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Film director and cinematographer Lawrence D'Souza recently opened up about when he and his producer friend signed Salman Khan for a mere Rs 5,000 after watching his debut film, Maine Pyar Kiya (1989). In an interview with Friday Talkies, D'Souza reminisced about Salman's early days as an actor and how director and producer S Ramanathan had signed him for the same amount. However, the film they intended to make together never materialised. Wjihen Salman Khan Questioned Producers S Ramanathan As Salman's star rose, the signing amounts offered to him also increased. D'Souza recalled a time when even Salman himself questioned why the producer was paying him such substantial amounts without actually working with him. "We went for the trial of Maine Pyar Kiya at Rajshri," D'Souza shared. "After watching the film, S Ramanathan, with whom I was working on a film called Pratiksha, said, 'Lawrence, let's sign Salman.' So I called Salman at his

Vijay Varma has been receiving an outpour of love and admiration for his powerful portrayal in his recently released streaming series ‘IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack’. His performance, especially as the courageous pilot caught in the midst of the harrowing hijacking, has been a standout, earning praise from both audiences and critics alike. Expressing his gratitude for the overwhelming response, Vijay took to social media to share his appreciation, jotting down the caption, "Thank you for all the love and appreciation for our show #IC814 The Kandahar Hijack. This kind of acceptance is unprecedented and I bow down to all the cinema lovers for giving us their best. Cinema Zindabad / Sharing some BTS." Alongside his heartfelt message, Vijay shared some behind-the-scenes moments from the shoot, offering fans a glimpse of him donning the pilot uniform that has become symbolic of his powerful role in the series.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Vijay Varma (@itsvi

Filmmaker Siddharth P Malhotra’s Maharaj, which released earlier this year on Netflix, succeeded in getting positive reactions from audiences and critics alike. The film was also a launch for Junaid Khan, who gave an impressive performance after honing his skills by doing theatre for a number of years. Maharaj is an adaptation of the Gujarati book of the same name written by author Saurabh Shah, first published in 2013. It is based on the real life Maharaj Libel Case of 1862 where the head priest of a major Vaishnav haveli (temple) Jadunathji Maharaj is accused of sexual misconduct with female devotees. The story revolves around the fearless journalist and social reformer Karsandas Mulji, played by Junaid, who is accused by the Maharaj of a haveli in Mumbai (Jaideep Ahlawat) of defamation after he writes about his misdeeds in the newspaper Satyaprakash. There have been various films based on books. On most of the occasions, it is not possible to include all the incidents of a book i

As Stree 2 continues to remain a favourite amongst moviegoers, Shraddha Kapoor took to social media on Friday to express her gratitude for the journey that has spanned six years. The actress shared a heartfelt collage of photos from the first Stree film juxtaposed with more recent ones, capturing the evolution of her character and her bond with the creative team. In a caption, Kapoor acknowledged the pivotal role played by producer Dinesh Vijan and director Amar Kaushik in bringing the Stree series to life. She expressed her heartfelt thanks for their belief in her and for including her in this extraordinary cinematic venture. "I am incredibly grateful to Dinoo and Amar for allowing me to be a part of the Stree franchise," Kapoor shared. "Their vision and passion have brought this series to life, and I feel privileged to have been a part of it."   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Shraddha ✶ (@shraddhakapoor) The Stree series, which follows the sto

Actress Kritika Kamra has never been one to shy away from discussing her journey in the entertainment industry. In a recent revelation, the versatile actress made it clear that she doesn't subscribe to the ongoing debate surrounding nepotism in Bollywood. Instead, Kritika proudly credits her success to her talent, perseverance, and unwavering belief in her craft. Kritika, who has earned accolades for her powerful performances, including her portrayal of a fierce gangster in Bambai Meri Jaan and a dedicated police officer in Gyaarah Gyaarah, emphasized that her journey has been defined by her ability to secure substantial lead roles on her merit. "I have always believed in letting my work speak for itself. I didn’t get here because of any connections or family ties. Every opportunity I’ve had has been the result of years of hard work and persistence. I don’t think it’s productive to get caught up in the nepotism debate because, in the end, it’s the audience that decides your

