Veteran actor and filmmaker Govardhan Asrani, fondly known as Asrani, passed away in Mumbai on October 20 after a prolonged illness. He was 84. Remembered for his impeccable comic timing and a career spanning over five decades, Asrani’s passing has left the Indian film fraternity mourning the loss of a true legend.

Among the many who paid their respects was actor Boman Irani, who took to social media to share a heartfelt note about his recent experience of working with the late actor. Reflecting on their time together, Irani revealed that they had collaborated just ten days before Asrani’s passing.

In his post, Irani wrote, “Around ten days ago, I had the privilege of working with Asrani ji for the first time. For the shot, I was meant to be injured and on the floor. He, the doctor, had to rush in and help me. While he needed a little help in the dark walking around the crowded set, the magical word ‘action’ had another meaning for him.”

The actor went on to describe how Asrani, despite his frail health, transformed into a burst of energy once the cameras started rolling. “Like a live wire, he rushed into the room and instinctively landed on the floor on hands and knees, attending with urgency to the sprawled me. On ‘cut,’ he needed a little help off the floor. But his commitment to the whirring camera will remain with me forever.”

Irani concluded his note with a poignant remark about Asrani’s lifelong dedication to his craft: “Till the very end, there was nothing else in the world that he was meant to do. He will be in his onward place doing nothing else but responding to ‘Action’ and doing what made him and others happy.”

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Known for his memorable roles in classics such as Sholay, Chupke Chupke, Aaj Ki Taaza Khabar, and Amar Akbar Anthony, Asrani has left behind a rich cinematic legacy.

Also Read: Emotional Priyadarshan recalls Asrani’s final days; says, “His last shot was for Haiwaan”

Aditya Chopra’s classic Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge completed 30 years earlier this week. Starring Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Amrish Puri and Farida Jalal in pivotal roles, the film redefined romance in Hindi cinema. It continues to warm the audience’s hearts even after three decades.

One of the major reasons for the film’s success were the dialogues penned by the veteran writer and literary figure Javed Siddiqi, along with Aditya Chopra. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Siddiqi said that it’s a moment of happiness not just for him but everyone associated with the film to see the love pouring in even after these many years.

Didn’t expect the film to become a classic hit

Siddiqi said that they never expected the film to become so big while they were working on it. “When a film is being made for which writers, director and all come together, they always think that they are making a major and successful film,” he said. “Now, whether it happens depends on different factors. I always say that while cooking if you add the right ingredients in the right manner, the dish becomes tasty, else it turns out to be bland. The same is the case in films, if all the things are present as per requirements.”

He elaborated, “Now, the likes and dislikes of the audience change after every 10 years. It is important to write or make something while keeping in mind what people in the current era would like. There is surely a risk factor in it. It is important for the maker to be farsighted. When we were making this film, nobody had an idea that it would become such a big hit.”

Aditya Chopra showed immense maturity in his first film itself

Siddiqi noticed various fine qualities in Aditya Chopra while working on the film despite it being the latter’s debut. “Adi is a sincere and intelligent man,” he said. “Most importantly, his dedication is remarkable. He is so involved in his work that he doesn’t think of anything else in the world. If he is convinced about what he is doing is right, he won’t listen to anyone. This is a very good quality. If a person doesn’t believe in himself, he easily believes in what others tell him. Self-confidence is very necessary for a filmmaker, which Adi possesses.”

The writer added, “Whatever he thought at that time, was right as per that era. The credit of adding all the ingredients in the film goes to him. As a seasoned writer, I can say that the field that he chose for his film was such that its chances of failure are generally low if done well.”

What a senior Yash Raj Film official said about the film

Siddiqi narrated a funny incident of a person working in Yash Raj Films at that time having no confidence in the film while it was being made. “Someone working at a high post at Yash Raj Films told me to ask Yash ji (Yash Chopra) why is he making such a film. I asked him why is he saying that. He said, ‘Is this a film? It’s a travelogue’ (laughs). Woh sahab pata nahin ab zinda hai ki mar gaye, but I always remember this jumla of his. I feel it became a memorable travelogue,” said the veteran writer.

Love vs traditional values have always worked in Indian cinema

Siddiqi pointed out that the conflict in DDLJ was something that has always worked in our movies. “If you look back at the history of Indian cinema, whenever we have shown a clash between love and traditional values, those films have become classics,” he said. “For example, Mughal-e-Azam, Pakeezah, Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, Ek Duuje Ke Liye, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, etc. Similarly, Dilwale Dulhania Ke Jayenge had a new sort of romance and the centuries’ old traditions and values of Punjab. It had a no-go situation and a question as to how these lovers will come out of it.”

The reason behind Kajol being called ‘Senorita’ in the film

During the initial phase of the bond between SRK and Kajol in the film, the former addresses the latter as ‘Senorita’. Revealing the reason behind this, Siddiqi said, “A lot of people, including Yash ji, asked me, ‘What is Senorita, Javed sahab?’ I said, ‘What else can he call her?’ He can’t call her ‘devi’, ‘lady’, ‘madam’ or even ‘behen ji’. Plus, I always see a Spanish girl when I look at Kajol. Her features are very Spanish. This is what I feel. I had said this to Kajol as well. Hence, we went ahead with Senorita and it worked.”

Lines like “Bade bade deshon mein aisi…” and “Jaa Simran jaa” becoming iconic

DDLJ has a few lines that have become memorable over the decades. One such dialogue mouthed by Shah Rukh’s character is, ‘Bade bade deshon mein aisi chhoti chhoti baatein hoti rehti hain, Senorita’. “It’s a cheesy line,” Siddiqi said, “which he repeatedly says to control a particular situation. Even when we talk, we say things like, ‘Jaane do yaar, yeh sab toh hota rehta hai’. It is the same thing; just the wordings got changed.”

Coming to ‘Jaa Simran Ja’, the veteran writer added, “When Simran asks for permission from her father (Amrish Puri) for the Euro trip at the start, he says the same dialogue. So, they also used it in the end by keeping the earlier situation in mind and used it very well.”

Thoughts and expectations while writing such dialogues

Siddiqi said that one doesn’t think that a particular line will receive claps or become hit or iconic while writing. “I have written several dialogues that have been popular for years,” he said. “Around 40 years ago, I had written, ‘Teri jaat ka baida maaroon’, which is remembered even today. As a dialogue writer, I am giving information and fulfilling my needs through words. So, you don’t think how one particular line will be perceived.”

Citing an example of another classic Hindi film, he said, “People have been repeating the lines from Sholay, which are actually meaningless. Where is the dialogue-baazi in a line like, ‘Kitne aadmi the?’? Similarly, how did ‘Arre O Sambha’ become popular? There is no magic of dialogue baazi in this dialogue. But because people like the film, they like its characters and once they like the characters, they like everything about them.”

Also Read: Before Shah Rukh Khan-Kajol’s classic, there was another Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge — released in 1980!

Ayushmann Khurrana is all set to reunite with director Amar Kaushik after their 2019 blockbuster Bala. The duo, known for their slice-of-life storytelling that blends humour with heart, are returning with a film that promises to take their signature “common man” universe into an unexpected, larger-than-life direction.

Speaking about working with Kaushik again, but this time with him as a producer, Ayushmann shared, “With Amar, I actually have a 100% record through Bala. This is my second film with Amar.” The actor, who has built his career on portraying relatable, everyman characters, revealed that this project marks a distinct evolution for both him and the director-producer. “This time around, of course, the common man element is there in this film,” Ayushmann explained to Bollywood Hungama. “It is a transition of the common man to somebody who’s got superpowers. So that transition is happening for the first time.”

The actor hinted that while the soul of the story remains grounded, the world around it expands in scale and ambition. “It’s based in Delhi — the same story, the same middle class. But there is a huge jump from a common man story — a beta guy — to somebody who becomes an alpha. He doesn’t know how to deal with superpowers,” Ayushmann said. “So that arc I haven’t lived in any film yet, and that’s why I’m very excited about it.”

With Kaushik, known for his sharp direction in films like Stree, Bala, and Bhediya, joining Thamma as the co-producer expectations are high that the film will balance its fantasy elements with the director’s trademark humour and social resonance.

Ayushmann’s comment about navigating the transformation from “beta to alpha” suggests a fresh twist on his familiar screen persona — that of an underdog navigating extraordinary circumstances. If Bala explored insecurities and identity, this new outing seems poised to explore empowerment and self-discovery — albeit with a fantastical edge.

As for Thamma, the film, also starring Rashmika Mandanna and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, which hit screens on October 21, 2025, has opened to an encouraging start with Rs. 25.11 crores coming in. With positive reviews, strong word of mouth, and of course good content lead by a stellar cast the business prospects of Thamma that enjoys a six-day extended weekend are high. In fact, trade predicts that the collections of the film could go past the Rs. 60-70 cr mark by the end of its first weekend.

Also Read: Ayushmann Khurrana reacts to the record-breaking opening of Thamma: “It feels incredible to deliver my biggest opening with my first Diwali release”

Global star Priyanka Chopra Jonas and her husband Nick Jonas brought the sparkle of Diwali to New York as they hosted a warm, traditional celebration with friends and family. The actress took to social media to share a delightful glimpse of their festive evening in the U.S. — a beautiful mix of Indian culture, joy, and togetherness that quickly won over her fans across the world.

In the photo series, Priyanka and Nick were seen performing the Laxmi Puja along with Priyanka’s mother, Dr. Madhu Chopra, and their adorable daughter, Malti Marie. Dressed in traditional Indian attire, the family looked radiant as they offered prayers and celebrated the festival of lights with their close circle. The photos also captured the couple mingling with friends, helping children with Diwali decorations, and watching the little ones enjoy art and fun activities in true festive spirit.

Priyanka’s post beautifully reflected her connection to her Indian roots despite living abroad. She captioned it, “A little bit of this and so much of that. This Diwali was full of heart and love. Sharing this festival with people who haven’t discovered its beauty was the highlight this year. Especially Malti’s friends. Happy Diwali to everyone celebrating. May this new year bring you love, joy, prosperity, and happiness.”

