Hansal Mehta, Pratik Gandhi and Sameer Nair’s Applause Entertainment had a successful partnership with the cult show Scam 1992. They have now joined hands once again for the ambitious web show, Gandhi. It stars Pratik as Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi aka Mahatma Gandhi and hence, the excitement is tremendous. The hype for the show increased after it had its world premiere in the 'Primetime Programme' of the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) last month. Reports state that Gandhi received a standing ovation and became a major talking point at the festival. Bollywood Hungama exclusively spoke with Hansal Mehta at the Waterfront Indie Film Festival (WIFF) on this honour.

Hansal Mehta began by saying, “It’s still very overwhelming. I was in tears when I was standing there. Very spontaneously, the crowd got up and started clapping! I had been to TIFF previously and it is not like the European festivals. It’s not a place where people show their appreciation by standing up and clapping. The patrons in TIFF are a bit held back. Also, it was not a gala screening. Hence, to see that reaction in a public screening was very moving.”

What also touched Hansal Mehta is how his team went all out to land in the Canadian city for the premiere, “Everyone made it to TIFF like A R Rahman, Tim Felton, etc. My team of assistant directors spent their own money just to be there for that moment! Moreover, Canada is neither nearby nor cheap. Securing a visa is not that easy either. Yet, they were there (smiles).”

He continued, “My cinematographer and writer also attended at their own costs. Nearly 20 of us were present. In a way, it was the celebration of the efforts that we put in last year. Gandhi has been a mammoth effort. We have worked on it for nearly 3 ½ years.”

When asked about the release plans, he said, “We are also completing the show right now; the post-production is going on right now, as we speak. So, a few months of work.” Hansal Mehta also stated that the first 2 episodes of Gandhi were shown at TIFF.

Over the years, Mahatma Gandhi has often been portrayed in a negative light by certain films. There has also been growing negativity online about the Father of the Nation. Will Hansal Mehta’s show help correct this perception?

The talented filmmaker replied, “I am not here to correct anybody’s perceptions. People are free to have their own perception. But there is a documentation of his life and persona in Ramchandra Guha’s books (‘Gandhi Before India’ and ‘Gandhi: The Years That Changed The World’). I have tried to objectively present Gandhi as a human being. We have humanized Gandhi with his flaws, weaknesses and his immense strength of character. So, I think we need to relate to him beyond his identity as Mahatma. We need to see him as a human being and to learn how his life can become our message.”

Also Read: Scam 1992 director Hansal Mehta cracks up crowd at WIFF: “OTT creators are delivery men, just like Salman Khan’s directors on Eid!”; recalls BBC rejecting him for Criminal Justice: “I had just made Simran then. I don’t blame them”

Aryan Khan’s directorial debut in the form of the Netflix web series The Ba***ds of Bollywood has become the talk of the town. The show has also given popularity to its main lead Lakshya. The actor spoke about the life post this show in an interview with us.

How are you coping with the surge in popularity after The Ba***ds of Bollywood?

A surge in popularity is evidence that your work and efforts are being positively recognized and accepted by the viewers who now want to follow you for even better outcomes in the future. This is simply based on the theory of “Cause & Effect.” You did well in the past, so you are reaping the fruits in the present. I am highly thankful and simply grateful to all the viewers of BOB who have not only appreciated but also accepted me as an actor.

How closely did you identify with your character’s struggle?

I belong to a middle-class family of Delhi, having no contacts in the film/acting industry of Mumbai. So called outsider reached Mumbai with dreams, a clear goal and objective of establishing myself as an actor, with conviction, determination, and a strong ZIDD (stubbornness). So is the character of Aasman in BOB. Yet there are slight differences in the situations and obstacles posed to me as an individual and as a character, Aasman, in the series. Nevertheless, this character revolves very well in intensity as well as magnitude holistically around my personal life and struggles I faced so far.

I hear you are flooded with offers. What are your criteria for selecting offers?

I won’t say there is a flood of offers, but yes, there are numerous offers available at this point in time, and I am grateful. Yet, selecting an offer is the most crucial decision at this point in time because it sincerely calls for “Absolute Rationality and a greater Responsibility.” I have a few very stringent major selection criteria to select an offer.

What are they?

The first is relevance - Does it align with my needs and interests? The second is compatibility - Whether I would be able to deliver the expected outcomes? Do my core strengths enable me to justify the offer and benefit mutually? Third is social acceptability - Because one has to abide by the principles laid down by our society, in which we are an integral part of the universe. Fourth is value addition - Does this offer add to any value - tangible or intangible, and augment my individual life, personality, profession, and career growth? And above all, whether it adds to my career longevity?

How has your family reacted to your stardom?

They are joyous, celebrating the achievement, and feel uplifted too. Yet my mother, who practices Buddhism, always pays her gratitude to the universe for the most awaited event that has happened in life. They always emphasize that success is an ongoing journey, not a final outcome. They push me to set clear goals, put consistent efforts to achieve these goals, work for inner peace with a purpose that your conscience allows, and eventually make a positive and fecund impact on others to spread joy and happiness, always.

Also Read: Chand Mera Dil set PHOTOS LEAKED: Lakshya rides into romance with Ananya Panday in traditional attire

Komal Nahta had a wonderful conversation with Karan Johar about the production aspects, star fees, entourage and a lot more. They also spoke about the much-controversial ‘corporate booking’. Karan raised laughs with his answer.

Karan Johar began by saying, “Everybody does what they have to do. If it’s giving you happiness, then why not? Today, if I decide that I’ll gift myself Rs. 1 crore, then I celebrate that I made a crore, though I have only cut that cheque and given it to myself, then I have a party in the night since I gave myself one crore, so am I a fool or am I an intelligent man? I leave that for you to decide. That’s the only answer I have to this.”

He continued, “If you’re doing it for yourself and you’re happy, then please do it. Why should anyone judge you for doing it? You are spending your own money na? You are putting it out on social media.”

When pointed out that this practice damages the reputation of the industry, Karan Johar replied, “Industry khud ko badnaam kar rahi hai. All those who write about corporate booking are from the industry. The audience doesn’t know about it. They don’t care about corporate or desperate booking. It’s only the industry that talks about it or the media reporters.”

He also remarked, “Also, I wonder where the word ‘corporate booking’ came from. Which corporate has booked it? It’s called individual booking or self-booking. The idea is that I have booked, I have enjoyed, I have celebrated and I am excited.”

KJo continued, “Now the agencies are filling seats also. You pay them, they buy tickets and are watching it with the money that you have paid. Sometimes, it has also helped some films in getting kickstart energy. Eventually, what we call corporate booking will become a marketing tool in future. But if the film has to work, it will work.”

Karan Johar pointed out the futility of the exercise, “Aap kitna kar loge? You can’t issue cheques every day. I’ll do it for the weekend or max until the second Friday. At some point, I’ll have to stop.”

Also Read: Karan Johar CONFESSES, “Shah Rukh Khan is the ONLY actor who has NEVER talked money with me; when I ask about his fees, he says, ‘Whatever you want to pay’”; also reveals, “SRK and I are retail MANIACS; he behaves like an excited two-year-old when he gets a gift”

The Waterfront Indie Film Festival (WIFF) hosted an engaging ‘Round of Applause – Panel Discussion’ featuring Hansal Mehta, Tushar Hiranandani, Rohan Sippy, and Vishal Furia in Mumbai, where they discussed filmmaking challenges, amusing experiences, their journey in the OTT world, and more. Hansal was asked about his acclaimed show Scam 1992 (2020) and he astonished everyone by opening up about the pre-release challenges.

Hansal Mehta said, “I am thankful to Scam 1992 as it allowed me to survive. I had something to do. When we were mid-way through the edit, we were told that no platform wanted the show! Then we were told that Sony LIV had shown interest. For the next few weeks, everybody’s morale was down. They were asking, ‘Why are we going to Sony LIV? What will Sony LIV do?’. Everyone was cribbing. Ultimately, producer Sameer Nair gave me a reality check, ‘No other platform wants this show’.”

He then revealed, “Danish Khan of Sony LIV told us that the show has to be released on October 9. We were in August, and we were not done, as we had barely started post-production. But Danish insisted that the show needed to come out on October 9. So, we were completely focusing on delivering the content.”

He added, “We delivered the last episode on the day after the show was released. The reviews were out by then and people commented that they were waiting for the second season even though the final episode was left to be released!”

Episode 10 will stream in a few hours. #Scam1992 is not a 9 part series. The 10th part will be with you shortly. pic.twitter.com/ETgjmoKG5E — Hansal Mehta (@mehtahansal) October 9, 2020

So, why was there a delay with the last episode? Hansal Mehta raised laughs as he replied, “The dead body in the final episode was still breathing! I was waiting for the 4k output of the frozen stomach of the dead body. We finally got that and delivered it 24 hours later. I had to tell people that one more episode is yet to come!”

Scam 1992 got unanimous acclaim and became a rage. Hansal Mehta confessed, “It was so overwhelming that I went on a break. On Monday, I realized that my life was changing. It was much later that we realized that something special had happened.”

Also Read: “Historic and Humbling”: Hansal Mehta reacts to Gandhi becoming first Indian series at TIFF primetime

Filmmaker Siddharth Anand’s War, which was produced by Yash Raj Films, recently completed six years. Starring Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff, the movie was an action thriller that became a blockbuster at the box office. Siddharth looked back at the film in an interview with us.

Would you say War was a turning point in your career?

