Bollywood fans have reason to celebrate as popular actress Tabu returns to horror-comedy genre after her much loved stint in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2. She has joined the cast of Akshay Kumar starrer Bhooth Bangla. The film marks the reunion of Akshay Kumar with Priyadarshan after 14 years and the actor had shared his excitement by posting about it on social media in September. Now, on Sunday, Tabu too took to the platform to announce her association with the entertainer.

Tabu kicks off shoot schedule of Bhoot Bangla

Earlier Akshay Kumar had taken to social media to announce that Paresh Rawal too will be a part of the upcoming entertainer. Now, as Tabu joined the star cast, the actress excitedly shared this news with her social media fam by dropping a photo of the clapperboard along with a caption that read, “Hum yahan bandh hain.” Reports suggest that the team is currently in Jaipur shooting for the film and they were also joined by the popular actress for this schedule.

Meanwhile Tabu, who joined Ektaa Kapoor recently for the highly successful Crew, also received a warm welcome from the producer, who is also a part of this horror comedy. Ektaa also commented on the post saying, “Aaapka swaaagat hai always an honour tabu mam”.

Fans excited about the crossover between Manjulika and Dr. Aditya from Bhool Bhulaiyaa franchise

Meanwhile, fans are super excited about this collaboration which will see Akshay Kumar and Tabu reunite onscreen after almost two decades. Netizens have been pointing it out as a crossover between Manjulika from Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 and Dr. Aditya Srivastava played by Akshay in Bhool Bhulaiyaa. “Manjulika meeting Dr Aditya Shrivastava” read one of the comments from fans whereas some other comments included, “full bhul bhulaiya 1 wali wibes also priyadarshan sir direction” and “the Dream Cast... I think its Real Next Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2nd Part”.

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Tabu (@tabutiful)

About Bhoot Bangla

For the unversed, the shooting of the film has already commenced last week in the culturally rich city of Jaipur. The historic locales of Rajasthan are expected to add a hauntingly beautiful backdrop to the film's narrative. The crew has reportedly been filming in some of the city’s iconic spots, adding an authentic touch to the eerie yet comedic storyline.

Directed by Priyadarshan, Bhooth Bangla is produced by Shobha Kapoor and Ektaa R Kapoor's Balaji Telefilms and Akshay Kumar's production house, Cape of Good Films. The film is co-produced by Faara Sheikh and Vedant Baali. The story is written by Akash A Kaushik and screenplay by Rohan Shankar, Abilash Nair and Priyadarshan. The dialogues are by Rohan Shankar. The film is slated for its theatrical release on April 2, 2026.

Also Read: Dune executive producer calls Tabu “Bollywood legend”; actress describes her role as “Deep, intense”

Mela (2000) completed 25 years on January 7. Starring Aamir Khan, Twinkle Khanna and Faisal Khan, the film tells the tale of a village belle whose brother is killed by a dreaded dacoit. The girl runs away and meets two kind-hearted truck drivers. She falls in love with one of them. The other becomes her munh-bola bhai. In the end, he too bumps into a runaway girl, played by none other than Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in a surprise cameo.

Bollywood Hungama spoke exclusively with Mela’s director Dharmesh Darshan on the film’s 25th anniversary. When asked whether Aishwarya was the original choice, he stated, “She was. She was also my first choice for the role of Memsaab in Raja Hindustani (1996). My heart was on her. But she urgently had to go for Miss World. I didn’t want to take any chances as I wanted an actress who could devote her full time to the film and Bollywood. It was her sheer grace that she didn’t hold it in her heart.”

He continued, “That is the reason that she agreed to do the cameo in Mela for me, even though she is paired opposite Faisal Khan and not Aamir. A heroine of her level had worked with Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan; you name it. Yet, she agreed and drove a couple of hours to shoot that scene.”

Many admirers of Mela have often mentioned on the internet that Aishwarya Rai Bachchan should have had more screen time. Dharmesh Darshan smiled when talked about it and he revealed, “I’ve met ladies who have told me, ‘Kya sir; aapne Aishwarya ko cameo diya aur Twinkle Khanna ko itna bada role de diya’!”

When Mela’s song reached Hollywood shores

The song played during Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s scene is ‘Chori Chori Hum Gori Se’. On this, Dharmesh Darshan stated, “This track was purchased by Hollywood for The Guru (2002). In fact, I am the only Bollywood director whose 3 songs were purchased by Hollywood makers and shot by them. ‘Pardesi Pardesi’ and ‘Pucho Zara Pucho’ from Raja Hindustani were a part of the soundtrack of V For Vendetta (2005) and played in the background in Kate Winslet-starrer Holy Smoke (1999) respectively.”

Also Read: 25 Years of Mela EXCLUSIVE: Dharmesh Darshan hits back at those who call the film a flop: “It was made in Rs. 3-5 cr; to collect Rs. 15 cr back in the year 2000 was not a JOKE”

Rashmika Mandanna, who is already riding high on the success of Pushpa 2 – The Rule, is one of the busiest actors currently. With a slew of over five films in the pipeline, the actress has releases scheduled until 2026 and she has been busy wrapping them ever since the year kick started. However, it seems that her health played spoilt sport in the midst of the shoot schedule of three of her films which led to a delay in their shoots. The actress sustained a major leg injury and shared details about the same on social media.

Rashmika Mandanna drops photos from the hospital

The actress sought medical help after she suffered leg injury while working out in the gym. Rashmika shared details about the same on social media wherein she mentioned how she would be ‘hopping’ in and out of sets, further revealing that she is unsure of when she will recover completely. She also apologized to all the teams she is currently shooting with. Along with a series of photos of her making cute expressions, Rashmika wrote, “Well… happy New Year to me I guess! ??????? Injured myself in my sacred gym shrine ???? Now I’m in “hop mode” for the next few weeks or months or god only knows, so seems like I’ll be hopping my way back to sets for Thama, Sikandar, and Kubera!”

She added, “To my directors sorry for the delay…I’ll be back soon enough just making sure my legs are fit for action (or at least fit for hopping) In the meantime if you need me…I’ll be the one in the corner doing a highly advanced bunny hop workout. HOP HOP HOP…”

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Rashmika Mandanna (@rashmika_mandanna)

About Rashmika Mandanna’s upcoming projects

Like we reported earlier, Rashmika has several projects, out of which she is currently shooting for Salman Khan starrer Sikandar, which is slated for release during Eid this year. Apart from that, the actress is also shooting for Kubera where she will be seen alongside Dhanush and Nagarjuna and the highly-awaited Thama which is a part of the successful Dinesh Vijan – Maddock supernatural universe, co-starring Ayushmann Khurrana. Along with these, Rashmika also has the Telugu film The Girlfriend, the much-talked about historical drama Chhaava with Vicky Kaushal in the lead, in the pipeline.

Also Read: Rashmika Mandanna, Ayushmann Khurrana tease fans With ‘THAMA-ke-daar’ holiday wishes, watch

For Siddharth P Malhotra, 2024 was truly an eventful year. His controversial film Maharaj dropped on Netflix after a successful court battle. He ended the year on a good note with Doctors, his Jio Cinema web series that dropped in the last week of December. The show, produced by Siddharth, stars Sharad Kelkar, Harleen Sethi, Viraf Patel, Aamir Ali, Niharika Dutta and Vivaan Shah and is about the medical fraternity, as the title aptly suggests. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Siddharth spoke about Doctors, Maharaj and a lot more.

You have earlier made shows on TV like ‘Dill Mill Gaye’, ‘Sanjivani: A Medical Boon’ etc which were also about doctors. What is it about medical fraternity that interests you? Did you have a childhood dream of becoming a doctor? (Smiles) No. My maternal grandfather was a practising doctor until he was 96. I was very close to him and I used to keep going to his clinic regularly. Also, my mom is a doctor. That played a part. Moreover, I managed to deliver with those shows. Hence, the platforms come back to me asking for a medical show. On OTT, I got the freedom to create stuff that I was not allowed to do on TV. On TV, you cannot show blood or anybody dying. You have to show a love story and you can’t have multiple tracks. You can’t even touch sensitive real-life cases as it can invite legal action. With Doctors, I didn’t have these restrictions. Jo paanch shows ki bhadaas thi, woh sab iss show mein nikaal diya!

I’ve shown how doctors actually live. I got real doctors to teach actors on how to conduct surgeries. So, it’s a good credible effort, which the audience has appreciated without any shosha from our side.

There was minimal promotion by Jio Cinema. Were you apprehensive that Doctors might not get the required viewership? We were hopeful that there would be some kind of publicity. Also, I wasn’t apprehensive as there were shows like Tabbar and many other series that didn’t get any publicity. But audience acche show ko dhund hi leti hai. Regardless of the platform, they end up consuming it. I told everyone on the team that our product was worthy enough. I also knew that even 10 years later, people would appreciate it. No one would say ‘Yeh kya bana diya’. Nevertheless, we were hoping that a little more push should have been given to the show. However, it was a platform’s decision and me, the actors, the director, we are all reaching out and spreading the word. Today, despite limited publicity, Ormax has called it the number one show in India. We have not paid Ormax; I don’t even know if you can!

How did the real-life doctors react to the show? I can send you videos of feedback from doctors. Real doctors were involved in the panel of this show. They even trained the actors and were on sets. We did screenings for them in Gujarat and other places. We are now in talks with the Dean at KEM Hospital as we are now planning to organize a screening for all the medical students and fraternity there. In short, the medical fraternity is very proud of the show.

It’s heartening that they have liked it. 20 years ago, Munna Bhai MBBS (2003) was also about doctors but they were not happy with their portrayal… Munna Bhai was still a fictitious character and he came up with the idea of ‘jadoo ki jhappi’. In our show, doctors mar rahe hai and are trying to save lives. Here, ‘jadoo ki jhappi’ doesn’t work as doctors ki band baj rahi hai!

Since there are very few such shows, comparisons are bound to happen. But in the case of Doctors, no one has drawn parallels with Mumbai Diaries… The comparison hasn’t arisen as that show was about doctors around the time of a crisis.