Star Cast: Vijay Varma, Pankaj Kapur, Naseeruddin Shah, Arvind Swami, Manoj Pahwa, Kumud Mishra, Aditya Srivastava, Kanwaljeet Singh, Dibyendu Bhattacharya, Dia Mirza, Amrita Puri, Patralekhaa Director: Anubhav Sinha Synopsis: IC 814: THE KANDAHAR HIJACK is the story of a shocking episode of Indian history. On December 24, 1999, Ram Chandra Yadav (Anupam Tripathi), First Officer, Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, Nepal gets the information that a major attack is going to happen in India. He begins his investigation and learns that the Indian Airlines IC 814 flight, which will fly from Kathmandu to Delhi, will be hijacked. He sends a telegram to all central agencies and even tries his best to stop the plane from flying. His plea, however, falls on deaf ears and the flight takes off. The captain of the flight is Captain Sharan Dev (Vijay Varma) and he is joined by Sunil Sachdeva (Karan Desai) and Rajendra Nangia (Girish Dhameja). The crew comprises Indrani (Patralekhaa), Chhaya (Additi Gupt

Despite positive reviews, Akshay Kumar's latest film, Khel Khel Mein, directed by Mudassar Aziz, hasn't been performing well at the box office. The comedy showcases Akshay's return to the genre after a string of action films and biopics. In the film, he plays Rishabh, a plastic surgeon facing marital problems with his wife Vartika (Vaani Kapoor). Akshay Kumar's Dedication Highlighted by Director In a recent interview with Indian Express, Mudassar addressed Akshay's recent box office struggles. He expressed confidence in the actor's ability to overcome this phase. "I am too junior in the film industry to comment on someone as accomplished as Akshay Kumar," said Mudassar. "He has a 33-year career in entertainment and constantly strives to prove himself. He's a deep thinker who considers multiple factors, so I'm sure he's already strategizing a comeback. After all, form is temporary, but class is permanent." Drawing Parallels with S

The upcoming Netflix series IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack promises to offer a gripping portrayal of one of India’s most infamous aviation crises. The series features an ensemble cast led by actor Vijay Varma, who plays the pilot caught in the middle of the ordeal. In a recent roundtable discussion, director Anubhav Sinha shared chilling anecdotes about the real-life incident, revealing the intense pressure faced by the flight's captain during the hijacking. Vijay Varma on Preparing for the Role of the Pilot Vijay Varma immersed himself deeply in the role by undergoing a week-long training course in a flight simulator. He spent nearly 90% of his scenes cocooned inside a cockpit set, which helped him authentically replicate the claustrophobic and tense environment of the hijacking. Reflecting on the bravery of the real-life pilot, Captain Devi Sharan, Vijay highlighted how the pilot kept his composure under extreme pressure.  “To keep his cool, to buy time, and to make sure that the

Celina Jaitly, a vocal advocate of women’s and children’s safety, is aghast at the abuse of two little girls in Badlapur. “The Legislation alone will not bring sufficient impact unless awareness and public attitudes are changed,” she said. “Unless there is a rapid change in our judicial system and a quick redress system in place, the perpetrators would have no fear of the law and will continue their shameful acts without remorse. Given how much crimes of sexual violence have increased in general, only public executions of the perpetrators of these heinous crimes will set an example.” Celina is alarmed at the rising numbers of child abuse in our country. “Children are the greatest gift to humanity and their abuse is one of the most heinous crimes. While the growing atrocities against women continue to shatter my heart, child sexual abuse has become an epidemic in our country. To even think of two babies at the age of 4 being subjected to the never-ending lust of the Indian male has mad

Rajkummar Rao, alongside Shraddha Kapoor and the rest of the Stree gang, returned to the big screen with the much-anticipated sequel, Stree 2. Despite a three-way clash with John Abraham’s Vedaa and Akshay Kumar's Khel Khel Mein, Stree 2 emerged as a box-office success. In an interview with Bollywood Hungama, Rajkummar Rao shared insights into the filming process and his experience working with director Amar Kaushik. A Family-Like Atmosphere on the Sets Rajkummar Rao opened up about the unique atmosphere on the sets of Stree 2. He revealed how Amar Kaushik, the director, fostered a sense of camaraderie that made the cast and crew feel like family. When asked if the team ever tried to scare each other on set, given the horror-comedy genre of the film, Rao immediately denied it, instead describing a lively and joyful environment. "All of us were laughing right, left, and center. It was crazy, especially for me, Abhishek [Banerjee], and Aparshakti [Khurana] because we kept meet

