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Showing posts from August, 2025

Karan Johar stunned by son Yash’s ‘nepo baby’ comment: “I don’t want to be launched”

Karan Johar often takes to his Instagram account to share updates about his films and personal life. On Saturday, the filmmaker posted a hilarious video of his son Yash on Instagram, in which Yash flaunted a ‘nepo baby’ shirt. Who gave Yash the shirt? Karan said that it was given by a female, who made him promise not to reveal her name. In the clip, Karan pointed his phone camera toward Yash as he proudly displayed his blue T-shirt with the words, ‘Nepo baby’ written on it. Karan said, “Oh my god, do you know what this t-shirt says, that you are nepo baby?” In response, Yash quips, “Yeah, but I don’t want to be launched!” He then dashes off in typical toddler fashion, while Karan, in mock surprise, adds, “What! Who is launching you anyway?” In the caption accompanying the post, Karan wrote: “He has a mind of his own. I am HAPPY!!! Ps..T shirts gifted to the twins by •••••• ( oops she made me promise I won’t tell).”   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Karan Jo...

Sonnalli Seygall on embracing motherhood: “New moms don’t have to bounce back”

Actor Sonnalli Seygall, who welcomed her first child, a baby girl, in November last year. She shared a heartfelt video on Instagram, reflecting on her pregnancy journey and the profound changes that motherhood has brought into her life. Posting the candid clip, the Pyaar Ka Punchnama actor wrote, “So I’ve been wanting to talk about this since a while. It’s important that we do, because far too much emphasis is being put on new mothers ‘Bouncing Back’” Seygall spoke about her deep connection with fitness before pregnancy, describing it as an integral part of her identity. “Before pregnancy, I was so connected to my body, fit, active, and proud of the way I looked and felt. Fitness was not just something I did, it was part of who I was,” she shared.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Sonnalli A Sajnani (@sonnalliseygall) However, she admitted that postpartum life brought significant changes. “The toned thighs I once had now carry cellulite, my abs softened in...

Trade Experts unite on Coolie vs War 2 clash: Coolie may have nibbled, but War 2 ate itself

When War 2 released, it entered cinemas alongside Coolie, the southern behemoth fronted by Rajinikanth and Nagarjuna, with the added curiosity factor of an Aamir Khan cameo. On paper, this seemed like a clash of titans across regions. But did Coolie actually dent War 2’s box office numbers - or were the latter’s problems more internal? The trade’s verdict is fairly consistent: competition may have nibbled away at the margins, but the real culprit was the content. Taran Adarsh admitted that Coolie had some effect, particularly in Tamil Nadu, Hyderabad and certain southern circuits, “Marginally. In Tamil Nadu and Hyderabad and few other sectors also. I am definitely not denying that. But looking at the content, the solo release would have only marginally helped. What after that? It doesn’t work that way as you need to have content. This is what a lot of exhibitors have told me post release when they saw the film - that they really need to work on the script; there has to be some change....

Kajol praises Kubbra Sait’s positive spirit; says, “She handles criticism with wonderfully positive attitude”

The year 2025 has been a busy one for Kubbra Sait. After a pivotal role in Shahid Kapoor’s Deva and a lively performance in Ajay Devgn’s Son of Sardaar 2, the actress is now set to appear alongside Kajol in the much-awaited The Trial: Season 2, the trailer of which was released today. The trailer for the season 2 of Trial was being launched at the grand event that was graced by Kajol, Kubbra Sait, Jisshu Sengupta, and the entire team. At the trailer launch, Kajol highly praised Kubbra Sait, saying, “As somebody who have worked with Kubbra in both the seasons, and also i have seen her off-screen too, she is among those who handles criticism, wit and any sort of negativity, with such a wonderfully positive attitude that she turns it into something else.” At the event, Kubbra Sait impressed with her charm and grounded presence, reflecting the ease she carries both on and off-screen. Recognized for her versatility, she is set to bring a new dimension to Sana’s character, and the trailer ...