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The actress’s heartfelt message resonated deeply with her followers, many of whom praised her for carrying forward Indian traditions and introducing them to a new generation. Fans especially adored the photos of little Malti, who looked endearing in her ethnic outfit and could be seen participating in the festivities with joy.

Over the years, Priyanka and Nick have made it a tradition to celebrate Indian festivals wherever they are, combining the warmth of home with their global lifestyle. Their Diwali 2025 celebration was yet another reminder of how the power couple continues to embrace their multicultural identity — radiating positivity, love, and the true spirit of togetherness.

Also Read: Priyanka Chopra celebrates Diwali in London: “I have introduced every daisy tradition”

Dayanand Shetty, known for playing the cult character of Inspector Daya in the long running crime TV show ‘CID’, is all set to release his first Hindi film as a producer, Hello Knock Knock Kaun Hai. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Dayanand Shetty talked about his production, casting and a lot more.

Is Hello Knock Knock Kaun Hai your first film as a producer? What made you take the plunge? I have produced a Tulu film (Yaan Superstar; 2023) before and this is our first Hindi film. Our director, Prabal Baruah sir, had a concept. When he narrated the concept to me and Aditya Srivastava sir, we realized that it was a story that deserves to be told on celluloid. The first thought that TV actors have is that we should make it into a TV show. However, the content was so well-suited that we felt that it would be ideal for a film format. Then we wondered about the finances and who would produce the film. This was around 2023, when we had just come out of Covid. We spoke to a few producers. But we feared that a producer would constantly tell us ‘Yahan paisa kaato, yahaan paisa bachao’ (smiles). We were clear that we wanted to shoot uninterruptedly. That’s when we took the onus of producing it ourselves.

Was casting yourself and Aditya Srivastava a natural decision? Yes, as the director was clear while narrating the concept that he wanted both of us in the lead cast. However, he also made it clear that our equation would be unlike the one we have in ‘CID’. He realized that even for the audience, it would be novel to see that the thick friends of ‘CID’ are sworn enemies of each other in the film. Also, we are not playing cops.

As for female characters, Sonali Kulkarni was his original choice. For the other character, we considered a few actors and finally, we zeroed in on Barkha Bisht.

Aditya Srivastava’s French beard look is quite interesting... Yes, it was intentional as all the characters have shades of grey. Until the end, the audience won’t be able to guess who is positive and who is negative. The audience would also be surprised to know about the motives.

How was the process of cutting the trailer? Was it a challenge to ensure you don’t give out important plot points while also enhancing the film’s hype? Again, the credit goes to Prabal Barua ji. He cut the promo and was clear that we have to show important plot points but also conceal the secret. There’s also a hint of eeriness. The feedback that I got from some people is that it looks like a supernatural or horror film. But it is basically a thriller mystery.

So, can we conclude that the suspense is not out yet and that we’ll be shocked with the climax? Yes, for sure (smiles).

How many days did it take the shoot the film? Prabal sir and the whole team had planned it very well. The dates were taken care of and the set was put up at the bungalow. Then the film went on floors and the shoot was wrapped up in just 17 days. We shot in the bungalow, in South Mumbai and the outskirts of the city. Everything went off smoothly and perfectly, just the way we had planned.

Since the team of ‘CID’ is a part of the cast, can we expect Shivaji Satam as ACP Pradyuman’s cameo? (Laughs) No. We did think of it, though. But then we realized that his character is so strong that we wouldn’t have been able to do justice. But apart from us, there’s also Zarina Wahab ji, Sahil Uppal and Liliput ji.

It's important for an independent film to get the right distributor. Who’ll be releasing Hello Knock Knock Kaun Hai? The film is being presented by Girish Wankhede. UFO Moviez is distributing it.

Do you have an OTT partner on board for the post-release digital premiere? As of now, we haven’t planned it. Once the film gets released, we’ll take a call.

Veteran actor Govardhan Asrani, fondly known as Asrani, passed away on Monday evening at Arogya Nidhi Hospital, Juhu, Mumbai, after battling a prolonged illness. The 84-year-old actor, celebrated for his impeccable comic timing and memorable roles across decades of Hindi cinema, left behind a legacy that few can match.

Asrani was recently working on two upcoming projects, Bhoot Bangla and Haiwaan, both of which remain unreleased. He had reportedly completed a significant portion of his shoot for the films. His co-star Akshay Kumar, who worked with him on both the films, expressed his grief on social media with an emotional tribute.

Speechless with grief at the passing of Asrani ji. We had just shared the warmest of hugs just a week back at the shoot of Haiwaan. Bahot pyare insaan the…he had the most legendary comic timing. From all my cult films Hera Pheri to Bhagam Bhag to De Dana Dan, Welcome and now our… pic.twitter.com/yo7wXnGO1Z — Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) October 20, 2025

Expressing his grief, Akshay wrote, “Speechless with grief at the passing of Asrani ji. We had just shared the warmest of hugs just a week back at the shoot of Haiwaan. Bahot pyare insaan the…he had the most legendary comic timing. From all my cult films Hera Pheri to Bhagam Bhag to De Dana Dan, Welcome and now our unreleased Bhoot Bangla and Haiwaan…I had worked and learned so much from him. What an absolute loss to our industry. God bless you Asrani Sir, for giving us a million reasons to laugh. Om Shanti.”

Asrani, who entertained audiences for over five decades, was a staple in Hindi cinema’s golden era of comedy. From his iconic portrayal of the jailor in Sholay to memorable roles in Chupke Chupke, Aaj Ki Taaza Khabar, and Hera Pheri, he remained a beloved figure for generations.

His funeral was held in Mumbai on Sunday night in the presence of close friends and family. The loss of Asrani marks the end of an era in Bollywood’s comedy landscape—one defined by warmth, wit, and a timeless ability to make audiences laugh.

Also Read : Akshay Kumar secures legal protection from unauthorized use of AI-generated content

Bollywood Hungama was among the first ones to confirm that Aneet Padda, who became a nationwide sensation with Saiyaara (2025), has replaced Kiara Advani in Shakti Shalini. On October 19, we also brought to you the news that Shakti Shalini’s announcement video is attached with Thamma, the grand Diwali release. And now, we bring to you another exciting update from the film. It has come to light that Shakti Shalini will release in cinemas on December 24, 2026.

Just like Thamma, Shakti Shalini also belongs to the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe. The blockbuster franchise began with Stree (2018) followed by Bhediya (2022). Munjya (2024) came next and it was a sleeper super-hit. Stree 2 (2024) emerged as the highest Bollywood grosser of all time. Thamma is the fifth film of the universe.

When Shakti Shalini starred Kiara Advani, the plan was to release it on December 31, 2025. With the Aneet Padda-starrer having moved to 2026, it means that three films of the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe will arrive next year – Shakti Shalini, Chamunda and Bhediya 2. Stree 3 will arrive in 2027. In 2028, the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe will end with a bang with three exciting movies, namely Maha Munjya, Pehla Mahayudh and Doosara Mahayudh.

Until now, prominent names are a part of this world like Shraddha Kapoor, Rajkummar Rao, Sharvari, Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, Varun Dhawan, Aneet Padda and above all, Akshay Kumar. Many more famous actors are expected to join the series in these upcoming films.

The Maddock Horror Comedy Universe has turned into India’s own Marvel-style saga — and Shakti Shalini could be the next major chapter tying all the worlds together. With each film introducing new characters and mythologies, the stage is now set for a multi-film crossover event that fans have long awaited.

Also Read: Shakti Shalini announcement video to debut with Thamma: First glimpse reveals Aneet Padda’s starring role

With the Diwali releases of 2025, namely the horror comedy Thamma and the intense romantic saga Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat, just a few days away, trade experts predicted about how they’ll fare in cinemas.

Film exhibitor and distributor Akshaye Rathi predicted, “Thamma is tuned to open at Rs. 20 crores possibly. As for Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat, there’s a serious undercurrent to it which is courtesy the music of the film. Day 1 of Deewaniyat can prove to be a head-turning surprise.”

Girish Johar, producer and film business analyst, said, “The box office has a huge capacity of Rs. 50-75 crores. How much the films would collect will depend on their capability. I’ll be happy if Thamma opens near the Rs. 20 crore mark. And if Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat opens near double digits, that would be great.”

Distributor and exhibitor Raj Bansal stated, “I expect Thamma to open at Rs. 15-18 crores. Ek

Deewane Ki Deewaniyat will open at Rs. 4 to 6 crores.”

But all of them agreed that the lead actors of Thamma and Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat – Ayushmann Khurrana and Harshvardhan Rane – are all set to deliver the biggest openers of their respective careers. Ayushmann’s biggest opener was Dream Girl 2 (2023), which opened at Rs. 10.69 crores. As for Harshvardhan, his biggest opener was Sanam Teri Kasam (2016) which earned Rs. 4 crores on the first day of its re-release.

Akshaye Rathi said, “Both these films should open significantly higher than anything that the two actors have opened in the past.”

Trade veteran Taran Adarsh agreed, “Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat would be Harshvardhan’s biggest opener. Thamma will also be Ayushmann’s highest opener because, firstly, it belongs to the horror comedy universe. Secondly, it’s a Diwali release and the film is backed by Dinesh Vijan. It can’t get bigger than that.”

Girish Johar also stated, “They are poised to have their biggest openers ever, unless the films are very bad and crash heavily in the evening.” Raj Bansal exulted, “Thamma will go beyond the Dream Girl 2 number as it’s a big holiday and it's the festive season. Hence, it is beyond any doubt that it would be Ayushmann’s biggest opener and the same goes for Harshvardhan.”

While it's heartening that both films will collect a maximum of Rs. 30 crores on their release day, a section of the trade and exhibitors is disheartened. After all, Diwali 2024 saw Singham Again earning Rs. 43.70 crores while Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 accumulating Rs. 36.60 crores. In other words, both films collectively earned Rs. 80.35 crores in a day! Even other Diwali films in recent times like Tiger 3 (2023) and Sooryavanshi (2021) opened with a bang.