I would say I'm very, very happy with War and when I look back at it, I feel proud. War has been probably the most important point in my career. I'm not talking about the success of War. I'm talking about the making of War. I'm talking about the creation of War (that) has been the turning point. All my films that I made till that date, I think have been, have lent to me making War the film it is.

Please explain?

Right from the conception of the idea of it and then how to screen-write it and then how to shoot it and also how to shoot and use each character in the film. I think all my films have led me to it. All my films have had some sort of a learning for me that led to making War what it is.

War was a turning point for the action genre

From the point of time making it into a relentless action film, I wrote War as a song-less film. There were no songs in War and the songs came in much later. After the script was ready, (producer) Aditya Chopra and me, we fit ‘Ghungroo’ as a situation in it at the point that it came in. In fact, it’s been a turning point as a filmmaker for me. All these things that I'm saying are not about the success of War. I'm talking about the making of War. What transpired into writing War for me was the turning point. The fact that the kind of films I wanted to make going post-2016-2017 when I started writing War, has been the turning point for me.

War was a huge success

Of course, the success of War has really validated that and I've never looked back and I've kept that learning in mind in making all my films post that and even now I keep that learning in mind. War for me has been an institution of learning that if you apply this, then it's good as a filmmaker that it allowed me to get the success with all the learnings from my past experience.

I think War became one of the most definitive action films of our times

Even if you go back and look at it now, it's got its unique language for a Hindi film. It was relentless, it was brave, it had amazing twists, it was fast-paced, it had great songs. So it had a great amalgamation and a new language for Hindi film, I believe. And I think it was an experience that our audiences probably had for the first time in an action film. That's what made War so iconic and definitive and it was something that it was refreshing, I would say, for an action film for that time. I think it had some things that just blend in well. I wouldn't say that it's perfect as a film. But I think it was a good blend and I don't think I would mess with it to change anything today.

If you had to remake War again, what would you change?

No, I don't think so. I would keep it as is. I'm very happy.

Also Read: Siddharth Anand on 20 years of Salaam Namaste, “I truly feel this is a film that has aged well”

Akshay Kumar recently made a powerful and emotional appeal while speaking at an awareness event on cybercrime, organised in association with the Mumbai Police. The actor, who has always supported social causes, spoke candidly about the growing threat of cybercrimes and the urgent need to educate children about online safety.

During his speech, Akshay shared a disturbing personal experience that hit close to home. The actor revealed that his young daughter, Nitara, was once a target of online harassment while playing a video game. Recalling the incident, Akshay said, “I want to tell you all a small incident which happened at my house a few months back. My daughter was playing a video game, and there are some video games that you can play with someone”.

He continued, “You are playing with an unknown stranger. While you are playing, sometimes a message comes from there...Then a message came, ‘Are you male or female?’ So she replied female. And then he sent a message, ‘Can you send me nude pictures of yours?’ It was my daughter. She switched off the whole thing and she went and told my wife.”

The actor went on to highlight that such incidents are far more common than people realise, especially among children and teenagers who spend significant time online. He explained how predators often use kindness and casual conversation as a trap before revealing their true intentions. “This is how things begin. This is also a part of cybercrime...” Akshay said with concern.

#WATCH | Mumbai | Actor Akshay Kumar says, "I want to tell you all a small incident which happened at my house a few months back. My daughter was playing a video game, and there are some video games that you can play with someone. You are playing with an unknown stranger. While… pic.twitter.com/z9sV2c9yC6 — ANI (@ANI) October 3, 2025

In a heartfelt appeal to the authorities and the audience, Akshay urged for systemic awareness programs in schools. “I would request the Chief Minister that in our Maharashtra state, every week in the seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth standards, there should be a period called cyber period where children should be explained about it. You all know that this crime is becoming bigger than street crime. It is very important to stop this crime...,” he added.

Akshay’s emotional address not only underscored the increasing risk of digital crimes against minors but also reflected his proactive stance as a parent and citizen.

The actor’s initiative, supported by the Mumbai Police, aims to spread awareness about different forms of cybercrime and empower both children and parents to identify and report online threats. Through his advocacy, Akshay Kumar continues to use his influence for meaningful change, urging society to prioritise digital safety in a rapidly evolving online world.

Also Read: Akshay Kumar recalls co-star getting bigger room because his film was a hit, and his wasn’t: “I come from a place where 24 people lived in one room”

Alia Bhatt made a stunning appearance at the Mukerji family’s grand Durga Puja celebrations this year, hosted annually by Rani Mukerji and Kajol in Mumbai. While the star-studded pandal saw many familiar faces from the film fraternity, it was Alia’s ethereal traditional look that became the highlight of the day.

The actress embraced a quintessential Bengali avatar, reminding fans of her Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani character, Rani Chatterjee. Draped in a custom Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla masterpiece, Alia radiated festive grace in a sheer golden and silver Dhakai Jamdani saree that reflected timeless craftsmanship and elegance.

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According to the designers, the saree was handwoven over three months and glimmered with intricate golden motifs and a dual-tone border featuring gold and silver embroidery. The ensemble was paired with an ornate Chikankari blouse enriched with exquisite Zardozi detailing, perfectly complementing the grandeur of the outfit. Styled by Rhea Kapoor, with makeup by Puneet B Saini and hair by Amit Thakur, Alia’s look was a vision of understated sophistication rooted in tradition.

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On the professional front, Alia is gearing up for an exciting lineup of films. She will soon reunite on screen with her husband Ranbir Kapoor in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s much-awaited Love & War, also starring Vicky Kaushal. The film is slated for release in March 2026. Additionally, Alia will headline the action thriller Alpha, sharing screen space with Sharvari and Anil Kapoor, while Hrithik Roshan is expected to make an extended cameo.

From celebrating Durga Puja in classic elegance to balancing powerful roles on the big screen, Alia Bhatt continues to prove that she’s as much a fashion icon as she is a versatile performer.

Also Read: Alia Bhatt calls her bond with Ranbir Kapoor a “very natural dynamic”: “It was never a rose-tinted-glasses sort of relationship”

Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan have taken legal action against Google and YouTube, filing a Rs 4 crores lawsuit over the alleged misuse of their images and videos through AI-generated deepfakes. The Bollywood couple, who had earlier asserted their personality rights, have accused the platforms of allowing manipulated content to spread unchecked.

According to a Reuters report, the Bachchans have raised concerns over YouTube’s content moderation and third-party training policies, claiming they create space for abuse. The court filings reportedly stated, “Such content being used to train AI models has the potential to multiply the instances of use of any infringing content — first being uploaded on YouTube and viewed by the public, and then also being used to train.”

The legal complaint highlights “egregious” and “sexually explicit” deepfake videos that have been circulated online. One such channel, AI Bollywood Ishq, is said to host more than 250 manipulated clips featuring celebrities, with several videos crossing millions of views. Among them are doctored clips allegedly showing Aishwarya Rai Bachchan with Salman Khan in a pool, and Abhishek Bachchan in fabricated sequences where he suddenly kisses an actress or reacts angrily to altered scenes.

Last month, the Delhi High Court directed Google’s counsel to submit a detailed written response. The next hearing in the matter is scheduled for January 15.

On the professional front, Abhishek Bachchan is gearing up for two major projects — King, an ensemble drama also featuring Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, Suhana Khan, Rani Mukerji and Abhay Verma, and Raja Shivaji, a biopic on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj starring Riteish Deshmukh in the titular role. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, meanwhile, has not officially confirmed any upcoming films.

Also Read: After Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan files petition over misuse of his personality rights

Almost a year ago, reports suggested that Alia Bhatt was in advanced talks with Nag Ashwin for his yet-untitled, woman-centric action drama. However, eleven months is a long time in the film industry, and the project appears to be heading in a different direction. With Kalki 2 currently facing casting changes after Deepika Padukone’s dramatic exit, the filmmaker is said to be considering prioritising his female-led film before resuming the mythological sequel.

Fresh chatter from industry circles indicates that Sai Pallavi, often regarded as Ashwin’s original choice for the role, has re-entered discussions. A report by Mid-Day quoted a source saying, “Nag didn’t let go of the idea of the woman-led film. It was simmering on the backburner through most of 2025. With the recent developments in Kalki 2, bringing the other project forward is a possibility.”

The timing, however, remains tricky. Alia Bhatt has reportedly allocated bulk dates to Maddock Films’ Chamunda starting March 2026, narrowing the window for her to take on additional projects. Pallavi, on the other hand, is committed to Nitesh Tiwari’s two-part Ramayana. She is expected to complete work on the second instalment only by mid-2026, after which her schedule may open up. “If the dates align, she could step into Nag’s film before he moves to Kalki 2,” the source adds.

Both Ashwin and Pallavi have had a notable run in recent years. Ashwin’s Kalki 2898 AD, headlined by Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan and Deepika Padukone, became one of the biggest spectacles of Indian cinema. Meanwhile, Pallavi has steadily built a pan-India fan base with acclaimed performances in Gargi, Shyam Singha Roy, and her ongoing role in the Ramayana franchise.

Also Read: “Never afraid to ruffle feathers”: Deepika Padukone talks about “walking a difficult path” as IMDb lists her in top spot amid Spirit, Kalki 2898 AD exit

On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, actor Pratik Gandhi opened up about his long-standing association with portraying Mahatma Gandhi—a role he believes was destined for him. Known for bringing the Father of the Nation to life across various mediums, Pratik has portrayed Gandhi on stage for several years and will soon appear as him in the upcoming web series Gandhi.