EXCLUSIVE: Meet Sidhant Gandhi, the man who designed Ranbir Kapoor’s luxury brand: “Ranbir is a very calm and peaceful person, that’s what he wanted in the brand”

Ranbir Kapoor is known as not only one of the biggest stars but also one of the most talented artistes in the country. The actor expanded his horizon earlier this year by launching his own lifestyle brand called ARKS. Now, here’s the man who associated with Ranbir to design his brand, including its logo. Well-known designer Sidhant Gandhi did the honours and he got talking to Bollywood Hungama exclusively about his experience with Ranbir and his career. While describing his experience with Ranbir as “amazing”, Sidhant, who is professionally known as TooSid, said, “As soon as that project came, first the fanboy moment struck. It was like a big star is giving you full control to take his brand creatively anywhere. Ranbir was very decisive about what he wanted and what he didn’t. A lot of times we over-engineer one design and we try and put everything in one design. The brief for me was to make something that’s non-disruptive because he himself is a very calm and peaceful person; that’s ...

EXCLUSIVE: Meet Sidharth Gandhi, the man who designed Ranbir Kapoor’s luxury brand: “Ranbir is a very calm and peaceful person, that’s what he wanted in the brand”

Ranbir Kapoor is known as not only one of the biggest stars but also one of the most talented artistes in the country. The actor expanded his horizon earlier this year by launching his own lifestyle brand called ARKS. Now, here’s the man who associated with Ranbir to design his brand, including its logo. Well-known designer Sidharth Gandhi did the honours and he got talking to Bollywood Hungama exclusively about his experience with Ranbir and his career. While describing his experience with Ranbir as “amazing”, Sidharth, who is professionally known as TooSid, said, “As soon as that project came, first the fanboy moment struck. It was like a big star is giving you full control to take his brand creatively anywhere. Ranbir was very decisive about what he wanted and what he didn’t. A lot of times we over-engineer one design and we try and put everything in one design. The brief for me was to make something that’s non-disruptive because he himself is a very calm and peaceful person; that’...

Saiee Manjrekar opens up on her career approach; says, “Choosing the right project is far more important”

Actress Saiee Manjrekar, who started her acting career at 16, is now 23 and approaching her work with focus and patience. She aims to take on projects that align with her artistic sensibilities rather than pursuing a high number of films solely for visibility. Talking about her mindset towards work, Saiee said, “I started working very young, and in these years, I’ve learned that choosing the right project is far more important than doing too many at once. I’m in no rush to fill my calendar just for the sake of being busy. At this stage in my life, I want to work on things I truly want to be a part of stories that excite me, roles that challenge me, and experiences that help me grow as an artist. For me, a project should give me the freedom to explore my craft and bring something unique to the table. I believe that when you work from a place of passion, the results always speak for themselves. I’m happy to wait for the right opportunities rather than make hasty decisions that don’t ali...

27 Years of Dil Se EXCLUSIVE: Mita Vasisht reveals that Shah Rukh Khan saved her life: “I was about to fall in deep gorge, but he grabbed me…he’s an ANGEL in disguise”; also reveals she injured him during a SENSUOUS fight scene: “He told me, “I have broken every bone in my body; this is nothing!”

In May 2024, Bollywood Hungama exclusively spoke with Mita Vashisht about her film The Shameless' selection at the Cannes Film Festival. In the same interview, she also spoke about her experience of working on Dil Se (1998), which incidentally completed 27 years on August 21. Dil Se starred Shah Rukh Khan, who was also seen in her 1991 mini–TV series, Ahmaq. Incidentally, both are born on November 2. On this, Mita Vashisht said, “Yes, we share our birthday, and we also shared a lot of good times off set and also on screen. He’s also a wonderful human being and very caring for his co-actors. At that time of Ahmaq, he was already being talked about; during Dil Se, he had become a big star. In this film, there was a fight sequence between Shah Rukh and me, which was chopped off. He tracks me down while rehearsing for the attack on Republic Day parade, as he wants to track down Manisha Koirala’s character. I give him a slip, but he manages to ca...

