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Showing posts from February, 2025

Anil Kapoor mourns Gene Hackman’s death, recalls his iconic performances: “A true legend whose legacy will live on”

Actor Anil Kapoor paid tribute to Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, who passed away at 95. Sharing a series of pictures on his X account, Kapoor wrote that he is struggling to process the fact that “the world no longer” has Gene in it. Anil Kapoor wrote in his X account, “Cannot believe the world no longer has Gene Hackman in it... His effortless performances in films like The French Connection, Unforgiven and The Firm are just a few times the world witnessed his genius. A true legend whose legacy will live on. Rest in peace.” Authorities have confirmed that the Oscar-winning actor, his wife Betsy Arakawa, and their dog were all found dead at their New Mexico home. Cannot believe the world no longer has Gene Hackman in it...His effortless performances in films like ‘The French Connection,’ ‘Unforgiven,’ and ‘The Firm’ are just a few times the world witnessed his genius. A true legend whose legacy will live on. Rest in peace ???? pic.twitter.com/XAIIab8PzN — Anil Kapoor (@AnilKapoor)...

Mrs. breaks viewership records on ZEE5 while breaking patriarchal stereotypes

Filmmaker Arati Kadav’s Mrs. started streaming on February 7 on ZEE5. An adaptation of the iconic Malayalam film The Great Indian Kitchen, the film stars Sanya Malhotra, Nishant Dahiya and Kanwaljeet Singh. The film is not only lauded for its message but has also achieved new benchmarks on the platform. Viewership records: Mrs. achieved ZEE5’s highest opening ever. It has clocked a cumulative of 400 million+ streaming minutes ever since its premiere. It is the best performing and highest grossing film on the platform, with sustained engagement even weeks after its release. The film has also been the most searched movie during its release window and continues to trend across social platforms. Also, with a Google user rating of 4.6/5, the film’s positive reception underscores its strong emotional and social impact. Endorsements from known names: Mrs. has been applauded by a number of film celebrities, including Tahira Kashyap, Saqib Saleem, Radhika Madan, Ali Fazal, Gajraj Rao, Vikra...

Rasika Dugal opens up on being called an OTT actor; says, “If someone wants to use labels like ‘OTT queen’, that’s great”

Rasika Dugal has had a fulfilling acting journey, featuring in cult favorites like Mirzapur and the OTT hit Lootcase. Since most of her projects have been released on streaming platforms, does she ever worry about being labeled as just an “OTT actor”? Rasika, who is preparing for Delhi Crime Season 3, said, “People have their own perceptions and they are entitled to it in a way. Sometimes, the perception can work in your favour, sometimes it won’t. There is nothing you can do about it.” She added that actors are often so immersed in their work that they rarely have time to follow public perceptions. “There are varying perceptions. I don’t really keep a track of it. Sometimes as actors you don’t even get to know what worked in your favour, and what didn’t. There are anyway so many things beyond your control. I don’t have a problem with these tags,” she remarks. For Rasika, it’s her work that speaks volumes. “I don’t feel insecure, therefore, about it at all. In fact, sometimes if som...

Jyotika on working with Shabana Azmi in Dabba Cartel, "Don't think anyone would think twice before wanting to share frame with her"

The very graceful Jyotika, who has done a slew of well-received Tamil and Hindi films, is very kicked about her premier foray into the OTT format with Netflix’s Dabba Cartel, especially for the opportunity it gave her to share screen space with the mighty Shabana Azmi. “Everything about Dabba Cartel was extremely special. Firstly, the banner, Excel Entertainment, they are known for creating some of the best web series. The content is always top priority. Varuna is a character I think I haven't played before. It's very very close to me and I think a common woman will resonate with it. So, I just fell in love with Varuna's character as I heard it.” She added, “Then there was one more major incentive. The stalwart actress Shabana Azmi ma'am. I don't think anyone would think twice before wanting to stand and share a frame with her. Not only is she such a brilliant actor but she is also such a magnanimous personality with you feel so empowered just standing next to her....

Daredevil: Born Again: Charlie Cox and Vincent D’Onofrio tease Matt Murdock & Kingpin’s new dynamic

At a recent press conference ahead of the highly anticipated third season of Daredevil: Born Again, stars Charlie Cox and Vincent D’Onofrio gave fans an intriguing look into the evolving relationship between Matt Murdock and Wilson Fisk, aka Kingpin. The two actors, who have shared a limited yet electrifying number of scenes over the past decade, teased a fresh dynamic between their characters—one that is as intense as ever but also uniquely different this time around. D’Onofrio, known for his chilling portrayal of Kingpin, described the internal struggles both Murdock and Fisk face, likening their journeys to that of vampires trying to exist in daylight. “Although we’re trying to live in the daylight, the two of us. We have that in common. We’re broken men. If you can think about the metaphor of vampires trying to live in the daylight, it’s a struggle that they’re going through,” he explained. This metaphor not only reinforces the darkness that both characters wrestle with but also ...