The recent success of Stree 2 has sparked a flurry of discussions, from the film's box office performance to behind-the-scenes tidbits. In a candid conversation, actor Abhishek Banerjee shared a surprising revelation about his breakout role as Jana in the 2018 horror-comedy Stree. The actor, who is now widely recognized for his portrayal of the quirky and endearing character who returned in Bhediya and Stree 2, revealed that he wasn’t initially supposed to play the role. Another actor had been considered for the part. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Abhishek recounted how he didn’t want to play the role before but director Amar Kaushik had originally auditioned him for the role. However, he didn’t get cast for Jana and some other actor had landed the role. Due to some casting changes, Amar Kaushik showed the audition tape to producer Dinesh Vijan and the decision was made to cast him as Jana. “Raj & DK had written the character (in the first part). They had i

On Monday, August 26, 2024, the beloved comedy film No Entry celebrated its 19th anniversary. Directed by Anees Bazmee, the film starred a stellar ensemble cast, including Salman Khan, Anil Kapoor, Fardeen Khan, Esha Deol, Lara Dutta, Celina Jaitly, and Boman Irani. A Blast from the Past Taking to Instagram, Fardeen Khan expressed his gratitude and nostalgia for being part of this iconic film. He shared a heartfelt post, reminiscing about his character Sunny and the incredible team that brought No Entry to life. Fardeen extended his appreciation to his co-stars, Anil Kapoor and Salman Khan, whose charisma and star power elevated the film. He also praised the female leads, Esha Deol, Lara Dutta, Bipasha Basu, and Celina Jaitly, for their unique contributions that made No Entry a hilarious rollercoaster ride. Behind the Scenes Magic The actor didn't forget to acknowledge the brilliance of director Anees Bazmee, whose vision and guidance shaped the film into a comedy classic. Fardee

Esha Deol began her career in 2002 with Koi Mere Dil Se Poochhe. She was then seen in some interesting films and even collaborated with a director like Anurag Basu (for Kucch To Hai; 2003). Sadly, none of the films worked. Things changed a bit in 2004 once she was seen in Mani Ratnam’s Yuva. This was followed by Dhoom, her first big hit that made her a household name. During the 20th anniversary celebrations of Dhoom, Esha Deol spoke about the pre-Dhoom phase of her career exclusively with Bollywood Hungama. When asked if it was a tough time for her, she said, “You can’t say ‘My films are not working, I don’t want to do (work in films)’. If that was my attitude, I would have stopped working long back. Also, you can’t hold yourself responsible for a film as it’s not in your hands wholly and solely. There are so many factors to a film – the director, story, editing, time of the release, amount of screens you’re getting, etc. It’s a different ball game altogether. My vision and my focus

Tamannaah Bhatia and Vijay Varma were the picture of romance as they stepped out together in Mumbai on Sunday night. The couple, who have been quite open about their relationship, were seen holding hands and matching their outfits in white and blue. Vijay carried a grey jacket to complete his look, while Tamannaah looked effortlessly chic in a white top and blue jeans. The pair's coordinated style added to the charm as they made their way through the city. A public display of Affection The couple’s public appearances have been making headlines ever since their romance blossomed during the filming of Lust Stories 2. Their latest outing was no exception, as the paparazzi captured the duo walking together, exuding love and affection. In a video shared on Instagram, Vijay can be seen giving a thumbs-up to the cameras while escorting Tamannaah to their car. The moment, filled with sweet gestures, only solidified their status as one of Bollywood’s favourite couples.   View this post