Two cult hits, two crashing sequels: The STRANGE, shared fate of War 2 and Joker: Folie à Deux

The biggest Hindi film of 2025, War 2, has turned out to be a big debacle. The film opened below expectations on Thursday, August 14. The growth on Friday, August 15, did provide some hope. But the drop in the collections over the weekend was alarming. The film then crashed big time on Monday, which made it clear that it had been rejected across the board after the initial hype. This kind of underperformance wasn't expected for multiple reasons. It was part of a cinematic universe that has had a 100% success track record. The star cast was enticing. Moreover, the first part, War (2019), was a blockbuster and has a separate fan base. Coincidentally, War was released alongside the Hollywood film Joker. The similarity between the sequels of these two films is uncanny. Just like War, Joker was also a rage. It got critical acclaim and also commercial success. It prompted its makers to announce the sequel, Joker: Folie à Deux. The excitement for War 2 was immense as it brought Hrithik...

EXCLUSIVE: Kritika Kamra on the depiction of Indo-Pak conflict in Saare Jahan Se Accha, “You have to be responsible and humanize characters from both the sides”

Kritika Kamra was recently seen in an important role in Netflix’s espionage drama Saare Jahan Se Accha, which starred Pratik Gandhi in the lead. The show saw her play an interesting character of a modern Pakistani journalist named Fatima Khan from the 70s’ era. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Kritika spoke in detail about her character, her career so far and why it is important in an Indo-Pak story to show both the sides in a sensible manner. What excited you about Saare Jahan Se Accha and your character when it was offered to you? I was really impressed by the ambition of the show. From the beginning, it was very evident that this would be done on a large scale where in it is a part of history and the story is in India and Pakistan. This was a couple of years ago. So, at that time, there weren’t many espionage dramas. And today when it’s come out and there are more spy dramas around, it still continues to be grounded in reality. Although it’s a fictional story, th...

Ramesh Sippy on 50 years of Sholay, "Many people felt Amitabh Bachchan should not have died, we had a meeting to discuss what to do"

Veteran filmmaker Ramesh Sippy’s all-time classic Sholay completed 50 years recently on August 15. Starring Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Sanjeev Kumar, Amjad Khan, Hema Malini and Jaya Bachchan, the movie is still remembered fondly today. In an interview with us, Sippy looked back at the film and what it means to him. I am sure you are sick and tired of talking about Sholay over and over again I am sure you will find a way to take our conversations through alleys that I haven’t been through before. Besides talking about a film which made history on so many levels can never be tiresome. So, Rameshji, let's start. So, you know, it's been 50 years and of course, we are all celebrating. But somewhere do you think that Sholay became such a signature film for you that you can’t shake off? No regret at all. Sholay was an outstanding hit. It was bound to take the lead. And everything is overshadowed. I am very fond of your Shakti. I have told you this many times. I think Shakti i...

Sooraj Barjatya supports Rupali Ganguly’s comments on TV actors deserving National Award; says, “I absolutely believe they should”

Rupali Ganguly has become a familiar name in Indian households, known for her strong acting skills and engaging screen presence. While she has worked in several well-received television shows, it is her role as Anupamaa that brought her widespread recognition. The character has connected deeply with audiences, earning her a loyal fan following in India and beyond. The leading television star recently shared her view that TV actors should also be considered for National Awards, sparking an important discussion on the subject. Her statement has received widespread support, with filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya also expressing agreement. When asked about Rupali Ganguly’s remarks on television actors deserving National Awards, Sooraj Barjatya said, “I absolutely believe they should. TV is an art form, and it demands immense hard work. If you visit a TV set, you’ll see - it’s minimum 12–14 hours of continuous work. In films, actors still get breathers, but in TV, actors must continuously live th...