Adding a poetic twist to the connection, the actor also took the stage once again on Gandhi Jayanti itself, performing a live play where he stepped into the iconic role yet again. “Me playing Gandhi was written the day I was born into a Gandhi family. When I was given the Gandhi surname, I was destined to do it,” Pratik remarked. He shared that portraying Mahatma Gandhi’s journey has been an incredible privilege and a deeply personal experience. “Gandhi is more relevant today than ever before. We need thousands of Gandhis in this world right now, considering everything we see around us,” he said, reflecting on the state of the world. He also pointed out the rare coincidence of Gandhi Jayanti and Dussehra falling on the same day this year. “There are so many Raavans we need to burn within ourselves—and the Gandhian approach is perhaps the most powerful way to do that.”

When asked about the qualities he has absorbed from Mahatma Gandhi's life, Pratik pointed to simplicity and self-belief. “Achieving simplicity in today’s complex and hyper-digital world is a real virtue,” he said. “Gandhi ji believed that true strength doesn’t come from physical power, but from an indomitable will. After playing the character for so long, I’ve begun to truly understand what that means.”

Looking back at his journey with the role, Pratik admitted he never imagined it would become such a defining part of his career. “When I first played Mohan on stage, I never thought I’d get to bring the same character to the screen, especially in a longer format. It’s beyond what I ever dreamed. The experience has been important, emotional, and incredibly enriching.”

With his upcoming Gandhi web series and continued performances on stage, Pratik Gandhi continues to keep the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi alive for new generations—making the role not just a performance, but a calling.

Also Read: Pratik Gandhi on his show Gandhi receiving a standing ovation at TIFF, “It’s a lifetime experience for me. My heart is full of gratitude and satisfaction”

As the movie Avatar: The Way of Water returns to theatres for a limited one-week run starting October 2, fans are in for a unique cinematic experience. Audiences will get an exclusive first look at James Cameron’s upcoming film, Avatar: Fire and Ash, shown only in theatres before the feature presentation.

In addition to the preview, movie goers will see a personal message from Oscar-winning director James Cameron. In it, he offers insights into the next chapter of the Avatar saga and a glimpse behind the scenes of what’s to come.

The exclusive footage introduces a new setting and characters, beginning with the Sully family and Spider riding the medusoids — large, jellyfish-like creatures connected to the Windtraders. They are joined by Peylak, portrayed by David Thewlis, who appears for the first time in the franchise as the leader of the Tlalim Clan. This scene confirms Jake Sully’s new alliance with the Windtraders, though the full details and implications of this partnership remain under wraps.

The sneak peek dives deeper into the world of Pandora, offering a taste of the visual spectacle, emotional depth, and high-stakes storytelling that fans can expect from Avatar: Fire and Ash. With stunning imagery and powerful new characters, the preview sets the tone for what may be the most ambitious entry in the franchise yet.

This marks the first time any footage from Avatar: Fire and Ash have been shown publicly, making it a special event for long-time fans and newcomers alike. Don’t miss this opportunity to revisit Avatar: The Way of Water on the big screen and be among the first to witness the next chapter of Pandora’s story.

Also Read: BREAKING: Moviegoers to experience Avatar: Fire And Ash’s trailer for the FIRST time in cinemas in India with Avatar: The Way Of Water’s re-release on October 2

Farah Khan recently gave fans a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the song Ghafoor, featured in Netflix’s trending series The Ba***ds of Bollywood. Directed by Aryan Khan, the shoot was completed in just one day, but Farah shared that the experience remained upbeat, energetic, and full of collaborative spirit.

She expressed her appreciation for the positive response the project received online, noting the excitement surrounding both the song and the series, which continues to trend on Netflix.

Farah also took a moment to thank everyone involved in the production. She gave special mentions to Shah Rukh Khan, music composer Shashwat Sachdev, Tamannaah Bhatia, and veteran actors Ranjeet, Shakti Kapoor, and Gulshan Grover. Additionally, she acknowledged the behind-the-scenes crew for their dedication in helping bring Aryan Khan’s creative vision to life.

The Ghafoor song has quickly become a standout moment from The Ba***ds of Bollywood, thanks to its vibrant visuals and dynamic performances. Farah’s post offered fans a rare look at the effort and enthusiasm that went into making it happen.

Also Read: A true Netflix Effect: 8 ways The Ba***ds of Bollywood has taken over the internet

Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 and Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari are all set to release tomorrow. Trade experts predicted the first-day figures and the lifetime.

Vishek Chauhan, owner of Roopbani Cinema in Purnia, Bihar, said, “People were expecting too much from Kantara. Some said that it will open at Rs. 35-40 crores. But it seems like it’ll open at Rs. 12-14 crores. It is a good jump from the day 1 figures of part 1. I personally feel that the team of Kantara has missed out on a golden opportunity of making this film into an event film for the North Indian audience.”

He added, “If Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari opens at Rs. 7-8 crore, it'll be great. I hope I am proven wrong and both have double-digit openings.”

Chhaava is the highest opener this year, with first-day collections amounting to Rs. 33.10 crores. With this prediction, it seems like the record of Chhaava will remain unbeaten. Vishek Chauhan agreed, “Yes. Chhaava will retain the number one spot. I'd like some film to go ahead and break the record. But as of now, it doesn't seem that it will change with Kantara.”

Trade veteran Taran Adarsh also agreed that Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 won’t be able to break Chhaava’s record, “I doubt unless there's a miraculous jump on the first day through current booking. As of now, the record of Chhaava remains intact.”

He explained, “Kantara’s earlier part came in a very small way. It was released in Hindi two weeks after the release of the original Kannada version. It was purely word of mouth that carried the film to Rs. 75-80 crores. Now it's coming with a baggage of high expectations.”

Trade analyst Atul Mohan predicted, “Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari will open at Rs. 7-8 crores while Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 should have an opening of Rs. 10-12 crores. If the content is strong, it'll pick up by word of mouth.”

Distributor and exhibitor Raj Bansal, meanwhile, predicted, “Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 will open at Rs. 28-30 crores. Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari will open at around Rs. 7-7.50 crores which is very decent for this film. It looks like a film for the metros. Double-digit is difficult for it as it clashes with Kantara. There are showcasing issues. Otherwise, on a national holiday, it could have opened at Rs. 10 crores plus.”

There have been complaints of very high prices of the tickets of both films. Raj Bansal remarked, “The rates should be kept moderate. If reports are bad, inflated ticket prices can dent the prospects of a film.”

Taran Adarsh agreed, “I genuinely feel that the rates should be kept in check. But everyone wants to capitalise on the status of the film and the holiday season. In the past, people have come to cinemas and bought tickets even at inflated rates. But I feel that if rates are affordable in the beginning, it'll attract more people.”

Conclusion

There were a lot of hopes from the first day collections of Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 and hence, the predictions came as a shock. Some are not surprised.

A prominent producer said on condition of anonymity, “A certain agency predicted Rs. 40 crore plus opening for Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1. I was told that what Pushpa 2 was to 2024, Kantara will be in 2025. But while Pushpa 2 sold 55,000 tickets in national chains in less than 10 hours, Kantara has sold around 27,000 tickets. The expectations were heightened by this certain agency and today, people are disappointed though the advance is fine for a film like this. Moreover, many wrote off Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari but it’s not far behind, having sold 20,000 tickets. Going forward, I hope we remain realistic so that such scenarios don’t get repeated again.”

All eyes are now on the initial reactions from the first shows of both Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 as well as Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari. The scenario can still change as both arrive on a national holiday. Taran Adarsh reiterated, “Spot booking will play a key role in bigger centres as well as smaller centres.”

He’s also hopeful that the three-week open window will go in their favour. He said, “The period between Dussehra and Diwali is when people are busy with cleaning the house, shopping, vacation etc. Hence, the period is considered low in terms of box office. But if word of mouth is in their favour, both films will have a dream run.”

Atul Mohan, in agreement, added, “If the films are good, they will have an advantage. If reports are bad, the films will start to struggle from the first day itself. Once the public rejects, the film stands no chance. Any producer would want they get an open week. The makers of both films have got that, and it remains to be seen whether they are able to capitalize on it.”

Also Read: Trade agrees that Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 and Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari’s advance is not extraordinary: “Kantara makers should have informed the audience about the setting; Sunny Sanskari should have been darker and edgier with sad songs to entice people”

Paresh Rawal has stepped forward to address the growing controversy surrounding his upcoming film, The Taj Story, which recently caught attention for its provocative poster showing him removing the Taj Mahal’s dome with a statue of Lord Shiva emerging.

The actor took to social media to share a statement from the film’s makers clarifying that The Taj Story does not touch upon any religious matters, nor does it suggest that a Shiv temple exists within the Taj Mahal. “The makers of the film The Taj Story clarify that the movie does not deal with any religious matters, nor does it claim that a Shiv temple resides within the Taj Mahal. It focuses solely on historical facts. We would kindly request you to watch the film and form your own opinion,” the official disclaimer read.

The controversy resurfaced when a Twitter user dug up a 2017 tweet by Rawal in which he had expressed frustration over similar claims, writing, “Taj Mahal—Symbol of Love becomes the symbol of Hate!!! Stupid n unnecessary n sad n pathetic controversy!” He captioned his re-tweet, “A tweet by someone who just made a propaganda film on Taj Mahal being ‘Tejo Mahalya’!!”

https://t.co/8H34CJT1bD pic.twitter.com/PeEBZJv3Fr — Paresh Rawal (@SirPareshRawal) September 29, 2025

The Taj Story, directed as a hard-hitting social drama, is led by a powerhouse ensemble including Paresh Rawal, Zakir Hussain, Amruta Khanvilkar, Sneha Wagh, and Namit Das. The film raises a provocative question: “Even after 79 years of Independence, are we still slaves of intellectual terrorism?”