Fashion designer and actress Masaba Gupta recently celebrated an intimate baby shower as she prepares to welcome her first child with husband Satyadeep Misra. The event, hosted by her close friends Sonam Kapoor, Rhea Kapoor, and Pooja Dhingra, was filled with love, laughter, and warm moments, as seen in the glimpses shared on social media. Star-studded guest list The baby shower was a cozy affair with only close family and friends in attendance. Among the guests were Masaba’s mother, veteran actress Neena Gupta, Soni Razdan, and Shaheen Bhatt. The celebration captured several candid moments, including Masaba giving a heartfelt speech. Stylist Tanvi Ghavri shared a picture of the mom-to-be on Instagram, highlighting the warmth and joy of the occasion. Heartwarming moments captured One of the highlights of the event was a photograph of Sonam Kapoor, Rhea Kapoor, and Masaba Gupta posing together. The bond between the trio was evident, with Rhea hugging Masaba and Sonam leaning in affe

Bollywood star Ayushmann Khurrana tasted massive box-office success with his last release Dream Girl 2. The film collected over Rs. 100 crore in India making it Ayushmann’s biggest opening to date. Marking the one-year anniversary of his super hit film, Khurrana took to Instagram to express his gratitude for all the love he has received. He posted a hilarious video on his Instagram today where he receives a surprise box, with Pooja’s belongings, only to then get a call from another Pooja, selling a credit card!   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Ayushmann Khurrana (@ayushmannk) Talking about the one-year anniversary in the video Ayushmann says, “The love and appreciation that Dream Girl 2 keeps on garnering has truly been a delight! The film will always hold a special place in my heart, not only because of the success it has achieved but also because of the joy it has spread amongst people. As an actor, if you can evoke a sense of happiness in your audience and bring

ZEE5’s upcoming web series Murshid will see veteran actor Kay Kay Menon in the titular role of an underworld don. Zakir Hussain, another seasoned actor, will be seen playing his nemesis. The show is directed by Shravan Tiwari, and it also stars Tanuj Virvani and Rajesh Shringarpure. It tells the story of Menon and Hussain’s characters who are forced to take up weapons after ‘retiring’ from the underworld. Mumbai has had a history of the underworld and a part of the story of Murshid also takes place 20 years ago. In an exclusive chat with Bollywood Hungama, Zakir Hussain answered whether the story is inspired from any real underworld occurrence from Mumbai’s history. He said, “Not exactly. I don’t think so. This is a fictional story based on Mumbai’s history. I feel we have seen so many stories based on the underworld, and I have acted in some. So, this is a fictional story like them.” Menon’s Murshid and Hussain’s Farid are at loggerheads in the show. “There comes a point where they

Keralite Sound Engineer Resul Pookutty is an integral part of the Malayalam film industry. Expressing all support and praise for the Hema Committee’s report on sexual harassment in the Malayalam film industry, Resul expressed some reservations. “There is a lot of interpersonal rivalry played out in the report. Many fearless voices weren’t called for reporting. For example, actress Shwetha Menon, who was part of WCC (Women in Cinema Collective). Sir, this gender bullying is everywhere, is the corporate sector any less unsafe for women? The optimum power-play happens in the medical field. So, morally judging the industry, just because we are in the glamour field is wrong. But if we are talking about the ethics of it, then yes, I agree totally with the Hema Committee,” he said. Resul feels the entire Malayalam film industry as morally corrupt is unreasonable. “In view of the report, portraying film industry judging it from a moral stand point is wrong. Every industry has a kind of power

Actor-politician Kangana Ranaut is gearing up for the release of her film Emergency, in which she not only stars but also directs. The film portrays Ranaut in the role of India’s former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. As the promotions for the film intensify, Kangana has opened up about the aspects of Indira Gandhi's personality that she admires and criticizes. In an exclusive conversation with Bollywood Hungama, Kangana shared her thoughts on what drew her to the character of Indira Gandhi. The actress remarked on Gandhi's privileged upbringing and her determination to prove herself in a male-dominated political landscape, as well as her struggles with ego and immaturity in dealing with challenges. One of the qualities that Kangana admires in Indira Gandhi is her determination to establish herself despite the privileges she was born with. As the daughter of India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, Gandhi grew up in a world of politics, surrounded by power and influence.