But even there, doctors were dying as you just said. Was there a conscious attempt to have a different look and treatment for Doctors as by the time you started making the show, Mumbai Diaries was already out? Yes, its Season 1 was out and no, there was no conscious attempt. That show majorly was about how doctors and others function in a calamity. In Doctors, unki zindagi mein roz calamity aati hai! I haven’t made it from that point of view. In fact, I’ve made it in such a way that it can have at least five seasons (smiles).

What’s the status of Season 2? We have started working on its script. Jio is happy with the reception and very soon, we’ll talk about it.

You have been close to Aditya Chopra and Karan Johar and now even Aamir Khan, after you launched his son Junaid in Maharaj. Have they seen Doctors? I don’t know if they have seen it. But they all wished the show well. They have all seen the trailers and they liked it. They are my mentors and their blessings will always be there for someone whom they believe in. Before starting anything, I always take Karan or Adi’s blessings and now also Aamir sir’s blessings. Yeh woh log hai jo do cheez aapko acchi hi sikha ke jaayenge.

How was the year for you? Was it a roller-coaster ride, especially over Maharaj’s release? Surprisingly, both Maharaj and Doctors were hardly promoted before release and yet, became successful… Yes, it was. At one point, we were not sure if the film would ever even be released. Then, when it was about to release, I was like, ‘Publicity ke liye sirf ek hi poster hai. Iska trailer bhi nahin aaya’. Then, I was told ‘Teri film hit ho gayi hai’. I was like ‘Kaise hit ho gayi’. I was not ready to believe and Netflix had to convince me that Maharaj is indeed a bona fide success!

This was followed by Doctors. I even announced Kamal Aur Meena. A R Rahman saab is composing the music and Amrohis and Saregama are producing it. That’s a very big film in my life. Meena Kumari and Kamal Amrohi are legends. You cannot decide to tell their story until you are the chosen one. Hence, it’s a big responsibility.

A lot of people are waiting to know who’ll play the lead roles… We are going to make a big announcement in the next 2-3 months.

After the release of Hichki, you said that the possibilities of its sequel are endless. All these years, have you got a chance to think about Hichki 2? I haven’t. I know what can happen in Naina’s life but I need that solid conflict. In part 1, I had that conflict besides her Tourette Syndrome. For the sequel, it’s very clear in my head how she becomes a professor and ultimately a principal. But that landmark conflict has never crossed my mind. Also, I have moved on to Kamal Aur Meena.

Will you ever think of making Maharaj 2 or would you like to move on from it considering the controversies faced by part 1? (Laughs) Not at all. Karsandas ki life ke baare mein main kuch aur nahin kar raha hoon! Bahut band baji hai; aur band nahin bajani hai!

Maharaj is based on a book and I recently realized that you only took a part of it for the film. It has a very detailed narrative… In fact, if I adapt the whole book, it can make for a two-season web series. Also, its high time that people make films from books. We don’t need to remake films. Hichki was based on the book, Front Of The Class by Brad Cohen. So is Maharaj. India has such beautiful real-life stories ki aapko kahin aur dekhne ki zaroorat nahi. No one reads books. Wahan se kahaniyaan nikaalne

Also Read: “I wish for a more inclusive society,” says Hichki director Siddharth P. Malhotra, who wants to make the world a happier place with his brand of cinema

Aamir Khan was the special guest at the trailer launch of his son’s second film and first theatrical venture, Loveyapa at the expansive New Excelsior theatre in South Mumbai. They were joined by lead actress Khushi Kapoor, actor Ashutosh Rana, director Advait Chandan, producers Srishti Behl Arya and Madhu Mantena and others. Aamir Khan made a heartfelt speech and also raised laughs. One of the most memorable moments of the evening was when he gave a ‘TED talk’ on love and relationships, as described by the host.

Aamir began by saying, “I am a very romantic person. Ma kasam, I am very romantic. Bahut funny lagta hai yeh kehte hue lekin meri dono biwi se puch sakte hai aap (laughs)!”

He added, “I am serious as I am like that (romantic). I am a very mushy, romantic person. My favourite films are romantic films. When I see romantic films, main ekdum kho jaata hoon. I am a real believer in true love.”

Aamir Khan then explained, “As we move forward in life, our understanding of love evolves. When we are 18, we experience a different josh and emotion. Then you start understanding life, other people and even yourself. The latter is the most important. We might feel that the other person is at fault but mostly, it’s we who are wrong.”

He continued, “It’s been a journey. I have analyzed where I have gone wrong and what my shortcomings were. I have tried my best to rectify them. For me, love is about finding your soulmate, jiske saath aap really comfortable hai aur aapko lagta hai ki main apni manzil tak pahuch chuka hoon. That, for me, is love - when I find a person with whom I am organically connected.”

Aamir further stated, “When we like someone, we might assume that this person has some flaws and we can work on it. But nothing changes. Hum change nahin hote toh dusra aadmi kahan change hoga (smiles)? Hence, if you spot any red flags, those would rarely turn into green. Toh pehle hi aapko soch lena chahiye ki jahan red flag hai, hat jao bhai.”

Aamir Khan ended his long answer by saying, “Your partner should possess sensitivity because arguments and differences of opinion happen. But if your partner is caring, he or she will understand your point of view and your difficulties. True love is when you actually learn to love yourself. When you reach a stage where you respect yourself and when you feel that you are worthy of being in a relationship is when you are truly ready. We often want the other person to be worthy but it should be the other way round. Fir aap apna dil bhi lightly denge nahin. You’d rather commit to someone who respects you as well.”

Loveyapa releases in cinemas on February 7.

Also Read: Loveyapa trailer launch: Aamir Khan jokes about turning 60: “March mein main SATHIYAANE waala hoon!”

Following the historic success of Stree 2, Dinesh Vijan and director Amar Kaushik had a closed-door meeting with Shah Rukh Khan to discuss the possibility of a collaboration. Ever since then, Dinoo and Amar met SRK with multiple subjects - ranging from horror comedy to fantasy and even adventure films to check his interest on the genre he is inclined towards.

One of the subjects that Maddock had offered to Shah Rukh Khan was Chamunda, which is slated to release in 2026. According to our highly placed sources, Shah Rukh Khan was offered the lead role in Chamunda, as the film plays a key role in shaping the future of their horror-comedy universe. "With Amar Kaushik at the helm, Maddock was bullish on casting Shah Rukh Khan for Chamunda with Alia Bhatt. But things didn't pan out as expected," a source informed Bollywood Hungama.

The source added, "Shah Rukh Khan didn't want to enter an already established universe and rather start a new world with Maddock and Amar Kaushik. He has asked the duo to come to him with something fresh and explore a genre never done before. The two are now exploring new names for Chamunda and hoping to team up with Shah Rukh Khan in a couple of years on something fresh."

The source also informs us that Chamunda was the first of the many subjects offered by Dinesh Vijan to SRK, but things didn't align.

Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan and Aryan Khan leave fans mesmerized as they drop new pic from their DYAVOL photoshoot

The iconic Annapurna Studios has scripted history again by launching India’s first Dolby certified post-production facility for cinema and home, which was unveiled by the globally renowned filmmaker S S Rajamouli in the presence of the celebrated actor Nagarjuna Akkineni, Vice Chairman of Annapurna Studios.

Launched in collaboration with Dolby, the state-of-the-art facility aims to redefine the audio-visual standards of Indian filmmaking, ensuring cinematic experiences that meet global benchmarks.

Interestingly, Rajamouli’s Academy-award-winning RRR (2022) — special footage of which was also played at the grand event — was the first-ever Indian film to be released in Dolby Cinema, making this a landmark moment for the Indian film industry.

Speaking at the momentous occasion held at Annapurna Studios in Hyderabad, S S Rajamouli shared, "During the time of RRR, when we wanted to grade the film in Dolby Vision, we had to travel all the way to Germany. It was a bit disheartening that I couldn’t experience my film in Dolby Vision within my own country. But today, I’m thrilled to see a Dolby Vision grading facility right here at Annapurna Studios.”

Rajamouli added, "Even more exciting is the fact that, by the time my next film releases, there will be multiple Dolby Cinemas across India. Watching a film in Dolby Vision is an entirely different experience—the crystal-clear clarity and the way it enhances the nuances of every frame take storytelling to a whole new level. I can’t wait for audiences to experience it!”

Nagarjuna Akkineni, Vice Chairman and the face of Annapurna Studios, noted how the studio continues to be at the forefront of innovation in Indian cinema. "From being a pioneer in virtual production to now housing the country’s first Dolby Certified Postproduction Facility for Cinema & Home, the attempt has always been to put Indian films on the map. As Annapurna Studios celebrates its 50th year, this collaboration with Dolby is a testament to that vision. At Annapurna, our legacy has been to embrace change and innovation, and this is another step forward in that journey."

Supriya Yarlagadda, ED of Annapurna Studios, emphasized the significance of this milestone and said, "With Dolby Certified Post Production Facility for Cinema and Home, we are introducing a game-changing technology that will redefine how films are created and experienced in India. We aim to empower filmmakers to tell their stories with unparalleled precision and impact.”

The event featured exclusive screenings of content, including scenes from RRR, in Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, showcasing the stunning capabilities of the facility.

Also Read: SSMB29: Mahesh Babu kicks off highly-anticipated SS Rajamouli film with pooja ceremony

After Neetu Kapoor, Riddhima Kapoor Sahni, and others shared glimpses of their New Year bash in Thailand, actress Alia Bhatt has now decided to drop some unseen pictures from this trip. Along with her husband Ranbir Kapoor and daughter Raha Kapoor, Alia was accompanied by her squad which included Neetu Kapoor, Riddhima Kapoor Sahni and her husband Bharat Sahni, daughter Samaira, Soni Razdan, Shaheen Bhatt, and a few other close friends who also joined them on this vacay. While the earlier pictures did share a few tidbits of this lovely trip, going by the recent pictures it seemed like an adventurous one too!

