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Showing posts from May, 2025

Ashok Saraf’s niece surprises him with in-flight tribute after Padma Shri honour

Veteran actor Ashok Saraf, a popular artist in Marathi cinema, received a unique and emotional salute just days after being conferred with the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award. While returning to Mumbai from Delhi, Saraf was greeted with a surprise mid-air tribute by his niece, Captain Aditi Paranjpe, who happened to be piloting the flight. Saraf had been in the capital to receive the Padma Shri from President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on May 27, 2025. The honour was bestowed on him for his decades-long contribution to Indian cinema, particularly Marathi and Hindi films. He was accompanied by his wife and fellow actor, Nivedita Saraf. What awaited them on the return journey was a gesture rooted in family pride. As the flight prepared for takeoff, passengers were greeted by Captain Paranjpe’s voice over the intercom. Known for occasionally delivering her announcements in Marathi, she took a personal turn this time. "Today’s journey holds a very sp...

Farewell Karachi book launch: Javed Akhtar brings the house down as he jokes, “Bhawana Somaaya mujhe dahej mein mili hai”; shares hilarious story of their first meeting, “I told her, ‘Main aapse do rupaye ki tip nahin lunga’”

Eminent journalist Bhawana Somaaya launched her new book ‘Farewell Karachi’ in the presence of Javed Akhtar and Shabana Azmi at a club in Mumbai on May 30. The conversation was moderated by Chirag Thakkar of Bloomsbury. The book is based on Bhawana’s family and their migration to India after the partition. Javed Akhtar raised laughs as he spoke about his first meeting with Bhawana Somaaya. Javed Akhtar said, “I met Bhawana ji in the pre-Shabana days! It means that I had not become friends with Shabana, forget being marrying her. Bhawana’s colleague Pammi Bakshi was my friend. Both worked in a magazine and I saw Bhawana’s picture in one of the issues. I found her face very attractive – deep eyes and deep expressions! I told Pammi, ‘Mujhe apne dost se toh milwao kabhi. Badi attractive lagti hai’. She assured me that she would set up a meeting.” Javed continued, “Those days, I was writing dialogues for a film in Hotel Holiday Inn. Pammi called me and told me to come d...

SHOCKING! Surveen Chawla reveals a director tried to kiss her after talking about her husband: “I had to push him back. I was startled”

Surveen Chawla has once again opened up about facing harassment in the film industry. In a recent interview with Hauterrfly, the actor shared a disturbing casting couch experience where a filmmaker tried to kiss her after a professional meeting, even after learning that she was married. Recalling the incident, Surveen said, “I will tell you a tale about Mumbai’s Veera Desai Road only. After the meeting at his office cabin, he came to see me off at the gate, and this was after I got married. And the strange thing was that we talked about this in the meeting also, he asked me how it was going and what my husband did, and it was just us speaking inside his cabin because he had a big office.” She continued, “So, when I came to the door to say bye, he leaned towards me trying to kiss, and I had to push him back. I was startled and asked him what he was doing, and I just walked off.” "Similar Experiences Multiple Times" Surveen admitted that this was not the only case. She said s...

Kajol channels fierce feminine power in custom Torani saree for Maa trailer launch

Kajol made a commanding style statement at the trailer launch of her upcoming film Maa, draped in a custom saree by designer Karan Torani. Styled by Radhika Mehra, the ensemble was far from conventional, it was a visual homage to the fierce, raw energy of Goddess Kali. The saree, an intense black, was fluidly draped to evoke the untamed grace associated with the deity. Mehra shared that the fabric was deliberately left loose and flowing, mirroring how “Kali Maa herself would wear it – wild, free, and totally unapologetic.” This unstructured silhouette allowed the garment to embody both strength and freedom. At the heart of the look was a striking gold corset blouse that functioned as both a sartorial centrepiece and symbolic armour. Intricately embellished with mirrorwork and bead detailing, the blouse fused traditional craftsmanship with a contemporary edge. “Part jewellery, part power statement,” the piece turned Kajol’s outfit into more than just attire; it became a declaration. ...

