: “Genuinely, we had just written those characters - Singham and the villain Jaykant Shikre (played by Prakash Raj), in Maharashtrian. It became an iconic line! He just says that line once in the film, otherwise it is told by the villain. We never thought… for us it was just a line! Again a language which everybody says now! We never thought about it that way.”

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Ajay added, “In that moment it was just a line! There are many lines and nobody knows at that time what comes after. While doing it, that was just a line and then it became a cult line.”

The film features Ajay Devgn, Akshay Kumar, Ranveer Singh, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Arjun Kapoor, Jackie Shroff, Deepika Padukone, and Tiger Shroff.

The film will release on November 1, 2024.

Also Read: Singham Again: Ajay Devgn and Ranveer Singh lead the ‘Jai Bajrangbali’ song from Rohit Shetty’s cop universe, watch

Bollywood megastar Salman Khan has taken proactive measures to enhance his personal security following a recent death threat issued by a notorious criminal gang. The threat, issued by associates of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, has escalated tensions surrounding the actor's safety.

Bishnoi's gang, known for their involvement in organized crime and their protection of the blackbuck, a species considered sacred by the Bishnoi community, has accused Khan of a role in the illegal hunting of blackbucks. This ongoing dispute has led to a series of threats and intimidation tactics directed at the actor.

As per a Mid-dDay report, in response to the escalating threats, Khan has made significant investments in his personal security. One such measure involves the acquisition of a high-tech, bulletproof vehicle from Dubai. This armoured vehicle, valued at a substantial sum of Rs. 2 crores, is equipped with state-of-the-art safety features designed to protect against a range of potential threats.

The vehicle's advanced security features include explosive alert systems, reinforced glass capable of withstanding point-blank gunfire, and advanced camouflage technology to conceal the occupants from identification. Given the vehicle's specialized nature, it was necessary to import it from Dubai as it is not readily available in the Indian market.

This is not the first time Khan has taken such precautions. Last year, he also imported a bulletproof vehicle in response to earlier threats from the same criminal organization.

Despite the heightened security measures, Khan remains committed to his professional obligations. He has continued to fulfill his role as the host of the popular reality television show, Bigg Boss. The production team behind the show has implemented stringent security protocols to ensure Khan's safety while on set.

Khan's presence on the Bigg Boss set has been accompanied by a significant increase in security personnel. Guards have been instructed to verify the identification of all individuals entering the compound, and checkpoints have been established to monitor access. Additionally, the production crew has been instructed to remain on-site until the conclusion of each filming session. ALSO READ: “Pakde jayenge toh, ghabrao mat”: Aasif Sheikh recalls Salman Khan driving on footpath

Sunny Hinduja, known for his powerful roles in Sandeep Bhaiya, The Family Man, and Yodha, steps into a new role with his talk show Sunny Sunayi Baatein. The show celebrates the deep friendships that shape the lives of actors, offering a rare glimpse into the private, unguarded moments they share with their closest friends.

“As actors, we often express ourselves on screen, but in real life, we only truly open up to those close to us,” Sunny explains. “This show is a way to showcase the real beauty of my friends, beyond their public personas.” He adds, “You’ve seen them on TV and films, but I want to introduce you to their hearts.”

The show features a diverse range of friends and colleagues from the industry, including Sharib Hashmi, Naveen Kasturia, Shreya Dhanwantary, and FTII batchmates Vijay Varma and Jaideep Ahlawat, along with Gajraj Rao, Shivankit Parihar, and Bhuvan Arora.

Sunny emphasizes the importance of friendships in the lives of those who move to Mumbai to pursue their dreams. “Many of us leave our homes and friends become our family here. This show is my tribute to those bonds that support us through ups and downs.” ALSO READ: Sunny Hinduja on FTII, “I am immensely proud to have been a part of it”

Today is a momentous occasion as Mythri Movie Makers celebrate the birthday of Sunny Deol, marked by the unveiling of the highly anticipated film Jaat. Directed by Gopichand Malineni and produced by Mythri Movie Makers and People Media Factory, Jaat is set to be an extraordinary cinematic experience.

The newly revealed first look poster features Sunny Deol in a striking and powerful persona, perfectly capturing the essence of the action-packed adventure that awaits audiences. The poster teases an engaging blend of high-octane drama and spectacular action sequences that promise to elevate the genre.