Jackky Bhagnani meets CM of Madhya Pradesh Mohan Yadav; discusses promotion of entertainment infra in the state

Actor-producer Jackky Bhagnani met Madhya Pradesh's Hon Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Monday during the two-day Global Investors Summit in Bhopal. Jackky, who attended the summit to discuss his vision for the entertainment industry in the state, highlighted Madhya Pradesh’s vast potential for developing entertainment infrastructure. “I thank the Chief Minister for the opportunity to share my views on Madhya Pradesh’s entertainment sector. He is a visionary leader with a clear roadmap for the state’s overall development. Beyond being a beautiful city with seven lakes, Bhopal has immense potential for large-scale entertainment infrastructure. We can think beyond films, music, events, and advertising. There is scope for more theatres, drama centres, post-production facilities and modern VFX labs,” said Jackky after the meeting. He said the state is also home to talented artists who carry the rich legacy of MP’s folk music. “We should promote them as well. I would love to contribute ...

John Abraham calls out industry’s entourage culture; accuses them of ‘sucking the system dry’

Amid many actors who have slammed the entourage culture and the inflated fees of actors, which further leads to extreme financial pressure on producers and doesn’t justify the high cost of filmmaking, is John Abraham. The actor, who is also a producer, uninhibitedly called out this culture and accused this culture of bleeding out the system and sucking them dry, pointing out the increasing budget of films. John Abraham spoke to The Hollywood reporter, where he opened up about ‘mental’ costs involved in the fees of male leads who demand as much as Rs. 100 crores in remuneration with Rs. 2 lakh being paid to the stylists and entourage almost per day. “It’s already hurting Hindi cinema. At this point of time, we shouldn’t be paying people to act in films because we don’t justify those huge budgets. The huge fees that we get paid, and we can’t load a film with entourage costs as well. It’s ridiculous. Don’t know if actors are thinking this way or is it their agent making them think differ...

Kaushaljis vs Kaushal Ashutosh Rana reveals how women as lucky mascots for him; says, “I believe females in my life have played an important role in my career growth”

Ever since Kaushaljis vs Kaushal premiered on JioHotstar, both audiences and critics have been praising its unique storyline and the way it beautifully balances relationship dynamics and emotions while adding a touch of light-heartedness to the narrative. Talking about the film receiving such an overwhelming response, Ashutosh Rana shared, “Our team was brilliant. In my career, I have witnessed that whenever I have worked with female directors, those films have stood out. Be it Dushman (Tanuja Chandra) or Sangharsh (Tanuja Chandra), and now it is Kaushalijis vs Kaushal with Seemaa Desai. So I believe that females, be it my mother, my wife, and my female directors, in my life have played an important role in my career growth.” Earlier, the actor had expressed his excitement about the film as he had said, “This film is a delightful take on relationships, love, and the modern complexities of marriage. Playing Mr. Kaushal was an absolute joy. He is a rare combination of an accountant who...

From Chhaava to Sardar Udham: 6 real-life characters played by Vicky Kaushal

A portfolio of 20 films in a career that is a decade old for Vicky Kaushal. And a record of six real characters played in these films. That’s a neat 30 percent—surely an awesome penchant for showing real on reel and growing as an actor? A source close to the actor revealed, “He has also green-lit couple of projects now that also fall in this category.” Clearly, not only is Vicky looking at enacting such roles, but also seems to be the choice for the industry to essay them. Said his father, legendary stunt coordinator Sham Kaushal, “When you come into this industry, you cannot be choosy. You have to look for work and take up whatever comes your way to make a mark! I feel blessed that my son is not only getting great roles but also is in a position to choose!” When I asked him which is his favourite among these six ‘real’ roles, he said, “Look, I am both a father as well as his admirer! I cannot pick any single role!’ Raazi (Directed by Meghna Gulzar) Though fictionalized in part, Vi...

Deepak Mukut credits Harshvardhan Rane’s conviction for Sanam Teri Kasam’s re-release success; says, “This journey wouldn’t have been possible without him”

When the idea of re-releasing Sanam Teri Kasam was first discussed, actor Harshvardhan Rane believed that the film would perform well. Long before its re-release, he predicted that the film would cross 35+ crore—a goal that has now become a reality. It is officially the maximum a film has made in its re-release phase. Even years after its initial release, Sanam Teri Kasam remains popular for its love story and music. The film has built a loyal fan base over the years. Its re-release has tapped into this nostalgia, introducing Inder and Saru’s story to a new generation. Harshvardhan Rane and Mawra Hocane’s on-screen pairing contributed to its continued appeal. Producer Deepak Mukut, overwhelmed by the audience’s renewed love for the film, has credited Harshvardhan’s conviction as a driving force for the film. “Harshvardhan Rane’s belief in Sanam Teri Kasam was unwavering. He was the first to say that the film would do 35+ crore on its re-release, and his faith in it was truly infecti...