Arjan Bajwa recalls Priyanka Chopra shooting Fashion amid her father's cancer diagnosis: “She is someone who is extremely hardworking”

During the shooting of Fashion, actor Arjan Bajwa and Priyanka Chopra found an unexpected emotional connection: both were dealing with personal hardships related to their fathers. In a recent interview with Siddharth Kannan, Arjan opened up about this shared experience and reflected on Chopra’s strength and dedication. ‘We Were Talking About Our Fathers’: Arjan Bajwa on Personal Conversations with Priyanka During Fashion Arjan Bajwa, who played Priyanka Chopra’s love interest in Madhur Bhandarkar’s Fashion, revealed that the two shared a deep and personal moment off-screen while filming a sequence in Juhu. “We were sitting and talking while the shot was getting ready. She was asking me about my father, and then told me hers had been diagnosed with cancer,” Bajwa recalled. “I had already lost mine. So it was this moment where both of us were discussing something very personal amidst a film shoot.” Bajwa’s father, Swinderjeet Singh Bajwa, who was the former deputy mayor of Delhi, had s...

Trade experts give thumbs-up to Housefull 5 trailer, its murder-comedy angle and presence of 19 actors: "This is a film that will excite all kinds of audience, from masses to classes"

The trailer of the much-awaited film Housefull 5 has finally been released and it has enhanced the buzz for the film. The trade and exhibitors have also given it a thumbs up. Vishek Chauhan, owner of Roopbani Cinema in Purnia, Bihar, said, “I loved the trailer. After Donkey’s years, a film like this is coming which is targeting viewers across the spectrum. This is a film that will excite all kinds of audiences, from masses to classes.” Trade analyst Atul Mohan agreed, “It is what one expects from a Sajid Nadiadwala film like grandeur, vibrancy, humour, mass appeal etc. This time, there’s also a big assembly of stars. Moreover, all the previous four parts have worked big time.” Trade veteran Taran Adarsh explained, “I genuinely believe that never judge a comedy trailer on the basis of its trailer. Uske aage aur peeche kya hone waala hai, no one knows. This happens for a majority of the trailers but with comic capers, the makers only show a glimpse. The audience will eventually laugh ...

20 Years of Bunty Aur Babli EXCLUSIVE: Shaad Ali reveals CBFC changed ‘Phoolwati’ to ‘Phoolsakhi’ to avoid resemblance to Mayawati; also shares how the original draft had a scene where the couple try to sell the Taj Mahal for scrap

The con comedy Bunty Aur Babli (2005) was released 20 years ago, on May 27. On this special occasion, Bollywood Hungama exclusively spoke to its director Shaad Ali and among many things, he opened up about the cuts given by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The film was passed with a U/A certificate. Did the CBFC have reservations about the intimate scenes? Shaad Ali clarified, “They didn’t cut any intimate shot. It was barely one shot anyway. The only change they asked for was to change the name of the Tourism Minister from Phoolwati to Phoolsakhi as the former sounded very similar to Mayawati! It was during her regime that there were talks of the Taj Corridor. We were inspired by this incident and we spin a story that the Taj Mahal was going to be sold, that too by a minister.” Shaad Ali continued, “Since the first day that I spoke to Adi (Aditya Chopra) about this film, I insisted that ‘Agar yeh film mein Taj Mahal nahin bi...

EXCLUSIVE: Aastha Gill on her single ‘Paapi’, “I have been working on it for two years”; also reveals how Salman Khan provided her with ‘ghar ka khana’ in Hong Kong

Singer Aastha Gill, known for her chartbusters like ‘Abhi Toh Party Shuru Hui Hai’ and ‘DJ Wale Babu’ among others, has come up with her latest single called ‘Paapi’. The song is a dance number which is also performed by Aastha in the music video directed by Piyush-Shazia. It is composed by Puri while Prateeksha Shrivastava, Aastha and Charan have come up with the lyrics. In an exclusive chat with Bollywood Hungama, Aastha spoke about the journey of the song, her bond with Badshah and Salman Khan and why she is a proud 1990s child. How would you describe ‘Paapi’ and how was your experience of bringing this song to life? Honestly, I have been working on the song for the past two years. In between, we had left it as we weren’t able to crack the antara. But recently, I took up the song again. I sat with the co-writer of the song Prateeksha. We were able to crack it in one session itself. She came up with this beautiful composition. I wrote something; she wrote something. And when it wa...