Mahavatar Narsimha Box Office: Film surpasses Prabhas starrer Salaar and Saaho, stands at no. 7 among top 10 Hindi dubbed grossers

Mahavatar Narsimha has consolidated its position in the Hindi dubbed market, crossing the Rs. 155 crore mark and entering the list of the Top 10 Highest Grossing Hindi Dubbed Films. The film currently stands at Rs. 155.67 crore, placing it at the No. 7 spot, just ahead of Salaar (Rs. 153.84 crore). The Hindi dubbed space continues to be dominated by large-scale South Indian blockbusters, with Pushpa 2: The Rule leading by a wide margin at ₹830.10 crore, followed by Baahubali 2: The Conclusion (Rs. 510.99 crore) and K.G.F: Chapter 2 (Rs. 434.70 crore). The next tier is occupied by Kalki 2898 AD (Rs. 294.25 crore) and RRR (Rs. 274.31 crore), while 2.0 holds the sixth position at Rs. 189.55 crore. With its current figures, Mahavatar Narsimha has managed to outperform Salaar, Saaho (Rs. 142.95 crore), and Baahubali: The Beginning (Rs. 118.7 crore) in Hindi markets. However, the gap to the next rank remains significant, with 2.0 standing over Rs. 34 crore ahead. From a trade perspective,...

Mahavatar Narsimha Box Office: Film Surpasses Kantara, The Kashmir Files; Pushpa – The Rise Tops Aamir Khan’s Success Formula List

Back in 2013 the Aamir Khan starrer Dhoom 3 hit screens, while the film itself went on to create box office collection records, Aamir had come up with a different theory to gauge a film’s success. According to Aamir Khan, “To measure a film’s success, you need to see the weekend figures and compare it with the total collection. Like 3 Idiots did Rs. 40 crores on the weekend and the total business was Rs. 202 crores, so the weekend multiplied by 5, is the behaviour of the film which is very good. That shows people have gone again and again to see the film. Jo film teen din mein 100 crore karein aur total mein 200 crore karein, then that film is not good.” In this report, while comparing the quality of movies, we introduce a metric – Weekend to Lifetime Multiple – for the 100 crore club. According to this comparison, a higher multiple indicates strong content and therefore longevity at cinemas, which in turn signifies repeat viewership and consistent footfalls in subsequent weeks. By t...

Fatima Sana Shaikh on life in Bollywood, "I believe in doing the work quietly and letting that speak for itself"

Fatima Sana Shaikh first arrived at the scene as a child actor in Kamal Haasan’s iconic Chachi 420 and then went onto act in One Two Ka Four and few other films. She made her debut as a grown up star in the Aamir Khan starrer blockbuster Dangal in 2016. From there on, she has gone onto play a number of characters of various types. She looked back at her journey so far in an interview with us. In spite of some notable work, do you feel side-lined by the industry’s kids? Not really, I don’t feel side-lined. This industry works in many ways. Some people come with easy access, others take the longer route. And that’s okay. I’ve never wanted to waste energy comparing paths. I’d rather focus on what I can control… my growth, my craft, my choices. I love being in workshops, learning and evolving. That gives me far more satisfaction than thinking about who’s getting what. I believe in doing the work quietly and letting that speak for itself. Your first co-star was the...

Sreeleela promises to bring her authentic self to Bollywood: “I’m excited to live the character, not just act”

Sreeleela has emerged as a notable actress and dancer in recent years, earning recognition for her acting skills, screen presence, and performances in popular songs like ‘Kissik’. Her work has attracted attention from both audiences and critics. Taking her fame a step ahead, the actress has announced her debut in the Hindi film industry. Now, as she prepares for this highly anticipated Bollywood debut, excitement among fans is at an all-time high. While the actress has often expressed her happiness about this new journey, in a recent interview, the actress also shared her thoughts on authenticity in acting. She said, “I feel like the moment we start acting instead of living the character, it’s not authentic anymore. Especially in Hindi cinema, the scripts I’ve heard are a little more real, a little more my age, very close to my character. In the past, I’ve played many characters that weren’t completely like me – I tapped into different roles. But these last couple of films feel like m...