Taran Adarsh explained why the comparison with Diwali 2024 is unfair, “Both films don’t have such star power. Hence, we can’t compare. Singham Again had half the industry and was a big franchise. Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, too, was a part of the brand.”

Lifetime predictions

The last film of the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe, Stree 2 (2024), collected Rs. 600 crores plus and is an all-time Bollywood grosser. Hence, can Thamma cross the Rs. 250 crore or Rs. 300 crore club and can Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat enter the Rs. 100 crore club?

Raj Bansal said, “It would be difficult to say unless I see the film or get to know the reports.” Girish Johar replied, “I feel this is a tall ask as of now. If they open up quite well and are fantastic, then obviously the capability is there, along with the festival period. If the content is strong, then anything can happen.”

Akshaye Rathi opined, “It depends on the merit of the film. Stree 2 collected more than Rs. 500 crores, but despite being in the same universe, Bhediya didn’t manage to cross the Rs. 100 crores mark. Interestingly, Munjya, which didn’t have any actor of this grade, managed to enter the Rs. 100 Crore Club. The universe has given Thamma the awareness and visibility, but ultimately, it’s the content of the film and the promotional material that generates buzz around it, thereby determining its fate.”

He continued, “The same goes for Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat. Munjya did the numbers purely on the basis of its content. Aashiqui 2 managed to over-perform back in the day purely on the basis of its music. A more recent example is Saiyaara, where the music drove the numbers rather than the actors. Even here, the music has caught on. It’s difficult to say where it’ll eventually reach, as that is determined by the film’s content. But in terms of music, we all may be in for a surprise due to the traction that the music has got so far.”

Also Read: Low buzz, high hopes: Trade optimistic that 6-day Diwali weekend will boost Thamma and Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat

After the debacle of War 2, director Ayan Mukerji has decided to take a backseat as the director of Dhoom 4. Sources close to the development confirm that Ayan has backed off from Dhoom 4 and, in a closed-door conversation with Aditya Chopra, conveyed his reservation. "Ayan believes that films like War 2 and Dhoom 4 were never meant for him, and he wants to do something a lot wider with scope for romance, drama with spectacle vibes and storytelling," an insider told Bollywood Hungama.

The insider informed Bollywood Hungama, "Ayan was just executing what was written on paper by Shridhar Raghavan, and had little say on the script and screenplay. He does not want to be on another journey of just execution, as he is a passionate filmmaker who prefers to exclusively work on the written material and bring more to the screen than what's written."

The source also confirms that the decision to step back from Dhoom 4 has been taken after a series of conversations with Aditya Chopra and Ranbir Kapoor. "Both Chopra and Kapoor understood Ayan's point of view and have parted ways on the right note. Ayan is now working on Brahmastra 2 and will take the film on floors in 2026. The writing work is concluded, and some polishing is going on during his stay in the Himalayas."

Aditya Chopra is meanwhile exploring more direction options. "Insiders at YRF have also suggested that the boss direct the new Dhoom film himself, as Ranbir has already allotted his dates for the new Dhoom film." A lot more drama will unfold in the days to come. Also Read: Priyanka Chopra pays a surprise visit to Durga Puja pandal organized by Kajol and Rani Mukerji’s families, poses with Ayan Mukerji and Tanishaa Mukerji

The festive spirit of Diwali peaked this year with Bollywood’s biggest stars sharing glimpses into their private celebrations, but it was actress Alia Bhatt who truly stole the spotlight by making a powerful sartorial statement rooted in Indian fashion history. Sharing a carousel of photos on social media, the actress gave fans a beautiful peek into her "fam jam x diwali glam" while embracing an exquisite piece of archival couture.

The Fashion Narrative: A Saree of Legacy Styled by the industry's resident fashion visionary, Rhea Kapoor, Alia’s Diwali look was more than just a gorgeous outfit—it was a revival of heritage. The actress was draped in an exquisite rose gold silk saree from the archives of the iconic designer, Ritu Kumar.

As Rhea Kapoor herself detailed, the ensemble was a piece of fashion history: "Archival @ritukumarhq, Remembering the Silk Road. From the Ritu Kumar archives, this sari revives one of her earliest designs, first created over 30 years ago... The silver tikki on rose gold silk carries her signature. A piece of fashion history, preserved in thread."

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Alia Bhatt’s Diwali 2025 Look Decoded:

The sheer beauty of the rose gold silk instantly elevates the look, offering a subtle, warm metallic glow that is perfectly festive without being overpowering. The saree's true masterpiece lies in the intricate silver tikki embroidery, a signature of Ritu Kumar's early work. This detailing, likely done in delicate floral or geometric patterns, creates a mesmerising, twinkling effect against the soft silk.

Alia's styling masterclass by Rhea Kapoor completed the vision. The saree was paired with a chic, sleeveless bustier-style blouse featuring a plunging sweetheart neckline, offering a modern, structured counterpoint to the heirloom silk. The inclusion of a matching embroidered jacket with full-length sleeves was a stroke of genius, lending a contemporary, layered elegance that made the traditional silhouette look current and regal.

The accessories were kept refined yet impactful: a classic gold choker necklace and perhaps a simple maang tikka, ensuring that the spotlight remained firmly on the 30-year-old saree. This choice to wear an archival piece not only highlights Alia’s personal commitment to sustainable fashion but also pays a beautiful tribute to the enduring legacy of Indian couturiers. The Festivities: A Star-Studded Family Affair Alia’s Instagram carousel was a heartfelt collection of precious moments. Alongside stunning portraits showcasing the ethereal quality of her look, the set included a beautiful family photo with her husband Ranbir Kapoor, mother-in-law Neetu Kapoor, and other close family members, radiating warmth and togetherness.

A particularly anticipated photo showed Alia posing alongside her sister-in-law, Kareena Kapoor Khan, who equally shone in a traditional Rajasthani Poshak, cementing the image as a powerful, multi-generational fashion moment.

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The joy of the occasion was palpable, with the caption, “fam jam x diwali glam,” perfectly encapsulating the mood. The comments section quickly filled with adoration, including a note from Alia’s sister-in-law, who reacted with pure joy: “Fomo!!!!!!! You all look stunningggggggggg,” followed by heart emoticons, echoing the sentiments of her millions of fans who extended their heartfelt Diwali wishes.

After celebrating the festival of lights with her family, the focus now shifts to Alia Bhatt’s exciting professional slate. The actress was last seen on the big screen a year ago in Jigra (released in October 2024), and her return is highly anticipated.

She is all set to reunite with her husband and actor Ranbir Kapoor for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s epic film, Love & War, which also stars Vicky Kaushal. This collaboration marks their second on-screen pairing after the successful Brahmastra. Meanwhile, Alia is also preparing to headline YRF’s monumental venture: the studio's first female-led spy film, Alpha, where she will star alongside Sharvari and Bobby Deol as the antagonist

Also Read: ‘The last time a youngster this young made such a huge impact was Alia Bhatt!’ – Bollywood pins big hope on birthday girl Aneet Padda

Diwali is usually associated with big films and big numbers at the box office. But this time, limited hype seems to have been generated by the Diwali releases of 2025, namely the horror comedy Thamma and the intense romantic saga Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat. Several exhibitors and theatre managers told this writer, “Iss baar Diwali thandi lag rahi hai thodi.” Nevertheless, both films are mass-appealing and trade experts hope that they’ll score eventually at the box office.

Trade veteran Taran Adarsh said, “Thamma comes from the horror comedy universe, which will prove to be a major advantage. Over a period of time, they have cultivated a very strong fan base. There might be surprises as well (in the form of cameos).”

He further said, “The music is the biggest asset of Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat; it has really caught on. I won’t say Harshvardhan Rane is a huge star but when music works, everyone benefits. Also, Harshvardhan Rane got the push with the re-release of Sanam Teri Kasam (2016). This film is a bit different and hence, let’s wait and watch. But the music will definitely play a role in drawing the audience.”

Girish Johar, producer and film business analyst, commented, “Compared to the previous Diwali, the hype is milder. But the good part is that it’s a big holiday. Hence, I feel that the films will start on a slow note. However, if they enjoy strong reports, then they have the potential to score at the box office.”

Film exhibitor and distributor Akshaye Rathi said on an optimistic note, “The buzz for both the films is reasonably good. The day after Diwali traditionally is one of the best days for box office. Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat seems to be a film that caters absolutely to the front benchers and single screen audience and has got momentum courtesy the three songs, which have become very popular already. Thamma is in the space of horror comedy universe, which has seen tremendous success with Stree, Stree 2 and Munjya. Being a film in that space and hopefully featuring cameos by other characters, as it has been the case in the past, it should be a really good Diwali for all of us. I am hoping that the content of both films will fire in a good way and people will turn up in cinemas in big numbers.”

Distributor and exhibitor Raj Bansal didn’t mince words as he said, “Sadly, the buzz is hardly there. I have been talking to a lot of exhibitors and they are very disappointed this Diwali as they were expecting big films to hit the screens on the festival. Both films might still turn out to be big ultimately. But they fear that they would not open well as the star cast plays a major role in getting the audience in initially.”

He explained, “People are adopting a wait-and-watch strategy. They’ll first check the reports and then book tickets.”

Diwali releases usually arrive in cinemas a day after the big festival to take advantage of a National Holiday-like scenario. But Raj Bansal said, “Tuesday, the day these films will release, is a partial holiday. Certain people are celebrating Diwali on Monday, October 20 while some will bring in the festival on Tuesday, October 21. The big holiday is on Wednesday, October 22.”

Others, however, said that it's like a six-day long weekend in many parts of the country as New Year falls on October 22 while Bhai Dooj will be celebrated on October 23. The weekend arrives on Friday, October 24. Taran Adarsh said, “It’s a long, extended weekend, which can prove advantageous. But as I said, it all boils down to the content.”