Shana Naidu takes on Rana Naidu: Sunil Grover crashes the party in Netflix's wild promo video co-starring Rana Daggubati

In an unexpected move, Netflix dropped a teaser featuring Rana Daggubati and Sunil Grover together - marking a collision of two contrasting on-screen worlds. Known for its dark and intense tone, Rana Naidu now finds itself gate-crashed by the signature comic energy of Sunil Grover, resulting in a promotional crossover that has left fans both amused and intrigued. The video showcases a mix of intensity and humour, with Rana’s brooding character navigating punchlines instead of punches. While not part of the main cast, Grover’s presence is designed to stir interest ahead of the show’s Season 2 release on June 13. Speaking about the crossover promo, Sunil Grover, who is a part of The Great Indian Kapil Show on Netflix, said, “Rana Daggubati and I in the same frame? Even I didn’t see that coming. Rana Naidu is this intense, gritty world full of power moves, family drama, and action, and then I walked in with my own brand of chaos. The moment Netflix pitched it, I knew it would be madness ...

20 Years of Bunty Aur Babli EXCLUSIVE: “Hrithik Roshan was the original choice; he gave the idea for the ending; Rakesh Roshan was very keen that Hrithik should do the role” – Shaad Ali

The con comedy Bunty Aur Babli (2005) was released 20 years ago, on May 27. The film is memorable for its concept, funny and dramatic scenes, solid casting and of course, the memorable soundtrack. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, its director Shaad Ali spoke about how the film was conceptualized, the original casting and a lot more. The filmmaker is a very early riser and had an interaction with this writer at 8 in the morning in his plush office. Over a cup of coffee, both went down memory lane and hence, it was a morning to cherish. One of the first things that strikes when we watch this film is that you have been credited as Shaad Ali Sahgal… That’s how I was credited in Jhoom Barabar Jhoom (2007) as well. My nana and nani (Lakshmi Sahgal and Prem Sahgal) brought me up. Hence, I had the parents’ vibe with them as much as I have with my own. Therefore, I added ‘Sehgal’ to my name in the film’s credits. Bunty Aur Babli was your immediate...

RJ Mahvash on her personal relatability to her character in Amazon MX Player’s Pyar, Paisa, Profit, “I learned that being too nice can sometimes lead to people taking you for granted”

Amazon MX Player, Amazon's free video streaming service, continues to carve its niche in the OTT landscape with a bold and eclectic content slate. The streaming service recently released the corporate drama Pyar, Paisa, Profit, which has already begun sparking conversations. Based on Durjoy Dutta's best-selling novel, ‘Now That You're Rich, Let's Fall in Love’, the 20-episode corporate drama explores ambition, relationships, and the high-stakes grind of the venture capital world. Directed by Prashant Singh, the show follows four young professionals—Abhijeet, Saurabh, Shruti, and Garima as they juggle cutthroat careers and messy personal lives in Mumbai. Boasting a talented ensemble cast, featuring Mihir Ahuja, RJ Mahvash, Pratik Yadav, Shivangi Khedkar, Nitish Sharma, and Naman Upadhyaya in pivotal roles, Pyar, Paisa, Profit balances youthful energy with raw emotional depth, delivering characters you’ll root for, judge, and ultimately relate to. RJ Mahvash, who essays...

Neeraj Ghaywan on the response to Homebound at Cannes, "Some people came up to me, hugged me and broke down"

Neeraj Ghaywan is back with a feature film in the form of Homebound, 10 years after his remarkable debut with Masaan. The film is a moving drama starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor. The film was recently premiered at the Cannes Film Festival where it received an overwhelming response. Neeraj spoke about the film and its making in an interview with us. Ten years since your brilliant directorial debut in Masaan. What took you so long to return with a feature film? I've been trying to answer this question for a long time, but I’ve never quite found a fully formed response, perhaps because I was still grappling with impostor syndrome after Masaan. After the film, I received many scripts and interest from studios, but I often stood in my own way. I was searching for something where my identity and my work could merge—something that truly challenges me and resonates deeply with my values and my search for meaning in an increasingly disoriented world. I still don’t h...

Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli visit Ram Mandir and Hanuman Garhi in Ayodhya; videos and pics go viral

Power couple cricketer Virat Kohli and actress-producer Anushka Sharma recently embarked on a spiritual journey to Ayodhya, visiting the sacred Ram Mandir and Hanuman Garhi temples amid tight security. Several photos and videos of the couple offering prayers at the shrines have surfaced online, capturing their quiet reverence and spiritual involvement. The couple, fondly known as ‘Virushka’, was seen participating in religious rituals, receiving blessings, and accepting mementos from temple authorities. One heartwarming moment that caught fans’ attention was a photo of the couple smiling as they received a framed image of Shri Hanuman Garhi during their visit.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Bollywood Hungama???? (@realbollywoodhungama) Sanjay Das Ji Maharaj, the successor of Mahant Gyan Das of Hanuman Garhi and the national president of the Sankat Mochan Sena, spoke about the celebrity couple’s visit and praised their deep-rooted spiritual beliefs. He sa...