The narrative combines social commentary with a re-examination of historical facts, distinguishing itself from conventional period or historical films. The soundtrack has been composed by Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dev Nath, adding to the film’s intense tone. The Taj Story is slated for a nationwide release on October 31, 2025.

Also Read: Paresh Rawal on ‘Hera Pheri 3’ comeback: “A lot has happened, but that hasn’t soured my bond with Priyadarshan”

Aryan Khan’s directorial debut, The Ba***ds of Bollywood, sparked waves of nostalgia for the classic Emraan Hashmi era, with fans filling social media with calls for his return to the kind of intense, brooding roles that defined his early career. While Hashmi has consistently delivered projects on the big screen, it’s been a while since he explored a part in the same space as Awarapan. That is set to change with Awarapan 2, which recently went on floors in Bangkok under director Nitin Kakkar, co-starring Disha Patani in a pivotal role.

According to a Mid-Day report, the team has locked in a 40-day Bangkok schedule, after which filming will continue extensively in Mumbai. A source revealed, “The last moments of Awarapan showed a dream sequence of Shivam reuniting with his love, played by Shriya Saran. The sequel begins from this point — Shivam comes back to life and meets Disha’s character, who helps him in his next mission. Last week, Nitin and producer Vishesh started shooting on a bustling Bangkok street. This week, they will film a high-octane action scene in a local market. All the action set-pieces and songs will be completed during this leg. The producer has arranged tight security as filming is taking place in real locations, and they don’t want pictures leaking online.”

The source also shared details about the cast’s prep: “Shivam has matured after his loss. Emraan will be seen with a leaner frame and a French beard. Disha has undergone intense training as she has many action sequences in the film.” The Bangkok schedule is expected to wrap by early November, after which the focus will shift to emotional sequences in Mumbai. The makers have already planned two schedules there, one of which will involve a sprawling set recreating the characters’ homes inside a suburban studio.

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Director Nitin Kakkar is expected to dedicate early 2026 to post-production before the film’s scheduled release on April 3, 2026. Interestingly, Awarapan 2 is among the fastest-moving sequels in recent memory — announced just six months ago, the film has already gone on floors.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Manushi Chhillar NOT playing Emraan Hashmi’s leading lady in Awarapan 2; was never approached by the makers

Actor-turned-producer Jackky Bhagnani may have stepped away from acting, but his journey in showbiz continues behind the camera. While Jackky has often spoken about his dramatic transformation—shedding 75 kilos before making his debut—his wife, actress Rakul Preet Singh, recently revisited the story, highlighting both his love for food and his commitment to fitness.

During her appearance on the YouTube channel Khaane Mein Kya Hai, Rakul rated her husband’s cooking skills, admitting that he is “definitely better than me.” She added, “He can make a very nice breakfast.”

Opening up further, Rakul shared that Jackky’s passion for food dates back to childhood. “He was a very heavy kid. He lost 75 kilos before he debuted. So, he loves food,” she revealed. She went on to narrate anecdotes from his younger years: “He knows the phone numbers of certain restaurants by heart. As a kid, he would quietly sneak out of his house to eat at his favourite dosa stall. Eventually, he even learned to make dosas himself. He once made a Schezwan dosa for me, and I told him he didn’t need to prove himself again—because then I’d also have to cook something!”

Jackky’s inspiring transformation remains a major chapter in his career. Speaking at the Fit India Cult Yogathon in New Delhi earlier this year, the producer recalled the discipline that went into his weight-loss journey. “It’s hard for people to believe that I once weighed over 150 kg and managed to lose 75 kg. It wasn’t easy, but it wouldn’t have been possible without motivation, determination, and the will to break past my own limits. What I realised along the way is that you don’t always need fancy gym equipment or expensive plans to lose weight. Eating clean, staying hydrated, sleeping well, doing regular cardio, and practising yoga—all of it helped me create balance, both physically and mentally.”

Jackky lost the weight ahead of his acting debut in the 2009 film Kal Kissne Dekha. Though his last acting outing was Mitron in 2018, he has since found success as a producer. His most recent venture was the action entertainer Bade Miyan Chote Miyan.

Also Read: Rakul Preet Singh shares mom’s secret haldi besan milk for monsoon comfort

Of late, Deepika Padukone has been in the news as much for her film choices as for the chatter surrounding them. After her exit from Spirit earlier this year and Kalki 2898 AD reportedly over differences related to fees and working hours, the actress is once again making headlines—this time for her upcoming projects. Padukone recently began filming King in Poland alongside Shah Rukh Khan. Now, according to reports, she is set to kick off the shoot for Atlee’s highly anticipated AA22 x A6 with Allu Arjun in October, right after wrapping up King.

A report by Mid-Day clarified speculation about her role being trimmed in the ensemble film. Quoting a source, it stated: “There is no truth to rumours that Deepika’s screen time has been reduced. Her role has not changed from what she was offered when she came on board in June. She has a fierce part, which is essential to the first and second acts of the narrative.”

Reportedly, Padukone has allocated dates from late October until the end of December. The first schedule will introduce her character, followed by large-scale action set-pieces in November, including a chase sequence designed by Atlee with a South Korean stunt team. In December, the production is expected to shift to the UAE, where Padukone and Arjun will film a crucial mid-film twist and emotional sequences.

The sci-fi action drama, said to explore themes of time travel, reportedly features Arjun in multiple roles and an ensemble cast including Rashmika Mandanna, Janhvi Kapoor, and Mrunal Thakur alongside Padukone. The presence of so many leading ladies has sparked speculation that Padukone’s role is a cameo, but insiders insist otherwise: “It’s not a cameo at all. Her character drives the story. Every actor has a clearly etched-out part.”

For now, fans will have to wait for Deepika Padukone to officially announce the commencement of her shoot.

Also Read: “Never afraid to ruffle feathers”: Deepika Padukone talks about “walking a difficult path” as IMDb lists her in top spot amid Spirit, Kalki 2898 AD exit

2 days are left for the release of Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari and the advance booking has commenced in full swing. As expected, the censor process was completed by the makers in time, six days before the release, to be precise. In this exclusive story, Bollywood Hungama will focus on the cut list of the romcom.

Fans will be happy to know that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) passed the film with just two cuts. Firstly, the word ‘guard’ has been muted, wherever it occurs. It probably seems to be a part of the scene where Varun Dhawan’s character Sunny utters a derogatory word and then claims that he actually mentioned ‘guard’.

The other cut is that the Examining Committee of the CBFC has reduced lip-lock visuals by 60%. Lastly, the makers were asked to add the anti-alcohol static.

Once these changes were made, Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari was passed with a U/A 13+ certificate. The length of the film, as mentioned on the censor certificate, is 135.45 minutes. In other words, Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari is 2 hours, 15 minutes and 45 seconds long.

Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari is all set to release worldwide on October 2 and stars Varun Dhawan, Janhvi Kapoor, Sanya Malhotra, Rohit Saraf, Maniesh Paul, Akshay Oberoi and Abhinav Sharma. It is directed by Shashank Khaitan and produced by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions and Shashank's Mentor Disciple Entertainment.

The trailer launch of Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari was held on September 15 in Mumbai. The whole team of the film was present, except Sanya Malhotra. When the host asked about Sanya’s whereabouts, Varun Dhawan said, “Sanya is a very important part of the team. Sabse best baal unke hi hai! We have got a cut-out of Sanya so that we don't miss her!”

The host asked the attendees for “a big round of applause” as Sanya Malhotra’s cutout arrived on the stage. Maniesh Paul, in his trademark style, raised laughs, “Pehli baar, Sanya sabse jaldi tayyar bhi hai kyunki baal, make up kuch nahin karna pada! As it is, woh aa gayi hai!”

Also Read: Varun Dhawan REACTS to clash between Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari and Kantara Chapter 1

Rishab Shetty, Rukmini Vasanth, producer Chaluve Gowda of Hombale Films and distributor Anil Thadani and costume designer Pragathi Shetty attended the press meet of their film Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 at a five-star hotel in Mumbai. Many attendees were upset as, despite the event being called a ‘press meet’, there was no Q-and-A session with the media. Instead, it was more of a moderated conversation between the host and the team of the film. However, in this conversation, Rishab Shetty opened up like never before about his journey.

Rishab Shetty revealed, “For me, Mumbai is very special. In 2008, I used to work as an office boy in a production house in Andheri. I was a driver for a producer (smiles). I am an example that cinema ek insaan ke saath kya kar sakta hai and it’s proven by the fact that I have reached here. I have got so much recognition, love, respect and blessings.”

Talking more about his Andheri days, Rishabh said, “On the road where the film production houses were located, we used to have wada pav. I never imagined then that I’d reach this stage!”

Costume designer Pragathi Shetty talked highly of her hubby, “For Rishab, cinema is everything. Life and cinema are not different from him. He’s thinking about only cinema, cinema and cinema 24x7 (smiles). This project was not at all easy. He was the writer, actor and director and hence, he had to put in a lot of effort. He was very dedicated and he was quite drained physically, mentally and emotionally. But due to the blessings of our daivas and audience, we managed to pull off the film.”

Pragathi continued, “Last time, when we made a small Kannada movie (Kantara; 2002), you all gave us so much love and support. As a result, he had to do something to return the favour to the audience.”

Rishab Shetty also spoke highly of his wife and her talent, “Often people say that just because she’s my wife, she is the designer in the film. Aisa nahin hai.”

Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 releases in cinemas on October 2.