A positive development this time is that the makers of both Thamma and Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat have opted for reasonable ticket prices. Taran Adarsh explained, “The makers should go for popular pricing instead of blockbuster pricing. Let’s make the film more affordable to the common man. Once that happens, people definitely come into the theatres.”

A minor hiccup has been screens-sharing issues but the trade is confident that it's not extreme this time. Akshaye Rathi explained, “It’s always the question of the law of demand and supply. That is factored by the advance booking sales and also by the momentum that the genres have had in the past. Now, it’s understandable that the horror comedy universe of Maddock has been extremely successful so far and therefore, will have an edge over Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat. Having said that, the music of Deewaniyat is an underlying factor, which nobody can really gauge the impact of right now.”

He added, “On day 1, there may be a scenario where Thamma may have an extremely lopsidedly high showcasing. But after the release day, what takes over is the merit of the film. For all you know, things may actually start becoming fluid depending on how both the films are received.”

He remarked, “Despite the clash and programming tug of war continuing, Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat has already significantly got a better deal than what it would have got on a normal day. It speaks volumes about the distribution efforts that are being put into by its makers, that too, by a new company. Interestingly, it is also the film being distributed by them as well.”

Raj Bansal said on the same lines, “It’s all between the exhibitor and distributor. The exhibitors are very smart businessmen and won’t like to harm their business. They know which film would have a bigger opening and would opt for it. In case if the distributor pressurizes them and forces them to put on more shows, chances are that the showcasing of the weaker film would reduce from the second day. However, this time, I don’t think there would be any issue of showcasing. Ayushmann doesn’t have a pull in single screens. Hence, to fight for shows in single screens is uncalled for.”

Girish Johar agreed, “It’s very dynamic. If a film does well, it automatically gets more shows. The exhibitors are the first ones to get the pulse of the audience because they are at the ground level. If they realize that the shows of high-demand films are fewer, they’ll increase their shows. This has been proved multiple times as they don’t want to lose out on cashing on the higher-performing movie. I feel there’s ample space for both the films to survive.”

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: CBFC reduces kissing scene in Thamma by 5 seconds; replaces ‘Azaadi doonga’ with ‘Aiyaashi karata hoon’

Anyone trying to harm Salman Khan during the shooting of his underproduction film Battle Of Galwan will find it hard to penetrate the three-tier security arrangement.

The security bandobast is impregnable and unbreakable.

A source close to the project informed, “Salman travels nationally and internationally with his private security in-charge (Shera), and with a core security of 15 other trained commandos. Then there is the third tier of security provided by the government. When they were shooting in Leh, the government provided the security net given to the biggest VVIP politicians.”

Currently shooting for Battle Of Galwan in Mumbai, Salman is provided with an elaborate security arrangement not provided to any actor in India before.

Said the source, “The entire cast and crew of the Battle Of Galwan have to surrender their cell phones a mile away from the actual location. This includes Salman himself and the director Apoorva Lakhia, as any interceptor can track down Salman through any phone present on location. At the end of the day, every crew member’s phone is scrutinized for suspicious movement. Guests desirous of visiting Salman on the sets have to get their Aadhaar Cards scanned and approved in advance.”

Isn’t it cumbersome to shoot with so many hurdles?

“Not at all. Salman has learnt to live with the security. Fifteen of the security guards are on the actual set with him. But they are trained to make themselves invisible. Not once does Apoorva Lakhia have to yell at them for coming in the way of the camera,” said the source.

Also Read: Salman Khan shoots patriotic song with 60 dancers for Battle of Galwan: Report

The third generation of the illustrious Khanna family is all set to enter the movie industry. Yesteryears’ superstar Rajesh Khanna and Dimple Kapadia’s granddaughter Naomika Saran will make her screen debut in film being produced by Dinesh Vijan of Maddock Films.

Naomika is the daughter of Rajesh and Dimple’s younger daughter Rinke Khanna who was once an aspiring actress in Filmistan. Rinke did films like Pyar Mein Kabhi Kabhi and Jis Desh Ganga Mein Rehta Hai. When she was removed by Ram Gopal Varma from his film Company and replaced by Manisha Koirala, Rinke quite the film industry, got married and migrated to the West.

Now, her daughter is all set to rekindle the Khanna magic on screen. Naomika’s co-star in her debut film is the talented Vedang Raina, Alia Bhatt’s co-star in Jigra, currently shooting for a film with Imtiaz Ali in Punjab.

Also Read: Naomika Saran, Rajesh Khanna’s granddaughter, to debut in romantic comedy opposite Vedang Raina: Report

The title Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge instantly brings to our minds the 1995 classic blockbuster by Aditya Chopra starring Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Amrish Puri and Farida Jalal in pivotal roles.

However, it would come as a surprise to many that the 1995 movie isn’t the only one with this name. There was a film called Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge released 15 years before the Aditya Chopra film (with a different spelling of ‘Dulhaniya’).

The 1980 film was directed by Rajendra Singh ‘Atish’ and it starred Beena Banerjee, Tariq Shah and Desh Gautam. This is the only info available about this movie’s cast on IMDb. Of course, the database site also contains a very colourful and amusing poster of the film. It has an animated image of four women in vibrant clothing walking in what looks like a park full of flowers.

The poster also says that Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge was produced by Kishore Saigal and Rajendra Singh ‘Atish’ himself. It had music by Cuckoo Singh while the film was cinematographed by H Laxminarayan, who was also behind the lens in known films like Ankush, Pratighaat, Suryavanshi, Rang, Anari No. 1, etc.

However, there is no info either on IMDb or anywhere on the internet on whether the film was released. In fact, apart from the names of the few cast members and crew, there is no info about the film.

Bollywood Hungama tried digging for more details about the film. Our search led us to the well-known film historian, author and archivist SMM Ausaja. He referred to the book Geet Kosh, which is a compilation of songs of all the yesteryear films. It has an entry of this Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge movie. Apart from its songs, it also features the film’s censor details. It received censor clearance on January 30, 1980, which indicates that it did release. Its length is mentioned as 15 reels, which roughly equals to around 2 hours and 45 minutes of runtime.

The book also mentions the rest of the cast of the film in the form of Devender, Ashok Nath, Parvez Malik, Madhumita, Kavita Kiran, Vandana, etc. Some of its songs include, ‘He Mere Bhole Bhandari’, ‘Loot Liya Dil Goriye Pyaar Ne’, ‘Suno Ri Sunaau Main’, etc.

The film’s genre as mentioned in the book is ‘social’. This coupled with the song ‘He Mere Bhole Bhandari’ gives an idea that it had some religious angle as well. These two factors indicate that the 1980 film won’t be an out-and-out romance like its 1995 namesake.

From the aforementioned cast of the film, Beena Banerjee is the only one who is not only well-known but also active even today. She has worked in well-known films like Andar Baahar (1984), Meri Jung (1985), Karma (1986), Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988), Baaghi (1990), Khiladi (1992), Main Khiladi Tu Anari (1994), Criminal (1994), Bewafa Sanam (1995), Zamaana Deewana (1995), Lajja (2001), Koi… Mil Gaya (2003), etc.

Some of her notable TV shows include, Katha Sagar, Gul Gulshan Gulfam, Indian, Uttaran, Stories by Rabindranath Tagore, etc. She was last seen just recently in the second season of the web series The Trial, which starred Kajol in the lead.

The trivia about an older DDLJ is sure to surprise many film lovers across the world.

Also Read: 30 years of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge: Maratha Mandir’s Manoj Desai reveals Shah Rukh Khan told him, ‘Humein thank you bolo’: “I replied, ‘Shah Rukh ji, tum aur Kajol thank you mujhe bolo ki itne kam rate mein main chalata hoon”

Bollywood’s legendary trio Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Aamir Khan are set to unite for the very first time in a groundbreaking project, sending waves of excitement through fans worldwide. This unprecedented collaboration was revealed in a heartwarming social media post by His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, who shared exclusive photographs with the three cinema icons and wrote in Hindi, “मेरे तीन विश्व प्रसिद्ध भाइयों, सलमान खान, शाहरुख खान, और आमिर खान के साथ, हम एक बड़े सरप्राइज पर काम कर रहे हैं जो इंशा अल्लाह जल्द ही सबके सामने आएगा।”​

This rare reunion took place at Joy Forum 2025 in Riyadh, an event that not only hosted Bollywood’s biggest stars but also welcomed renowned personalities from across the globe, including YouTube sensation MrBeast. The photographs capturing the historic moment quickly went viral on social media, as fans rejoiced at seeing the three Khans together, a sight cherished but seldom witnessed over their nearly 35-year reign in Hindi cinema.​

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While details about the project remain tightly under wraps, Turki Alalshikh's caption has fuelled speculation and anticipation, suggesting that the collaboration is more than just a fleeting public appearance. In recent years, fans have only seen Salman, Shah Rukh, and Aamir together on rare occasions, such as at exclusive screenings or celebratory events, making this new venture all the more significant. Industry insiders describe the union as “a dream itself,” echoing Shah Rukh Khan’s own words from Joy Forum, where he expressed deep admiration for his fellow Khans and hinted that this long-discussed dream might finally be realized.​

Within hours, Turki’s post and the accompanying photographs became the focus of trending discussions, with fans and celebrities alike celebrating the power and legacy of the “three Khans.” The prospect of a joint project has set the Indian film industry abuzz, with many speculating about a historic movie, global show, or cultural initiative. Each of the Khans brings an unparalleled fan base and distinctive legacy, making this collaboration one of the most anticipated in recent Bollywood history.​

As the world eagerly awaits the official announcement, this coming together of the Khans—facilitated by international collaboration and visionary leadership—represents not only a moment of nostalgia but also the start of a new chapter in Indian cinema. With Turki Alalshikh promising a “big surprise” and the three superstars confirming their camaraderie on the international stage, Bollywood fans can look forward to a once-in-a-lifetime artistic event that will reverberate far beyond the silver screen.​

Also Read : Joy Forum 2025: Salman Khan wishes that Aryan Khan should act and supersede father Shah Rukh Khan; SRK manifests, “If Salman has a son, I’d like him to be the BIGGEST star ever in the HISTORY of mankind!”