Alia Bhatt shows why she is a complete beach bum!

In a series of photos, Alia was seen sharing her love for the beach. From trying out jet ski to going swimming, the actress shared a few photos of her spending time with the blue waters. Apart from that, being a fitness lover, she was also seen taking out time from her fun vacay to go to gym and retain her workout sessions. The actress also shared photos of the book that joined her in this trip ‘Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow’ which is a novel by Gabrielle Zevin along with also her joining some live Thai musical performance. She shared these photos and captioned the same saying, "If you didn’t post a beach photo, did you even go on vacation? @anithailand thank you for the memories ….. and the tann".

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Alia Bhatt ???? (@aliaabhatt)

About Alia Bhatt’s upcoming projects

Currently fans are eager to see the actress reunite with her Gangubai Kathiawadi filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali as they will be joining hands for the romantic drama Love & War. The film will also see share screen space with her real-life husband Ranbir Kapoor after their last venture Brahmastra in 2022 along with Vicky Kaushal in a key role. The film will be releasing on March 20, 2026.

Meanwhile, the actress also has the highly-anticipated venture Alpha which will be an extension of the Aditya Chopra spyverse and it will feature Bhatt in a high-octane action packed role. Also co-starring Sharvari and Hrithik Roshan in an extended cameo, the film is expected to hit cinemas on December 25, 2025.

Also Read: Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal shoot confrontational scenes for Love and War in Mumbai: Report

Actress Kangana Ranaut recently criticized The Academy Awards for selecting films, that she claims, portray India in a negative light. Her comments came after Laapataa Ladies failed to make it to the shortlist for the Oscars. Speaking to Times Now, Kangana stated, “Usually, the agenda they push for India is very different. Jo Oscar pick karta hai is anti-India.” She argued that films chosen by The Academy often show India as a "sh*thole," which she believes is a deliberate narrative choice.

Kangana’s Perspective on Indian Films at the Oscars The Queen actress expressed disappointment over the perceived biases in Oscar selections. She shared her excitement about a recent Indian film garnering global attention but criticized its portrayal of religious intolerance in India. “I heard the director say that in India, you don’t have the freedom to love because of religious intolerance,” she remarked, adding that such narratives are often favored by Western award bodies.

Referencing past selections like Slumdog Millionaire, the actress-turned-politician opined that The Academy prioritizes films that highlight poverty or societal issues over those celebrating India’s progress. “For the Oscars, it has to be a film that makes the country look bad. Slumdog Millionaire, etc. It always has to be a film that makes the country look like a sh*thole,” she added. Kangana on Her Upcoming Film The 38-year-old actress actress also discussed her upcoming project, Emergency, which she says will not cater to anti-India sentiments. “The West is ready to see how India stands today. I have never cared about these awards. I don’t care about Indian awards or Western awards,” she stated.

Set to release on January 17, Emergency marks Kangana’s directorial debut and features her in the role of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The star-studded cast includes Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Milind Soman, Mahima Chaudhry, and the late Satish Kaushik.

Also Read: Kangana Ranaut reveals Bigg Boss 18 contestants ‘created drama’ as she returns from BB house

Journalist, poet, writer, and film producer Pritish Nandy passed away yesterday in Mumbai at 73. His son and filmmaker Kushan Nandy confirmed his demise to Screen. However, the cause of his death has not been disclosed yet.

The news of his passing has sent shockwaves through the Bollywood fraternity, with celebrities, filmmakers, and artists taking social media to express their grief and pay tribute to the iconic figure. Many remembered him as a visionary who seamlessly bridged the gap between art and storytelling. Kareena Kapoor Khan

Anil Kapoor

Sanjay Dutt

Chitrangada Singh

Fatima Sana Shaikh

Anupam Kher

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Anupam Kher (@anupampkher)

Pritish Nandy’s contributions to the entertainment industry have been immense. Over the years, he produced several notable films, including Kuch Khatti Kuch Meethi (2001), Kaante (2002), Jhankaar Beats (2003), Chameli (2003), Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi (2003), Pyaar Ke Side Effects (2006), and Shaadi Ke Side Effects (2014). These films were celebrated for their unique narratives and innovative storytelling. In recent years, he extended his creative pursuits to the digital medium, producing successful web shows like Four More Shots Please! and Modern Love Mumbai, which garnered both critical acclaim and a global audience

Also Read: Film producer, journalist, poet Pritish Nandy passes away at 73

Eminent journalist, poet, writer and film producer Pritish Nandy passed away today in Mumbai at the age of 73. The news of his death was confirmed by his son and filmmaker Kushan Nandy to Screen. However, there is no clarity on the cause of his death as of yet.

Some of the notable films produced by Nandy include, Kuch Khatti Kuch Meethi (2001), Kaante (2002), Jhankaar Beats (2003), Chameli (2003), Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi (2003), Pyaar Ke Side Effects (2006), Shaadi Ke Side Effects (2014), etc. In recent years, he also dabbled into the web medium with shows like Four More Shots Please and Modern Love Mumbai.

Veteran actor Anupam Kher wrote a long condolence message on social media for Nandy after the news came out. Sharing the deceased’s picture from his younger days, Kher wrote, “Deeply deeply saddened and shocked to know about the demise of one of my dearest and closest friends #PritishNandy! Amazing poet, writer, filmmaker and a brave and unique editor/journalist! He was my support system and a great source of strength in my initial days in Mumbai. We shared lots of things in common. He was also one of the most fearless people I had come across. Always Larger than life. I learnt so many things from him.”

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Anupam Kher (@anupampkher)

The post continued, “Off-late we didn’t meet much. But there was a time when we were inseparable! I will never forget when he surprised me by putting me on the cover of Filmfare and more importantly #TheIllustratedWeelky. He was the true definition of यारों का यार! I will miss you and our times together my friend. Rest well. #HeartBroken.”

Karan Johar took a significant step in late 2024 by teaming up with Adar Poonawalla. The CEO of the Serum Institute of India picked up a 50% stake in Dharma Productions and Dharmatic Entertainment, for Rs 1000 crores and it was one of the major talking points of last year. And after this development, KJo is all set to take his business one level up - he’s all set to enter the film distribution business.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Until now, Dharma Productions had only produced films while a studio or major distributor would come on board to release these movies in cinemas. But now, Karan wants Dharma to be a complete studio, which would also release films in cinemas.”

The source continued, “Bhumika Tewari, who used to head distribution at Zee Studios, has joined Dharma Productions. She’ll be in charge of distributing in-house Dharma films. Karan has worked with her in the past for films made by Dharma and Zee like Good Newwz (2019), Kesari (2019) etc. She also has years of experience and is considered a big name in the distribution circuit. She has grand plans to ensure that films of Dharma Productions get the best possible release in cinemas across the country.”

An industry insider commented, “Karan Johar is following in the footsteps of Yash Chopra and Aditya Chopra’s Yash Raj Films (YRF). They also have a distribution wing; in fact, YRF has made a huge name for themselves not just for producing but also distributing films. KJo wants to follow suit. It was on his mind for many years and now with Adar Poonawalla’s support, he’s finally realizing his dream.”

Meanwhile, the source also revealed, “Just like YRF also distributes films made by other banners, Dharma’s distribution wing is also expected to do the same.” However, it’s not clear when that would happen. Also, the sources are not aware if Dharma would distribute films only in India and whether they’d also have presence Overseas.

On the film front, Karan Johar is expected to begin 2025 with Dhadak 2, starring Siddhant Chaturvedi and Triptii Dimri followed by an untitled period legal drama, starring Akshay Kumar, R Madhavan and Ananya Panday.

Also Read: Karan Johar drops major appreciation post on Akshay Kumar, Sara Ali Khan starrer Sky Force trailer

Bade Achhe Lagte Hain, that received immense love from audience, featured the first controversial kissing scene on small screen. While the chemistry of Ram Kapoor and Sakshi Tanwar was highly appreciated, this risky move received quite a bit of attention and backlash from television viewing audience. While Ram made a few comments about the same during a recent interview, soon after the video went viral, Ektaa R Kapoor took to social media to share a note about ‘unprofessional actors’.

Ektaa R Kapoor drops cryptic note on social media

Known as the TV Czarina, Ektaa R Kapoor took to social media to share a note calling out ‘unprofessional actors’ without particularly naming anyone. However, having posted the note amid Ram’s remarks on BALH has left fans wondering if this was directed towards the actor. The note read, “Unprofessional actors giving interviews about my shows shud shut up! False information N skewed stories. Can only last till. I talk’...... but there is dignity in silence”.

Ram Kapoor on the kissing scene of Bade Achhe Lagte Hain

During an interaction with journalist-anchor Siddharth Kanan, Ram Kapoor opened up about Bade Achhe Lagte Hain wherein he said, “Ekta is the one who wrote the scene, wanted us to do the scene... I told Ekta, ‘Are you sure? Ye television mein pehle kabhi hua nahi hai (This never happened on television before); it was the first kiss of television, which is a big thing. And three generations watch (the show) together... but Ekta was very confident that we should do it.” The actor also mentioned how he sought permission from his wife Gautami and also ensured that his co-star Sakshi Tanwar is comfortable about it. “I said, okay, I’ll first get a go-ahead from my wife. Then I told Sakshi that, look, I will handle Ekta. If you have a problem, tell me," he added.

About Bade Achhe Lagte Hain

Bade Achhe Lagte Hain was a romantic drama that was based on the concept – love has no age bar. The show showcased two middle-aged people finding love in a marriage of compromise. The Sony Television series featured Ram Kapoor in his namesake role of a childlike, emotional but ruthless businessman, whereas Sakshi Tanwar played the strong-headed but soft-hearted Priya Sood.

Also Read: Ekta Kapoor teams up with Tumbbad director Rahi Anil Barve for new film, also plans Ragini MMS 3 in 2025: Report

After the shocking firing incident outside the famous Galaxy Apartments in Bandra where Salman Khan resides, a recent renovation at the superstar’s residence has grabbed attention from many. Eight months after the bullet shots were fired, Khan is expected to have given his home a security upgrade by installing bulletproof glasses on the windows. This comes after the murder of famous politician Baba Siddiqui, who shared close relations with Khan and his family.