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Renowned for his commanding presence and impactful performances, Sunny Deol joins forces with Gopichand Malineni. Jaat boasts a remarkable cast, including Randeep Hooda, Vineet Kumar Singh, Saiyami Kher, and Regina Cassandra in key roles. The film is being produced on an impressive scale by Mythri Movie Makers and People Media Factory.

The film features music by Thaman S, with Rishi Punjabi responsible for cinematography, Navin Nooli handling the editing, and Avinash Kolla overseeing production design. The technical team, including action choreographers Anl Arasu, Ram Laxman, and Venkat, is set to deliver stunning stunts and thrilling action sequences that will leave audiences on the edge of their seats. ALSO READ: Sunny Deol and Gopichand Malineni’s next Jatt takes Republic Day 2025 slot, Lahore: 1947 delayed: Report

Alia Bhatt is currently immersed in her work in the picturesque landscapes of Kashmir, where she is filming her upcoming project titled Alpha. The actress took a brief respite from her busy schedule to share delightful glimpses of her experience in this enchanting locale.

On Friday, Alia shared two charming snapshots on her Instagram, showcasing her enjoying the serene beauty of her surroundings. In one of the images, she can be seen donning a cozy woollen cap, radiating warmth and comfort as she basks in the sunlight. Accompanying the images, Alia kept her caption simple yet effective, stating, “Kashmir #Alpha,” which reflects her excitement for the film and the stunning backdrop that serves as its setting.

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Alpha, directed by Shiv Rawail, represents a notable expansion within the spy universe of Yash Raj Films. The film also features Sharvari. The anticipation for this film is already building, with its release date set for December 25, 2025.

In addition to her current project, Alia is simultaneously promoting her latest release, Jigra, which released in theatres on October 11. This film is produced by Dharma Productions in collaboration with Eternal Sunshine Productions. The screenplay is co-written by Debashish Irengbam and Vasan Bala. ALSO READ: Alia Bhatt’s natural charm shines in latest pics from Alpha filming in Kashmir

The biopic on human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, Punjab '95, starring Diljit Dosanjh, has been embroiled in a contentious battle with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for over two years. The film, directed by Honey Trehan and produced by Ronnie Screwvala, has faced significant resistance from the board, demanding numerous changes to its content. These changes, which include rechristening the film and renaming Khalra's character, have not been well-received by the Sikh community or the martyr's family. The Sikh community views these alterations as an attempt to dilute the film's message and obscure its historical accuracy.

As per a report in Mid-Day, in response to the CBFC's demands, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), a prominent Sikh organization, has stepped in to support the film. The SGPC has now received instructions from the Akal Takht, the highest temporal authority of Sikhs, to form a review board to examine the Diljit Dosanjh-starrer.

Gurcharan Singh Grewal, General Secretary of the SGPC, expressed the community's concerns about the CBFC's cuts. He stated that the Khalra family believes that the changes would diminish the film's impact by removing references to events verified by legal and human rights institutions. Such modifications could distort the historical accuracy and significance of the film.

The Akal Takht's Jathedar, Giani Raghbir Singh, has called for a panel of Sikh scholars to thoroughly review the film and ensure its alignment with the community's sentiments and integrity. The SGPC aims to consult Sikh scholars and examine the film from all perspectives before its release. They are determined to fight for the film's release in its original form, preserving Khalra's legacy.

The committee being formed by the SGPC will include legal experts and academics knowledgeable about the politics of that era. This comprehensive review will be conducted in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, the film's makers, Trehan and Screwvala, have yet to receive a response from the CBFC regarding the film's certification. However, the recent intervention by the Akal Takht and SGPC has instilled hope in the makers. They are now considering the possibility of not making any cuts to the film at all, even the original 22 suggested by the CBFC. If the Sikh bodies approve of the film in its original form, the makers are prepared to fight for its release without any modifications.

Set in the turbulent 1990s Amritsar, Punjab '95 revolves around Jaswant Singh Khalra, a seemingly ordinary bank employee and human rights activist, who leads a middle-class life with his librarian wife and two young children. His desire for a peaceful existence is shattered when he learns about the disappearance of his friend's mother, Bibi Gurpej. As Khalra delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers a dangerous web of secrets, putting himself and his family at risk.