Actress Zaira Wasim has officially announced her marriage. She took to Instagram to share the joyous news with the caption, “Qubool hai x3.” The post featured two serene glimpses from her wedding ceremony, one showing her signing the nikah papers adorned in henna and jewelry, and another capturing her and her husband from behind, gazing at the full moon, symbolizing a sacred new beginning.

Zaira, who stepped away from the film industry in 2019 citing her spiritual journey, made a rare social media appearance to share the personal milestone. She did not reveal her husband’s identity or show his face, choosing to maintain the privacy she has long valued. Dressed in a red embroidered bridal ensemble with golden detailing, Zaira looked every bit the traditional bride in a ceremony that seemed intimate and elegant.

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Fans and well-wishers flooded the comments section with blessings and congratulatory messages. One user wrote, “Allahumma barik, sister. May Allah bless your marriage … till Jannah, Ameen,” while others expressed joy at her return to social media for such a heartfelt reason.

Zaira rose to fame as the young Geeta Phogat in Aamir Khan’s Dangal (2016), a performance that earned her widespread acclaim and a National Film Award. She went on to star in Secret Superstar (2017) and The Sky Is Pink (2019) before choosing to leave the film world, saying it conflicted with her faith.

With her simple caption, “Qubool hai x3,” Zaira Wasim announced her wedding with grace and humility, marking not just a union but a quiet reaffirmation of the life choices she stands by away from the limelight, on her own terms.

On Friday, October 17, history was made as Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Aamir Khan graced the 2025 edition of Joy Forum at the SEF Arena, Boulevard City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Salman was the first to be welcomed on stage, followed by SRK and Aamir.

The host reminded them that the last time the three Khans came together was ten years ago. Salman Khan agreed, “The last time we shared a stage was at Rajat Sharma’s place.” Aamir added, “Where you both forced me to dance!”

The first question asked was about the ‘it’ factor that would turn an actor into a star. Shah Rukh answered, “This would be mine, Aamir and Salman’s experience and also of those actors who have worked for many, many years, that there’s nothing like an ‘it’ factor. If somebody ever tells you that, it is absolutely redundant and not true. You don’t know what the ‘it’ factor is. The ‘it’ factor has to do with the audience, how they perceive your persona, how you look, how you talk, and how you walk…It’s just something about a person that an audience starts liking in large numbers. If you ask Aamir right now, he’ll tell you, ‘I don’t know why I am a star’. If you ask me, I’ll say, ‘I don’t know why I am a star’.”

Salman joked, “But I know!” SRK smiled and said, “Salman is the only one! Nobody else would know.” Salman replied, “I am because if God wants you to be a star, you’ll become one!” As expected, the audience broke into applause.

Salman explained, “None of us call ourselves stars. We don’t believe in it. Some journalists mention ‘Salman Khan, star’, ‘Shah Rukh Khan, superstar’ or ‘Aamir Khan, super duper star’! We don’t believe it at all. At home, we are just like everyone else. I still get yelled at by my father and my mother. I still get told by my sisters and my brothers (sic). So, we are just normal human beings. It's just that so many people who we work with, they are the people who portray average, mediocre people like me, not them (pointing at Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan), to look like a God on screen. So, the credit is not ours. It is your DOP, your director, your writer and then, the people and fans who want to see Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn, Sanjay Dutt on screen and they like what they see on screen.”

Also Read: Joy Forum 2025: Salman Khan wishes that Aryan Khan should act and supersede father Shah Rukh Khan; SRK manifests, “If Salman has a son, I’d like him to be the BIGGEST star ever in the HISTORY of mankind!”

Three days are left for the release of the grand Diwali biggie, Thamma, and the excitement is gradually building up. The makers, Maddock Films, completed the censor process on time and in this article, Bollywood Hungama will exclusively focus on the cuts suffered by the horror comedy.

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) asked for audio cuts in three places and one visual modification as well. The word 'Alexander' was replaced with ‘Sikandar’. In another dialogue, the word ‘Ashwathama’ was muted.

In the second half of the film, the words 'Azaadi doonga' were replaced with 'Aiyaashi karata hoon'. The Examining Committee also asked the makers to ‘reduce the slurping sound of drinking blood to minimum’. Finally, a kissing scene in the second half was reduced by 30%, that is, by 5 seconds.

The last modification may dampen the excitement of the moviegoers but on the positive side, this is the shortest intimacy cut asked by the CBFC in recent times. In Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, liplock visuals were reduced by 60%. In Saiyaara, the makers were instructed to delete and replace 10 seconds of ‘sensual, intimacy, body exposure visuals’. Lastly, in Superman, the CBFC axed 33 seconds of ‘sensual visual’ from Superman. It led to massive criticism as the studio had to make abrupt cuts to accommodate CBFC’s directive.

Coming back to Thamma, once the changes were made, the censor certificate was handed over to the makers on October 15. The film was passed with a U/A 16+ rating. The length of the movie, as mentioned on the censor certificate, is 149.59 minutes. In other words, Thamma is 2 hours 29 minutes and 59 seconds long.

Thamma releases on Tuesday, October 21 and stars Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Paresh Rawal. It is backed by blockbuster producer Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films and directed by Aditya Sarpotdar of Munjya (2024) fame. It is a part of the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe and hence, belongs to the same world as Stree, Bhediya and Munjya.

Also Read: Thamma Creates Diwali Frenzy: Thamma advance tickets selling fast after historic fan screening in Delhi

Tarun Tahiliani brought down the curtains at Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI with a grand finale that was nothing short of spectacular. The celebrated designer unveiled his dazzling new couture line, “Bejeweled,” and all eyes were on his radiant showstopper — Aneet Padda, who ruled the runway with her ethereal presence.

Social media is abuzz with pictures and videos of Aneet gliding down the runway, looking every bit like a modern-day princess. Dressed in a signature Tarun Tahiliani ensemble, the rising Gen Z star of Saiyaara left audiences spellbound as she embodied the spirit of contemporary Indian couture.

Speaking about the inspiration behind his collection, Tahiliani said, “With this collection, I wanted to celebrate the luminous, layered, and wearable spirit of today’s woman — just like Lakmé Be-Jewel.”

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Aneet’s ensemble drew from timeless Indian drapes, reinvented for a global, modern audience. The outfit shimmered with metallic sequins, fluid textures, and Swarovski crystal detailing, creating a seamless blend of tradition and glamour. Every movement reflected Tahiliani’s signature craftsmanship — luxurious, regal, and impossibly graceful.

Fashion critics and fans alike couldn’t stop praising Aneet’s “queen-like aura” and Tahiliani’s mastery in “bringing out the best version of her.” Social media was flooded with comments calling her a “stunning queen”, “runway princess,” and even “the perfect muse for Tarun Tahiliani.”

With support from Lakmé India and FDCI, Tarun Tahiliani’s Bejeweled Grand Finale is being hailed as one of the most memorable closing shows in recent fashion week history — a celebration of Indian craftsmanship, couture innovation, and the sheer magic of fashion that continues to inspire season after season.

Also Read: Ahaan Panday posts heartfelt birthday wish for Aneet Padda; duo’s Coldplay concert moments go viral as fans root for them

After days of social media speculation surrounding her pregnancy, actress Sonakshi Sinha has finally broken her silence — and in her signature witty style. The actress took to Instagram to address the ongoing rumours while sharing a series of photos from one of the Diwali parties she recently attended.

In the photos, Sonakshi looked radiant in an elegant ivory ensemble, while her husband Zaheer Iqbal complimented her in a navy-blue outfit. The final slide captured the couple laughing heartily — a fitting response to the chatter surrounding them.

Putting an end to the rumours, Sonakshi wrote in her caption, “World record holder for longest pregnancy in human history (16 months and counting according to our lovely and hyper intelligent media) simply for posing with hand around midsection. Scroll to last slide for our reaction… and then continue to dazzle this Diwali.”

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Her playful tone instantly struck a chord with fans. One Instagram user commented, “Always glowing, which is why is it SO CONFUSING,” while social media influencer Kusha Kapila dropped laughing emojis in support.

For the unversed, Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal tied the knot on June 23, 2024, after dating for seven years. Professionally, Sonakshi is gearing up for her next big-screen outing, Jathadhara. The film’s trailer is set to be unveiled by superstar Mahesh Babu today, October 17, following the release of its motion poster earlier this week. Jathadhara will hit cinemas on November 7, 2025, in both Hindi and Telugu.

Also Read: Mahesh Babu to launch Jatadhara trailer tomorrow; Sonakshi Sinha & Sudheer Babu shine in motion poster

Keerthy Suresh is not just a talented actress but also a true style icon. Rising from the South to become a Pan-Indian sensation, she is celebrated for her acting prowess, beauty, and impeccable fashion sense. Known for her flawless saree styling, Keerthy’s wardrobe is the perfect source of festive inspiration this Diwali. From sequins to florals, here’s how you can steal her ethnic looks and dazzle this festive season.

1. Grace in Every Drape Step into the festive spotlight in a vibrant yellow saree with delicate blue floral prints, paired with a halter-neck blouse just like Keerthy. Soft makeup, colorful jhumkas, and a petite blue bindi complete this sun-kissed, heritage-meets-modern look.

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  A post shared by Keerthy Suresh (@keerthysureshofficial)

2. Where Tradition Meets Trend Fuse tradition with contemporary glam in a metallic black sequin saree. Styled with a sweetheart-neck blouse, sleek ponytail, and bold silver earrings, this look highlights festive sophistication while accenting your figure effortlessly.

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  A post shared by Keerthy Suresh (@keerthysureshofficial)

3. Timeless Charm in Floral Drape Opt for a grey organza tissue saree with white floral designs and a silver-embellished border. Keerthy paired it with a matching shimmery blouse, minimal makeup, and simple pearl earrings — pure elegance in every drape.