Sunil Dutt 20th Death Anniversary: Waheeda Rehman recalls, “All of us heroines felt very special in his presence”

Legendary actor and prominent politician Sunil Dutt passed away on May 25, 2005. Today marks his 20th death anniversary. Along with a quality performer, Dutt was also known as a kind-hearted human being. “A true gentleman” is how the legendary Waheeda Rehman described Sunil Dutt. “He was kind considerate and very supportive as a co-star. Dutt Saab ke baare mein jo tareef karen woh kam hai. All of us heroines felt very special in his presence. A wonderful friend, a devoted husband and a terrific co-star. What more can any woman want?” Speaking about the movies she did with Dutt, the veteran actress recalled, “The films I did with Dutt Saab didn’t become big hits. But I cherished every moment of Reshma Aur Shera which he directed. I even got the National Award for Reshma Aur Shera. Lekin National Award unhe milni chahiye. Every frame in Reshma Aur Shera was Dutt Saab’s vision.” From Nalini Jaywant in Railway Platform in 1955 to Rohini Hattan...

Tusshar Kapoor opens up about early career struggles and facing negativity; says, “Bahut neecha giraane ki koshish, bahut negativity thi”

Nepotism has been a hot topic in Bollywood in recent years, but not too long ago, actors from film families didn’t face as much criticism from the audience. Still, even veteran actors admit that some media scrutiny existed two decades ago. In an honest conversation with Hindustan Times, Tusshar Kapoor reflected on his debut year in the industry and the challenges he faced from those trying to ‘bring him down’. Tusshar, son of Jeetendra, made his acting debut with Mujhe Kuch Kehna Hai in 2001. He acknowledged that the conversation around nepotism wasn’t as widespread when he started, but it was already emerging. “It had started in my time, too. Especially if you were from a film background, then the glass is always half empty for a certain section of the media. You have to be very thick-skinned. Bahut neecha giraane ki koshish, bahut negativity thi.” Tusshar explained that a certain segment of the media was always looking to criticize star kids no matter what they did. He said, “If yo...

John Abraham to launch ‘Lakadbaggha: The Prologue’, a comic book based on India’s first animal lover vigilante film

Om Books International and First Ray Films are set to launch ‘Lakadbaggha: The Prologue,’ a graphic novel written by actor-filmmaker Anshuman Jha and illustrated by American comic book artist Brittain Peck. The book will be unveiled by actor and animal rights advocate John Abraham, who also serves as the Honorary Director of PETA India. The launch event will take place in Mumbai on Monday, May 26, with the creators and cast members from the ‘Lakadbaggha’ franchise, including Ridhi Dogra, in attendance. Adapted from the cult Indian action film Lakadbaggha, the graphic novel marks the first chapter in a bold new storytelling universe — one that introduces the world’s first animal-lover vigilante superhero. Blending sharp social commentary with a striking visual style, Lakadbaggha: The Prologue traces the origin story of its mysterious protagonist who protects the voiceless — one paw at a time. Speaking about the project, Anshuman Jha said, “I grew up as a kid in Allahabad reading Chac...

Suniel Shetty defends Aamir Khan amid calls for boycott of Sitaare Zameen Par over Operation Sindoor silence; says, “Hamesha Bollywood ke peeche pade rehte hai”

Bollywood star Aamir Khan is preparing to return to theatres with Sitaare Zameen Par following the disappointing performance of Laal Singh Chaddha. However, his slow reaction to Operation Sindoor has sparked calls for a boycott. In a recent interview with ABP, Suniel Shetty came to Aamir’s defence, highlighting how Bollywood has increasingly become an easy scapegoat. When asked if Bollywood actors should voice their opinions on socio-political matters, Suniel responded, “Hamesha Bollywood ke peeche pade rehte hai. Bollywood doesn't come forward in this. If it’s about the country, politicians will speak; if it's in the nation’s interest, we will definitely support it — that’s why we even make such films. We are trying to do our job. Speaking about my industry, I can say there are more India-centric individuals here than anywhere else in the world.” Aamir Khan’s movie Sitaare Zameen Par faced calls for a boycott after he delayed congratulating the ‘heroes of Operation Sindoor,’...