Kabir Khan, Imtiaz Ali, Onir and Rima Das’ My Melbourne trailer OUT! Four powerful stories offer a unique glimpse into resilience and identity

The trailer for My Melbourne, an anthology of four powerful stories set in Melbourne, is out now, offering a glimpse into the unique, thought-provoking tales of human connection, resilience, and identity. Set against the multicultural backdrop of Melbourne, the film delves into the diverse experiences of four characters, each facing their own personal journey. My Melbourne brings together the creative genius of four renowned Indian filmmakers – Kabir Khan, Imtiaz Ali, Rima Das, and Onir. With its India release scheduled for March 14, 2025 across cinemas, the film revolves around four stories - all inspired by true incidents and each directed by different filmmakers, provides a lens into Melbourne’s diverse communities while addressing universally relevant themes of race, gender, sexuality, and disability. The narratives reflect both individual and collective struggles, ultimately celebrating the power of inclusivity, identity, and connection. Here's a glimpse into the four storie...

Zoya Akhtar expresses disappointment over Suhana Khan, Khushi Kapoor, Agastya Nanda, and other newcomers being ‘bullied’; says, “The audience is harsh with certain newcomers”

Zoya Akhtar provided a launchpad for a series of star kids like Suhana Khan, Khushi Kapoor and Agastya Nanda in The Archies. While they made their debut on OTT platform Netflix, the film received mixed reactions across as many trolled the newbies for their acting skills. Addressing the matter, the filmmaker insisted that some of them even faced bullying and revealed that she felt guilty because at the end, they were only following her instructions. In the recent podcast with Komal Nahta, Zoya Akhtar opened up about directing almost six newcomers in her teenage drama The Archies and also responded to the kind of reactions the film received. “They all are very talented, and I would love to work with them again. What I felt terrible about was that they were newcomers. I auditioned them. We gave them the roles. A very professional crew dressed them. There were all the best names in the business involved. I workshopped with them. I okayed the take, so it was me. They just did what I asked ...

EXCLUSIVE: Manish Shah of Goldmines Telefilms BREAKS silence on why he didn’t back Allu Arjun’s Pushpa 2 – The Rule: “I can’t take a decision that would make me lose money”

Manish Shah of Goldmines Telefilms is not just another industry player. He’s the game-changer who pioneered the dubbed film market, helping several South Indian filmmakers strike gold in the Hindi-speaking belt. But in 2021, he decided to level up. After years of focusing on digital and satellite releases, he took a theatrical gamble with Pushpa: The Rise – Part 01 (2021). The risk paid off as the film not only shattered records but also turned Allu Arjun into a true-blue Pan-India superstar. Hence, it was a shock when the industry, trade and fans learned that Manish Shah would not be a part of Pushpa 2 – The Rule (2024). As per a November 2024 report, “Mythri Movie Makers asked Manish Shah for a share in the revenues of theatrical and digital and TV rights of Pushpa: The Rise – Part 01. However, the Goldmines owner declined the request as legally, he was not bound to do so. The team at Mythri tried to convince him but Manish Shah remarked that it was thanks to his efforts and quality...

Agni reflects on his musical journey as he makes his music debut with ‘Universal Laws’; says, “It began with writing poetry at 16”

Ayaan Agnihotri, also known as Agni, has made his big debut as a musician with his recent single ‘Universal Laws’, which was unveiled on February 20 in a grand manner in Dubai amid the presence of the Khan family and close friends, including Salman Khan, Sohail Khan, Arbaaz Khan, Alvira Agnihotri, Atul Agnihotri, Sonakshi Sinha, Bobby Deol, and Himesh Reshammiya, Nirvaan Khan, Alizeh Agnihotri, Arhaan Khan, Sania Mirza among others adding to the glitz and glamour to this special occasion. As a singer, rapper, lyricist, and composer, Agni introduced his distinct identity through this track, which fuses thought-provoking storytelling with powerful beats. Produced, mixed, and mastered by Aditya Dev, ‘Universal Laws’ aims to be more than just a song - a statement, setting the tone for Agni’s journey as enters the music arena. Reflecting on his musical journey, Agni shared, "It began with writing poetry at 16, which nobody will ever read, as I can personally tell you they were not go...