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  A post shared by Keerthy Suresh (@keerthysureshofficial)

4. The Queen of Ethnic Chic Make a statement in a multicolor Phulkari-inspired georgette saree featuring vibrant thread embroidery, sequins, kundan, zardozi, and aari work. Paired with a complementing blouse, this intricate, colorful look is perfect for festive Diwali celebrations.

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  A post shared by Keerthy Suresh (@keerthysureshofficial)

5. Golden Hues, Royal Vibes Embrace the festive spirit in a golden silk saree with black and gold checked borders and a gleaming pallu. Styled with a black V-neck blouse and minimal accessories, this look exudes understated elegance.

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  A post shared by Keerthy Suresh (@keerthysureshofficial)

6. Saree Soirée, Keerthy Style Perfect for a Diwali party, this white-silver sequin shimmer saree paired with a deep-neck strappy blouse lets the sparkle take center stage. Minimal accessories highlight natural beauty, making it effortlessly chic.

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  A post shared by Keerthy Suresh (@keerthysureshofficial)

7. Six Yards of Pure Elegance Go subtle yet striking in a nude semi-sheer sequinned saree paired with a full-sleeved embellished blouse. Minimal styling lets the shimmer shine, creating a timeless Diwali-ready ensemble.

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  A post shared by Keerthy Suresh (@keerthysureshofficial)

Also Read: Keerthy Suresh gets candid about her career; says, “The legacy I hope to leave behind is of being an actor who took chances and evolved”

Making headlines is nothing new for Salman Khan. The superstar, who is currently in the news for his ongoing spat with Dabangg director Abhinav Kashyap, has also kept fans curious about updates on his much-awaited film Battle of Galwan. And now, there’s some exciting buzz for his fans.

According to a recent report by Mid-Day, Salman is currently filming a crucial patriotic song sequence in Mumbai with over 60 background dancers. The number, choreographed by Mudassar Khan, is said to be an emotionally charged tribute to the spirit of Indian soldiers.

An industry insider told the publication, “It’s not a celebratory number. The mood is patriotic, and the song reflects the pride, sacrifice, and pain of the soldiers. Salman and the director were clear that it should feel organic to the story.”

The source further added that Mudassar Khan is focusing more on evoking the soldiers’ emotions than on choreography-heavy moves. “Filming will continue through the week,” the insider revealed.

Mudassar and Salman have previously collaborated on blockbuster tracks from Dabangg (2010) and Ready (2011), both of which became chart-toppers. Given their history, expectations are naturally high for this emotionally intense sequence.

While the makers have yet to confirm or deny these reports, one confirmed update about Battle of Galwan is that Arijit Singh will lend his voice to one of the songs in the film. It’s highly likely that the patriotic number currently being shot features Arijit’s vocals.

For the uninitiated, Salman recently addressed his decade-long feud with Arijit Singh during a Bigg Boss 19 episode. Calling the misunderstanding “a thing of the past,” the actor publicly acknowledged that Arijit is his “very good friend,” confirming their long-awaited collaboration on Battle of Galwan.

Also Read: Salman Khan never made Govinda feel his career was struggling during Partner shoot, reveals Deepshikha Nagpal

The much-anticipated Diwali releases, Thamma and Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat, are just days away, and the excitement across the trade, industry, and audiences is palpable. As with every major festive clash, the battle for screens has intensified. Bollywood Hungama has learned that the first round of this tussle between the distributors of both films has already begun.

A trade source told Bollywood Hungama, “Thamma, starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna, is being distributed by PVR Inox Pictures. Its distributor-partner in the Mumbai circuit, August Entertainment, has sent a mail to cinemas in the territory informing them about their screen-sharing requirements. They have asked for all shows in single-screen cinemas and two screen theatres. They have also asked for 12 shows in three-screen multiplexes; it means 100% showcasing in two of the three screens and a show or two in the third screen as well.”

The mail from August Entertainment further states that they want 15 shows of Thamma in four-screen theatres, 18 shows in five-screen cinemas, 21 shows in six-screen multiplexes, 24 shows in seven-screen multiplexes, 27 shows in eight-screen multiplexes, 30 shows in nine-screen plexes and 33 shows in 10-screen theatres.

It’s important to note that this move has come directly from August Entertainment, which is handling the release of Thamma in the Mumbai circuit. How distributors in other regions respond, and whether they follow suit with similar demands, remains to be seen.

Nevertheless, the exhibitors have expressed reservations. An exhibitor told us, “We would definitely want to show Thamma as it looks exciting. But single-screen cinemas should also be given a chance to play Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat. In fact, it’s the single-screen theatres where the Harshvardhan Rane-film can score big time. And let’s not forget that the Marathi film Premachi Goshta 2 and the Gujarati film Chaniya Toli are also up for release this Diwali. Some cinemas would want to accommodate it as well. Hence, we hope a solution can be found.”

Another exhibitor remarked, “The mail from August Entertainment mentions that the rule exists only for non-PVR, non-Inox and non-Cinepolis cinemas. We feel it’s not fair and it should be uniform for all cinemas.”

Meanwhile, a trade expert commented, “Just a few weeks ago, we saw what happened during the Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 vs Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari clash. At that time, the makers of the former asked for 100% shows in single-screen, two-screen and three-screen cinemas. Even in theatres with four screens and more, they asked for nearly 80-90% of showcasing. At least, the distributors are reasonable in the case of Thamma.”

Also Read: Ayushmann Khurrana flashes fake vampire teeth as he and Rashmika Mandanna promote Thamma in Delhi

The fourth episode of Two Much With Kajol And Twinkle featured Govinda and Chunky Panday. Both raised a lot of laughs and at the same time, they also opened up about their hardships and struggles. Chunky’s career got a new lease of life by playing Aakhri Pasta in Housefull’s first part (2010). The character became so iconic and popular that he was repeated in all other films of the series. Chunky revealed on the show that he was not the original choice and that it was going to be played by Sajid Khan, who was also the director of Housefull.

Chunky Panday said, “I believe the second innings of my career happened all thanks to my wife Bhavana Pandey. She brought luck for me after we got married. We got married in the year 1998, when my career was at my lowest phase. I had a career in Bangladesh but even that was about to end. It was a very big thing. But it lasted from 1993 to 1998 aur woh khatam hone aa raha tha. She was the only one who told me to come back to Bollywood.”

He continued, “In fact, the best film that I’ve had recently is the Housefull series. Sajid Khan, Bhavana and I were at a party. Sajid Khan told Bhavana that he was making a film called Housefull. He said, ‘Everyone wants me to play this character of Aakhri Pasta. Lekin main nahin kar paunga because it would be difficult for me to act as well as direct at the same time’. He further said, ‘I am wondering who I should cast’. Bhavana asked him, ‘Why don’t you take Chunky?’. He looked at me and asked, ‘Chunky, will you do it?’. I replied, ‘Haan, main karoonga’. So, I feel that my wife has been very lucky for me.”

Also Read: Two Much with Kajol and Twinkle: Govinda recalls his Rajesh Khanna fan moment; Chunky Panday reveals how he became ‘Bangladesh Bachchan’

Deepika Padukone has created history by becoming the first Indian to lend her voice to Meta AI, the virtual assistant integrated into Meta’s ecosystem, including the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, joining the list of the global lineup of voices for the AI assistant, including Hollywood celebrities Awkwafina, Judi Dench, etc. The collaboration marks a powerful intersection of technology and culture, positioning Deepika as a bridge between global innovation and Indian identity.

Meta announced that users in India will now be able to interact with Meta AI through Deepika’s voice, available in Indian English. Alongside this, the company introduced full Hindi language support and UPI Lite payments, making the experience more localised and personal. Yet, the biggest talking point remains Deepika’s voice — warm, poised, and unmistakably familiar.

Known for her global influence and grounded presence, Deepika brings authenticity and emotion to a space often dominated by synthetic tones. Her voice adds a human touch to artificial intelligence — turning digital interactions into something relatable and distinctly Indian. For millions of users, hearing Deepika guide them through tasks or respond to questions adds a sense of comfort and connection rarely found in technology.

This partnership also represents India’s growing significance in the global tech landscape. By featuring Deepika, Meta acknowledges India’s cultural power and linguistic diversity. The move goes beyond convenience — it celebrates representation and the inclusion of an Indian identity within a global product.

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For Deepika, this step expands her influence beyond cinema into the realm of digital innovation. It’s another milestone in a career defined by versatility, intelligence, and impact. With this collaboration, she becomes not just the voice of Meta AI — but the voice of a new era where technology feels a little more human, and a lot more Indian.

Also Read: Deepika Padukone’s 8-hour work rule sparks debate: Hansal Mehta, Hema Malini, and Sharmila Tagore weigh in

Ajay Devgn, R Madhavan, Rakul Preet Singh, Meezaan Jafri, Jaaved Jaaferi and Gautami Kapoor, director Anshul Sharma, producers Bhushan Kumar, Luv Ranjan and Ankur Garg attended the trailer launch of their film, De De Pyaar De 2, in Mumbai. The film looks fun-filled and the trailer event was also quite entertaining. It was heartening to see Ajay Devgn, who usually cracks a joke with a deadpan face, making merry and laughing heartily.

A journalist asked Ajay Devgn, “Why did you change the director (from the first part)?” Ajay smiled and said, “I did not change the director (smiles). That question goes to Luv. By the way, Anshul was involved thoroughly in the making of the first part as well.”

Luv Ranjan added, “He was the creative producer on part 1. As for Akiv Ali, he wanted to do an action drama. He was not interested in repeating the genre.”

Another journalist asked if Ajay Devgn had reservations about certain dialogues in the film. Luv Ranjan revealed, “Ajay sir has never read a line and told me, ‘Isse change kar de; yeh sahi nahin lag rahi’.”

Ajay Devgn said, “Whatever is right for the script needs to be there. Aapko galat lag raha hai? Toh fir aaiye aur bataiye kya galat lag raha hai (smiles).”

The journalist then mentioned the line that caused her anguish, “Hamare dost ko buddha bola.” Ajay smiled again and said, “Dost ki baat nahin hai. Yeh apne baare mein baat kar rahi hai!” He then laughed out loud, and it made for a rare moment.