Reshma Pathan recalls the time Dharmendra gifted her Rs 100 after a daring stunt on Sholay set

Reshma Pathan, famously known as the Sholay Girl and celebrated as India’s first stuntwoman, has opened up about one of the most memorable moments of her career—the day Dharmendra personally appreciated her courage with a Rs 100 note. In an interview with The Quint, Pathan recounted a harrowing incident from the sets of Sholay, during the sequence where Gabbar burns down the village of Ramgarh. Cast as a village girl, she was required to run behind a young child and pick her up as hundreds of horses thundered across the set. “During the shot, the girl fell down. There were about 300-400 horses around us... how could I have left her? It was about her life,” Pathan recalled. Without hesitation, she shielded the child with her own body. “Pathan remembers instantly throwing herself over her and wrapping her arms around her. By the time, the horses came very close. I was scared too, but one needs to use presence of mind in such situations. I somehow managed to roll us out safely as the ho...

Dharmendra remembers Pramod Chakravorty, “One of the most underrated directors I worked with”

Pramod Chakravorty was never counted among the great Bengali directors of Hindi cinema like Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Bimal Roy, Asit Sen, Shakti Samanta, or Satyen Bose. Yet, he was arguably more box-office-friendly than any of the names mentioned. Beginning with the suspense thriller 12 O’Clock, starring none other than Guru Dutt, Chakravorty went on to direct blockbusters such as Love in Tokyo (1966), Jugnu (1973), and Warrant (1975). Veteran actor Dharmendra, who worked with the filmmaker in as many as five popular films, believes Chakravorty was highly underrated. “He cast me and Hema repeatedly in his films, a lot of them with us together. He also cast Hema with Amitabh in one film (Nastik), and I worked in a Bengali-Hindi film with Pramod (Jagir), which had Zeenat opposite me. My first film with Pramod was Naya Zamana, which I consider among my best films alongside Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s Satyakam and Dulal Guha’s Pratiggya.” Speaking fondly about Naya Zamana, Dharmendra added, “It...

Shah Rukh Khan teases fans with King update during #AskSRK session

Bollywood’s beloved superstar Shah Rukh Khan delighted his fans on Saturday evening by hosting an impromptu #AskSRK session on X (formerly Twitter). Known for his witty banter and straightforward charm, SRK answered questions ranging from his upcoming film King to fans’ curiosity about his future projects. When a fan asked for an update on King, the actor shared a playful yet reassuring progress report. “Did some good shoot… starting soon again. Only leg shots then move to upper body… Insha Allah will be done fast. @justSidAnand is working hard to finish,” SRK revealed. His tongue-in-cheek description of shooting “leg shots” first had fans amused, while also signalling that the project is steadily moving ahead under director Siddharth Anand’s watch. Did some good shoot….starting soon again. Only leg shots then move to upper body….Insha Allah will be done fast. @justSidAnand is working hard to finish. https://t.co/d88P2te8ll — Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) August 16, 2025 Another fan prob...

4 Times Hina Khan took Indian talent global – From Cannes to the G20 Summit

Actor Hina Khan has been building a career that goes beyond Indian television and cinema, making her presence felt on international platforms that celebrate both culture and entertainment. Known for her talent and determination, she has often been seen carrying the Indian flag of representation in spaces where actors from the television industry rarely find themselves. Cannes Film Festival Debut and Return In 2019, Hina Khan walked the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival, marking her debut at one of the world’s most glamorous stages. The moment created headlines not just for her fashion but for breaking the stereotype that Indian TV actors remain confined to domestic recognition. She returned in 2022, reinforcing her place as a recurring presence at global film events. First Indian Actress at India Day Parade in New York Hina added another first to her name when she participated in the India Day Parade in New York. Walking amidst a sea of Indian-Americans while holding the natio...