EXCLUSIVE: Amitabh Bachchan’s CULT film Sooryavansham to leave Set MAX; Zeher waali kheer and Heera Thakur set to steal the spotlight on Goldmines Bollywood from June 2025

In June 2022, Bollywood Hungama was the first one to report the viral news that Sooryavansham-Set MAX’s legendary association will end in 2024 or 2025. Manish Shah of Goldmine Telefilms won the rights to the film in 2020. He told us exclusively 3 years ago, “Sony Entertainment Television holds the satellite rights of Sooryavansham till 2024 or 2025. Once the rights lapse, I’ll play it on my channel, Goldmines Bollywood. I am not selling the rights to SET MAX again.” Bollywood Hungama once again met Manish Shah a month ago and asked about Sooryavansham’s status. He confirmed, “It’ll arrive on Goldmines in June 2025.” He also holds the digital rights of the film and uploaded it in November 2020 on the YouTube channel of Goldmines. To date, the film has amassed a mind boggling 55.45 crore views and counting. Sooryavansham’s re-release? It’s the era of re-releases and when asked about Sooryavansham’s re-release plans, he replied, “I don’t have its theatrical rights.” ...

Preity Zinta recalls slapping Shah Rukh Khan on Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna set: “He wanted it to be real, and…”

Preity Zinta recently engaged in an impromptu chat with her followers on Friday on X (formerly Twitter). During the session, the actress reminisced about her experience filming Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006), particularly a scene where she had to slap Shah Rukh Khan. Directed by Karan Johar, the film starred Rani Mukerji, Abhishek Bachchan, Amitabh Bachchan, and Kirron Kher alongside Zinta and Khan. The two actors portrayed a married couple facing struggles in their relationship. How Preity Zinta Recalled the Incident During the interaction, Preity responded to an old tweet from 2015, in which she had shared an anecdote about slapping a co-actor too hard in Kya Kehna. Reflecting on the experience, she admitted that as a newcomer, she struggled with timing staged slaps to look real without making physical contact. She humorously noted that she later experienced “filmy karma” by being on the receiving end of slaps in other films. Why Preity Zinta Had to Slap Shah Rukh Khan Zinta then rev...

Kangana Ranaut announces Emergency to stream on Netflix on March 17

Actor Kangana Ranaut has announced the OTT release of her film Emergency. On Friday, she shared the news briefly with her fans on Instagram Stories. Kangana Ranaut re-shared a fan post on social media featuring collages of her and former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Alongside it, she simply wrote, “17th March releasing on @netflix.” Emergency, which premiered in theaters on January 17, will be available on Netflix from March 17. In Emergency, Kangana Ranaut played former Indian Prime Minister, depicting the historic Emergency period from 1975 to 1977. Besides starring in the film, she also directed it. The cast includes Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Vishak Nair, Milind Soman, and the late Satish Kaushik. Emergency faced multiple delays, censor issues, and protests from Sikh bodies over alleged misrepresentation of facts. In August last year, the SGPC sent a legal notice to the producers, claiming the film misrepresented Sikh history and characters. They demanded the removal of obje...

Viineet Kumar Siingh recalls being thrown off a horse during Chhaava shoot: “All were absolutely shocked”

Actor Viineet Kumar Siingh has been raking in praises for his role as Chandogamatya Kavi Kalash in Chhaava. The actor essayed the role of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj's (played by Vicky Kaushal) close confidante. He is also a poet and a fearless warrior, who matches shoulder-to-shoulder with the king in battle and also in jest. The actor had earlier revealed that the cast and crew took part in gruelling training sessions. It was for almost 11-12 months including shooting period, where they learnt how to use all sorts of weapons like swords, and spears and javelins, ride horses and adapt all bodily nuances of a Maratha warriors. Well, all of this physical learning process was not without blood and sweat, and not to mention risk and reward. While the action sequences in the film were class-apart, behind the scenes, a couple of injuries occurred. There came a time when Viineet suffered a bad injury. Recalling that frightful moment, Viineet revealed, “During the shoot of the Burhanpu...

15 years of Rann EXCLUSIVE: Riteish Deshmukh says, “It spoke about dangers of managed media much before it became so evident and obvious”

Ram Gopal Varma’s Rann completed 15 years on January 29. The film, starring Amitabh Bachchan, Riteish Deshmukh, Paresh Rawal, Kiccha Sudeep, Mohnish Bahl, Suchitra Krishnamoorthi, among others, received favourable reviews but it couldn’t do much at the box office. However, in the years to follow, it developed a following after its television and OTT runs. This might be because the film tackles the menace of fake news, which was hardly there 15 years ago but is very much in our faces in today’s times. In an exclusive chat with Bollywood Hungama, Riteish Deshmukh said that he rates Rann very high in his filmography. “Rann was an extremely important film for me,” he said. “It definitely spoke about dangers of managed media much before it became so evident and obvious. I rate it highly as I got to reunite with RGV and got to share screen with Amit ji once again under his direction. Also, I met Kiccha Sudeep on the set and eventually made a friend for life.” Rann told the story of Vijay H...