On the evening of August 22, 2024, Netflix’s Sector 36 had its world premiere at the prestigious Indian Film Festival of Melbourne. The film's screening was a highly anticipated event, with star Vikrant Massey, who plays the role of Prem Singh, in attendance. As the credits rolled, the audience was left captivated, teary-eyed, and shocked, a testament to the film's powerful storytelling and the cast's commendable performances. The night was marked by enthusiastic applause and praises, solidifying Sector 36 as a standout highlight at the festival. Directed by Aditya Nimbalkar, this intense crime thriller is produced by Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films and Jio Studios. Inspired by true events, Sector 36 follows the harrowing tale of several children who mysteriously go missing from a slum in Sector 36. As the tension rises, a relentless police officer embarks on a chilling investigation, confronting a cunning serial killer. Vikrant Massey and Deepak Dobriyal deliver gripping per

The Ranbir Kapoor-starrer Animal, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, faced significant criticism upon its release for its perceived misogynistic themes and glorification of toxic masculinity. Despite being one of the biggest hits of the year, the film remains a polarising subject in Ranbir's career. Now, Ranbir's father-in-law, filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has addressed these criticisms, stating that such reactions are an "occupational hazard" for actors. Mahesh Bhatt REACTS to Animal Being Polarised Film In an interview with Hindustan Times, Bhatt acknowledged the nature of the film, saying, "That's also part of entertainment... It is a blood sport. You get into the arena and there will be people celebrating you falling down and there will be people celebrating you triumphing." He explained that choosing to be a performer comes with the risk of facing both praise and criticism.   Bhatt further added, "Those at the receiving end of such criticism have ch

Vidhu Vinod Chopra graced the launch of his daughter Ishaa Vinod Chopra’s book, 'Finding Order In Disorder: A Bipolar Memoir'. Published by Om Books International, it is about Ishaa's battle with bipolar disorder. Vidhu was joined by Shantanu Ray Chaudhuri, editor-in-chief of Om Books International, Dr Rajesh M Parikh, the Director of Medical Research and Hon. Neuropsychiatrist at the Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre and Aastha Kottary, who runs a podcast named 'Slow Down With Aastha'. All of them raised some important points on mental health and also raised laughs. Dr Rajesh M Parikh revealed that when creative people in history went through depression, it reflected in their art. He proved his point by showing paintings of Picasso in the ‘Pink Period’ – when his artwork was vibrant and the ‘Blue Period’ – when he went through a low, resulting in paintings that were in sync with the state of his mind. Dr Parikh then decided to come closer home. He joked as he s

The documentary Angry Young Men was released on Amazon Prime Video on August 20, and it educated viewers about some fascinating trivia. It is about the glorious career of Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar, who were known as Salim-Javed and how they changed the course of Indian cinema. A landmark year in their lives was 1975 when they wrote Sholay as well as Deewaar. It’s fascinating that two classic films were released in the same year. Shockingly, while Deewaar got multiple awards, Sholay, which was a bigger hit, got only the Filmfare Award for Best Editing. Journalist Anupama Chopra appeared in the documentary in the second episode and she said, “I remember when I interviewed Javed saab, he was saying how they didn't get any awards for Sholay because they got it for Deewaar. And he remarked, ‘You should never do too much good work in a year’!” She added, “But imagine writers who produced Sholay and Deewaar in the same year.” Ranjani Mazumdar, professor of cinema studies, JNU Delhi re

Fashion designer Manish Malhotra reflected on his 30-year friendship with director Karan Johar, which began when they worked together on Aditya Chopra's Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. At the time, Karan was an assistant director, and Manish was the costume designer. Manish fondly recalled their bond and acknowledged the challenges of working professionally with a close friend. He also addressed Karan's claim about their one professional spat, where they ended up throwing lehengas at each other. Appearing on the We Are Yuvaa YouTube channel, Manish said, “I’ll tell you how I met him. Sridevi called me for Gumrah, which was produced by Yash Johar ji, and on set was where I met Karan. And then, whenever I used to call Yash ji with questions, Karan would pick up the phone. I would just say, ‘Can I speak with Yash ji?’ One day, he just told me, ‘You never say hi’. And I said, ‘Oh, I’m so sorry. Hi Karan, how are you, can I speak to Yash ji’. So it became like that. And then I met him