Aamir Khan, Aditi Rao Hydari, Abhishek Bachchan shine at IFFM 2025 Awards; deets inside

The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2025 turned into a star-studded celebration as Indian cinema’s finest talents were honoured at the prestigious Awards Night. Applause, emotion, and pride filled the air as filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan’s poignant drama Homebound emerged as the evening’s biggest winner, bagging both Best Film and Best Director. Bollywood icon Aamir Khan was conferred with the coveted Excellence in Cinema Award, recognising his unparalleled legacy and contribution to Indian cinema. Speaking about his win, Aamir Khan said, “I have been attracted to telling stories from a very young age. Filmmaking is a collaborative art and this award and recognition wouldn’t have been possible without my writers, directors, co-stars, and the audiences who have given me the opportunity to tell the stories and be part of the many stories I have been part of.” Meanwhile, Abhishek Bachchan delivered an emotional moment on stage as he won Best Actor (Male) – Film for I Want to Talk. A...

Thama: Maddock Films to unveil first look of Ayushmann Khurrana on August 19; drops announcement video

Maddock Films is set to take the Indian horror-comedy landscape to new heights with its latest announcement, The World of Thama, which will be unveiled on August 19, 2025. The news comes as the production house celebrates the first anniversary of Stree 2, India’s number one Hindi film, on Independence Day. Producer Dinesh Vijan is expanding the Maddock Horror-Comedy Universe, promising audiences a glimpse of the ‘sarvashaktishaali’ villain destined to redefine fear in Bollywood. The recently released teaser hints at the interconnected world of Maddock Supernatural Universe, which already includes hits like Bhediya, starring Varun Dhawan, Stree, featuring Shraddha Kapoor, and Munjya. According to the teaser, Thama will inject a fresh dimension into this universe with a story that blends romance and horror in a way the franchise has never explored before. “Independence Day Special! The No. 1 Hindi film Stree 2 turns 1 today. To celebrate, Dinesh Vijan expands the Maddock Horror-Comedy ...

Mandala Murders tops Netflix India charts; creator Gopi Puthran credits mythical roots for success

Netflix’s Mandala Murders continues to dominate as the most-watched Indian series three weeks after its release on July 25, 2025. The show has maintained its top spot in India and recently ranked seventh among global TV shows on the platform. Creator Gopi Puthran attributes this success to the series’ rooted storytelling and India’s rich mythical identity. "India is a country that is deeply connected and awed by its roots. Myths are embedded deep within our DNA because of the stories that were handed down over generations by our elders which is why we instantly connect to content with such tonality. What is really heartening to see is how Mandala Murders has connected with people’s psyche due to this. Partnering with Netflix that has incredible reach across the country has enabled Mandala Murders to be sampled by those who would like to consume content laced with myths and mysteries of India," Puthran said. He further added, "Globally too, audiences who are curious abo...

Fallout Season 2: New Poster reveals New Vegas setting; promises the return of key characters

Prime Video has officially unveiled the first poster for Season 2 of its critically acclaimed series Fallout, confirming the iconic New Vegas setting and the return of fan-favourite characters. The poster, released on August 15, 2025, also reveals that the new season is set to premiere in December 2025. Returning heroes include Lucy MacLean, The Ghoul, Maximus, and The Ghoul’s loyal canine companion, Dogmeat, all seen on the outskirts of New Vegas — a location teased at the end of Season 1 when Overseer Hank MacLean (Kyle MacLachlan) was approaching the city limits. The upcoming season is set 15 years after the events of the video game Fallout: New Vegas. Co-showrunners Graham Wagner and Geneva Robertson-Dworet emphasized that while the show exists in the same universe as the game, viewers should not expect the city to mirror the game exactly. Wagner explained, “All we really want the audience to know is that things have happened, so that there isn't an expectation that we pick th...