22 years of Andaaz: Suneel Darshan reveals, "Sudden fallout of Akshay Kumar's dates required a quick decision to put up this project"

Producer Suneel Darshan’s Andaaz completes 22 years today. Directed by Raj Kanwar and starring Akshay Kumar, Priyanka Chopra and Lara Dutta, the movie was a musical hit. On its 22nd anniversary, Suneel Darshan looked back at it in an interview with us. Andaaz is probably the biggest hit of your career Andaaz was a creation of destiny & fate. A sudden fallout of Akshay Kumar’s dates required a quick decision to put up a project. You swung into action? I roped in my team of writers Robin Bhatt & Shyam Goel along with a competent director-friend Raj Kanwar, who was going through a low phase, and Nadeem-Shravan to compose the music album, all of which was done in forty days of relentless effort. Just forty days? To bring in a novel effect, I decided to cast fresh girls opposite Akshay, hence Lara Dutta (Miss Universe) and Priyanka Chopra (Miss World) were introduced. The entire movie, shot in Mumbai, Pune and South Africa, was completed in six months flat. The...

Amit Sial hits back at Anurag Kashyap over entourage fee comments: "You have to bear the costs without complaining"

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap stirred conversation with remarks he made a year ago during an interview with Humans of Cinema, where he criticized the functioning of the film industry and called out the high entourage costs in Bollywood that significantly eat into a film’s budget. Actor Amit Sial has responded to Anurag Kashyap’s comments on how actors’ demands and entourages drive up film budgets. In a recent interview, he emphasized that producers should take responsibility and set boundaries, stating, “No one has kept a gun to your head.” In an interview with the YouTube channel Hindi Rush, Amit Sial addressed the growing issue of rising entourage costs in the film industry. He believes producers should be prepared for such realities, highlighting that these additional expenses and their impact on a film’s budget are “100 percent real.” Speaking candidly, he said, “You take someone who is high on a pedestal; you go to him as a producer, knowing damn well who he is as a person and an act...

Divya Prabha on how life changed after All We Imagine As Light, "The quality of roles being offered to me has improved"

Divya Prabha had a phenomenal last year with her film All We Imagine As Light receiving worldwide acclaim. She recently turned a year older on May 18. This happened to be her first birthday after the success of her movie. She got talking about her special day in an interview with us. This birthday was special as it comes after your career-changing film I don’t usually celebrate my birthdays. They’ve never felt that important to me, and I’m not sure why. But sometimes, I end up being on a film set on my birthday, so the crew celebrates, and I just go along with it. This year was no different. I didn’t plan anything special, but my close ones, friends or family, brought a cake, and I celebrated with them. For me, it’s really about the people around me. If they want to celebrate, I’m happy to be part of it. All We Imagine As Light has changed your life? All We Imagine As Light definitely brought more visibility. And I do feel that the quality ...

Sushmita Sen celebrates 31 years of Miss Universe win: “A historical win for India”

On May 21, 1994, a then-18-year-old Sushmita Sen made history by becoming the first Indian to win the Miss Universe title. Now, 31 years later, she is celebrating that momentous occasion with heartfelt reflections and never-before-seen throwback photos, calling it a “historical win” not just for herself but for India. A Crown That Changed Everything Taking to her social media handles, Sushmita shared nostalgic photos from the crowning moment in Manila. Alongside the pictures, she penned a powerful note: “21st May 1994 #Manila A historical win that introduced an 18yr old Indian girl to the Universe!!! Opening up a world of possibilities, highlighting the strength of hope, the power of inclusion, the generosity of love…” She continued by thanking her parents and expressing pride in representing her country on a global stage. “Happy 31st Anniversary of India’s first ever victory at Miss Universe!!! To have the honour of representing my country, I will proudly cherish forever!” Sen also ...