Salman Khan increases massive security around his home

The Bollywood superstar has added bulletproof glasses on his balcony where he often comes to greet his fans. Apart from that, we hear that the surroundings of the Galaxy apartment too have undergone some minor changes in terms of security. It has been reported that some hi-tech equipment including an upgraded CCTV system has been installed around the actor’s home in order to understand any mysterious activity around the residence, and thus prevent any more attacks on the superstar.

Attacks on Salman Khan

It is a known fact that Khan has been receiving threats which seem to have fueled up further in the past few years with anonymous notes also being sent to the actor’s father and renowned writer Salim Khan. Adding to it, Salman’s residence was attacked in April by two bikers who fired gunshots at his residence. While fortunately there were no casualties in the firing, the actor’s personal security was increased by the Mumbai police, with the Chief Minister also assuring complete protection for Khan and his family. In fact, the events also prompted the actor to apply for weapon’s license in order to ensure the safety of his loved ones.

For the unversed, the attacks have been linked to gangster Lawrence Bishnoi who has been threatening Khan ever since the latter’s name was involved in the blackbuck case. Adding fuel to the fire, Bishnoi’s brother Anmol too have been detained in the US in relation to ongoing case of Baba Siddiqui’s murder.

Also Read: Salman Khan to begin shooting for Sikandar’s last schedule from January 10 in Mumbai: Report

Pushpa 2 – The Rule, which has been setting new benchmarks and box office records, will be having a new addition as per a recent announcement. While fans have been flocking theatres to get a glimpse of Allu Arjun as Pushparaj, it seems that they can rejoice as the new update is that the makers are planning to extend the length of the film and the Telugu superstar’s fans will now get to see more of the actor on the big screen!

 Pushpa 2 – The Reloaded Version

On Tuesday, producers of Pushpa, Mythri Movie Makers took to social media to share all about the ‘reloaded version’ wherein they revealed that they will be adding 20 minutes of extra footage in Pushpa 2 – The Rule, from this weekend onwards. Sharing the announcement with a menacing poster of Pushparaj, the caption on the post read, “#Pushpa2TheRule RELOADED VERSION with 20 minutes of added footage will play in cinemas from 11th January. The WILDFIRE gets extra FIERY”.

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Mythri Movie Makers (@mythriofficial)

More about Pushpa 2 – The Rule

Pushpa franchise traces the journey of small-time sandalwood smuggler Pushparaj who goes on to become one of the most feared gangsters. The movie features Rashmika Mandanna as his wife Srivalli and the second instalment Pushpa 2 – The Rule stars Fahadh Faasil as the main antagonist, SP Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat, who is out to seek revenge from Pushparaj for humiliating him. While the first instalment received immense love with Allu Arjun also becoming the first Telugu star to win a National Film Award, the second instalment has created history at the box office.

Meanwhile, the makers have also hinted at a third instalment being in the pipeline in the finale of Pushpa 2. Titled Pushpa 3 – The Rampage, the actioner too will be directed by filmmaker Sukumar.

Also Read: Pushpa 2 stampede controversy: Hyderabad police asks Allu Arjun to maintain confidentiality about visiting the victim

Although Divyenndu has done notable work in several big and small screen projects, it is his menacing Munna in Mirzapur series that he is identified with in the audiences’ mind. Divyenndu said that he doesn’t mind that. “No, I don't mind it at all,” he said. “Because I really love and cherish how much people loved me in this character. Yes, at times it's beyond my comprehension that, you know, they actually think that a character like Munna Tripathi exists in a parallel world.”

He added, “Me not being there in the latest season when he dies, more than anything, I think the audiences were just very angry and hurt. It's a very raw and a very pure emotion. So that is really humbling. For me as an actor, I totally understand that there is a journey of a character, it begins and you know, it ends at some point of time. But for them, I think they were just not ready to give up on Munna. So, it's, it's something which is very touching, and I really value it and, you know, cherish it.”

Seldom has a character in a web series received such adulation. Divyenndu is overwhelmed by the fanatical fan following for Munna. He said, “What can I say? I just feel that I'm blessed to get so much love from my fans, from friends, you know, from audiences, from critics, from a lot of people. Yeah, it's just a very big thank you in my heart. And yes, now Munna Tripathi is coming back in Mirzapur the film we are making. I'm really looking forward to it. Yes, there is no denying it.

Divyenndu added, “But you know, to be really candid with you, I must say a few things. I always say an artist is a very selfish being. Whatever I do, firstly, I do it for my happiness. I should get happiness from a character, playing a character or a film. And that is what matters to me the most. But in this case, for the very first time in Mirzapur, I know it's not about me. It's beyond me. It's about people who love this character so much that it's for them that I'm doing this, for the audience and I'm very, very happy that Munna is coming back. It's truly for my fans this time. It's truly for them. And I'm very happy that we can give them their, this beloved character Munna once again. Even better this time because it's coming on the big screen.”

Also Read: Mirzapur 3 Bonus Episode: Divyenndu’s Munna Bhaiya makes a return but in deleted scenes

Although Sana Khan has officially announced her exit from the entertainment industry, the former actress-reality show star, continues to earn followers on social media. The former actress, who is already a mother to a year-old boy, decided to embrace motherhood once again as she and her husband, cleric Mufti Anas Sayed welcomed their second child and took to social media to share this good news with her fans on Monday.

Sana Khan welcomes another baby boy

Taking to her Instagram page, Sana Khan shared a sweet video announcing the arrival of her second son. The cute clip featured elements like balloons, a castle, a parachute, ribbons and other décor items in blue and white hues. Revealing that their little one was born on January 5, 2025, Sana shared the news with a note in the video that read, “We are overjoyed to share the beautiful news of the arrival of our little prince! Overflowing with joy big brother Tariq Jamil welcomes his baby brother!” Referring to themselves as ‘proud parents’, Sana further added in the video, “Bless us to raise him with kindness and righteousness, and make him among Your faithful servants”.

Meanwhile, the former actress also expressed her happiness in the caption and wrote, “Allah Taala Ne Har Chiz Mukaddar Me Likhe Hai Waqt Aane Par Allah Usko Atta Karta He Aur Jab Atta Karta He To Jholiya Khushiyon Se Bhar Deta Hai. Happy Parents #sanakhan #anassaiyad #saiyadtariqjamil.” Followed by the post, many of her friends and well-wishers dropped congratulatory messages.

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Saiyad Sana Khan (@sanakhaan21)

About Sana Khan

After gaining momentum over a controversial advertisement and later establishing herself, Sana Khan received a lot of attention and fame for her stint in Bigg Boss 6 where she became the second runner-up. However, in 2020, she announced her permanent retirement from Bollywood and the entertainment industry. She married Muslim cleric Mufti Anas Sayed on November 21, 2020, and the couple welcomed their first child, Saiyad Tariq Jamil on July 5, 2023.

Also Read: Sana Khan recalls being hesitant to marry Mufti Anas because of seven years age gap: “My husband is almost seven years younger than me” 

History is about to repeat itself as the highly awaited period political drama Emergency is just two weeks away from theaters. With the release of the second trailer, anticipation is sky-high as Kangana Ranaut not only stars in but also directs this bold cinematic retelling of one of the most controversial periods in Indian politics.

2025 marks 50 years since the 1975 Emergency, and Kangana’s portrayal of Indira Gandhi has left audiences in awe. From her uncanny resemblance to Gandhi to her flawless embodiment of the late Prime Minister's body language, mannerisms, and voice, Kangana is not merely playing a character—she is channeling history itself.

The new trailer delivers even more intensity and political firepower than the first, capturing the tumultuous days of 1975 and Gandhi’s infamous declaration, “Indira is India.” The film brings to life the political chessboard of the time, from Jayaprakash Narayan's fiery protests (Anupam Kher) to young Atal Bihari Vajpayee's oratorical brilliance (Shreyas Talpade). Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw (Milind Soman), Pupul Jayakar (Mahima Choudhary), and Jagjivan Ram (the late Satish Kaushik) also play pivotal roles in this gripping drama.

Kangana Ranaut says, "After a long journey filled with challenges, I'm glad that our film Emergency will finally hit the big screen on 17th January. This story isn't just about a controversial leader; it delves into themes that remain profoundly relevant today, making the journey both difficult and significant. Releasing just a week before Republic Day, it's the perfect time to reflect on the resilience of our Constitution and experience the film with your loved ones."

Producer Umesh KR Bansal says, "As we mark 50 years since the 1975 Emergency, this film isn’t just a historical retelling—it’s a reflection on the resilience of democracy and a tribute to those who fought to protect it. Emergency is a cinematic milestone that challenges audiences to question, engage, and remember the cost of freedom.”

Written, directed, and headlined by Kangana herself, Emergency also features a stellar cast, including Anupam Kher, Mahima Chaudhary, Milind Soman, Shreyas Talpade, Vishak Nair, and the late Satish Kaushik in his final performance. Produced by Zee Studios, Manikarnika Films, and Renu Pitti, with music by Sanchit Balhara and G.V. Prakash Kumar, the film is set to hit theaters on January 17, 2025.

Also Read: Kangana Ranaut drops update on Emergency release date; deets inside

The upcoming film Loveyapa, featuring debutants Junaid Khan and Khushi Kapoor, has captured hearts with its newly released title track. Within just 24 hours, the song has garnered a staggering 15 million views across platforms. Amid the audience's rising craze for the film, Aamir Khan and his son Junaid Khan were seen speaking about it.

Aamir Khan and son Junaid Khan were spotted at Prithvi Theater. While discussing the film, actor Junaid Khan says, "I am very excited. It is a very exciting film. I think this is a very new kind of role for me, very different from Maharaj - so, challenging for me as an actor I think. This is my first theatrical release,"

Aamir Khan shared his initial reaction to the film saying, "I have watched the rough cut. I liked this film. It is very entertaining. The way our lives have turned out these days due to cellphones, and the interesting things that happen in our life due to this have been shown here. All the actors have done a good job. When I watched the film and saw Khushi (Kapoor), I felt that I was watching Sridevi. Her energy was there, I could see. I am a huge fan of Sridevi."