Also Read: Rishab Shetty reveals how Hombale Films shaped Kantara: Chapter 1: “They were involved in every step”

The ongoing debate over the ideal gap between theatrical releases and OTT premieres has found two of Bollywood’s biggest stars on opposite ends. After Aamir Khan recently advocated for a six-month window to protect the theatrical business, Akshay Kumar has voiced his disagreement, suggesting that a shorter gap is more practical for all stakeholders.

In a conversation with ABP Live, Akshay stressed that OTT platforms, which invest heavily in digital rights, also deserve fair treatment. “According to me, a three-month gap is okay. Six months is too long because at the end of the day, the OTT platform is paying you for the digital rights. They also need to benefit from the deal,” he said.

The actor-producer added that the industry should return to the pre-pandemic model, where theatres and streaming platforms co-existed without friction. “When it comes to digital rights sale, producers happily take money from the OTT platform. But when we want to, we also conveniently say our films aren’t working because of OTT. We don’t consider that maybe we’re not making the right films,” he remarked.

Akshay admitted he consumes a significant amount of OTT content himself, not just for entertainment but also to scout talent for his own projects. “I don’t have any other work than making movies. Since I’m not educated, I do only movies. So, I get a lot of time to watch OTT,” he shared. Acknowledging his journey, he added, “Thirty percent is hard work, which should feel like you’ve done 100% hard work, but you also need that 70% luck to make it. When I enter a studio, I often see a struggler better looking, a better dancer, and who does better action than me, but he hasn’t gotten a chance yet.”

His comments come in the backdrop of Aamir Khan’s evolving perspective on the theatrical-to-OTT window. The Laal Singh Chaddha star has long criticized the shrinking gap, blaming it for dwindling footfalls in cinemas. After Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies underperformed theatrically but found immense popularity upon its Netflix release, Aamir doubled down on his call for a minimum six-month gap.

At present, most films follow an eight-week theatrical-to-digital model.

Also Read: Akshay Kumar and other celebs shower love on Aryan Khan’s directorial debut The Ba***ds of Bollywood

Raashii Khanna takes on a significant role in 120 Bahadur, a war drama produced by Excel Entertainment. The recently released teaser gives a glimpse of the film, which highlights the bravery of the Ahir soldiers of Charlie Company, 13 Kumaon regiment, during the Battle of Rezang La.

Alongside Farhan Akhtar, Raashii Khanna adds an emotional touch to this story of sacrifice and bravery. Having worked across languages and genres, she now collaborates with one of Bollywood’s most versatile actors to bring a narrative that is both heartfelt and impactful.

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120 Bahadur is presented as a tribute to the courage of soldiers who showed remarkable bravery. The teaser has drawn attention from audiences, hinting at a film that combines emotion with heroism. Backed by Excel Entertainment, the project aims to deliver on scale and authenticity, with Raashii Khanna’s role adding to its emotional appeal.

Scheduled to release in cinemas on 21st November, 120 Bahadur brings forward a story of bravery meant to leave a lasting impact. Apart from this film, Raashii Khanna will also be seen in a suspense thriller with R. Madhavan and will return in Farzi Season 2. She is currently working on Ustaad Bhagat Singh opposite Telugu star Pawan Kalyan and will team up again with Vikrant Massey in Talakhon Mein Ek. Her Telugu project Telusu Kada has also received positive response, strengthening her presence across multiple film industries.

With this range of upcoming projects, Raashii Khanna continues to showcase her versatility and strengthen her position as one of the notable actors of her generation.

Also Read : Raashii Khanna shares candid BTS with Vikrant Massey from Talakhon Mein Ek sets; watch

Bollywood star Ranbir Kapoor turned 43, and his birthday was made all the more special by a deeply personal gesture from his young daughter, Raha Kapoor. His wife, Alia Bhatt, took to Instagram to post a series of pictures capturing intimate family moments, with the highlight being a sweet handwritten note from Raha.

In the handwritten letter, young Raha addressed her father with tender affection, writing, “Happy Birthday best papa in the world.” Among the pictures were images of Raha and Ranbir’s hands together as they cut a slice of his birthday cake, and a shot of Alia and Ranbir embracing against a serene sunset backdrop. Alia’s Instagram caption read, “happy birthday our whole and soul.”

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

Later in the day, Ranbir appeared on Instagram Live via his lifestyle brand Arks, responding to fan questions and sharing the heartfelt gift from his daughter. He revealed, “Raha made me a promise that she will give me 43 kisses, so I got that!”

Raha, born on November 8, 2022, is the daughter of Ranbir and Alia, who had kept her face largely private until it was revealed during the Kapoor family’s Christmas luncheon in 2023.

On the work front, Ranbir is slated to appear in Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana, which features an ensemble cast including Sai Pallavi, Yash, Ravi Dubey, Sunny Deol, and Lara Dutta. The first part is scheduled to release on Diwali 2026. He will also share the screen with Alia and Vicky Kaushal in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s upcoming film Love & War.

Also Read : From Mouni Roy to Alia Bhatt: Bollywood celebs show how faux fur and knee high boots make every outfit pop

The rom-com De De Pyaar De (2019) was a decent box office success, thanks to its unusual storyline, hilarious moments, strong performances, and songs. Hence, there was a lot of excitement when it was reported that a sequel to De De Pyaar De is in the works. The film is now almost ready and less than two months away from release. And if sources are to be believed, then the first asset is all set to drop in the first half of October.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “The makers plan to launch the teaser of De De Pyaar De 2 on October 12. A clearer picture will emerge in a few days, but as of now, this date has been seriously considered by the team.”

The source further said, “The makers are excited about the film and the teaser will give a small hint about the film’s theme, madness and its principal characters. It's sure to enhance the buzz for the romantic comedy.”

De De Pyaar De starred Ajay Devgn, Rakul Preet Singh and Tabu. It told the story of a 50-year-old divorcee who gets into a relationship with a 26-year-old girl. The first part was directed by Akiv Ali and focused on the chaos that ensues when the man tries to win the approval of his family for his newfound love. De De Pyaar De 2 is directed by Anshul Sharma and it marks the entry of R Madhavan as Rakul’s father. As per reports, it is the story of a hilarious one-upmanship that will ensue between Ajay and Madhavan, over Rakul’s character dating a man older than her father. Both films are backed by Luv Films and T-Series. It’ll be released in cinemas on November 14.

A few days ago, it came to light that a promotional song of De De Pyaar De 2 was shot at a restobar in Mumbai. Pictures from the sets were widely shared by fans of Ajay Devgn.

Also Read: REVEALED: Ajay Devgn’s NY Cinemas merges with Vishwa Samudra Group; to be renamed Devgn CineX

Deepa Mehta, the first wife of filmmaker-actor Mahesh Manjrekar, has passed away. Their son, Satya Manjrekar, confirmed the news and shared a heartfelt tribute via Instagram.

Satya posted a photograph of his mother, captioning it: “I miss you Mumma.” In the aftermath of her demise, numerous friends and acquaintances offered condolences, many of which Satya reshared in his Instagram Stories. One well-wisher expressed, “Lost a guiding light today. She was more than a mother, she was an inspiration. Her strength, courage and passion in building her saree business empowered so many girls to dream big. She will always live on through the lives she touched and the paths she paved. Prayers and strengths to you Satya. May her inspiring soul give you courage.”

Deepa Mehta was a noted costume designer and also ran a saree label called Queen of Hearts, which found considerable appreciation in the Marathi film industry.

Mahesh Manjrekar and Deepa had been married in 1987, having known each other since their college days. During their marriage, they welcomed two children daughter Ashwami and son Satya. Their union ended in 1995, after which their children stayed with Mahesh. Later, Mahesh married actress Medha Manjrekar, and they have a daughter, Saiee, who ventured into acting with roles in Dabangg 3, Major, and Kuch Khattaa Ho Jaay.

As the film fraternity and fans mourn, Satya’s tribute captures both personal grief and the broader recognition of Deepa’s legacy.

The Ba***ds Of Bollywood has brought back Rajat Bedi into limelight. The fans are aware of his filmography as an actor, but not many know about his journey before he got his acting break. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Rajat Bedi went down memory lane starting from the time he assisted in a film starring Shah Rukh Khan.

Rajat Bedi began by saying, “I assisted in Zamaana Deewana (1995) and also in one TV show of Ramesh Sippy ji, Kismat. Then, I wanted to get into modelling, but I was not aware as to how to go about it like kaunse office jaau aur kya karu. Fortunately, a big show was announced at that time called Gladrags Manhunt. It was headed by Maureen Wadia of Bombay Dyeing. A family member told me, ‘Rajat, you are tall, good-looking; why don’t you give it a shot?’. I decided to give it a try, hoping that I would get some modelling assignments.”

He added, “I met Maureen ji. He saw that ladka theek thaak lag raha hai. She asked for my photographs. When I told her that I didn’t have them, she told me to do the needful. I replied, ‘Mere paas paise nahin hai’! I was genuinely broke. She immediately called up Ashok Salian, a very big photographer at that time. She told him, ‘This boy is coming to meet you. Click his pictures’. She saw my snaps and enrolled me into the pageant. There were 30 contestants from all over India and I was one of them.”

Surprisingly, Rajat Bedi felt that he had no chance of winning the pageant, “I was quite excited and started to exercise. It was a big thing as Gladrags was a huge magazine. The first prize was a beautiful car and an all-expenses-paid trip to Singapore. When I heard about it, I told myself, ‘Apne ko toh milna nahin hai’. I was hoping that I would be noticed if I were on stage. After all, the who’s who of the ad world were going to be present.”