Ajay Devgn shares rare photo with his mother on her birthday: “May your smile never fade”

Ajay Devgn, known for keeping his personal life private, occasionally shares special moments. Recently, on his mother’s birthday, he posted a heartfelt black-and-white photo with her along with a sweet note. Fans also joined in to extend their wishes. Ajay Devgn shared a heartfelt post on Instagram to celebrate his mother’s birthday. Posting a photo with her, he wrote, “To love her and to be loved by her is an absolute privilege. May your smile never fade and your heart always be full of joy. Happy Birthday, Maa! Love you always.”   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn) Ajay Devgn’s last film, Singham Again, was a box office success. The action drama, inspired by the Ramayana, has crossed Rs 240 crore at the national box office. Ajay Devgn and Mrunal Thakur are set to share the screen in Son of Sardaar 2. The film, which began shooting in Scotland last year, now has an official release date—July 25, 2025. A sequel to Son of Sardaar, which...

Rajkummar Rao celebrates Patralekhaa’s 35th birthday with a loving post

Bollywood actor Rajkummar Rao took to social media to express his love and admiration for his wife, actress Patralekhaa, on her birthday. Sharing two stunning pictures of the couple, he penned a heartfelt message, saying, "Happy birthday my love @patralekhaa. I Love You," followed by a red heart emoji. Rajkummar’s Romantic Birthday Tribute Rajkummar Rao, known for his deep bond with Patralekhaa, shared an intimate and stylish photo of the couple where he donned a brown pinstripe suit while Patralekhaa leaned on him in a black pinstripe outfit. The second image showcased Patralekhaa in a breathtaking black and gold saree, exuding elegance and confidence.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by RajKummar Rao (@rajkummar_rao) The post instantly won hearts, with fans and fellow celebrities showering love on the duo in the comments. The couple tied the knot in 2021 after 11 years of dating each other. They recently made headlines for launching their own production ba...

Sonam Kapoor starrer Neerja turns 9: Ram Madhvani calls it "profound reminder of the strength of human courage"

February 19, 2025, marks nine years since the biographical thriller Neerja first hit the big screen. Directed by Ram Madhvani and with a stellar cast with Sonam Kapoor, Shabana Azmi, Jim Sarbh, and Shekhar Ravjiani. The film remains a powerful tribute to the courage and inspiring story of Neerja Bhanot. She was a brave Pan Am flight attendant who bravely sacrificed her life to save the lives of 359 passengers during the 1986 hijacking of Flight 73. Released in 2016, Neerja resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike, accomplishing 31 awards like the National Film Award, Filmfare Awards, International Indian Film Academy Awards, and Zee Cine Awards, amongst others. The film also performed exceptionally at the box office, grossing over ₹135.52 crore. Beyond its cinematic success, the film sparked conversations about selflessness, heroism, and the impact of one individual’s bravery. Nine years later, Neerja continues to inspire the audience with its message of resilience across ge...

Shabana Azmi wanted to ‘remove’ Jyotika from Dabba Cartel; says, "I kept saying ‘don’t take her’

Shabana Azmi will be collaborating for the first time with South star Jyotika in the female-led high-stakes drama Dabba Cartel that also features an ensemble cast of Saie Tamhankar, Shalini Pandey, Anjali Anand, Nimisha Sajayan, among others. Recently, as Netflix dropped the trailer of this upcoming entertainer, the entire cast came together to speak about the show and their camaraderie with each other, wherein Azmi made a heartfelt confession about not wanting Jyotika for the part she was roped in to play. During the launch, Shabana Azmi revealed that she attempted to convince the makers about not taking the Shaitaan actress for the part. “I have tried to remove two girls from this. One of them is Jyothika. She doesn’t know about this but I kept saying ‘yeh nahin usko lo (don’t take her)’. But these guys told me do what you want we won’t change her.” However, the actress added that she is grateful to them for maintaining their stand. “I am really grateful now that she’s here. Truly. ...

Reema Kagti, Zoya Akhtar, and Adarsh Gourav shares insights on Superboys of Malegaon at Meta event

After unveiling the trailer last week, to keep up with excitement for Superboys of Malegaon, the team has kicked off with the promotional activities. As a part of the same, the team visited Meta for an engaging and interactive session with aspiring filmmakers. Producers Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti, alongside actor Adarsh Gourav, took the opportunity to connect with students, sharing their filmmaking journeys, the challenges they’ve encountered, and the creative process behind the film. Along with offering an in-depth look at the unique storytelling elements and vision that define Superboys of Malegaon, the conversation aimed at not only being informative but also inspiring, providing invaluable guidance and motivation for the next generation of filmmakers and creators. Sharing a glimpse of the same, photos were dropped on the official Instagram page of Tiger Baby Pictures in a joint collab post with Excel Movies, along with the caption that read, “Conversations about filmmaking and lo...