#WATCH | Mumbai: On 'Loveyapa', the upcoming film of his son Junaid Khan, actor Aamir Khan says, "I have watched the rough cut. I liked this film. It is very entertaining. The way our lives have turned out these days due to cellphones, and the interesting things that happen in… pic.twitter.com/YdgQTeljii — ANI (@ANI) January 5, 2025

Loveyapa, set in the realm of modern romance, offers a heartwarming tale enriched with unforgettable performances, lively music, and breathtaking visuals. Celebrating love in all its shades, the film is poised to resonate with audiences of all ages. Loveyapa is poised to be one of 2025’s most exciting cinematic offerings. Mark your calendars for this Valentine’s season as the film hits screens on February 7, 2025 embarking on this enchanting journey of love!

Also Read: Loveyapa title track out: Khushi Kapoor and Junaid Khan’s peppy number gives special mention to ‘Tum Hi Ho’ and ‘Chaiyya Chaiyya’, watch

Salman Khan is set to begin the final schedule of his much-anticipated film, Sikandar, starting January 10 in Mumbai. With co-star Rashmika Mandanna joining him, the team is working against the clock to complete the shoot and post-production in time for its scheduled Eid 2025 release. Directed by AR Murugadoss and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, the film promises to deliver high-octane action and a compelling storyline.

According to a report by Mid-Day, the team is confident about wrapping up on time despite the tight timeline. “The last schedule will start on January 10 in Mumbai. Salman and Rashmika Mandanna will be back on set. Even though the film is due for release in March, the team is confident of comfortably completing it in time,” the source revealed. The simultaneous handling of filming and post-production by director AR Murugadoss has been pivotal in ensuring the film stays on schedule. High Expectations from Sikandar’s Music and Storyline The teaser for Sikandar, unveiled on Salman Khan’s birthday last month, garnered praise for its visual appeal and background score composed by Tamil musician Santhosh Narayanan, who is making his Bollywood debut. According to the source, the film’s music, composed by Pritam, will play a significant role in amplifying the cinematic experience. “The music album is vibrant and celebratory, while the background score strikes an emotional chord,” the insider added.

Set against the backdrop of corruption, Khan plays a ruthless businessman who transforms witnessing the injustices around him. The film also features Sathyaraj and Kajal Aggarwal in pivotal roles, adding depth to the narrative. With AR Murugadoss at the helm, the film aims to cater to both mass and family audiences. Sajid Nadiadwala’s production is banking on the festive season of Eid 2025 to ensure maximum reach and box-office success.

Also Read: “Salman Khan bhai aapka Sikandar bhi dekhna hai humko,” says Ram Charan expressing his excitement for Sajid Nadiadwala backed film

Aamir Khan’s son, Junaid Khan, recently opened up about being diagnosed with dyslexia at the age of 6 or 7. He shared that his parents, Aamir Khan and Reena Dutta, discovered his condition while reading the script of the critically acclaimed film Taare Zameen Par. Speaking on Vickey Lalwani’s YouTube channel, Junaid explained how this realization shaped his upbringing and his parents' supportive role in helping him navigate the condition.

The Discovery That Changed Everything Junaid revealed that it was during the initial discussions of Taare Zameen Par, a film focusing on dyslexia, that his parents recognized the parallels with his own struggles. He recalled, “When Papa and Maa heard the script, they were like, ‘Ek second! We’ve seen this in our lives.’” This led Aamir and Reena to consult a specialist, who diagnosed Junaid with dyslexia. A Supportive Upbringing Despite the challenges, Junaid credited his parents for creating a nurturing environment. “Neither of my parents were particular about my studies,” he said. Instead of pressuring him to excel academically, Aamir and Reena encouraged him to do his best. Junaid expressed gratitude for their approach, adding, “Mom and Dad were like, ‘Make sure you do your best.’” Looking Ahead: Junaid Khan’s Acting Journey Junaid is now carving a path in the entertainment industry. His upcoming film Loveyapa pairs him with Khushi Kapoor, marking their first big screen project after Netflix debuts, Maharaj and The Archies. Directed by Advait Chandan, the film is set to hit theaters on February 7, 2025. Interestingly, the film’s marketing kicked off with a song release, creating buzz ahead of the trailer launch.

Also Read: Loveyapa title track out: Khushi Kapoor and Junaid Khan’s peppy number gives special mention to ‘Tum Hi Ho’ and ‘Chaiyya Chaiyya’, watch

Mohit Malik has established himself as a powerhouse of talent in the Indian entertainment industry. With an impressive portfolio of diverse and multi-dimensional characters, Mohit has won audiences’ hearts through iconic television shows such as Doli Armaanon Ki, Kulfi Kumar Bajewala, and Baatein Kuch Ankahee Si. His ability to delve into a character’s depth and bring it to life has cemented his reputation as one of the most versatile actors in the industry.

Reflecting on Roles and Craft After a career spanning varied roles across television and OTT platforms, Mohit Malik recently reflected on the kind of characters that inspire him. “I always choose meaty roles that are author-backed and have something to say or lead the story in some way,” Mohit shared. Highlighting his passion for challenging roles, he added, “I want to play roles that are layered, not single-dimensional. I’ve always loved difficult characters because they demand more hard work, and that’s the kind of person I am.” Success, Inner Peace, and Mental Health Known for his grounded and introspective outlook, Mohit has a unique perspective on success. “My definition of success is the amount of peace I am in,” he revealed. “If, at the end of the day, I’m sleeping well and having great conversations with my wife, I’m at peace. That’s what matters.”

The actor’s focus on mental health is a cornerstone of his personal philosophy. “Mental health is so important,” Mohit emphasized. “We focus on physical health because it’s visible, but success truly comes with mental peace. I also take care of my body because it’s my instrument, but at the core, mental well-being drives everything.”

As Mohit Malik transitions from television to Bollywood, fans are eagerly anticipating his debut in the upcoming film Azaad, where he will take on the role of an antagonist. Additionally, the actor will reprise his role in Chamak 2, a sequel that promises to showcase his nuanced acting skills yet again.

Also Read: Mohit Malik denies being a part of Bigg Boss 18; says, “I am very busy with my acting career”

A Pune-based lawyer, Asim Sarode, has issued a legal notice to singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya for his controversial remark describing Mahatma Gandhi as the "Father of Pakistan." The comment, made during a podcast interview, has sparked outrage, with Sarode threatening legal action unless Bhattacharya issues a written apology. The lawyer claims the statement disrespects Gandhi’s legacy and misrepresents historical facts.

The Controversial Statement In the podcast, Abhijeet Bhattacharya compared music composer RD Burman to Gandhi, saying, "Like Mahatma Gandhi was the father of the nation, RD Burman was the father of the nation in the world of music." He went on to assert, "Mahatma Gandhi was the father of the nation for Pakistan and not India." Lawyer's Objections and Gandhi’s Legacy The legal notice, filed on behalf of Manish Deshpande and other law students, accuses Bhattacharya of crossing the line with his remarks. Highlighting Gandhi’s contributions, Sarode stated, “Gandhi worked tirelessly for Hindu-Muslim unity and opposed partition vehemently, saying, ‘To accept partition, it will be over my dead body.’” The lawyer also stated Gandhi’s global recognition, pointing out that over 150 countries have issued postal stamps in his honor.

The notice demands that Bhattacharya submit a written apology for his comments, warning of criminal prosecution if he fails to comply. Sarode believes the singer’s statements undermine Gandhi’s work and promote misinformation. “Such remarks can hurt sentiments and mislead people,” the notice reads.

As of now, the singer has not issued any public statement addressing the legal notice.

Also Read: Abhijeet Bhattacharya says, “Mahatma Gandhi was the father of nation for Pakistan, not India”

The timeless charm of Ayan Mukerji’s 2013 classic Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani is back on the big screen, giving fans an opportunity to relive cherished memories. Featuring a stellar cast including Deepika Padukone, Ranbir Kapoor, Aditya Roy Kapur, and Kalki Koechlin, the re-release has sparked widespread enthusiasm, evident in fans’ celebrations during screenings. But what makes this romantic comedy-drama continue to resonate with audiences?

Producer Karan Johar Reacts to Fans’ Celebration Fans of YJHD have been turning theater screenings into lively gatherings. One such moment caught producer Karan Johar’s attention. Sharing a video of fans dancing to the iconic track ‘Badtameez Dil’ on his Instagram story, Johar remarked, “Converting Cinemas into Rock concerts! YJHD is back in theatres.”

Earlier, he urged audiences to revisit the film, describing it as a “yaadon ka mithai ka dabba” in a heartfelt post featuring a collage of its unforgettable moments.

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Karan Johar (@karanjohar)

Earlier, when the re-release date was announced, Karan Johar expressed his excitement, saying, “Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani holds a special place in the heart of Dharma Productions. The film has great music, stunning locations, some of our most loved actors, and a story that resonates across all generations. It's just the perfect film to start the new year. The film leaves you with a warm, fuzzy feeling about life. We can't wait to see how Gen Z feels about watching it as adults on the big screen while millennials join in, singing along and repeating all the dialogues before the actors do,” in a press note.

Meanwhile, director Ayan Mukerji shared, "This movie feels like my second child, a part of my heart and soul. More than a decade later, I can confidently say that creating it was one of the greatest joys of my life. What we accomplished, despite its perfections and imperfections, remains a source of immense and lasting pride for me."

Also Read: Kartik Aaryan, Karan Johar and Sameer Vidwans’ film quirkily titled Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri, watch announcement video

Bollywood actress Rakul Preet Singh has opened up about her transformative journey toward food freedom and self-acceptance. The stunning performer, known for captivating audiences both on and off-screen, recently shared insights from her holiday experience that go far beyond the typical celebrity vacation post.