Sitaare Zameen Par producer Ravi Bhagchandka says Aamir Khan-starrer has "same spark" as Sachin: A Billion Dreams

After delivering the much-loved Sachin: A Billion Dreams, Ravi Bhagchandka’s next film as one of the Producers is Sitaare Zameen Par, which is a heartwarming Film by Aamir Khan Productions starring Aamir Khan himself. This Film is all set to release on June 20, and is already creating buzz with its emotional depth and feel-good energy. Ravi’s journey with the film began back in 2018 at the Berlin Film Festival, where he secured the rights to the Spanish original Champion. Later, during the pandemic, Aamir Khan saw the film and came on board. “It was the biggest dream of my life capturing the journey of Sachin Sir. After that, I wanted to back something that genuinely moved me and this story did just that. It’s a beautiful take on empathy, inclusion and self-worth,” Ravi shares. The trailer has received an overwhelming response, with audiences eager to see this heartfelt story unfold. "I truly hope it connects with people,” says Ravi. As Sachin completes 8 years this month, to t...

Kunal Kohli calls Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning “yawn fest”, suggests Tom Cruise to “make another one”: “Can’t end like this”

While Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning has opened to enthusiastic audience turnout in India, filmmaker Kunal Kohli is not impressed. Taking to social media, the Hum Tum director expressed his disappointment with what is expected to be the final chapter in Tom Cruise’s legendary franchise. “They Did the Impossible”: Kohli Criticizes MI 8’s Execution In a sharply-worded review, Kohli labelled the film a “yawn fest” and said it failed to uphold the franchise’s standard of high-octane entertainment. “They did the impossible. Messed up a #MissionImpossible film. What a yawn fest. Sad end to one of the greatest franchises ever,” Kohli wrote. He went on to add, “Will just forget they ever made this one and rewatch the rest of the great MI films. @tomcruise, now make another one. Can’t end like this.” Kohli’s remarks have sparked conversation online, especially given that The Final Reckoning is being viewed as the concluding act of the long-running Mission: Impossible saga. In cont...

Suniel Shetty and Athiya Shetty praise KL Rahul as he creates IPL history with centuries for three franchises

Actor Suniel Shetty and his daughter Athiya Shetty praised cricketer KL Rahul after he made IPL history by becoming the first player to score a century for three different franchises. Athiya Shetty took to her Instagram Stories to re-share a Delhi Capitals post celebrating KL Rahul, which read, “Fifth IPL hundred from the bat of the beast.” She added a red heart emoji and set the song ‘Believer’ by Imagine Dragons as the background music. Suniel Shetty also showed his support by sharing a photo of Rahul on his Instagram Stories, captioned, “A storm in disguise” with a blue heart emoji. KL Rahul set this milestone during his team’s (Delhi Capitals) IPL match against Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday, where he scored 112 runs. This marks his fifth IPL century. Previously, he had scored two centuries each while playing for Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Rahul has not recorded centuries during his stints with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) ...

Parul Gulati wraps up Cannes debut in a Benarasi saree cast in resin

Actress and entrepreneur Parul Gulati concluded her dazzling Cannes Film Festival debut with a powerful fashion statement that once again proved why she’s not just a red carpet presence, but a marketing force to reckon with. Being the owner of a hair extension brand, Parul made headlines with her red carpet debut. After making international headlines this past weekend for her bold custom outfit made entirely of human hair — a nod to her entrepreneurial journey with her hair extension brand. For her closing look, Parul reimagined the traditional Indian saree in a groundbreaking avatar. Styled and created by Mohit Rai and designed by Riddhi Bansal, she wore a custom Benarasi tissue saree dipped in resin, creating a sculpted, wet-look illusion. The metallic sheer drape clung to her form like a second skin — a seamless blend of heritage and futurism. On her Cannes experience overall, she said, “In 2020 when covid hit the world it hit my acting career too and i was very close to giving u...

Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan steal the show with ‘Kajra Re’ moves in this viral wedding video

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan were seen enjoying themselves at a recent wedding in Mumbai along with their daughter Aaradhya Bachchan. A video from the event, now going viral on social media, shows the couple dancing to their iconic song ‘Kajra Re’ from Bunty Aur Babli, much to the delight of the guests and fans. Singer Rahul Vaidya, who was performing at the function, sang the popular track as Abhishek took the dance floor and matched steps to the beats. Aishwarya, standing nearby, was also seen grooving lightly, smiling as she watched her husband enjoy the moment. Aaradhya was spotted beside her parents, soaking in the energetic vibe.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Bollywood Hungama???? (@realbollywoodhungama) The dance moment is particularly significant given the backdrop of ongoing speculation about Aishwarya and Abhishek’s marriage. The couple, who tied the knot in 2007, found themselves at the centre of divorce rumours last year afte...