Directed by Honey Trehan and produced by Ronnie Screwvala in association with MacGuffin Pictures, Punjab '95 also features Arjun Rampal and Surinder Vicky in pivotal roles. ALSO READ: Diljit Dosanjh and Levi’s team up for Dil-Luminati tour collection ahead of India tour

Tamannaah Bhatia was interrogated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Guwahati on Thursday regarding a money laundering investigation tied to the HPZ Token mobile app. The app allegedly defrauded numerous investors by falsely promising Bitcoin and cryptocurrency mining opportunities, according to official sources.

The ED recorded Tamannaah’s statement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act at its Guwahati zonal office.

Sources revealed that Tamannaah Bhatia had received payments for making a "celebrity appearance" at an event hosted by the app company involved in the money laundering case. However, no "incriminating" evidence or charges have been brought against her.

Bhatia had been summoned earlier but postponed her appearance due to work commitments, ultimately choosing to comply with the summons on Thursday.

In the ongoing investigation, the Enforcement Directorate's charge sheet, filed in March, names 299 entities as accused, including 76 entities under Chinese control. Among them, 10 directors are of Chinese origin, while two other entities are managed by foreign nationals.

The money laundering case originates from an FIR filed by the cyber-crimes unit of Kohima police, which charged several individuals under sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Information Technology Act. The accused are alleged to have deceived "gullible" investors by offering unrealistic returns through Bitcoin and cryptocurrency mining.

Also Read : Tamannaah Bhatia calls Rajinikanth ‘demi-god’ as she opens up about her experience of working with him in Jailer; says, “Rajini sir is the purest person you’d ever meet”

Shah Rukh Khan is a superstar renowned for his box office success and influence on modern pop culture, but it's his sense of humor that has further endeared him to fans. Known for his sharp wit and quick responses, the actor recently shared that, in today's world, it's perhaps wiser to 'not have a sense of humour.' He expressed this view during a recent interaction.

Shah Rukh Khan recently attended the Locarno Film Festival, where he appeared on the Locarno Meets podcast. During the conversation, he discussed his desire to work on comedy films and reflected on why his sense of humor isn't always well received. He said, “I'll be honest, I think I have an innate sense of humor, and I can make people laugh, but it's very inappropriate times also. So I try to control myself, I'm told by my team all the time, people don't understand your humor.”

In the conversation, Shah Rukh Khan expressed his interest in exploring different film genres. After establishing himself with romantic films and finding recent success in action movies, he mentioned that he'd like to take on comedy or horror projects next. “As an actor, I think comedy is very difficult. I think it's a very serious business. It's very difficult. It's the one that there's most actors failed. It's where I have failed,” he said.

Reports suggest that SRK is now set to collaborate with his daughter Suhana Khan in Sujoy Ghosh's King.

Also Read : Shah Rukh Khan reflects on Devdas: “I just wanted him to appear indescribable; But I started drinking after the film”

With the recent assassination of political figure Baba Siddique, the security around Salman Khan and his family has already been beefed up. However, the Bollywood superstar has now received a fresh death threat which was sent to the Mumbai Traffic Police. Reportedly, they were sent a threatening message on their WhatsApp number, demanding Rs 5 crore in exchange for his safety. The message warned of dire consequences if the payment wasn't made.

However, reports suggest that the police officials have deemed it as a ‘prank’. According to the authorities, the sender claimed that Salman Khan's fate would be worse than that of recently murdered NCP leader Baba Siddique if the ransom wasn't paid. The message also referenced Lawrence Bishnoi, a notorious gang leader who has been linked to threats against Salman Khan in the past. Although the Mumbai Police have dismissed it as a prank, the authorities have also initiated a probe to identify the person behind the threatening message. A police official has insisted that they are taking this matter seriously and are investigating all possible angles. Reports suggest that authorities are working to track down the sender and determine the authenticity of the threat. Police investigations have revealed that the Lawrence Bishnoi gang had planned a larger-scale attack on Salman Khan, posing a credible threat to his life.