R Madhavan hailed Ajay Devgn, “I had witnessed during the shoot of Shaitaan (2024) that Ajay sir is only focused on the benefit of the film. He never says ‘Main hero hoon toh mujhe aisi cheezein mat kaho’. Honestly, at times, I feel (yeh role) ek aam hero ke liye accept karna mushkil hai. I myself might not have done the part (played by Ajay). But the amount of enthusiasm that he showed for all of us, we got a chance to perform freely. The only reason it was difficult was that I had to play a father.”

At this point, Ajay Devgn again raised laughs as he remarked, “In a way, it’s a sequel to Shaitaan. Usme yeh meri beti le jaate hai. Isme main iski beti le jaata hoon.”

De De Pyaar De 2 releases in cinemas on November 14.

Also Read: Ajay Devgn vs R Madhavan: De De Pyaar De 2 trailer promises a mixture of laughter and love, out now!

Pranutan Bahl had a memorable debut in the much-loved Notebook (2019), produced by Salman Khan. She was then seen in Helmet (2021) and Amar Prem Ki Prem Kahani (2024), both of which were released online. She had confirmed that she had bagged an international film, Coco & Nut. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Pranutan spoke about this upcoming project and more.

Talking about Coco & Nut, Pranutan Bahl said, “We plan to begin principal photography early 2026. However, I have completed two movies this year and I am very excited about them. One is a cop drama and the other is along the lines of a folk thriller. Both have a fantastic star cast. It’s so amazing to work with people who are more experienced than you because you learn so much from them.”

Pranutan has always got a good response for her act in all her films. Hence, many feel that she should be seen more and should get more offers. The actress smiled and replied, “I agree! I wish but what can you do other than the fact that you just look for work? It’s tough getting work, especially after Covid, for the industry as a whole. I would love to work; I am extremely ambitious. Unfortunately, the opportunities are very far and few between. Even I find it weird sometimes because I see love and appreciation for my work. I guess that’s how our business is.”

She added, “Nevertheless, I am extremely grateful so far for all my roles to date; they have been meaty and acting-oriented. Helmet was a 180-degree transformation compared to Notebook as a character. In Amar Prem Ki Prem Kahani, my character had a hint of negative shades. My next two films are also different from what I have done before. Moreover, I am very clear that I don’t want to be reduced just as the love interest of a hero.”

Does the latter come inspired by the filmography of her late grandmother, Nutan? Pranutan Bahl answered, “I don’t know if it’s because of her, but I think I value myself. Like, I don’t want to be there just because the girl is required to romance a hero. You need to be an integral part of the story. You don’t want to be cast because you’re a girl and you look nice. I don’t judge anyone who does that. But somewhere, this requirement streamlines you further, as I am not keen to do those kinds of roles.”

Meanwhile, the nepotism debate continues. Many, especially those not connected to the industry, have the impression that star kids have it easy. Pranutan disagrees, “That’s not true at all. I feel weird that I am also put in this bracket of nepotism just because I come from a legacy family. Nobody knows this but Salman Khan sir didn’t even know that I was auditioning for Notebook. The producer saw my picture and he went to the director, Mr Nitin Kakkar, and said that I’ll suit the part. They had already auditioned 80 or 100 girls. Nitin sir was not getting anybody to match what he had in mind for the character. Hence, he agreed to audition me. This is how I was called. I was already in the audition circles by then. It was 2 ½ years after I started doing auditions that I got a call for Notebook. I started auditioning in 2016 and I was called by Nitin sir in 2018. It was a five-hour audition. He asked me to do 3 scenes. The experience was tough. He was not easy on me and was extremely particular about what he wanted.”

Pranutan continued, “Even for Helmet, I auditioned through the casting route. This is the journey a lot of I have had and unfortunately, its washed away by random articles. Everybody from legacy families doesn’t have the advantage of nepotism. We are not given things on a platter.”

She also revealed, “I got Amar Prem Ki Prem Kahani after Helmet. We did a reading and only then, I bagged the part. None of my films were funded by my friends or family members, not even from the back end. Let’s be that clear (laughs). So, it’s very sad that we are all painted with the same brush. I do not have the opportunities because I come from Nutan ji’s family, or due to my father (Mohnish Bahl). I am sure that I get a lot of goodwill and I am grateful for it. But I don’t think an opportunity has to come to me because of that.”

She signed off by saying, “I am still auditioning. In fact, I auditioned just three days back.”

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Pranutan Bahl opens up on Filmfare honouring Nutan and hails her choice of films and STARDOM: “She was shooting for Bandini when she was pregnant with my father…filmmakers saw that she could carry films on her shoulders”

Hrithik Roshan has moved the Delhi High Court by filing a petition seeking safeguards for his name, image, likeness and other aspects of his persona against unauthorised commercial use and misuse. This comes days after veteran playback singer Kumar Sanu sought legal protection for his personality rights, and the matter is expected to be heard on Wednesday, according to a report by Bar and Bench.

With the increasing use of generative AI and deepfake technologies, several Indian celebrities have been turning to the courts to protect their digital and personal identities. Hrithik joins a growing list of public figures — including Amitabh Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Jackie Shroff, Anil Kapoor, Abhishek Bachchan, Kumar Sanu, and even the late Ratan Tata — who have sought injunctions to prevent unauthorised exploitation of their name or likeness, often through AI-generated content.

Personality rights, also known as publicity rights, give individuals legal control over how their name, image, voice, and other identifiable traits are used commercially. While India does not yet have a dedicated law governing these rights, courts have upheld them under the right to privacy guaranteed by Article 21 of the Constitution and through existing principles of common law.

Hrithik Roshan, who was last seen in War 2 which released on August 14, has been in the spotlight not only for his films but also for his new venture as a producer. The actor recently kicked off his debut production Storm in collaboration with Amazon Prime Video under his banner HRX Films. Known for his carefully curated projects and strong public image, Hrithik’s move to secure his personality rights reflects a growing concern among stars about their identity being misused in the age of AI-generated videos, fake endorsements and manipulated content.

As courts continue to issue directions to online platforms for removing infringing material, legal experts believe more celebrities will take similar steps until India establishes a dedicated framework to regulate the commercial use of personal likenesses in the digital era.

Also Read: Hrithik Roshan rings in star-studded celebration with Storm cast; watch

After earning acclaim for his performance in Dhadak 2, Siddhant Chaturvedi seemed set to continue his momentum with Ramree, a two-hero OTT project backed by Ajay Devgn. However, the ambitious period drama has now reportedly been shelved before going on floors.

According to a report by Mid-Day, Ramree was conceived as a large-scale film set in 1945. The project, which had been under development for over a year, aimed to blend historical events with cinematic storytelling. However, given its elaborate setting and production requirements, the film’s mounting budget became a major hurdle.

A source close to the development told the publication, “For an OTT film, this would have set a benchmark in scale and imagination, but budget constraints caught up with it. Even though the platform heads were excited about the story, there was too much at stake financially. So, they decided not to move forward with it.”

Another insider offered a different perspective, suggesting that Ramree never reached the official greenlight stage. “A project is considered greenlit only when it goes on the floor. Ramree was an idea in development that did not move forward — a natural part of the creative process where multiple concepts are explored. While some take shape, some don’t,” the source explained.

The shelving of Ramree comes at a time when Siddhant Chaturvedi has been receiving praise for his recent performance in Dhadak 2, which released a couple of months ago. The film, co-starring Triptii Dimri, tells the story of Neelesh, a law student from a marginalized background, and Vidhi, an upper-caste girl. Through their relationship, Dhadak 2 explores the harsh realities of caste discrimination and societal prejudice, earning the actor widespread appreciation for his nuanced portrayal.

Also Read: Siddhant Chaturvedi turns heads at Singapore Grand Prix with Heineken 0.0

Nita Ambani never misses a chance to make a refined statement, and her appearance at Manish Malhotra’s annual pre-Diwali party was no exception. The philanthropist and businesswoman turned heads as she arrived in a dazzling silver sequin saree paired with emerald jewellery — but it was her accessory that truly defined luxury.

Ambani was seen carrying a rare Hermès Birkin bag worth a staggering Rs 17 crore, a piece that is as much a jewel as it is a handbag. Crafted from white gold and encrusted with 2,712 diamonds, this creation is part of an ultra-limited edition by Hermès, known for transforming its iconic silhouettes into collector’s treasures. Each piece is meticulously handcrafted, taking months to complete, making it one of the most exclusive and valuable handbags in the world.

The bag, often referred to as a “Himalaya Diamond Birkin,” is coveted among luxury collectors and symbolizes the pinnacle of artisanal craftsmanship. Its shimmering white-gold exterior, detailed diamond embellishments, and timeless design merge fashion with fine jewellery — an aesthetic that aligns seamlessly with Ambani’s elegant persona.

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Completing her look with emerald drop earrings and a matching bracelet, Nita Ambani balanced traditional grace with understated opulence. Her appearance at the designer’s festive soirée reaffirmed her status as one of India’s most sophisticated style icons, where every element — from her saree to her accessories — told a story of taste, legacy, and refinement.

Also Read: Tara Sutaria drops dreamy pics with her ‘firecracker’ Veer Pahariya from Manish Malhotra’s starry Diwali bash; watch

A week is left for the arrival of the horror comedy Thamma and the intense romantic saga Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat in cinemas on the occasion of Diwali. This is the time when regional films typically refrain from releasing their films. But this year is going to be an exception. Both the Hindi Diwali releases will face competition from Marathi, Gujarati and Punjabi films.

Premachi Goshta 2, the sequel to the much-loved 2013 Marathi film Premachi Goshta, starring Atul Kulkarni and Sagarika Ghatge, will release in cinemas on October 21. The second part features Swapnil Joshi, Lalit Prabhakar, Rucha Vaidya and Ridhima Pandit. The trailer has been well-received due to its humorous moments and a novel twist in the story. It will be released by PVR Inox Pictures.