The glittering Septimius Awards in Amsterdam, renowned for honoring the very best in global cinema, has just announced its 2024 winners—and Maidaan, the sports biographical drama, has secured the prestigious Best Asian Film Award. Held at the iconic Tuschinski Theater on August 20th, the Septimius Awards are a celebration of cinematic excellence on a grand scale. Often referred to as the "Oscars of Europe," this event is a magnet for the industry’s elite, where the world’s top filmmakers and actors come together to honor creativity and innovation. This year, the ceremony was graced by a stellar lineup of BAFTA, Emmy, and Oscar winners, including the likes of Jenny Beavan, David Parfitt, Kevin Willmott, and Sir Christopher Hampton. On winning this international accolade Director Amit Ravindernath Sharma shared," This is a truly special feeling, and words cannot fully capture the joy I am experiencing at this moment. Maidaan is a labor of love, and I am deeply grateful f

As Seekers embark on their first task of MTV Dark Scroll - Muqabla Anjaan Se, Amit Sadh unfurled the spooky scroll and introduced ‘Lambi Dehar Mines’ the first location in Uttarakhand. The investigation began with Team One—Kartik, Swati, and Angel—tasked communicating with the entity of the mine’s manager, Team Two-Sahil, Anubhuti, and Paarth-entering the haunted mines to connect with the spirits of the long-deceased miners and Team Three-Aryan, Mian and Sasa-who were tasked with communicating with the spirits of children believed to be trapped within the mines. Following the three stages of paranormal investigation-acclimatize, trigger, and communicate-they set to work. During the session, Mian and Aryan spotted an entity through the Thermal Cam. As they brought the remaining toys to Sasa, she continued to break them, yet the entities grew unresponsive. In a moment of grave error, Aryan broke the cardinal rule by revealing to the spirits that they were dead, putting the team's li

Radio jockey J Man recently shared a captivating tale of his visit to Shah Rukh Khan's iconic residence, Mannat. The encounter left a lasting impression on him, filled with awe and admiration for the superstar. A Glimpse into Mannat’s Study On the "Inside the Mind with Rushabh" podcast, J Man described the journey through the back entrance of Mannat, leading up a staircase to Shah Rukh Khan's personal study. The room, adorned with numerous awards, showcased the superstar's remarkable achievements. He recalled, “The stairs are dark, wooden, with glass on one side.” The highlight of the visit was the moment J Man encountered Shah Rukh Khan himself. The actor's casual attire and warm greeting exuded a sense of down-to-earth charm, despite his immense stardom. He further added, “There was a white curtain, and standing there in jeans, a t-shirt, and holding a black coffee, was Shah Rukh Khan himself. He turned around and greeted us with a simple, ‘Hey guys,’ and

The recently released docu-series Angry Young Men has delved deep into the lives and careers of the iconic writing duo Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar, popularly known as Salim-Javed. One of the most poignant moments in the series revolves around the duo's eventual separation. Salman Khan, the eldest son of Salim Khan, offered a heartbreaking glimpse into the aftermath of the split. Recalling the day his father broke the news, Salman shared, “I remember when the partnership broke off, so my dad came home, he was disturbed. So, I was sitting at the dining table, and he said, ‘Javed and my partnership... He wants to break up. So I said, ‘Why? Didn't you say anything?’ He said, ‘No’. I said, there's got to be a reason. He said, ‘If he wants to go, he wants to go.’ So that's all he said. That's all he said.” Salim Khan's subdued response to the situation painted a picture of a man deeply wounded but determined to maintain a sense of dignity. Honey Irani, Javed Akhtar&