For the unversed, the influential politician Baba Siddique was shot in Bandra, Mumbai, outside his son’s office. Four arrests have been made in connection with the case. Readers would be aware that Siddique and his family shared a close bond with Salman Khan and his family.

While Lawrence Bishnoi has made tall claims about being behind the attack, the police are currently investigating the connection. Meanwhile, ample security measures have been taken to ensure the actor’s safety.

Also Read: Salman Khan’s ex-girlfriend Somy Ali invites gangster Lawrence Bishnoi for Zoom call: “Let’s have a Zoom call and finalize a few things”

Samantha Ruth Prabhu fans are super excited as her much awaited series Citadel: Honey Bunny is nearing its release. The actress, who plays the role of a dangerous spy Honey, shot the series for an extensive period and in the midst of the same, she was undergoing treatment for her autoimmune disorder - myositis. Considering that the actress had to perform challenging stunt sequences for this sleek spy actioner, Samantha also suffered a few injuries including a major concussion where she even underwent brief memory loss.

Recalling the experience during an interview with Galatta Plus, Samantha Ruth Prabhu shared the incident, saying, “I had a concussion and I forgot the names after that. I completely blanked out. That was quite something. Now that I think of it, nobody took me to the hospital. Nobody asked me.” Meanwhile, adding their version from what happened on the sets, the writer of the series Sita Menon quipped, “We were on a call with a doctor.” While Samantha was surprised at the mention of medical help, she asked “Which doctor?” To which, Menon responded, “You don’t remember because you were concussed.”

She continued about the incident, “I remember, during my concussion, hearing that we have the set only for less than a day, we need to finish the shoot. So in my concussion, I was like, ‘I am coming people, I am coming.’ Then I remember the stunt guy was in front of me, and then I was like, ‘What am I doing?’ and they were like, ‘Okay, cut, not happening.’”

Furthermore, Samantha also described how she was feeling so tired after the incident that she did not want to shoot the series at all. The actress revealed being insistent to the filmmakers about replacing her, going to the extent of begging them. “I begged them to move on because I really didn’t think I could do it. I was really sure I couldn’t,” she said. She even did not stop herself from sending out options of other actresses who could replace her on the show. “I sent other recommendations, ‘Look at this heroine, she is so amazing. She will kill it. I beg you I can’t do this.’ I sent like four options to them. I was really not well,” she added.

However, the actress expressed gratitude towards the makers for not replacing her after watching the entire series recently. “Now, watching this show, I am so thankful that they didn’t make it without me and that I found the strength to do it. Even before the verdict is out for this show, I am going to give it to myself for pulling through,” she asserted.

Meanwhile Varun Dhawan also dropped a truth bomb wherein he mentioned that many of them ‘did not want Samantha to do this show’, but the actor refrained from taking any names.

Coming to Citadel, set in the early 90s, the spy thriller brings together the onscreen couple of Varun Dhawan and Samantha Ruth Prabhu for the first time. The show is a spin off version of the American series Citadel wherein we are introduced to Nadia Sinh, who is expected to be the daughter of Honey – Bunny. The show will premiere on November 7 on Amazon Prime Video.

Also Read: Citadel: Honey Bunny trailer launch: “I am fan of Samantha since Makkhi; Sikandar Kher bullied me when I was a child” – Varun Dhawan

Shah Rukh Khan has become synonymous with starring in some of the biggest and most extravagant Hindi films. Many of his most successful projects, whether romantic or action-packed, have been larger-than-life productions. In a recent interview, the actor revealed that he takes on these 'big films' as a tribute to his parents, whom he lost at a young age.

Recently, Shah Rukh attended the Locarno Film Festival, where he participated in the Locarno Meets podcast. During the podcast, he discussed his 2002 blockbuster Devdas and reflected on its impact on his career. He shared how he got involved in the film and mentioned that at one point, the project was nearly shelved.

Shah Rukh Khan said, “There came a time that we wouldn't be doing it, and I moved on. But I was very keen to do such a film in my career. My parents had passed away by the time I joined films, both of them were not alive. I don't know, for some reason, I always felt I'll make films which are very big, so that my mom and dad can see them from heaven.”