Sunny Deol joins Border 2 battalion as filming continues in Jhansi

The Border 2 battalion just got stronger as Sunny Deol joins the shoot, reuniting with the franchise that has become a cornerstone of patriotic cinema. The legendary actor has begun shooting alongside Varun Dhawan in the secluded armed forces cantonment areas of Jhansi, where the film’s high-octane action and emotionally charged scenes are being brought to life. Sunny Deol, who has become synonymous with larger-than-life patriotic roles, is set to bring his commanding presence to this much-anticipated sequel. Paired alongside Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh and Ahan Shetty, the power-pack team promises to add new dimensions to the Border franchise, capturing the valor and sacrifice of our armed forces. Border 2 is backed by a stellar production team, including Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, JP Dutta, and Nidhi Dutta. Directed by Anurag Singh, the sequel promises to take audiences on a spectacular journey of patriotism, courage, and sacrifice. The film continues the legacy of showcasing t...

Sonam Kapoor sends good wishes to Aditya Chopra for Come Fall In Love - The DDLJ Musical, which premieres in UK: “Can't wait to see this take on a timeless classic”

Yash Raj Films has announced the cast of Come Fall In Love - The DDLJ Musical and Sonam Kapoor is super excited about it. The production house announced that top theatre actors Jena Pandya and Ashley Day will play Simran and Rog (Roger) in Aditya Chopra directed east meets west musical comedy, Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical. The play is based on one of the biggest blockbusters in the history of Indian cinema, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ). On Monday, Sonam took to her Instagram Stories and gave Aditya Chopra as well as the cast a big shoutout. Sharing the poster of the musical, Sonam wrote, “DDLJ but make it a musical! Can't wait to see this take on a timeless classic. Congrats to the entire team! #TheDDLJMusical.” Sonam has a very musical summer in the making! For the unversed, Come Fall In Love - The DDLJ Musical is set to play on May 29 to June 21, 2025, in Manchester Opera House. Directed by Aditya Chopra, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge is a classic that continues to...

Rajeev Khandelwal shares candid moment with Ravi Dixit: “Was wonderful meeting the real one”

Rajeev Khandelwal, who recently portrayed Ravi Dixit in The Secrets of the Shiledars, shared a special moment with fans by posting a picture alongside the real-life Ravi Dixit. The actor’s role in the series has sparked discussions, and this meeting offered audiences a glimpse into the real-life inspiration behind his character. The Secrets of the Shiledars has become a widely discussed web series, drawing significant attention from viewers. The storyline, centered on a treasure linked to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, has engaged audiences with its historical depth and suspenseful narrative. Rajeev Khandelwal, who played Ravi Dixit in the series, recently shared a picture with the real-life Ravi Dixit, giving fans a closer connection to the inspiration behind his character. The actor reshared a post by director Aditya Sarpotdar, adding a heartfelt caption, “Was wonderful meeting the real one.” The picture shows Rajeev Khandelwal and Ravi Dixit posing together, highlighting the bond be...

Aarya Babbar on not being invited to Prateik Babbar and Priya Banerjee's wedding, "We feel they both are being brainwashed by someone"

Aarya Babbar, speaking on behalf of his family, is deeply saddened by the Babbars being excluded from his Prateik’s guest list from his wedding with Priya Banerjee on February 14. “We’ve always treated him like an integral part of our family. True, we are brothers from different mothers. But I address Prateik’s mother as Smita Maa. My mother (theatre and film actress Nadira Babbar) treats Prateik as one of her children. We were very hurt when we were not invited for Prateik’s wedding,” he said. And now in a shockingly distasteful interview, Prateik’s new bride Priya Banerjee (his second marriage) has spoken of how “those who mattered” were all present at the wedding. Aarya is seriously hurt. He said, “Sir, does this mean we don’t matter to Prateik? My father is his father. For us, Prateik is as much a Babbar as a Patil. Chalo, aapne humein nahin bulaya apni shaadi mein. But why is that child (Priya) insulting us by suggesting we...

Ileana D’Cruz drops ‘indirect’ post confirming second pregnancy

Ileana D’Cruz hinted at her second pregnancy in her first post that she dropped this year on January 1. It seems that the actress is all set to welcome another child, over a year and half after the birth of her first son in 2023, with husband Michael Donan and has dropped another post on Saturday, indirectly confirming the news. On February 15, Ileana D’Cruz took to her Instagram page to share a story where she posted photos of her enjoying munchies like Kurkure and Tums Antacid with the caption, “Tell me you’re pregnant without telling me you’re pregnant.” The post further indicated that the photo was taken during one of her midnight craving binges since the actress also added a time stamp of 12:30 AM on it. Meanwhile, earlier the rumours of her pregnancy started when the actress shared the round-up video in which she was seen flaunting the ‘positive’ pregnancy test strip in the month of October. The video invited several reactions from the social media users who dropped congratulat...