Rakul, who has consistently impressed viewers with her brilliant performances, took to social media to share what she describes as a personal breakthrough. The actress, who recently overcame a challenging period following an injury, has now conquered another personal battle – one that many of her fans find surprisingly relatable. "I always struggled with letting go and relishing food without feeling guilty," Rakul confessed in her heartfelt social media post, accompanied by a series of striking holiday photographs. The actress detailed her previous challenges with the "constant stress of getting back on track" and the persistent "noise" in her head regarding food choices. This raw honesty about her relationship with food and body image strikes a chord in an industry often criticized for promoting unrealistic standards.

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Rakul Singh (@rakulpreet)

"How you feel is more important than how you look," emphasizes Rakul in her post, challenging the conventional narrative that often plagues the entertainment industry. Her message encourages followers to prioritize mental well-being and self-acceptance over external validation, a particularly relevant message in today's social media-driven world. The actress's professional life continues flourishing as she maintains a busy schedule. Fans can look forward to seeing her in several upcoming projects, including the anticipated De De Pyaar De 2 and Mere Husband Ki Biwi with co-stars Arjun Kapoor and Bhumi Pednekar. Also Read: Arjun Kapoor, Rakul Preet Singh, Bhumi Pednekar starrer Mere Husband Ki Biwi gets its FIRST poster

Renowned filmmaker Hansal Mehta, known for his poignant storytelling, is set to take on an action film for his next project. While the plot details remain under wraps, the film is rumored to feature actor Lakshya, who delivered a notable performance in the 2024 action-packed film Kill. The casting discussions are ongoing, marking an exciting shift in Mehta’s filmography.

A New Direction for Hansal Mehta After delivering critically acclaimed works, including a thriller starring Kareena Kapoor Khan and a dramatic web series featuring Pratik Gandhi, Mehta is venturing into the action genre. A report by Mid-Day quoted a source saying, “As a storyteller, Hansal Mehta has always been interested in different [content] spaces. He is excited about taking up an action film with his next, which will be a theatrical release.” Lakshya: The Emerging Talent Actor Lakshya, who showcased his action skills in Kill, has caught Mehta’s attention for the lead role. “With Kill, the newcomer showed both his acting chops and his flair for action. Hansal is also known for putting faith in newer faces and extracting fine performances from them,” added the source. Although discussions are underway, no official confirmation has been made regarding Lakshya’s involvement.

Hansal Mehta’s filmography boasts a range of biopics and socially relevant narratives. With this upcoming project, the filmmaker aims to broaden his horizons, bringing his signature storytelling to a genre he hasn’t explored before. Fans of both Mehta and Lakshya eagerly await updates on this collaboration.

Speaking of the professional front, Lakshay will next be seen in Karan Johar’s Chand Mera Dil, which co-stars Ananya Panday.

Also Read: Hansal Mehta showcases his admiration for Kareena Kapoor Khan; says, “Her face tells a million stories, and she doesn’t even know it”

Actress Neha Dhupia recently paid a touching tribute to her late father-in-law, the legendary cricketer Bishan Singh Bedi, through a deeply personal gesture. Neha shared the story of a special gift she received from him—a vintage Indian cricket sweater he once wore during his illustrious career. The sweater, now a cherished family heirloom, holds immense historical and sentimental value, symbolizing the enduring legacy of one of India’s most iconic cricketers.

Neha, who is married to actor Angad Bedi, recalled the heartfelt moment she received the sweater as her wedding gift. “When I married Angad, I had my heart set on one particular piece of memorabilia. It’s not just a sweater; it’s a piece of history that embodies the spirit and legacy of Indian cricket. I asked for it as a wedding gift, and dad graciously obliged. To me, it represents resilience, excellence, and an eternal connection to the sport he loved so much,” she shared.

The sweater, adorned with the emblem of Indian cricket, was a symbol of pride for Bishan Singh Bedi, who wore it during several iconic matches. This year, Neha honored his memory by donning the sweater while attending a test match during India’s tour of Australia. “I feel an overwhelming sense of pride and nostalgia wearing this sweater,” Neha expressed. “It’s not just a souvenir; it’s a living reminder of the immense legacy my father-in-law has left behind. It represents an era of cricket that was played with unparalleled passion, grace, and integrity.”

Neha also shared her emotions in a heartfelt post on social media. She wrote, "Wearing this sweater has a different kind of warmth… I remember so clearly when dad asked what I’d like as a wedding present. I told him I wanted his test cricket sweater. It would be the most special gift for me, and he made it happen. Along with his strength, resilience, talent, and generosity, I now carry a sense of honor donning this while watching my first tour of India live. We miss you every day, dad…"

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Neha Dhupia (@nehadhupia)

Through this emotional gesture, Neha Dhupia not only honored the memory of Bishan Singh Bedi but also celebrated his monumental contribution to Indian cricket.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Neha Dhupia on the subject of Bad Newz, “Didn’t know it was biologically possible, got to know very late in my life via this film”

2025 will be a significant one for the three Khans of Bollywood – Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and Aamir Khan. This is because they would all turn 60 years of age. Aamir will be the first one to hit the milestone on March 14 followed by Shah Rukh Khan on November 2 and Salman Khan on December 27. These three stars continue to rule but once they turn 60, will their stardom be affected?

Trade veteran Taran Adarsh disagreed, “Age is just a number (smiles). Also, people are aware of how old they are and yet, they are crazy about them. They are 90s superstars who have ruled not just the box office, but also our hearts. They are relevant even today and change with the times. From Sikandar, for instance, it’s clear that Salman seems in a different zone, though it has all the mass elements.”

He continued, “They’ll be now seen in slightly mature roles. Even they know that they can’t be running around in Switzerland. But when you move to mature roles and play your age, you start connecting with the masses.”

Trade analyst Atul Mohan remarked that Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and Aamir Khan are at an advantage because of the evolving outlook of the audience towards aged heroes, “Now, things are different. Earlier, actors who would turn 50 or 55 would start playing character roles. But Shah Rukh Khan’s films are working big time. Even a weak film of Salman ends up collecting Rs. 100 crores. Amitabh Bachchan, Dilip Khanna, Rajesh Khanna, Dharmendra etc. had a downward trajectory before they turned 60 after which they moved to playing character roles.”

He added, “Until the audience accepts them and is doing the right kind of cinema, people will accept them.” He also gave the example of South stars who are older than the Khans and are ruling, “Rajinikanth is 70+ and manages to give huge grossers. Kamal Haasan delivered his career’s biggest hit Vikram (2022) at this age.”

Distributor and exhibitor Raj Bansal, however, disagreed, “It’ll affect their stardom. However, at the same time, no hero has come up so strongly except Ranbir Kapoor who can challenge their stardom. Hence, they are lucky to continue for so long.”

2025 for Khans

Sadly, in the year that Shah Rukh Khan turns 60, he won’t have any release. His next film, King, is expected to arrive in cinemas in March 2026. It also stars his daughter Suhana Khan along with Abhishek Bachchan and Abhay Verma. The film was in the news recently when Sujoy Ghosh left the project. Siddharth Anand will now direct this slick action film.

Salman Khan’s Sikandar will be released on Eid. Aamir Khan’s Sitaare Zameen Par is expected to be released in the first half of 2025. He’ll also in a supporting role in his production Lahore 1947. Directed by Rajkumar Santoshi, it stars Sunny Deol besides Preity Zinta and Ali Fazal.

Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan returns after a family vacation in Alibaug; his pet dog captures attention in viral videos

It was full house for the Bhatts and Kapoors who rang in the New Year celebrations in Thailand. While many photos were shared by Neetu Kapoor and Riddhima Kapoor Sahni giving a glimpse of all the fun they had together, Alia has now decided to share another set of photos in her latest photo dump, leaving her social media fam excited about her latest holiday. For the unversed, Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt were accompanied not only by their daughter Raha but also by Ranbir’s mother Neetu Kapoor, his sister Ridhima Kapoor Sahani, her husband Bharat Sahani and daughter Samara, Ayan Mukerji, Alia’s mother Soni Razdan and sister Shaheen Bhatt, among other friends and family members.

Alia Bhatt shares beautiful photos of her spending time with Ranbir Kapoor and Raha

Amid many photos from the Kapoor and Bhatts private vacation, Alia decided to share some cute individual photos of her special moments of bonding with her family members. It included some cutesy RaAlia with Raha photos including the family enjoying the sunset, photos with her mother, sister, the Kapoor ladies, a video of Alia on a bike ride, one with her bestie Ayan Mukerji, among many others. She captioned them saying, “2025 : where love leads & the rest just follows...!! happy new year all”.

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Alia Bhatt ???? (@aliaabhatt)

Needless to say, her fans were thrilled about this photo dump and dropped several heart emojis to showcase their love on the same. Some fans also posted very comments of admiration, saying, “Literally my wholeee heart”, “soo wholesome”, “Best post” among others, whereas some fans also waited for this post anxiously as they shared their thoughts like, “Was so so so so eagerly waiting for this photodump”.

About Alia Bhatt’s upcoming projects

Alia is currently expected to be completing her schedule for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love & War where she will be reuniting with her real-life husband Ranbir Kapoor onscreen along with her Raazi co-star Vicky Kaushal. Meanwhile, the actress also has the spy-thriller Alpha co-starring Sharvari and Hrithik Roshan in a cameo, which is produced by YRF and is an integral part of Aditya Chopra’s ambitious spyverse.

Also Read: Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and daughter Raha ring in 2025 with a family sunset in Thailand

Maddock Films, under the leadership of producer Dinesh Vijan, has announced an ambitious slate of eight theatrical releases from their highly anticipated Maddock Horror-Comedy Universe (MHCU). The lineup promises to deliver a thrilling blend of laughter, spooks, and chills, with each film offering unique narratives to captivate audiences. Here's the complete schedule of releases spanning 2025 to 2028:

2025: Double Treat to End the Year

Thama: Set to light up theaters during Diwali 2025, this film is expected to kickstart the universe with a bang. Shakti Shalini: Closing the year with a supernatural spectacle, the film is scheduled for release on December 31, 2025.