The actor dismissed this as a 'childish concept,' but said that he still believes his mother is a star, alluding to the common belief among youngsters that the departed become stars in the sky. Shah Rukh stated, “I still think my mom's a star, and it works. I think I even know the star she is. So I just felt that if I made Devdas, she would really like it. She would appreciate it.”

On the work front, Devdas, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, was the most expensive Indian film ever made at the time, with a reported budget of ₹50 crore upon its 2002 release. Starring alongside Aishwarya Rai and Madhuri Dixit, the film was both a critical and commercial hit. Over the years, Shah Rukh Khan has been part of several large-scale productions, including Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Ra.One, and his recent action thrillers Jawan and Pathaan. Reports now suggest that he is set to collaborate with his daughter, Suhana Khan, in Sujoy Ghosh's King.

Also Read : Shah Rukh Khan to play assassin in King: Report

The much-talked about ambitious project of Sujoy Ghosh titled King, starring Shah Rukh Khan and marking the first theatrical appearance of the father-daughter duo along with Suhana Khan playing a key role. With every update on the film garnering attention from fans, the latest one will definitely have them excited. Giving a sneak peek of SRK’s character, reports have suggested that the actor will play the sleek role of an assassin.

Sujoy Ghosh, who is known for mysterious thrillers, is quite excited about directing this larger-than-life drama which not only promises ample of suspense and mystery elements but will also feature extensive high-octane action. Meanwhile, the new revelation about Shah Rukh Khan playing an assassin was made by writer Rahul Raut on Twitter aka X. While we hear that the film will see the actor perform action like his characters in Jawan and Pathaan, on the other hand, fans of the megastar will be thrilled to see the actor reprise ‘the baddie’ like he did in the 90s with films like Baazigar, Anjaam, and Darr.

This news about the actor’s return to a grey shaded role has not only sparked excitement but it also made an older comment that the superstar made during the Locarno Film Festival in August 2024 viral. During the event Locarno Meets which was also attended by Khan, SRK had addressed the subject of playing a baddie wherein he had said, “I think I have a new way of playing a bad guy”. The comment seems to have gained more momentum after the recent buzz about him returning to such kind of roles with King.

Coming to King, the film is expected to feature an ensemble cast wherein Abhishek Bachchan will play the real antagonist. Along with Suhana Khan, it will also star Munjya fame actor Abhay Verma in a key role.

Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan reached out to Starbucks for Red Chillies office outlet, reveals CEO: “That’s his place, he is the landlord”

Radhika Apte, who has not been quite active on social media for a while, surprised her fans with her latest pictures from the premiere night of Sister Midnight in United Kingdom. While her beloved admirers are excited to see the actress take on another intriguing character in this gender bending comedy, they were merely left surprised when the actress made an appearance with a massive baby bump. While the actress too dropped pictures from the special evening, she refrained from talking about her motherhood journey.

Radhika Apte is currently in the UK as her film Sister Midnight premiered in the country on October 16. On Wednesday, the actress took to her official Instagram handle where she shared photos with the entire team as she looked excited to welcome her film and along with the pictures, she also shared a series of pictures from her red carpet appearances wherein she is seen wearing an all-black bodyfit off shoulder gown and showed off her baby bump. She wrote, “SISTER MIDNIGHT UK Premier #lff2024” and tagged the entire team of the film but did not mention about the pregnancy.

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Meanwhile, her excited fans have been sharing congratulatory messages on the post. Vijay Varma, who too has shared screen space with the actress, gave a shout out to the actress by commenting, “Apteeeeeee” along with hug emojis. Producer Guneet Monga too dropped hearts and shared her best wishes to Radhika. Apart from that, the actress also shared glimpses of her promotions for the film on the platform.

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For the unversed, Radhika Apte is married to international musician Benedict Taylor in 2013 and the couple have been shuttling between countries ever since they tied the knot nine years ago.

Speaking about her film Sister Midnight, the film, directed by Karan Kandhari, revolves around a frustrated and misanthropic newlywed couple wherein the meek husband discovers certain feral impulses of his wife that often land them in unlikely situations. Apart from this, Radhika is also expected to collaborate with YRF for a revenge thriller web-series Akka co-starring Keerthy Suresh.