Umesh Shukla joins the league of Priyadarshan, David Dhawan as Ek Chatur Naar, Heer Express to release on the SAME day

Yesterday, T-Series announced that their upcoming film, Ek Chatur Naar, starring Divya Khossla and Neil Nitin Mukesh, will be released on September 12. The film is directed by Umesh Shukla of OMG Oh My God (2012) and 102 Not Out (2018) fame. Interestingly, this is the day when Heer Express is already scheduled to release and this film is also made by Umesh Shukla. The filmmaker thus joins the august company of prominent filmmakers like Priyadarshan and David Dhawan, who have been in a similar situation before. On Diwali 2005, 3 films were released in cinemas – Garam Masala, Kyon Ki and Shaadi No 1. The first two were helmed by Priyadarshan. While Garam Masala starred Akshay Kumar, John Abraham and Paresh Rawal, Kyon Ki starred Salman Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan in leading roles, with Rimii Sen in a cameo. However, they were released in the same week but not exactly on the same day. The comic caper Garam Masala arrived on November 2, 2005, while the romantic serious drama Kyon Ki hit ...

Rakul Preet Singh drops a photo with Manish Malhotra as she collaborates with him for her next film

Bollywood actress Rakul Preet Singh has officially kicked off preparations for her upcoming film, stepping into costume trials with acclaimed designer Manish Malhotra. In a fun banter, the actress dropped this new post sparking a wave of anticipation among fans, who are eager to see the actress’ on-screen style elevated by Malhotra’s design mastery. The celebrated couturier shared a sneak peek of the collaboration on Instagram, posting a story with Rakul and writing, “@rakulpreetsingh Costume trial First film together.” Rakul, visibly thrilled by the partnership, reposted the story and expressed her excitement, saying, “Yayyyyyy so so happpy to finally work on a film together .. can't wait to bring your magic to screen.” While the official plot details of the film remain under wraps, the combination of Rakul’s charismatic screen presence and Malhotra’s fashion expertise is expected to deliver a visual spectacle that will leave audiences impressed. Known for her ability to seamles...

Aamir Khan, Vir Das, and Bollywood legends shine at Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2025 launch

The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2025 kicked off with immense fanfare, hosting its official press conference in the presence of some of the biggest names in the Indian film industry alongside distinguished delegates from the Victorian Government. The glittering lineup of guests included Bollywood icon Aamir Khan, celebrated comedian and actor Vir Das, acclaimed performers Tillotama Shome, Jim Sarbh, and Aditi Rao Hydari, visionary filmmakers Shoojit Sircar, Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, and R.S. Prasanna (director of Sitaare Zameen Par), as well as acclaimed casting director Mukesh Chhabra. Also present were the talented director Tanushree Das and members of the cast of Baksho Bondi, the film that takes centre stage as this year’s highly anticipated Opening Night Film. Speaking at the event, Aamir Khan shared his excitement, "It’s great to be here in Melbourne. I’m elated to be part of the Indian film festival of Melbourne. It’s a great initiative of cinema that brings peopl...

Who is Vedika Pinto? The viral ‘Liggi’ girl now playing Rangeeli Rinku in Anurag Kashyap’s Nishaanchi

Actress Vedika Pinto is set to bring alive a sweet, endearing, and refreshingly real character in Anurag Kashyap’s upcoming film Nishaanchi, hitting theatres on 19th September. As Rangeeli Rinku, Vedika steps away from the glossy glamour, embracing a retro, old-school Bollywood vibe that’s both charming and distinctive. The teaser offers a glimpse of Rinku’s world, minimal makeup, unstyled innocence, and an expressive warmth that draws you in instantly. Vedika’s journey to Nishaanchi has been anything but ordinary. She first caught the public eye as the ‘Liggi’ girl in Ritviz’s chart-topping music video 'Liggi,' a performance that went viral for her effortless charm and vibrant screen presence. Now, with Nishaanchi, Vedika enters Anurag Kashyap’s unpredictable cinematic universe, taking on a role that strips away all artifice and thrives purely on raw, unfiltered performance. With her natural innocence, expressive eyes, and a character rooted in old-school Bollywood magic, V...