Kartik Aaryan says, “I’d always celebrate my partner’s success” as he insists that his outlook is shaped by strong women in his life

Whether it’s his family, friends, or co-stars, Kartik Aaryan believes in uplifting the people around him and celebrating their achievements with a full heart, showcasing his green flag side to his fans and followers. The actor insisted that even if it is his partner, he would shower them with the same kind of appreciation over their achievements. “I haven’t been in this situation, so I don’t know exactly how it feels,” Kartik shared. “But if my partner were more successful than me, I’d be genuinely happy for them. Of course, I wouldn’t be happy about not being successful myself, but that wouldn’t take away from my joy for their achievements. I’d wholeheartedly root for my better half.” The actor revealed that this mindset has come from the strong women in his life who have shaped his outlook. “Even in my family, my mother and sister have always been incredibly hardworking, and we constantly celebrate each other’s achievements. My mom, in particular, has made sure that we talk about a...

Nora Fatehi express gratitude as ‘Snake’ crosses 100M+ views worldwide: “I’m forever grateful”

Nora Fatehi's latest track, ‘Snake’, in collaboration with Jason Derulo, has surpassed 100 million views across platforms. The song's beats, choreography, and high-energy visuals have made it a viral hit among fans and content creators. Reacting to the overwhelming response, Nora Fatehi expressed “THANK YOU. The love and support for my biggest international project yet has been INCREDIBLE! Im forever grateful This is just the beginning! #dancewithnora #Snake @jasonderulo.” Jason Derulo took to social media with Nora Fatehi to celebrate this major milestone, about , ‘Snake’ reaching 100 million views in a staggering just 3 weeks, expressing “This is…”!   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Nora Fatehi (@norafatehi) Nora Fatehi's latest track has gained attention from fans and industry peers, highlighting her presence in both Bollywood and the global music scene. On her birthday, Nora Fatehi shared photos with Tommy Brown on social media, hinting at a collab...

Nikkhil Advani believes adding 'masala and action' in Vedaa was a ‘mistake'; says, “I made it too entertaining, thinking people would come to watch the film”

Filmmaker Nikkhil Advani recently reviewed his films with rare honesty, including his last theatrical release Vedaa, which followed the story of a young Dalit girl who challenges caste discrimination. The filmmaker said the movie, headlined by John Abraham and Sharvari, succumbed to the pressure of being "too entertaining" to appeal to a wider audience. At the 7th edition of the Indian Screenwriters Conference (ISC) hosted by the Screenwriters Association of India (SWA), Advani was in conversation with writer Darab Farooqui on 'Entertainment and Social Reality: How they go hand in hand.' "I made a mistake when I made a film (Vedaa) on a Dalit girl who wants to do boxing, but something happens at her home, as a result of which the upper caste comes after her. I knew no one wanted to watch a Dalit girl's story but I still wanted to make a film on that”. "My mistake was that I made it too entertaining - putting all that action and masala, thinking people ...

Filmmaker Ravi Bhagchandka seeks blessings at Maha Kumbh Mela, takes holy dip

Filmmaker Ravi Bhagchandka of 200NOTOUT Films recently visited Prayagraj to participate in the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela, a significant religious gathering held once in 144 years. Seeking spiritual blessings, he took a holy dip in the sacred waters of the Ganga, accompanied by spiritual leader Swami Chidanand Saraswati. Marking the pious period of Maha Kumbh occurring once in 144 years and lasting over 45 days, the religious and spiritual convergence has witnessed the attendance of over millions of devotees, not just from India but also across the globe. Including prominent personalities from all walks of life, Maha Kumbh Mela has been denoting faith and unity. Ravi Bhagchandka also took the spiritual journey along with renowned religious leader Swani Chidanand Sawarwasti.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Ravi Bhagchandka (@ravibhagchandka) Ravi Bhagchandka, who produced Sachin: A Billion Dreams, is currently involved in multiple film projects centered arou...