He continued, “The show was held at Oberoi Hotel, Mumbai. The Jeep, which was the winning prize, was parked and it was outstandingly beautiful. I had a look at the Jeep and I left. The other contestants were clicking pictures with the vehicle. They were hopeful that they might get to own the car while I was sure that I was not going to be the winner! Wahaan dekhna hi kyun jahaan jaana hi nahin hai (laughs)?”

Rajat Bedi then revealed, “I went inside and met Raveena Tandon, who was the judge. I had worked with her in Zamaana Deewana and so, she was very happy to see me. Just before I went on stage, I got nervous. I went to the bar to drink water. By mistake, I ended up breaking 8 glasses! I wondered, ‘Kaanch tootna hamare mein good luck hai’ (smiles).”

He stated, “My wife, who was then my girlfriend of 7 years, and my friend Monty Sabharwal, were present in the audience. From 30, the judges shortlisted 15 contestants and then further shortened the list to 10 followed by 5 and then 3. I managed to be in the top 3. Finally, I won the show. I couldn’t believe how it happened. Kuch toh magic hua tha.”

Throwback to the pictures of #RajatBedi aka #JarajSaxena of The Ba***ds Of Bollywood during his modelling days. He was also the first winner of the Gladrags Manhunt Contest India in 1994 pic.twitter.com/Zaz8Hlm7lF — Fenil Seta (@fenil_seta) September 27, 2025

Rajat Bedi said that thanks to The Ba***ds Of Bollywood, he feels the same at present, the way he felt then, in 1994, “That time of my life and the present-day have been magic periods of my life. I was 22 years old. Today, I am 53. 31 years later, life has come a full circle.”

Rajat then talked about his journey after the victory, “Suddenly, I blew up all over India. I became the manhunt international top male model in the country. Later on, Dino Morea, John Abraham etc. also won the Gladrags contest. The same year, I was sent to Australia in November for the world final. I came in the top 3 over there. When I returned, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Sushmita Sen won Miss World and Miss Universe, respectively. Aaj kal bahut photos chal rahi hai meri aur Aishwarya ki. We were being celebrated. I won the male beauty pageant while they won the female beauty pageants. We globally made a name for ourselves the same year.”

As expected, a shift to cinema was inevitable, “That’s how I started getting attention and it was followed by film offers. I was going to be launched by Pankaj Parashar and Tutu Sharma in a film called Rajkumar (1996). It also starred Anil Kapoor and Madhuri Dixit. It was going to be a huge film. Sadly, that film didn’t work at all and Pankaj Parashar and Tutu Sharma had a fight. That’s how my career came to a standstill. Then Pravin Shah of Time Audio Video and Keshu Ramsay, who were big producers then, saw me and Raj Sippy directed me with 2001: Do Hazaar Ek (1988). It also starred Tabu. That song ‘Tu Qatil Tera Dil Qatil’ has once again become so popular. It’s my favourite song. Poori janta paagal ho rahi hai yeh gaane ke saath. It is being loved and how (laughs).”

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Rajat Bedi on cloud nine with The Ba***ds Of Bollywood response; reveals his condition to Aryan: “I told him, ‘I started my career with your father; my son will start his career with you’”; opens up on his scene with Shah Rukh Khan: “I felt COMPLETE”

Bollywood Hungama was the first one to break the viral news that AA Films, the distributors of Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1, have asked for 100% showcasing in single-screen, two-screen and even three-screen multiplexes. The news shocked the trade and industry as it was an attempt to ensure that the Varun Dhawan-starrer Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, which also releases on the same day as the Rishab Shetty-starrer, doesn’t get sufficient shows. Meanwhile, the exhibition community was waiting to see what Dharma Productions, the producers as well as distributors of Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, had to say about showcasing. Bollywood Hungama has learned that in the evening of September 27, they sent their list of requirements to exhibitors across the country.

An exhibition source told Bollywood Hungama, “The distribution team of Dharma Productions has asked cinemas that they want their film to be played in minimum 1 audi in 2-screen cinemas, that too in all shows. This means that they are asking for 50% showcasing in two-screen theatres. However, they have the same demand of 1 audi in three-screen theatres as well. And that’s not all. Even in multiplexes with four screens, their demand is the same – all shows in one of the 4 screens. Finally, for theatres with 5 screens or more, their request is for showcasing in minimum 2 audis.”

In short, Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari’s distributors have asked for 50% showcasing in 2-screen cinemas, 33% showcasing in 3-screen multiplexes and 25% showcasing in 4-screen theatres. Industry sources have called it a fair demand. An insider commented, “Dharma is being realistic as they are aware that Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 is a bigger and more expensive film than theirs. But they are also making it clear that their product is also worth it and asking for reasonable showcasing.”

A trade expert revealed, “It now remains to be seen if AA Films softens its stand and allows Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari to go ahead with their demand. Interestingly, the mail sent by Dharma has no mention of their requirement in the single-screen cinemas.”

What Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1’s distributors have demanded

Besides asking for 100% showcasing in single-screen, two-screen and three-screen multiplexes, AA Films has demanded 21 shows of Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 in four-screen theatres, 27 shows in five-screen cinemas, 30 shows in six-screen multiplexes, 36 shows in seven-screen multiplexes, 42 shows in eight-screen multiplexes, 48 shows in nine-screen plexes and a whopping 54 shows in 10-screen theatres.

The trade expert remarked, “Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 is 2 hours and 48 minutes long. So, including interval and other aspects, cinemas will play each show in a slot of 3 hours and 10 minutes. It could be even more in certain multiplexes that start shows 10-15 minutes late. Hence, each screen can’t have more than 5 shows of Kantara. Some screens can accommodate 6 shows if the first show begins very early or if the last show is played around midnight. By this arrangement, most cinemas will have no choice but to only play Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 in all screens! Very few screens will be able to allot only a couple of shows to Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari. Going by past experiences, it is clear that this won’t happen and the Dharma film will eventually get sufficient showcasing. However, the negotiations and talks might go up to October 1, that is, a day before the release, leading to headaches for the distributors as well as the exhibition community.”

Also Read: Janhvi Kapoor turns rickshaw driver for Maniesh Paul in Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari BTS fun video; watch

Filmmaker Sriram Raghavan’s crime saga Johnny Gaddaar completes 18 years today. This also marks Neil Nitin Mukesh’s 18 years in cinema as the movie was his big launch. Also starring Dharmendra, Vinay Pathak, Zakir Hussain, Ashwini Kalsekar, Rimi Sen and Dayanand Shetty, the film is considered a landmark crime thriller in Hindi cinema.

In an exclusive chat with Bollywood Hungama earlier this year, Neil Nitin Mukesh looked back at the film and the roadblocks it faced. “It is 18 years since the release,” he said. “The shoot has completed 20 years. The film was stuck for around a year and a half because of financial issues. We started making it in 2005 and it got completed and released in 2007. Johnny Gaddaar is one of those iconic films that will always remain one of the top-billing thrillers to come out of Indian cinema.”

Neil had revealed earlier this year that he was offered two films to choose from for his debut – Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na and Johnny Gaddaar. Sharing why the choice was important for him, he said, “I knew that I was getting just one chance. I was told that I will get just one film. People had thrown a lot of questions at me, like, ‘Tum toh ek singer ke bete ho, tum acting kar paoge?’ So, it was very important for me to choose that film. It was important for me to choose a film through which maybe such questions are not raised on me again. And Johnny Gaddaar was that film.”

Neil was amazed by the final product. “Johnny Gaddaar was a brilliant film, not just because of the story or the way it was made and how people love it, but the journey was amazing,” he said. “I learnt a lot from Sriram sir, Pooja Ladha Surti (editor), Sanjay Routray (producer) and others. Technically also I got to learn a lot.”

He also added that it wasn’t a normal debut because of the unusual subject, the way it was told and the actors he was rubbing shoulders with. “We were making a story that was very different from the point of view of a debut,” he said. “I was put in the centre of all the action with such stalwart actors – Zakir Hussain, Vinay Pathak, Dayashankar Shetty, Govind Namdev, Dharam ji and Rimi Sen. It was such a great bouquet of stars. And all fantastic actors. So, you had to one-up them or, at least, match them.”

Johnny Gaddaar is also special for Neil because of a reason related to his grandfather and legendary singer Mukesh. “For me it was a dream come true that my debut was with Dharam ji because his first ever song was sung by my grandfather (Mukesh). So, it came a full circle there. He bridged the gap between me not being able to meet my grandfather ever. That was the kind of love he gave me,” he said.

Also Read: Neil Nitin Mukesh celebrates daughter Nurvi’s 7th birthday with adorable photos

You recently shot with Khushi Kapoor for a clothing brand (Arrow). Was this your first major ad campaign? Not really my first campaign—I’ve done a few before. What makes this one special is that the campaign is addressing something very relatable to our generation, and it’s also something I personally connect with. I’m glad to be part of a brand that’s sparking this conversation.

What was it like shooting with Khushi Kapoor? It’s always a good experience shooting with her. We’ve done quite a few campaigns together, and of course, we spent a lot of time on the series The Archies. So, there’s a natural comfort when we work together.

How different is it shooting for an ad as compared to a feature film? An ad is way quicker—it usually takes a day or two at most. Things move really fast, so you have to conserve your energy and keep up with the pace. But, of course, it’s not as creatively satisfying as playing a character in a film.

Would you endorse a product that you wouldn’t use? No, not at all. I’ve been fortunate that the brands approaching me are ones I genuinely believe in. These are products I would use myself or even recommend to my family.