Director Ajay Bhupathi has hit back at actor Arshad Warsi for his recent criticism of Prabhas's performance in the film Kalki 2898 AD. Warsi had earlier expressed his disappointment with the film, particularly Prabhas' portrayal of the lead character. Ajay Bhupathi SLAMS Arshad Warsi In a tweet, Bhupathi defended Prabhas, emphasizing the actor's dedication to taking Indian cinema to a global audience. The director accused Warsi of jealousy, suggesting that the criticism stemmed from a lack of recognition in the industry. Bhupathi's response has sparked a debate on social media, with fans and industry insiders weighing in on the matter. While some have expressed support for the director's stance, others have questioned the need for such a strong reaction. #Prabhas is the man who has given everything & will do anything to take Indian Cinema to the world audience, a Pride of our nation. We can see the jealousy on that film, on him in your eyes just because you&#

Renowned chef Sanjeev Kapoor has opened up about a surprising incident from the early days of Indian reality television. In a recent interview, the culinary expert revealed that he was initially approached to be a judge on the first season of MasterChef India but was later replaced by Akshay Kumar. A Surprising Turn of Events Kapoor shared that he was eager to be part of the show and had started discussions with the makers when he was informed about Akshay Kumar's involvement. He recalled: “They had signed Akshay Kumar, a dear friend, a brilliant guy and a great professional. They said that now that we have signed him (Kumar), we want you as well. I said, 'Very good; I am very happy.”  Intrigued by the decision, Kapoor asked to be paid Rs 1 more than the actor. He asserted, “They were shocked and were like, 'More than him?' I said, 'Yes, this is my field.' They were shocked and they did not, and I was okay.”  A Return to MasterChef Despite the initial setback,

Rhea Chakraborty has unveiled the latest promo for her show Chapter 2, featuring Aamir Khan. In this intriguing teaser, the two stars delve into a range of topics, from stardom and films to therapy and coping with grief. Following her debut episode with Sushmita Sen, Aamir Khan marks the second high-profile guest on Rhea’s show. The promo kicks off with Rhea complimenting Aamir on his looks, setting a light-hearted tone. The conversation then shifts as Aamir humbly compares himself to Bollywood's other heartthrobs—Hrithik Roshan, Salman Khan, and Shah Rukh Khan. “Hrithik is handsome, Salman is handsome, Shah Rukh is really handsome, but me…” Aamir trails off, only for Rhea to quickly interject, “You are also handsome. I think the whole country will agree with me for once.” Aamir, with his signature self-deprecating humour, responds, “People make fun of my fashion choices,” to which Rhea playfully adds, “I never said you are stylish.” The promo takes a turn as Aamir becomes visibl

This year may not have been as successful as last year. But it has turned out to be super successful for films belonging to the supernatural genre. So far, we have seen three of them – Shaitaan, Munjya and Stree 2 – and all three have worked big time at the box office. In fact, these three films are also a part of the 10 highest grossers of the year. Stree 2  that has entered the coveted Rs. 100 cr club by the end of its second day running looks posied to see it's business grow by leaps. Interestingly, two out of the three films – Munjya and Stree 2 – are from Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films. The triumph of this genre this year was pointed out by veteran trade analyst Taran Adarsh on Twitter. Bollywood Hungama spoke with him exclusively on this trend. He said, “This genre has had 100% track record (in 2024). This has been very underutilized genre. Years ago, I distinctly remember watching a film called Jaani Dushman (1979) by Rajkumar Kohli in theatre. It was a huge hit. Also, Ramsay

Karan Johar took to Instagram stories on Friday night and posted a cryptic message about 'expectations from people' and 'pain'. “Remove expectations from people and you'll remove their power to hurt your feelings,” the handwritten message stated. Even though KJo did not include a caption, the photo has sparked speculation among netizens about the director's well-being. Interestingly, this comes a month after Karan Johar opened out about his dating situation, revealing that he has been single for a long time and is no longer looking for a companion. KJo was speaking with Faye D'souza when he revealed that he has only been in "one and a half relationships" in his life, and that while he actively sought companionship in his 40s, he stopped looking after turning 50. Karan said, “I am single and haven’t been in a relationship for a very long time. In fact, I have been in one and a half relationships in my entire life. I can’t tell you how much I enjoy