2026: Horror Meets Comedy

Bhediya 2: The much-anticipated sequel to Bhediya, starring Varun Dhawan, will roar into cinemas on August 14, 2026, promising another thrilling ride. Chamunda: A mysterious and spine-chilling addition to the universe, it is slated for release on December 4, 2026.

2027: Fan-Favorite Returns

Stree 3: The third installment of the Stree franchise, which has garnered a cult following, will hit the big screens on August 13, 2027. Maha Munjya: Bringing an epic clash of genres, this film is scheduled to release on December 24, 2027.

2028: Culmination of a Saga

Pehla Mahayudh: The first installment of what seems to be an epic conclusion to the MHCU, releasing on August 11, 2028. Doosara Mahayudh: The final chapter of this universe is set to enthrall audiences on October 11, 2028.

A Genre-Defining Cinematic Universe

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Maddock Films (@maddockfilms)

Dinesh Vijan's Maddock Films is carving a niche in the Indian film industry with its genre-blending horror-comedies. Following the success of Stree, Bala, and Bhediya, this meticulously planned lineup aims to elevate the cinematic experience by introducing interconnected narratives and fan-favorite characters across eight films.

Also Read: CONFIRMED Sidharth Malhotra to romance Janhvi Kapoor in Maddock Films’ Param Sundari; Tushar Jalota directorial to release on July 25, 2025

Johny Lever’s comic caper Kya Masti Kya Dhoom released in December 2024 on Waves, a new OTT platform developed by Prasar Bharati. While exclusively speaking about the film with Bollywood Hungama, he also opened about the meme culture, his bond with certain actors and his upcoming films.

Johny Lever’s memes have acquired a legendary status, be it ‘Maal kidhar hai’ or ‘Main nahin bataunga’. Johny laughed and pointed out a few more which are used regularly by netizens – ‘Abhi theek karke deta hoon’ and ‘Iski guarantee main nahin de sakta’. The funny man humbly said that it’s heartening to see youngsters connecting to him through these memes.

The actor has worked with several actors but his chemistry with Shah Rukh Khan has been quite appreciated. Both were seen in films like Baazigar (1993), Karan Arjun (1995), Yes Boss (1997), Baadshah (1999), Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani (2000), Chalte Chalte (2003), Dilwale (2015) etc. On this, he said, “Shah Rukh bhai lage rehte hai. He’s constantly thinking about what more he could give to a scene. And that lagan and pakad are very important. If you do what is given to you, the result won’t be that great.”

He added, “For instance, with Ajay Devgn, aap usko doge toh woh karega. He won’t add anything from his side but at the same time, he won’t disturb my comic timing as well. However, he is getting better at comedy now. Rohit Shetty ne unse yeh shuru karwa diya hai!”

Johny Lever further said, “Akshay Kumar bhi laga rehta hai. Yesterday, I was shooting for Housefull 5. Akshay ka zabardast contribution tha hamare ek scene mein. People fell down laughing. Lage rehne se hi cheezein nikalti hai. Even Amitabh Bachchan’s comic timing is legendary. When we see his work or that of Kishore Kumar saab or Mehmood saab, I wonder ki humne kiya hi kya hai?”

It is famously said that Johny Lever once complained to Rishi Kapoor that his voice is such that the former is unable to mimic the latter. When asked if it’s true, Johny smiled and replied, “Yes, it is. Some people’s voices are such that you can’t copy them. After all, apne gale se kitni awaazein nikaalenge! I guess it’s the God’s way of saying ‘Tere gale ke liye itni awaazein kaafi hai. Isse rozi roti tu kama le’ (laughs). If I mimic Amrish Puri 3-4 times, mera gala baith jaayega. Amit ji’s voice is also difficult as my voice doesn’t have that base.” While giving this answer, he also mimicked Amrish Puri flawlessly and made our day.

Johny Lever’s next and 2025 plans

Johny Lever will be seen in two of the biggest comic capers of recent times – Welcome To The Jungle and Housefull 5. When asked about what one can expect from these comedies, he said, “The audience will have a lot of fun in both films. Farhad Samji has written Welcome’s third part. We are all working hard to ensure that these films should turn out to be better than the previous films of the franchise.”

What are his plans for 2025? He said, “I want to do something different and hatke for the audience. A lot of people have given me love. This is my 45th year of working in films. I started working in 1979. Thanks to God’s grace, people continue to love me. I am still getting work and I hope to be better as a performer. I have children in my house and I have realized that agar main unko hasa sakta hoon, toh baaki baccho ko bhi hasa sakta hoon.”

It’s unbelievable to know that Johny Lever has been around for so long. What’s remarkable is that he still looks the same as he did in Baazigar or Nayak (2001). Johny Lever doesn’t take credit for it or his talent. He signed off by saying, “Talent belongs to Almighty God and He takes care of us. His blessings are with us. Hum talent ke saath rahenge toh woh hamare saath rahenge. Some people move away from talent due to certain problems in life. Toh usse sur chhoot jaata hai. So I feel that you may face many problems, be it financial or family-related, but don’t give up on your talent. I understood this from my seniors.”

Also Read: It’s a wrap! Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, Abhishek Bachchan and others conclude shooting Housefull 5

In a recent roundtable for Galatta Plus, as producers came together to discuss cinema and its impact at the box office – it stirred a major debate among them regarding Hindi films, the current success of South Cinema, the OTT effect, the evolving preferences of audiences, among other topics. During the same, producers discussed about Telugu and other regional language stars making a debut in Bollywood and in the moment, Boney Kapoor recalled the impact of Kamal Haasan when he made his Hindi debut in Ek Duje Ke Liye, wherein he ended up referring to Jr NTR as ‘new face’.

Boney Kapoor compares Kamal Haasan’s Hindi debut to Jr NTR’s Hindi debut

While speaking about the impact of a South star making a Hindi debut on box office, Boney Kapoor recalled how Ek Duje Ke Liye, directed by South filmmaker K Balachander, which marked the debut of Kamal Haasan in Bollywood, set the cash registers ringing, making it one of the most loved films of all time. During the same, when Siddharth questioned whether a South filmmaker can create a box office record by taking a new face as the star of the film, Boney Kapoor jumped in to respond and said, “Yes absolutely. Why has Aditya Chopra taken Tarak (Jr NTR) for his film (War 2)?"

Naga Vamsi and Siddharth interject and assert that this is not the ‘right example’

While Naga Vamsi immediately interrupted Boney Kapoor adding that Jr NTR is not a ‘new face’, Siddharth went on to add, “You are talking about the biggest superstar of South industry working with the biggest superstar (Hrithik Roshan) of north industry, working with the biggest producer (Aditya Chopra) in India."

For the unversed, Jr NTR is expected to play the lead antagonist in this action spy film War 2 which is also expected to star Kiara Advani as the leading lady.

Also Read: Hansal Mehta calls out Naga Vamsi after the latter boasts about Pushpa 2’s success; calls him ‘arrogant’ on social media

Ileana D’Cruz seems to have grabbed quite a bit of attention for her roundup video which she posted on social media. The actress, who has been garnering a lot of love on the platform, ever since she shared sneak peek of her first child, seems to have dropped a major hint about her second pregnancy in the recent video she posted as she welcomed 2025. Needless to say, netizens did not miss out on this minor detail and indulged in an interesting conversation on the platform.

Ileana D’Cruz shares New Year post

Among many celebrities who decided to give a glimpse of what their 2024 looked like as they bid adieu to another interesting year was also Ileana. The actress took to her Instagram page to share a video that featured a sneak peek into her life from each month of 2024 which included her travel shenanigans, adorable montages of her son Koa, some sweet and special motherhood moments, among others. In the month of October, Ileana was seen showing off her pregnancy test which has sparked an interesting conversation on social media. The actress captioned the video saying, “Love. Peace. Kindness. Here’s hoping 2025 is all that and so much more”.

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Ileana D'Cruz (@ileana_official)

Netizens react to the actress flaunting her pregnancy test

Despite the montages fading in and out quickly, fans did not miss out on October, wherein Ileana was seen showing off her pregnancy test. “Second Baby is coming in 2025 <3? or did we misunderstand?”, asked one of the users. “Wait…October…congratulations again!!!” “Congratulations again!!!!!! Happy New Year”, were some of the comments which were shared on the post. Many of them also dropped heart emojis showering their love on the actress and good news.

About Ileana D’Cruz

While Ileana D’Cruz has been taking up far and few projects, the actress is seen enjoying her motherhood. For the unversed, Ileana married Michael Dolan in May 2023 and welcomed her first child with him in the same year, in August. Later, the actress announced his name as Koa Phoenix Dolan.

Also Read: Ileana D’Cruz celebrates husband Michael Dolan’s birthday with adorable photos

It is a known fact that Diljit Dosanjh has taken India and Punjabi music to a whole new level with his international collaborations and performances. The actor-singer, who has been touring across the country as a part of his pan-India Dil-Luminati tour, kicked off the year 2025 by meeting the honorable Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi and the actor couldn’t help but share about this on his social media handle, where he expressed happiness and gratitude over the same.

Diljit Dosanjh opens about the conversation he had with PM Narendra Modi

Diljit Dosanjh took to the social media platform X aka Twitter, wherein he shared several photos of him meeting and interacting with honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He captioned the pictures saying, “A fantastic start to 2025 A very memorable meeting with PM @narendramodi Ji. We talked about a lot of things including music of course!”

A fantastic start to 2025 A very memorable meeting with PM @narendramodi Ji.

We talked about a lot of things including music of course! pic.twitter.com/TKThDWnE0P

— DILJIT DOSANJH (@diljitdosanjh) January 1, 2025

PM Narendra Modi also shares happiness about meeting Diljit Dosanjh

Known for being social media savvy, PM Narendra Modi also opened up about his meeting with Diljit Dosanjh and took to the platform X aka Twitter to share about the same. While he captioned the post in Punjabi, when loosely translated it reads, “Great conversation with Diljit Dosanjh! He is truly multi-talented, a combination of talent and tradition. He is connected to music, culture and much more...”