Valentine’s Day Special: Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Shatrughan Sinha and other veterans list their favourite romantic films

Film industry veterans like Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Shatrughan Sinha, Rakhee Gulzar, Sanjay Leela Bhansali and others name their favourite romantic movies on the occasion of Valentine’s Day. Amitabh Bachchan: “Guru Dutt’s Kaagaz Ke Phool. Poignant and incredible theme, most lingering visuals, music, performances and the ethereal Waheedaji. She’s my favourite. Anupama, I just love the softness and simplicity of the film, its unexaggerated performances. It had a lyrical quality about it. This was a film by one of my favourite directors Hrishikesh Mukherjee. Bimal Roy’s Devdas: I have always idolized Dilip Saab, his portrayal of doomed love in Devdas remains unparalleled.” Sanjay Leela Bhansali: “Bimal Roy’s Devdas, Vijay Anand’s Guide, Kamal Amrohi’s Pakeezah, K Asif’s Mughal-e-Azam and Satyajit Ray’s Charulata.” Rakhee Gulzar: “Satyajit Ray’s Charulata, Vijay Anand’s Guide, Raj Kapoor’s Sangam, Raj Kapoor’s Bobby and Yash Chopra’s Kabhi Kabhie.” Asha Parekh: “Bimal Roy’s De...

EXCLUSIVE: Sanam Teri Kasam producer Deepak Mukut reacts SHARPLY to Radhika Rao-Vinay Sapru's claims on making the sequel: "The rights belong to me; It is their duty to reach out to me, not the other way round, especially since they are giving interviews about making the sequel"

The week gone by has been a historic one for Bollywood. Sanam Teri Kasam re-released and it has emerged as a huge hit. While it collected less than Rs. 10 crores in its original run in 2016, it is all set to cross the Rs. 30 crore mark in its repeat run, shocking the trade and industry as no other re-release has performed in this manner. A few days back, one of its directors, Vinay Sapru, of Radhika Rao-Vinay Sapru fame, revealed that they have begun work on the sequel and that it’ll be out on Valentine’s Day 2026. This claim by the director astonished Sanam Teri Kasam’s producer Deepak Mukut. He spoke exclusively to Bollywood Hungama about it. Deepak Mukut began by saying, “The IP of Sanam Teri Kasam belongs to me since I am its producer. So, the rights to make a sequel or even a prequel or a remake rests with me. In fact, I announced the sequel in September 2024 with Harshvardhan Rane in the lead.” He added, “As for the directors (Radhika Rao and V...

Vivek Oberoi expresses pride as he takes Holy Dip at Maha Kumbh: “Proud to see World’s biggest festival in India”

Vivek Oberoi and his family visited the ongoing Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj on Thursday, where they took a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. Vivek expressed gratitude to the Uttar Pradesh government for the Maha Kumbh arrangements and shared his pride in seeing the world's largest festival being celebrated in the country with immense love. Vivek told ANI, “We have come here to thank God... We want to thank the government of India, especially the government of Uttar Pradesh, their administration, and every officer present here for making such good preparations. It feels very proud that today, the world's biggest festival is being celebrated in such a beautiful way in our country.”   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Maha Kumbh (@mahakumbh_25) Earlier in the day, actor Vicky Kaushal also visited Maha Kumbh 2025 ahead of his upcoming film Chhaava, set to release on February 14. Sharing his experience, he...

Ranveer Singh leads a fun-filled family adventure in Abu Dhabi’s new campaign

Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh sparks family vacation excitement in Experience Abu Dhabi's vibrant new brand film "Family Holiday Dhamaal", capturing the energy and fun of families planning trips through WhatsApp groups buzzing with forwards, GIFs, and playful banter. “Abu Dhabi has always been one of my favourite destinations and I’m excited to be working with Experience Abu Dhabi again – it’s a place that feels like home but offers something new for everyone in the family to see, do and discover,” said Singh. “From the incredible attractions to the warm Emirati hospitality, it’s a place where families are not just visitors, but are truly welcomed as guests. And with Abu Dhabi’s incredible culinary scene, I’ve even found a spot that serves homely delicacies just like my mother’s—a speciality that make this city a food lover’s paradise.”   With his signature charm, Singh perfectly captures the appeal of Abu Dhabi on his family adventure. As the chief holiday orchestrator,...

Tejas Deoskar: Mahesh Manjrekar sir is a walking school of cinema

Having established himself as a successful and critically acclaimed filmmaker in the Marathi film industry, Tejas Prabha Vijay Deoskar made a remarkable debut in Hindi cinema with Chhatriwali (2023). The film was well-received by audiences, industry professionals, and critics alike. Now, the filmmaker is gearing up for his first release of 2025—Devmanus. The Marathi film features a stellar cast, including Mahesh Manjrekar, Renuka Shahane, Subodh Bhave and others. Sharing his excitement about collaborating with Mahesh Manjrekar for the first time, Tejas expresses, “Mahesh Sir is not just an actor but also a writer, director, and producer. He understands the business of cinema and every aspect of filmmaking. Working with him has been an incredible learning opportunity. During his free time, we would discuss cinema and the creative process in depth. I call him ‘the walking school of cinema.’” Deoskar added, “He once shared a particular insight that helped me save a lot of money during p...