Stree 2, starring Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor, has finally been released, and it has already set box office records. The horror comedy drew an incredible response from the audience. Kriti Sanon lauded the film, describing it as a blockbuster. She resorted to Instagram stories to offer a lengthy message. Kriti shared the poster of the film and wrote, “Absolutely Killed it! It’s a BLOCKBUSTER! It’s a laughter riot with superb performances and an outstanding climax! @amarkaushik kamaal kar diya yaar!! So proud #Dinoo @maddockfilms You guys are on a roll! “@rajkummar_rao you’re sooo good my friend and the chemistry of you 4 @pankajtripathi @nowitsabhi @aparshakti_khurana is unmatchable! Laughed till my cheeks hurt!  @shraddhakapoor that swag and the hero entry-I wanted to whistle!!” In response to this, Rajkummar shared Sanon’s review and expressed gratitude stating, “Thank you so much, Kriti”. Amar Kaushik's much-anticipated sequel, Stree 2, has rocked the box office, setting

Actor Abhishek Banerjee is riding high on a wave of success following the release of his much-anticipated films, Vedaa and Stree 2. Both films, which hit theaters simultaneously, have not only performed impressively at the box office but have also garnered widespread acclaim for Abhishek’s versatile performances. Critics have lauded Abhishek for his remarkable ability to seamlessly transition between diverse genres and characters, showcasing his range and depth as an actor. Whether it’s the intense and gripping role in Vedaa or the eerie and humorous portrayal in Stree 2, Abhishek’s performances have left a lasting impact on audiences and critics alike. Expressing his gratitude, Abhishek took to his social media platforms to personally thank his fans for their unwavering support. He shared, “This double release was a unique challenge, and I am thrilled to see the love and appreciation coming in for both films. Playing such contrasting characters back-to-back was no easy feat, but the

The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) is due to hold its awards ceremony on Friday in the Australian city. Bollywood superstars attending the festival came to the streets of Melbourne to spend quality time together. Malaika Arora, who is also attending the festival, took to Instagram to post a photo dump of her stay in the city. Malaika can be seen leaning against a wall on a Melbourne street and posing with a number of other Bollywood celebrities, including filmmakers Karan Johar and Kabir Khan, actors Kartik Aaryan and Kill-fame Lakshya, and Rajeev Masand, former film critic and Dharma Cornerstone Agency COO.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Malaika Arora (@malaikaaroraofficial) Malaika wore a black crop top, brown mini skirt, and matching overcoat with black leather pants, while Karan was dressed stylishly in a black t-shirt, blue denims, and matching jacket. Kartik wore a grey suit, while his Chandu Champion director Kabir Khan, was dressed in a navy blu

Huma Qureshi has added another feather to her cap with the selection of her upcoming film Bayaan for the Asian Project Market at the 2024 Busan International Film Festival in Korea. The film is currently in production. Bayaan is director by Bikas Ranjan Mishra and produced by Shiladitya Bora (Platoon One Films), Madhu Sharma (Summit Studios), Kunal Kumar, and Anshuman Singh. The project is backed by the Hubert Bals Fund and has developed at the LA Residency as part of Film Independent’s Global Media Makers program. During the LA Residency, director Mishra collaborated with Craig Mazin (HBO’s Chernobyl) and received insights from writer Jeff Stockwell and story editor Ruth Atkinson. This mentorship has undoubtedly enriched the film's narrative and creative direction. Bayaan blends a local story with universal themes, capturing cultural roots while addressing broader human experiences. The film maintains a balance between honoring its origins and appealing to a global audience. T

The talented actor Avinash Tiwari whose Laila Majnu has created history, said that he is absolutely grateful for the kind of opportunities sent his way. “I would like to believe that they have helped me evolve into a better artist and professional. My opportunities have been able to provide me with the confidence to truly believe that we have it in us to take Indian stories, Indian culture through our flourishing film industry to the world. I want Indian films to be part of global popular culture,” he said. Avinash recalled the pre-release expectations for Sajid Ali’s Laila Majnu when it was released in 2018. “When Laila Majnu was first released, Imtiaz sir said, ‘A good film will always find its audience; it's for life.’ I wasn’t convinced at the time, thinking, ‘My film isn’t doing well in theatres.’ But over the past six years, we’ve received immense love and credibility from the audience for this movie. The film’s fans have been passionately recommending it and urging others t