Twinkle Khanna REACTS to memes about Akshay Kumar competing with Vicky Kaushal over Operation Sindoor film rights; calls out war hysteria and fake news

In her latest Times of India column, writer and former actor Twinkle Khanna has taken a humorous yet pointed dig at the ongoing flood of fake news and online frenzy surrounding the near-war situation between India and Pakistan. Among the many witty observations in her piece, one particular comment stood out — a fictional argument with her husband Akshay Kumar. “I just read that you are fighting with Vicky Kaushal over who gets to make a movie on Operation Sindoor,” Khanna wrote, recalling a phone conversation with “the man of the house.” His reply: “‘It’s fake news and my leg is on fire, so I will call you later.’” She quipped, “He really should devise better excuses if he just wants to hang up.” Her satirical tone reflects her concern over the growing blur between truth and misinformation online. From rumours about Islamabad being captured to unverified claims of nuclear attacks and malware threats, Khanna highlighted how fake news has spread faster than facts. “Even Jesus had to w...

Tanushree Dutta remembers her breakout role in Raqeeb; reveals, “We shot 18 hours a day”

Raqeeb is so busy trying to shock us with its high-voltage wantonness, it forgets to pause and refuel its creative motors. The narrative moves at breakneck speed, creating a highly charged, sexually defiant version of Abbas-Mustan’s Humraaz—about the benevolent husband, the adulterous wife, and her amoral lover. Jimmy Shergill sports theatrical rhetoric and flowing henna-coloured hair that doesn’t really suit him. There are three heroes, one heroine, two item songs, three romantic songs, three attempted murders, and a couple of funerals. There’s also a rather vulgar item song by starlet Sherlyn Chopra. The film’s only main female lead, Tanushree Dutta, tries to impress the naïve millionaire (played by Rahul Khanna) by claiming to enjoy Shakespeare. Sure, we believe you. As much as we believe the fast-paced film’s perverse quadrangle, featuring three besotted men and one woman. Tanushree does show potential—if only she would stop choosing such inconsistent roles. Director Anurag Sing...

Kiara Advani reflects on her MET Gala moment; pens thank you note saying, “Your messages mean the world”

Kiara Advani is still processing the overwhelming response to her debut appearance at the MET Gala 2025. A week after walking the red carpet, the actress continues to garner attention—not only for her look but for the massive engagement it generated online. According to data analytics firm Lefty, Kiara emerged as the “Top Key Voice” at this year’s MET Gala, leading with the highest media impact and social media engagement. Her appearance brought in an Earned Media Value (EMV) of $15.3 million, placing her ahead of several international names. What made the moment even more significant was Kiara becoming the first Indian actress to walk the MET Gala carpet with a baby bump - marking a milestone both personally and culturally. Sharing a video recap of her experience on social media, Kiara wrote, “Still soaking it all in… Grateful for all the love, kindness, and celebration <3 Thank you for showing up for my Met Gala debut in such a big way, making my special moment extra magical. Yo...

Vijay Varma moves into sea-facing Juhu apartment, marks milestone in career

Actor Vijay Varma, known for his varied and acclaimed performances across film and streaming platforms, has moved into a new sea-facing apartment in Mumbai’s Juhu locality. The milestone moment was shared in a light-hearted exchange with filmmaker Farah Khan, where a smiling Vijay posed with his arms outstretched and jokingly declared, “Mumbai ka king kaun?” The apartment, which overlooks the Arabian Sea, marks a new chapter for the actor, who reflected briefly on his career journey. “After Gully Boy, then Mirzapur 2, and ever since—no looking back, yaar,” he said during the interaction. Vijay Varma’s career has steadily grown since his early days in independent cinema. With notable performances in projects like Darlings, She, Kaal Koot, and Jaane Jaan, he has established himself as a familiar face in the digital space and mainstream Hindi cinema. His ability to adapt to a wide range of roles has garnered attention from across the industry. Farah Khan, who visited his new home, rema...