Interestingly, there was one more film, Punha Shivajiraje Bhosale, directed by Mahesh Manjrekar, which was all set to hit screens on the Festival of Lights. However, the mass-appealing film has now been shifted to October 31.

Gujarati cinema will present Chaniya Toli. It is backed by Anand Pandit Motion Pictures and stars Yash Soni, Ragi Jani, Nikita Sharma, Netri Trivedi, Heena Jaikishan, Sohni Bhatt and others with Janki Bodiwala of Shaitaan (2024) fame in a special appearance. The film is about a group of village women robbing a bank, leading to madness and chaos. The trailer of the ‘Gujarati Money Heist’ has got a huge response and exhibitors in Gujarat expect the film to surprise.

Finally, the Punjabi film Godday Godday Chaa 2, backed by Zee Studios, will also release on Diwali. It is the second part of Godday Godday Chaa (2023) and stars Ammy Virk, Tania, Gurjazz, Gitaj Bindrakhia, Nikeet Dhillon and others. Both parts of this series are directed by Vijay Kumar Arora, who recently helmed Son Of Sardaar 2.

Trade circles and exhibitors foresee an intense battle for screen space this Diwali. A trade expert observed, “Screen clashes are common when two major Hindi films release together. We just saw that happen with Kantara and Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari last week. This festive season, a similar tussle is expected, with Thamma and Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat vying for prime slots. What makes matters trickier is the strong regional lineup; Marathi, Gujarati and Punjabi films are arriving with big backers and built-in audiences. Their presence will amplify the competition in their respective territories, and exhibitors may have to strike a delicate balance while allocating shows.”

A single-screen exhibitor from Maharashtra noted, “Marathi films have been released on Diwali in the past. Mumbai Pune Mumbai 2, which is directed by Premachi Goshta 2 director Satish Rajawade, came on Diwali 2015 along with Katyar Kaljat Ghusali, despite the biggie Prem Ratan Dhan Payo being scheduled for a release on the same day. Yet, everything was managed well. This time, too, I don’t see it as a problem, though I don’t deny that things have changed a lot in terms of screen-sharing tactics in these last 10 years.”

Also Read: Thamma track ‘Dilbar Ki Aankhon Ka’ out: Nora Fatehi calls her high-energy return to MHCU “completely explosive”

National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) is now hearing Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar’s plea against edtech firm Cue Learn Private Ltd, escalating the fight over an alleged Rs 4.83 crores payment default from an endorsement deal.

According to official filings, Akshay Kumar fulfilled all terms of his endorsement contract with Cue Learn, having received only Rs 4.05 crores as his first instalment. The second instalment, reportedly due regardless of further brand activity, was never paid. Cue Learn cited reasons such as unreceived invoices and scheduling issues for withholding payment.

Akshay Kumar’s legal team first took the matter to the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) under Section 9 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016, claiming unpaid dues amounting to Rs 4.83 crores since 2021. However, the Delhi bench of NCLT ruled that the case didn’t qualify as an issue for the insolvency code, stating that contract disputes not tied to operational or financial debt are out of its jurisdiction.

“The NCLT’s role is to oversee the insolvency resolution process for qualifying debts, and it cannot be expanded to encompass disputes of a contractual nature,” the tribunal clarified in its order.

Undeterred, Akshay Kumar’s lawyers appealed the dismissal to NCLAT, arguing that the deal’s terms clearly obligated Cue Learn to pay the remaining Rs 4 crores regardless of actual promotional activity. The legal team also noted that the NCLT did not fully consider the contract’s relevant clauses during its initial ruling.

The NCLAT is now considering the matter after reviewing submissions from the actor’s counsel.

Also Read: Two Much With Kajol And Twinkle: Akshay Kumar reveals that a NAKED Saeed Jaffrey once accidentally got into Saif Ali Khan’s bathroom: “He opened the curtain and saw Saif NAKED inside!”

Actor Salman Khan, who’s currently hosting Bigg Boss 19, didn’t hold back as he addressed director AR Murugadoss’s recent comments accusing him of reporting late to the sets of their film Sikandar. The actor used the popular reality show’s Weekend Ka Vaar episode to respond with his trademark wit and characteristic candour.

The Background: Murugadoss's Allegation Earlier, Sikandar director AR Murugadoss had told Valaipechu Voice that working with a major Bollywood star posed challenges. He claimed Salman would “arrive only by 8 PM,” forcing the crew to shoot even day scenes at night. Murugadoss described the schedule as chaotic, saying it affected child actors who had to film late into the night. Despite acknowledging his own creative shortcomings, the director hinted that the erratic timing contributed to the film’s underperformance. Salman’s Retort on Bigg Boss 19 Addressing the issue head-on during Bigg Boss 19, Salman responded to a question from comedian Ravi Gupta about films he regrets doing. After naming some older projects like Suryavanshi and Nishchay, the Tiger 3 actor clarified he had no regrets about recent films — including Sikandar.

He then took a playful yet pointed jab at Murugadoss, saying, “Main set pe raat ke 9 baje pahuchta tha, meri pasaliyan tooti thi (I used to reach the set at 9 PM, but my ribs were fractured).” In a sarcastic tone, Salman added, “Hamare director sahab bolte the aisa, lekin unki picture jo abhi release hui hai, uske actor to 6 baje pahuchte the” — a clear dig at Murugadoss’s latest Tamil release Madharaasi, which also struggled to impress audiences.

Salman Khan Takes A Dig at Sikandar Producer and Box Office Jibe

Salman further remarked that both producer Sajid Nadiadwala and Murugadoss distanced themselves from Sikandar after its box-office failure. “Pehle Sajid kalti, phir Murugadoss South sidha,” he quipped, hinting that the team moved on quickly after the film’s underwhelming performance.

Continuing his banter, the actor cheekily praised Madharaasi as a “bigger blockbuster than Sikandar,” accompanied by a knowing smile — a statement that drew laughter from the Bigg Boss audience.

#Latest: On the #BiggBoss19 set, Megastar #SalmanKhan finally opened up about what went wrong with Sikandar and took a strong stand against director A.R. Murugadoss - the same man who gave interviews blaming Bhai for the film's failure. ???? Bhai giving a reality check was much… pic.twitter.com/mPtxQQ0zKm — Er.Sohail (@BeingSohail__) October 12, 2025

Released earlier this year, Sikandar told the emotional story of Rajkot’s king Sanjay Rajkot (played by Salman Khan) and his journey to protect three people who had received organ donations from his late wife, portrayed by Rashmika Mandanna.

Also Read: HISTORIC: Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan to share stage TOGETHER at Joy Forum 2025 in Saudi Arabia

The legendary Nutan holds the record of winning the Filmfare Award 6 times -  5 times in the Best Actor In A Leading Role (Female) category and once in the Best Actor In A Supporting Role (Female) category. Hence, it was fitting that she was honoured at the 70th Hyundai Filmfare Awards 2025 held in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on October 11. Nutan’s actor-son, Mohnish Bahl, and actress-granddaughter Pranutan Bahl were present for this tribute session. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Pranutan Bahl spoke about this honour, her grandmother and a lot more.

When did you learn about the Filmfare honour and what was your first reaction? I learned about it three weeks ago. We all felt extremely emotional and happy. The legacy she’s left behind for me is very precious. It comes with a deep sense of responsibility - to perform well and carry myself with the same grace and dignity that she did. It’s a high standard to live up to.

I believe, you never met her. Is that right? I did not, unfortunately. She passed away in 1991, while I was born in 1993. But I had heard about her a lot growing up. I spent my entire childhood with my dada (grandfather), who told me so many stories about her. Whenever her name comes up, people talk highly; it’s so engraved in my memory. Interestingly, I was drawn to her movies. I remember I was 11 when I watched Bandini (1963). Now, when I look back, I wonder that for an 11-year-old child, to watch Bandini and be moved is such a rarity (smiles). Bandini was a film that made me want to be an actor. By the time I was 18, I had probably covered her filmography. I didn’t know that it was one of the first few signs that I was so interested in being an actor (laughs).

While watching films of Nutan ji like Bandini, Sujata (1959) etc, did you get a feeling that these films were far more progressive than many of our current movies? Absolutely, especially considering the kind of films being made and the risks being taken. And there was no stereotype. Moreover, for the family I belong to, it was very weird to hear questions like ‘Now that she’s married, will she work?’ or ‘Will you be allowed to work after marriage?’. My dadi was shooting for Bandini when she was pregnant with my father! In fact, when my dada and dadi were getting married, someone asked my dada at a social gathering, ‘Will you allow Nutan to work after marriage?’. It was so normal to talk like this then. He replied, ‘I am no one to allow her. Had she been a painter, would I not have been okay with her painting? Then why would I not be okay with her acting?’! These are the people I have grown up with. I am getting goosebumps while saying this because it’s a huge thing in the 50s to be talking in this manner (smiles).

No wonder then that she got drawn to such films or rather, those films were drawn to her… I guess it was a perfect blend of opportunity, talent and destiny. Filmmakers also saw that she could carry the film on her shoulders. She did such different genres like Bandini, Seema (1955), Sujata, Dilli Ka Thug (1958), Anari (1959), Paying Guest (1957), Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki (1978), Saudagar (1973) etc. To justify these roles in the presence of such brilliant co-actors like Raj Kapoor, Dev Anand saab, Amitabh Bachchan etc. was also a feat.

Her style has also left a mark. In fact, costume designer Veera Kapur Ee had confirmed that Nutan ji was one of the inspirations behind Katrina Kaif’s look in Bharat (2019)… That’s great. I didn’t know about it. I must add here that I had visited the sets of Bharat many times. My film Notebook (2019) was under production. We needed to have a lot of meetings with Salman Khan sir at that time. Hence, we used to go on the sets to talk about it. In fact, we even used to joke that ‘Ali (director Ali Abbas Zafar) is going to feel like we want to AD with him’ because we kept coming on the sets rather frequently (laughs)!

Also Read: Pranutan Bahl goes from edgy and risky halter neck scarf top look to street style showing she can ace any style with ease