ਦਿਲਜੀਤ ਦੋਸਾਂਝ ਨਾਲ ਸ਼ਾਨਦਾਰ ਗੱਲਬਾਤ! ਉਹ ਸੱਚਮੁੱਚ ਬਹੁਪੱਖੀ ਪ੍ਰਤਿਭਾ ਦੇ ਧਨੀ ਹਨ, ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਪ੍ਰਤਿਭਾ ਅਤੇ ਪਰੰਪਰਾ ਦਾ ਸੁਮੇਲ ਹੈ। ਅਸੀਂ ਸੰਗੀਤ, ਸੱਭਿਆਚਾਰ ਅਤੇ ਹੋਰ ਬਹੁਤ ਕੁਝ ਨਾਲ ਜੁੜੇ...@diljitdosanjh https://t.co/X768l08CY1

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 1, 2025

About Diljit Dosanjh

The Punjabi musician-actor recently found himself in the midst of controversy and bans over using the words alcohol and related words in his lyrics. Despite the same, the musician successfully concluded his Dil-Luminati tour across the country and experienced the mass love he received from audiences from every city. Apart from music, Diljit also has several films in the pipeline including the Hindi film Border 2 which will feature him alongside Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Ahan Shetty, among others.

Also Read: Diljit Dosanjh pays heartfelt tribute to Dr. Manmohan Singh at Guwahati concert

Bollywood superstar Deepika Padukone, a long-time advocate for mental health awareness, recently marked a significant milestone in her personal and professional life. On the occasion of her foundation Live Love Laugh (LLL) completing 10 years, Deepika took to Instagram to reflect on her journey towards raising awareness about mental illness and fighting its stigma.

A Decade of Advocacy and Change In a heartfelt post, Deepika shared a personal message about the very first step she took toward committing her life to the cause of mental health. “10 years ago, on this day, I took my very first step towards committing the rest of my life towards destigmatising mental illness and creating awareness about the importance of mental health,” she wrote.

As she marked the anniversary of LLL, Deepika expressed gratitude for the progress made and her continued commitment to the cause. She concluded her post with a hopeful message, saying, “As I reflect on and celebrate the journey thus far, I look forward to the next chapter in my mission… #10YearsOfLLL.”

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by दीपिका पादुकोण (@deepikapadukone)

Live Love Laugh Foundation’s Impact

Launched in 2015, Live Love Laugh was founded by Deepika Padukone to offer support, create awareness, and provide resources for those affected by mental illness. The foundation aims to break the silence around mental health, educate the public, and offer emotional support to individuals going through mental health challenges. Deepika’s personal battle with depression, which she openly discussed in 2015, has also played a pivotal role in encouraging others to seek help. Her courage in sharing her story has inspired countless individuals to confront their mental health challenges and reach out for support.

Also Read: Deepika Padukone drops new collection for ‘Live Love Laugh’ foundation: Designer dress, stilettos and more!

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, known for his bold and unconventional storytelling, has recently opened up about the delays surrounding the release of his film Kennedy. Despite its premiere at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, the movie has yet to see the light of day. In a candid interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Kashyap shared his frustration over the situation and revealed that multiple projects, including Kennedy, are stuck in limbo.

Five of Anurag Kashyap's Films Still Unreleased Kashyap, a pioneer in Indian cinema, revealed that five of his films are currently awaiting release. Among them, Kennedy remains the most notable, as it was well-received at international film festivals but still remains unreleased in India. Speaking about the film's current status, Kashyap stated, “I have made five films that are lying unreleased. Where is Kennedy? And whose hands is Kennedy in? It’s in the hands of some people who’ve never made films before.” He expressed frustration over the fact that the film, which generated significant buzz at Cannes, is still caught up in a system driven by profit rather than passion for cinema. The Profit-Driven Film Industry According to Kashyap, the current state of the Indian film industry is preventing creative films like Kennedy from seeing the light of day. “People who made Kennedy in the studio are all gone. And now, the people who are there, the directive given to them is to up the share prices, generate profits, cost recovery… That’s all there is. Nobody is interested in films,” Kashyap lamented.

Kashyap also expressed his concern about the industry’s reluctance to take risks, which he believes has crippled the creative ecosystem. He contrasted this with the South Indian film industry, where filmmakers like Sukumar have the freedom to create bold narratives, such as Pushpa. “In the South, they invest in filmmakers and empower them to make films. Here, everyone is trying to create a universe. Do they understand their own universe, and how minuscule they are in it?” he remarked. Detaching from Kennedy The filmmaker also spoke about his emotional detachment from Kennedy, acknowledging the impact of the delays on his mental well-being. Kashyap explained, “I’ve detached myself from Kennedy, because I don’t want it to become like Black Friday. I will not let anything pull me down again in life…” He also admitted to feeling disappointed by the industry’s unwillingness to take creative risks but stated that he no longer had the energy to fight against the system. “I’ve had my fights, but you can’t fight a wall. I don’t have the energy…” he said. A Changing Perspective on the Industry Despite the challenges, Kashyap remains committed to his craft. However, his disillusionment with the current state of the industry has led him to contemplate a move out of Mumbai. He expressed his dissatisfaction with what he’s witnessing around him and hinted at relocating to regain his sense of purpose and peace. “I’m very disgusted by some people, but let them be,” Kashyap said, signaling that he’s ready to leave behind the toxic aspects of the industry in pursuit of personal growth.

Also Read: Anurag Kashyap calls Hindi film industry “Desperate” for blockbusters, praises Malayalam cinema’s humble approach: “There was zero one-upmanship among the actors”

In a heartfelt tribute to the late Shyam Benegal, Doordarshan has announced a special screening of the filmmaker’s iconic 1976 classic Manthan. The screening, which will feature the 4K restored version of the film, is scheduled for January 1, 2025, at 8 p.m. This screening marks a significant moment as Manthan is not only a cinematic gem but also a tribute to the man whose contributions to Indian cinema continue to inspire generations of filmmakers.

Restored Version of Manthan to Air on Doordarshan The restored 4K version of Manthan, a monumental film inspired by Dr. Verghese Kurien’s White Revolution, has been carefully preserved by the Film Heritage Foundation (FHF). The restoration was showcased at the Cannes Classic section earlier in 2024. The process was made possible with support from the Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd. (Amul), whose farmers funded the original production. The Film Heritage Foundation confirmed the screening date through a post on their official X page, marking this event as a poignant homage to Benegal’s legacy.

This #InternationalYearofCooperatives, revisit Manthan and join us in celebrating the iconic film produced by the farmers of world’s largest dairy cooperative. Directed by Shyam Benegal, it’s a timeless tribute to the true spirit of cooperation.#ManthanMovie pic.twitter.com/2kt1v1DqNf — Amul.coop (@Amul_Coop) January 1, 2025

Manthan: A Story of Revolution and Empowerment Released in 1976, Manthan (titled Churning in English) is a powerful depiction of India’s dairy revolution. The film follows a young veterinary doctor, played by Girish Karnad, who helps rural farmers establish a cooperative to combat oppressive systems. The plot is based on the true story of the White Revolution that transformed India into a global leader in milk production. Notably, the film’s opening credits acknowledge the support of 500,000 Gujarat farmers, each contributing Rs 2 to fund the project. This collective effort marked Manthan as a symbol of empowerment and community solidarity. Shyam Benegal: A Pioneer of Indian Parallel Cinema Shyam Benegal, who passed away on December 23, 2024, at the age of 90, was a towering figure in Indian cinema. His death marked the loss of a visionary filmmaker who redefined the landscape of Indian parallel cinema. Known for his thought-provoking and socially relevant films, Benegal’s career spanned over five decades. His debut film, Ankur (1974), set the stage for a remarkable journey, with Nishant (1975), Manthan (1976), and Bhumika (1977) solidifying his place as a masterful storyteller.

His memorial service, held in Mumbai, was attended by prominent figures such as Shabana Azmi, Naseeruddin Shah, Javed Akhtar, and Urmila Matondkar, among others. The outpouring of respect at the memorial reflected the profound impact he had on the film industry and his colleagues.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Manthan’s team goes down memory lane at the restored version’s premiere; Smita Patil-starrer could have been the FIRST Indian film and one of the first films in the WORLD to have a prequel

As the curtains close on 2024, Bollywood's biggest names have lit up social media with their heartfelt posts and dazzling celebrations. From emotional year-end reflections to glamorous glimpses of New Year’s Eve festivities, these posts perfectly blend nostalgia, gratitude, and excitement for what lies ahead.

This past year has been monumental for many stars, with personal milestones, box-office blockbusters, and cherished moments that made their way into fans' hearts. As they bid goodbye to 2024, each post radiates positivity and promises to embrace 2025 with open arms. From snowy retreats to tropical getaways, from quiet meditations to energetic dance parties, each star’s New Year vibe was unique yet inspiring. Scroll down to see how your favorite celebrities wrapped up the year and welcomed a brand-new chapter in style. Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor celebrate New Year's eve with family

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by neetu Kapoor. Fightingfyt (@neetu54)

Shraddha Kapoor ends 2024 with hilarious question

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Shraddha ✶ (@shraddhakapoor)

Kriti Sanon shares dump featuring "moments of 2024 that didn’t make it to the gram"

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Kriti (@kritisanon)

Ananya Panday starts "2025 with only love"

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Ananya ???? (@ananyapanday)

Kajol calls 2024 "Better than a movie ending"

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Kajol Devgan (@kajol)

Ajay Devgn builds a little museum to cope with "year-end feelings"

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn)

Farah Khan shares FIRST pic of 2025 and its adorable!

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Farah Khan Kunder (@farahkhankunder)

Also Read: Fashion Roundup 2024: From Vicky Kaushal to Sidhant Gupta to Ishan Khatter; Bollywood’s best-dressed men who redefined style!