Also Read: Radhika Apte at Paris Haute Couture Week becomes a Showstopper for Vaishali S

Shreya Ghoshal and Badshah, both acclaimed singers with massive fanbases, are admired as legends and inspirations. However, the two playback stars also admitted they'd like to borrow a few qualities from actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh. In an exclusive interview with Pinkvilla, Badshah described Diljit as a "khoobsurat insaan," while Shreya expressed admiration for his sharp sense of humor.

Shreya Ghoshal and Badshah are teaming up as judges for a singing reality show for the first time. In addition to their time on set, the two music icons sat down for an exclusive interview. During the conversation, they praised Diljit Dosanjh while discussing the music industry’s top talents. When asked what trait of Diljit's they admire most, Shreya mentioned his vibrant and energetic personality.

She added, “Mujhe Diljit Dosanjh ka sense of humuor bhi sahi lagta hai. I want to steal that. He is always funny.” To this, Badshah added, “He is effortlessly funny.” They both agreed that he is honest and sweet. The rapper also mentioned that Diljit is a ‘khoobsurat insaan'. He added, “Kuch bhi chura lo inse vo value addition hoga. In fact, any that you can get from Arijit, AR Rahman, or Sonu Nigam, even their 5-minutes are enough.”

During the conversation with Pinkvilla, the singer revealed that he wants to steal AR Rahman's Grammy Award. The Kala Chashma singer further added, “I have seen sir once or twice sitting on his piano and playing a beat. When it ends, I think, wow, it was so good, and he immediately says it was bad.”

Badshah and Diljit collaborated on the song Naina for the movie Crew. The rapper recently attended Dosanjh's gig in London alongside Hania Aamir.

Also  Read : Diljit Dosanjh brings out Badshah as surprise guest to sing ‘Naina’ at his London concert, watch viral videos

The unrivalled Jaya Bhaduri/Bachchan is all set to face the camera once again. The actress was last seen in Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani where she played a negative character for the first time. She will be joined by Siddhant Chaturvedi and Wamiqa Gabbi in supporting roles.

Now it is another first for the trendsetting Bachchan: Jaya will attempt for the first time in Vikas Bahl’s Darwaza. The film that starts shooting at the end of the month features an ensemble cast.

“But Jaya Bachchan leads the cast in Darwaza. It is a wacky comedy revolving around her character. There are other interesting characters. But she leads the plot,” informs a source close to the project.

Apparently, Jaya was not sure if she could pull off the comic strain. But the director was confident. Interestingly Vikas has directed Amitabh Bachchan in two recent films Goodbye and Ganpath.

Also Read: Ranbir Kapoor and Rani Mukerji pose together; Jaya Bachchan and Kajol hug at Durga Puja celebrations in Mumbai, watch videos

Followed by box office success and accolades for Animal, Ranbir Kapoor has been on a new career high with multiple projects in the pipeline. Not too long ago, the actor shooting for the much-anticipated Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana had started doing the rounds after a few photos of him as Lord Ram and Sai Pallavi as Goddess Seeta took the internet by storm. Now, the latest update of the actor’s look has once again sparked an interesting conversation among social media users.

Renowned celebrity hair stylist Aalim Hakim recently took to his official Instagram handle to share the latest unseen look of Ranbir Kapoor with the caption “Hotness Alert !!!”  And we must say the actor looks suave and sleek in his new hairstyle and the sunglasses as well as the small diamond stud compliment well as accessories. Ranbir’s new avatar also seems have to grabbed the attention of many social media users where while some have dropped heart and fire emojis to showcase their appreciation of the new look, a few others have started a discussion over the reason behind the actor’s new look. Fans predict that the actor has changed the look for one of his upcoming ventures and believe it is either for Animal Park or Dhoom 4. While some fans have posted comments like “Animal 2 character reveal”, “Animal look”, “Animal park start”, a few others have shared “Is it for Dhoom reloaded”,  “This Look for Dhoom 4”, “Confirm dhoom 4”.

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For the unversed, Animal (2023) ended in a cliffhanger with Sandeep Reddy Vanga and Ranbir Kapoor also announcing the sequel to the action entertainer as Animal Park in the end credits. Meanwhile, recent reports suggest that the actor has taken over the Dhoom franchise and will star in Dhoom 4, although there has been no confirmation from the production house YRF or the actor.