EXCLUSIVE: Sonam Chhabra reveals she was once saved by stray dogs: “If it wasn’t for them, I don’t know what would have happened”

Actor and host Sonam Chhabra recently shared a deeply personal and frightening incident that unfolded after she wrapped up a late-night event in Delhi. While on her way back, she was chased by a man on a bike. The situation was so sudden and chaotic that she couldn’t even note the bike’s registration number. “It was terrifying,” she recalled. What happened next, however, turned the tide. Four stray dogs, who were nearby, began barking loudly and ran after the biker, ultimately scaring him away. “If it wasn’t for those dogs, I don’t know what would have happened,” Sonam shared. She pointed out that her experience is not an isolated case. Delhi has witnessed numerous disturbing incidents — from chain snatching and harassment to street robberies and late-night attacks. In many such moments, stray dogs, often present in the streets, have acted as an unexpected layer of protection, barking and chasing away potential threats. Her statement comes in light of the Supreme Court’s recent orde...

Will Coolie manage to excel in the Hindi version despite opposition from War 2 and will the Aamir Khan factor help in attracting audiences? Trade experts share their views

August 14 will see the release of not just the Hrithik Roshan-Jr NTR starrer War 2 but also Rajinikanth’s Coolie. We asked trade experts about it and also whether its Hindi version has chances to excel despite opposition in the form of War 2. Trade veteran Taran Adarsh said, “I have humongous expectations from Coolie. Look at the kind of advances that this film has had. And look at the craze for Rajinikanth; it is humongous. He’s something else. With due respect to all other actors, he’s the ultimate star that we have today.” Talking about the Hindi version, he stated, “Coolie in Hindi would be the second choice. But the box office can surprise. August 15 can be excellent for both films.” Film exhibitor and distributor Akshaye Rathi agreed, “In terms of opening, it would be War 2 which would dominate the first weekend purely because of the star power of Hrithik Roshan in the Hindi-speaking market and also because of the unprecedented showcasing...

Riteish Deshmukh feels ‘extremely fortunate’ to lead multiple hit franchises; says, “People have probably so much appreciation that we are able to make a part three and a part four

Actor Riteish Deshmukh, known for his versatility in both comedy and intense roles, expressed deep gratitude today for being consistently cast in successful film franchises, describing it as a “privilege” to lead them. Deshmukh, who recently featured in Housefull 5—a box office hit—revealed that he’s currently working on forthcoming installments of the beloved Masti and Dhamaal. Speaking candidly about his career, he noted, “I think every actor should feel fortunate if they’re part of any franchise or any have gone into second part, and here I am, you know, currently, doing 4 films probably. I feel extremely fortunate to be part of movies that people have probably so much appreciation that we are able to make a part three and a part four.” Acknowledging the risk of franchise fatigue, he added, “The fatigue will lie with the audience or the audience fatigue factor to it and also these instalments are coming in long gaps. They are coming are five years and even 10 years for that matter...

Janhvi Kapoor stuns in custom Torani saree featuring handcrafted wax malligai blooms for Param Sundari promotions

Janhvi Kapoor’s promotional wardrobe for her upcoming film Param Sundari has been a talking point, and her latest appearance only reinforces her growing reputation as a style chameleon. Styled by Ami Patel, the actor stepped out in a custom Torani creation that merges heritage craftsmanship with contemporary sensibilities. The saree, designed by Karan Torani, is a masterclass in couture detailing. Its most striking feature is the delicate jaal—an intricate net-like drape adorned with miniature wax malligai blooms, painstakingly crafted by artist Amaahyaaj. The wax malligai (jasmine) is a cherished element of South Indian tradition, often worn in hair adornments during festivals and weddings. Here, it has been reimagined into a wearable tapestry, lending the ensemble both cultural depth and textural intrigue. The saree’s scalloped borders in candy pink contrast beautifully with the soft ivory net, while the embellishments—tiny floral motifs in white, pink, and crimson—add a romantic to...