When do you start shooting for Imtiaz Ali’s film? The shoot has already begun. I’ll soon be traveling to Punjab for my major schedule, and I’m really excited about that.

What did you think of your friend Aryan Khan’s series The Bads of Bollywood? I think the show is a really enjoyable watch. I haven’t laughed like this in a while! I loved the performances—it’s the perfect masala entertainer. I’ve been recommending it to everyone.

Also Read: Vedang Raina and Khushi Kapoor join hands as new brand ambassadors of Arrow; bring fresh energy to campaigns

Actor Rajat Bedi, currently in the spotlight for his role as Jaraj Saxena in the Netflix show The Ba***ds of Bollywood, has responded to the growing social media comparisons between his daughter Vera Bedi and Bollywood star Kareena Kapoor Khan.

The comparisons surged after Vera walked the red carpet alongside her father at the premiere of The Ba***ds of Bollywood in Mumbai. Several users posted comments such as “Better than Kareena with blue eyes,” “More beautiful than Kareena,” and “Kareena’s aura is her aura, but she also looks alike, which we can’t deny.”

Reflecting on the media attention, Rajat told Hindustan Times, “My whole family has got into the spotlight. It's not just me alone. My children are exposed right now because of me and the show. They have gone viral, and it’s crazy.” He added of Vera, “She is just overwhelmed... because that attention is not just from India, but global… People are calling from America, Canada, London, Dubai, everywhere. She is so simple, and she has never been exposed to anything like this. This is the first time in her life that she has gone to a red carpet event with her father. She is so simple.”

When asked whether he had guided his children on managing such public attention, Rajat admitted, “No, I have not yet spoken to them about how to deal with it. But they know they have to be humble, respectful with any and everyone. You'll never see my children have any attitude or anything with anyone… That being said, this is all so new to them and they are also overwhelmed.”

Moreover, Rajat confirmed that both Vera and their son Vivaan Bedi are now contemplating dipping their toes into the entertainment industry. He revealed, “When we talk about my son, planning is going on to launch him right now. So, God willing, you'll see something on that soon.” He also said about Vera, “She is thinking about it. She never did, but now she is.”

As the public continues drawing parallels between Vera and a seasoned star like Kareena, Rajat Bedi and his children adjust to newfound attention and the possibility of stepping into the limelight themselves.

Also Read : Rajat Bedi opens up on Shah Rukh Khan’s support and his big comeback in Aryan Khan’s show

According to a new report, Bollywood action star John Abraham is set to team up with Lucky Bhaskar actress Meenakshi Chaudhary in the highly anticipated Force 3. The development comes after industry speculation about the direction and casting for the next instalment in the Force franchise.

A source close to Pinkvilla revealed, “After auditioning several actresses, John Abraham and Bhav Dhulia have locked Meenakshi Chaudhary as the female lead. Like John, she too will have an action-oriented role and is expected to undergo intensive training over the next few months to prepare for the part.”

The report further stated, “Pre-production is progressing rapidly. John will shift his focus to Force 3 as soon as he wraps up shooting for the Rakesh Maria biopic directed by Rohit Shetty. That project is expected to conclude by the end of October, setting Force 3 up for a release in the first half of 2026.”

As of now, no public confirmation has come from John Abraham, Meenakshi Chaudhary, or the film’s producers. But if the report holds true, it promises a fresh pairing and a new energy to a franchise known for its high-octane action.

In 2016, the sequel Force 2, directed by Abhinay Deo, created quite a buzz and introduced audiences to Sonakshi Sinha and Tahir Raj Bhasin in completely new avatars. By 2023, the film completed seven years since its release, continuing to be cherished by fans. As the second installment of the Force franchise, it carried the story forward while cementing its place as one of the first series to pay tribute to the concept of a strong, macho hero. Abhinay successfully built on the legacy of Force, earning widespread appreciation from followers of the franchise.

Also Read : 15 Years of We Are Family EXCLUSIVE: “John Abraham was in consideration” – Siddharth P Malhotra explains how Arjun Rampal landed the role of father-of-two-children

Akansha Ranjan Kapoor knows how to make a statement both on and off screen. And when it comes to her travel diaries, it’s safe to say that she is a certified beach bae. The actress often shares glimpses from her tropical getaways, and her Instagram is filled with swoon-worthy pictures that blend her chic fashion sense with dreamy coastal vibes.

On this World Tourism Day, here are 5 pictures that prove Akansha is living her best life by the beach.

Golden Hour Glow

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Akansha’s sunset pictures by the beach are straight out of a postcard. With the orange sky behind her and waves crashing at her feet, she radiates pure vacay energy.

Sunkissed Chic

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In breezy resort wear, Akansha shows us how to nail the perfect sunkissed look. Minimal makeup, natural waves, and a relaxed pose by the shore—her beach style is effortless yet striking.

Poolside Goddess

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Whether it’s lounging by an infinity pool or sipping on a tropical drink, Akansha’s poolside shots prove she knows how to unwind in style. Her swimwear choices always strike the right balance between trendy and classy.

Island Explorer

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From white sandy beaches to turquoise waters, Akansha’s island pictures highlight her love for exploring new coastal escapes. With her radiant smile and vacation-ready vibe, she makes us want to plan our own beach holiday.

Vacation Mood On

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Be it a candid laugh with friends or a solo shot against the waves, Akansha’s pictures embody the carefree spirit of vacations. She’s not just serving looks but also giving us major travel goals.

Also Read: Alia Bhatt joins bestie Akansha Ranjan Kapoor’s birthday bash in Alibaug; Inside photos from poolside fun go viral

Netflix India has made history at the 53rd International Emmy Awards 2025, securing two prestigious nominations that spotlight its storytelling on the global stage. The streaming giant’s acclaimed film Amar Singh Chamkila has been nominated in the TV Movie/Mini-Series category, while its lead star, Diljit Dosanjh, has been recognised in the Best Performance by an Actor category. Notably, Amar Singh Chamkila stands tall as the only Indian title competing at this year’s International Emmys.

Directed by Imtiaz Ali and produced by Mohit Choudhary, Select Media Holdings LLP, Saregama, and Window Seat Films, the film has been celebrated for its powerful storytelling, stellar performances, and music by Academy Award winner A.R. Rahman with lyrics by Irshad Kaamil.

Reflecting on the global recognition, director Imtiaz Ali said, “Amar Singh Chamkila is a rare film because it has to do with the scent of the land of Panjab- its music, its socio-politics, its conflict, its aspirations, and its many problems. The fact that conflict creates art creates conflict was represented through the life of Amar Singh Chamkila in this film. We are all very happy that we could bring the story of Chamkila, such a unique individual, to the fore… Congratulations Team! Also, thank you Netflix, for believing blindly in this film from the beginning to the end.”

Lead actor Diljit Dosanjh, who brought to life the legendary Punjabi singer Chamkila on screen, also expressed his gratitude: “I feel truly honored Amar Singh Chamkila, an artist from Punjab, is being recognized and talked about at a global level on such a prestigious stage like the International Emmys. This nomination is not just for me, but for the entire legacy of Chamkila. I am grateful to Imtiaz Ali Sir for choosing me for the role.”

Monika Shergill, Vice President, Content, Netflix India, shared her excitement over the double nomination: “We’re thrilled that Amar Singh Chamkila has received two prestigious nominations at the International Emmys. This story is a celebration of an iconic Indian artist whose music and journey transcended boundaries… These nominations are not only a recognition of their remarkable work but also a tribute to Chamkila’s enduring legacy that continues to inspire.”

This recognition adds to Netflix India’s growing legacy at the International Emmys, where Delhi Crime won Best Drama Series in 2020 and Vir Das: Landing bagged Best Comedy in 2023. With Amar Singh Chamkila now in contention, Netflix continues to champion bold, rooted Indian stories and bring them to audiences worldwide.

Amar Singh Chamkila starring Diljit Dosanjh and Parineeti Chopra is streaming exclusively on Netflix.

Also Read: Imtiaz Ali on allegations of vulgarity against Amar Singh Chamkila’s songs, “Other Punjabi singers also sang vulgar lyrics, but why were the not equally popular?”

Vikrant Massey, one of the most celebrated actors of his generation, continues to bask in the glory of his recent achievement. Just two days after winning Best Actor at the 71st National Film Awards for his exceptional performance in 12th Fail, the actor was honoured at the prestigious Green Talks Event, hosted by industrialist Gautam Adani.

The special felicitation came as recognition of Vikrant’s inspiring portrayal of Manoj Kumar Sharma, a young man who defies extraordinary odds to become an IPS officer, a role that has struck a chord with audiences nationwide.

Speaking at the event, Gautam Adani lauded the actor’s journey and his impact beyond cinema. He said, "To the brilliant Vikrant Massey, whose 12th Fail is more than a film. Not surprisingly, just two days back he won the best actor award at the 71st National Film Awards. Vikrant represents the seed of hope planted in the hearts of millions of young Indians. His story reminds us that resilience and perseverance can break through to every failure."

At the Green Talks Event, the felicitation reinforced Vikrant’s growing influence as an artist whose work transcends cinema to inspire real change. Known for his humility and dedication, he continues to redefine excellence in Indian cinema.

The moment turned heartfelt when Vikrant took to social media to express his gratitude. Sharing a note, he wrote, “Absolutely stoked to have been appreciated & honoured by the visionary, the man himself Shri. Gautam Adani Ji… Especially on a platform like the Adani Green Talk. A podium that recognises change-makers, social entrepreneurs & purpose-driven initiatives for society at large. Thank you Sudipta Bhattacharya Ji & Mahaveer Jain Ji for an evening that shall be cherished forever.”