Apart from these two films, Ranbir has the Ramayana trilogy as well as the highly awaited Love & War, co-starring his real-life wife Alia Bhatt and actor Vicky Kaushal in key roles. It marks his reunion with Sanjay Leela Bhansali after the former’s debut Saawariya in 2007.

Also Read: SCOOP: Love & War delayed to December due to set damage in Mumbai rains; Sanjay Leela Bhansali gets more time for scripting

Last week, news of Wamiqa Gabbi and Siddhant Chaturvedi, who did a music video together, are expected to explore their chemistry even further by collaborating for a film, which is expected to be a light-hearted family entertainer. The movie is directed by Vikas Bahl along with Jaya Bachchan too playing a key role. Now, the latest update on that front is that the film will be shot in Europe.

While there were rumours that the untitled entertainer is set against the backdrop of Goa, sources close to the film have confirmed that it will be shot against the picturesque backdrop of a European country. The source went on to add, “Wamiqa Gabbi has already left for the shoot along with the rest of the team and Vikas Bahl. The movie will be going on floors on Wednesday, October 16”. If these sources are to be believed, Siddhant Chaturvedi too will be soon taking off to the continent to complete a major portion of the film. However, it is unclear whether Jaya Bachchan will be flying off or whether her scenes will be shot within this country itself.

Speaking about the film, earlier reports suggested that the film will be a romantic drama with Jaya essaying the role of Wamiqa. This marks Vikas Bahl’s first association with Mrs. Bachchan and the latter’s second project in the last five years after the highly successful Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani.

Coming to the professional commitments of the actors, Wamiqa is juggling between multiple projects including the upcoming release of Varun Dhawan, Keerthy Suresh starrer Baby John in December. On the other hand, Siddhant Chaturvedi too is expected to have a packed schedule with Dhadak 2 starring Triptii Dimri and with Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Tum Hi Ho with Mrunal Thakur in the pipeline.

Also Read: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Wamiqa Gabbi and Jaya Bachchan to star in Vikas Bahl’s light-hearted family entertainer: Report

In 2012, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare along with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting mandated that films depicting smoking scenes need to play anti-smoking ads before the beginning of the film and after the intermission point. The first ad that came into play involved a man named Mukesh Harane who died at a young age due to cancer caused by tobacco consumption. The ads changed at regular intervals and in 2018, the CBFC (Central Board of Film Certification) instructed that an ad, featuring Akshay Kumar and Ajay Singh Pal, be shown in films with smoking scenes. This ad proved to be an exception as unlike other previous ads, this ad wasn’t taken down after a certain point in time. Sadly, after six years, the much popular ad has been replaced.

Bollywood Hungama has learned that last month, a decision was taken to discontinue Akshay Kumar’s anti-smoking ad by CBFC. It was replaced by a new ad, showing how quitting tobacco can lead to positive changes in your body within 20 minutes. The recently released films like Jigra and Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video had scenes of smoking and they were released without the Akshay Kumar ad.

The ad featuring Akshay Kumar was first shown during the release of his 2018 Independence Day film, Gold. It shows Akshay Kumar telling a man named Nandu to stop smoking and use the money saved to buy a sanitary pad for his wife. The ad also helped promote his earlier 2018 film Pad Man. Interestingly, this ad was only mandatory for Hindi films by CBFC.

Nandu in this ad was played by an actor named Ajay Singh Pal. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama in March 2020, he revealed that people used to recognize him on the streets thanks to the ad. He said, “Out of 100, 20-25 people on average realize that I am Nandu. Most people however feel that Nandu must be a big star staying in Mumbai and that he can’t be seen in Bhopal! A few remark that I look like that guy from the anti-smoking ad! Haan, bacche bade sharp hote hai; bacche pehchaan lete hai mujhe!”

An official at a multiplex told Bollywood Hungama on the condition of anonymity, “It was my favourite anti-smoking ad as it gave out an important message without any disturbing visuals. It also used to be amusing to see moviegoers repeating the dialogues from the ad. After all, they were watching the ad for 6 years. The moviegoers had memorized all its lines! I am sure I am and many other moviegoers will surely miss the ad.”

Also Read: Akshay Kumar and Twinkle Khanna named as Top celebrity couple: TAM AdEx Report 2024