Karan Johar REACTS to Babil Khan’s viral breakdown video: “I felt terrible because I also have a son and a daughter”

Filmmaker Karan Johar has shared his thoughts on actor Babil Khan’s emotional video that went viral earlier this month. In an interview with Galatta Plus, Karan said he felt very bad after watching the video. “I felt as bad as people did as a parent when I saw Babil's meltdown. I felt terrible because I also have a son and a daughter,” Karan said. For those who missed the incident, here’s what happened. On May 4, a video of Babil Khan, son of late actor Irrfan Khan, surfaced on Reddit and quickly went viral. In the video, Babil was seen crying and expressing his frustration about feeling lonely in the film industry. In the video, he mentioned names of several actors including Shanaya Kapoor, Ananya Panday, Arjun Kapoor, Siddhant Chaturvedi, Raghav Juyal, Adarsh Gourav, and even singer Arijit Singh. Babil was heard saying, “Bollywood is so f****d. Bollywood is so, so rude.” The video left fans concerned and curious about Babil’s relationship with these celebrities. Soon after th...

Kalki Koechlin speaks on Bollywood’s ongoing “recession”: “Creative teams are being fired and rehired, smaller actors haven’t had work in two years”

Bollywood is facing a grim period both creatively and financially, and actress Kalki Koechlin has now added her voice to the growing number of insiders acknowledging the crisis. During her appearance on the podcast Aleena Dissects, the Margarita with a Straw actress called the situation a “recession,” offering a stark picture of the state of affairs in the Hindi film industry. “Recession ho raha hai… does everyone know that? There is a Bollywood recession,” said Kalki, adding that the wave of re-releases is a sign of creative exhaustion. “There is no content. Whatever they are making is not working… that’s why everything is stalled.” Kalki pointed out that there’s a sense of paralysis across the industry. With no clear understanding of what’s resonating with audiences, many studios have paused projects and reshuffled teams. “No one knows what’s working… there are no predictions happening… creative teams are being fired and rehired,” she said. “They just don’t know why it’s not workin...

Saiyami Kher takes break from shoot, begins training in Nashik for Ironman 70.3 triathlon in Sweden

Actress and athlete Saiyami Kher has taken a break from Mumbai and her shooting schedule to travel to Nashik, where she has started training for the upcoming Ironman Triathlon — one of the most challenging endurance races. This is her second consecutive year participating in the international event, post her win in 2024 when she completed the half marathon. Known for her disciplined lifestyle and commitment to fitness, Saiyami believes Nashik, her hometown, offers the perfect combination of peace and geography for focused preparation. Speaking about her return to Nashik and her journey ahead, Saiyami shared, “I have been shooting on a new South film that’s yet to be announced and was on Cricbuzz for the IPL. I needed a break..not to rest, but to go all in on my Ironman prep. My next Ironman 70.3, the European Championship in Sweden is less than 2 months away. I knew this race was going to be way tougher than my last one. The elevation, the course.. it’s a different beast. Coming to N...

Pallavi Joshi to make her Cannes debut with Tanvi The Great: "It’s been an emotional roller coaster working on this film"

Producer and actor Pallavi Joshi has always left everyone speechless with her incredible films. A 3 times recipient of National Awards, she is a talent in a league of her own, consistently making a significant impact with her work. Having come a long way in her journey, her contribution to Indian cinema has been truly remarkable. While she has already made waves with her achievements, she is now set to add yet another milestone, her debut at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival with her film Tanvi The Great! Yes, Pallavi Joshi is all set to make her Cannes Film Festival debut this year. With a vast career spanning television, films, and OTT, she is a name to be reckoned with. After delivering powerful films like The Tashkent Files (2019) and The Kashmir Files, and winning three prestigious National Awards, her Cannes debut marks yet another glorious chapter in her inspiring journey. While speaking about the same, Pallavi Joshi shares, “I feel incredibly fortunate to present Tanvi The Great ...

Parambrata Chatterjee on Bhog and his deep interest in supernatural genre, "I'm a big fan of Western horror films, right from The Shining to all the way to Jordan Peele's works"

Actor Parambrata Chatterjee’s horror web series Bhog recently started streaming on HoiChoi. He got talking about the Bengali show and his interest in this genre in an interview with us. Your web series Bhog is one of the eeriest things I’ve seen. What brought you this subject? I've always been interested in the supernatural ever since I was like a teenager. But somewhere somehow this interest was sort of lying dormant until about three-four years ago when I suddenly realized that there's a tremendous amount of curiosity and interest amongst consumers, among the watchers, among viewers, among amongst readers about supernatural literature; and a lot of that is being converted into audio stories. So, it started with an interest in audio stories? Yes, I got quite fascinated with the idea of audio stories based on such supernatural literature. And I also realized how much of a traction it's garnering. So, I myself got into it, ended up hearing quite a few of them. Not all of t...