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Meanwhile, talking about his film, 12th Fail has been a landmark in Vikrant’s career, winning him not only accolades but also a permanent place in the hearts of audiences for its message of perseverance, hope, and resilience. From his early television days to now being a National Award-winning actor, Vikrant’s journey has been inspirational. And now, with exciting projects like White, a historical drama biopic, Vikrant Massey’s journey is only set to soar higher.

Also Read: Vikrant Massey confirms Dostana 2 with Lakshya, marks his first film with Dharma Productions: “I’m doing my first Dharma movie”

Less than a week is left for the release of Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 and Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari. And this one is no unusual clash. As expected, fights over show sharing have begun in full force. But this time, exhibitors are left shocked with the demands put forward by the team of Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1.

A trade source said, “AA Films, the distributors of Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 have sent a mail to exhibitors, regarding their requirement of the shows. They have demanded that all shows in single-screens and 12 shows in two screen cinemas. The latter also amounts to all shows; they mention the same clearly in the mail to avoid any confusion. Shockingly, they have also asked for 18 shows in three-screen multiplexes, which, in other words, also amounts to each and every show. They are well aware that a film like Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari is releasing alongside their flick. Yet, they have asked for such a showcasing.”

The source continued, “It’s common for distributors to demand 100% showcasing in single-screen and two-screens. But as far as we remember, this is a rare instance where a distributor has asked for all shows in a three-screen cinema.”

Many exhibitors have expressed reservations about this arrangement. An exhibitor, on condition of anonymity, told Bollywood Hungama, “I don’t agree with this unreasonable demand. We understand that Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 is a highly anticipated film. But then, even Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari also looks like a fun entertainer, which will attract family audiences and youth. Hence, I’d like to play that film as well. We hope the makers of Kantara understand our dilemma and find a solution.”

The mail from AA Films further states that they demand 21 shows of Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 in four-screen theatres, 27 shows in five-screen cinemas, 30 shows in six-screen multiplexes, 36 shows in seven-screen multiplexes, 42 shows in eight-screen multiplexes, 48 shows in nine-screen plexes and a whopping 54 shows in 10-screen theatres.

Further, they have also asked for 100% shows in IMAX properties. This means that Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle will end its glorious run in IMAX on October 1.

Also Read: Rishab Shetty and wife Pragathi seek blessings at Kollur Mookambika Temple ahead of Kantara: Chapter 1 release

Bhumi Pednekar has completed a decade in the Hindi film industry, and at the India Today Conclave, she reflected on her remarkable journey with rare candour. The actress, who made her debut with the unconventional yet powerful Dum Laga Ke Haisha in 2015, credited the film for shaping not only her career but also her perspective as an artist.

“I can’t shake off the presence that Dum Laga Ke Haisha still holds to this day. And I think that’s the power of a movie that can create impact in its truest form,” she shared, emphasizing how her debut project continues to resonate with audiences years later.

Looking back at her initial days, Bhumi recalled her beginnings as a dreamer with aspirations of becoming a heroine. “The last 10 years… you know, I started as a gawky teenager at Yash Raj Films. I had huge dreams, aspirations. I wanted to be a heroine in the Hindi film industry and I have done that. When I started off, I was somebody seeking recognition, opportunities, acceptance. But today, what I’m seeking is purpose and impact. That’s how I’ve evolved as an actor, and that’s how I’ve evolved as an individual.”

For Bhumi, her choice of films has always been about more than just performance—it has been about advocacy and representation. She highlighted how her debut film gave a voice to many who felt seen for the first time on screen. “That’s when I realized cinema is such a powerful tool that I have. And I began asking myself: how do I bring advocacy into my art?” she explained.

Citing her filmography as proof of this vision, Bhumi pointed to Toilet: Ek Prem Katha (about women’s dignity), Sonchiriya (on gender oppression), Badhaai Do (focused on LGBTQIA+ rights), and Bhakshak (on ethical journalism and child rights) as milestones in her journey. “Each film has been a step in that journey,” she said.

Despite her achievements, Bhumi remains grounded and grateful. “For me, the last 10 years have been full of gratitude. I’m living my dream every single moment. I wake up and think, kaha jaa rahi hoon? Film set pe jaa rahi hoon. Bahut kam logon ke saath hota hai yeh (where am I going? I am going to a film set, this happens only with a few people),” she said, adding that she plans to continue creating and performing “until the day I die.”

Looking ahead, Bhumi is gearing up for exciting projects including The Royals Season 2 and Amazon Prime Video’s upcoming series Daldal, among others. With a decade behind her and a purposeful vision guiding her, Bhumi Pednekar is clearly only getting started.

Also Read: Bhumi Pednekar channels “chaos” in a Maison Amali look worth Rs 1.07 lakh, see pics!

The Salman Khan-hosted reality show Bigg Boss is known for fuelling controversies inside the house. This time, however, the storm has hit its makers. Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL), India’s oldest copyright licensing organisation, has issued a legal notice to the producers of the show, alleging unauthorised use of copyrighted music.

According to the notice, which is in Mid-Day’s possession, the ongoing 19th season of Bigg Boss featured the songs ‘Chikni Chameli’ from Agneepath (2012) and ‘Dhat Teri Ki’ from Gori Tere Pyaar Mein (2013) in episode 11 that streamed on September 3, 2025. PPL India claims the producers used the tracks without securing a mandatory public performance licence.

The notice, dated September 19, was served by advocate Hiten Ajay Wasan on behalf of PPL. It names Endemol Shine India, the production house behind Bigg Boss, along with its directors Thomas Gousset, Nicolas Chazarain, and Deepak Dhar, as responsible parties.

A source from the legal team told Mid-Day that both songs are licensed to Sony Music Entertainment India, one of over 450 music labels whose public performance rights are exclusively managed by PPL. The organisation argues that because Endemol Shine India did not obtain the necessary licence under Section 30 of the Copyright Act, 1957, the act constitutes “wilful infringement.”

In the notice, PPL has demanded damages worth ₹2 crore, along with the requisite licence fees. The organisation has also issued a cease-and-desist order, barring the producers from using its sound recordings without proper authorisation.

The development adds another layer of drama to the long-running reality series, which is currently in its 19th season. The show or its makers are yet to respond publicly to the legal claims.

Also Read: Tanya Mittal’s lavish claims on Bigg Boss 19 spark internet reactions: “From Gwalior to Delhi for dal

Fresh off his historic National Award win for Best Actor for 12th Fail, the best actor of this generation, Vikrant Massey took to social media to pen a deeply emotional note of gratitude. The actor, known for his humility and sincerity both on and off screen, opened up about the overwhelming feelings that followed his big moment at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Sharing his post, Vikrant wrote, “I’ve been thinking since yesterday की मैं क्या लिखूँ? कैसे आप सबका शुक्रिया अदा करूँ? And I’m still unable to. So hopefully a simple thank you from the bottom heart would suffice  I’m grateful beyond words for your continued support in my journey. Thank you, thank you, thank you each one of you This dreamlike life is only because of you.”

The message resonated with fans, many of whom have followed Vikrant’s inspiring journey from television to films, and now to one of the highest honours in Indian cinema. His portrayal of IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma in 12th Fail has been hailed as career-defining, bringing him recognition as the Best Actor at the National Awards.

On the other hand, his wife Sheetal Thakur also shared a heartfelt post for Vikrant's first National Award win. She wrote, "Just when I feel I couldn’t be more proud, you give me another reason to be Congratulations on your first National Award  It has been my honour to be your loudest cheerleader in every room you walk in," in her Instagram post.

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Meanwhile, on the work front, Vikrant is gearing up for White. In this historical drama biopic, he portrays spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, further showcasing his versatility and dedication to meaningful cinema.

Also Read: Vikrant Massey opens up on winning National Award for 12th Fail: “Nothing short of surreal”

Ed Westwick, best known as the iconic Chuck Bass from Gossip Girl and acclaimed for roles in White Gold and Son of Rambow, recently set social media ablaze by vibing to the series’ viral track 'Ghafoor.' The actor was seen grooving in a video posted by MVM Entertainment North America, captioned “Chuck Bass X Bads of Hollywood”. The clip has since gone viral across Instagram and TikTok, quickly becoming a fan favourite. With celebrities and influencers now jumping on the trend, 'Ghafoor' is quickly becoming a global anthem.

Meanwhile, Aryan Khan’s bold Netflix debut continues to make waves. After climbing to the No.1 spot on Netflix India, The Ba****ds of Bollywood is capturing global attention, with fans praising its mix of biting satire, drama, and the jaw-dropping cameos by Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, and more.

Adding to the buzz, the show also lit up New York’s iconic Times Square billboard, marking a milestone moment for Bollywood’s global presence.

With Ed Westwick aka Chuck Bass dancing to 'Ghafoor' and fans worldwide joining in, Aryan Khan’s The Ba****ds of Bollywood has officially crossed borders — proving that this debut is more than a series, it’s a cultural movement.

The Ba***ds of Bollywood is written and directed by Aryan Khan, with Gauri Khan producing under the banner of Red Chillies Entertainment. The series features a stellar ensemble cast including Lakshya Lalwani, Bobby Deol, Mona Singh, Raghav Juyal, Anya Singh, Manoj Pahwa, Manish Chaudhari, Sahher Bambba, Gautami Kapoor, Rajat Bedi, and more. The much-awaited show premiered on Netflix on September 18, 2025.

Also Read: The Ba***ds of Bollywood: Netflix show by Aryan Khan joins hands with Boat to introduce the loudest party speaker