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Showing posts from October, 2025

Farah Khan opens up about financial insecurity and the nepotism debate in Bollywood

Filmmaker and choreographer Farah Khan opened up about her early financial struggles and why she understands the frustration many outsiders feel toward star kids in the film industry. In a recent conversation with Sania Mirza on the podcast Serving It Up with Sania, Farah reflected on her humble beginnings, financial insecurities, and perspective on privilege in Bollywood. Farah Khan on her financial insecurities When Sania asked if her difficult financial past shaped who she is today, Farah candidly said she still worries about money. She explained, “Till now, I’m insecure about money. For me, I need to be financially secure to relax — that’s the only insecurity I have. That drive to keep working is always there. I may not be actively directing, but I’m working harder than I did during my main career years. We saw our dad go from being very rich to very poor, and for several years, we lived hand to mouth.” Farah has often spoken about her tough childhood — losing her father at a yo...

Vivek Oberoi donates his entire fee from Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana to charity: “I don’t want a penny”

Actor Vivek Oberoi, who is set to appear in Nitesh Tiwari’s ambitious epic Ramayana, has made a heartwarming gesture off-screen. The actor revealed that he has decided to donate his entire fee from the film to a charitable cause, saying he does not want to take home “a single penny” from the project. A noble gesture for a meaningful cause In an interview with Hindustan Times, Vivek Oberoi shared that he chose to forgo his remuneration for the film and instead donate it to help children battling cancer. “I told Namit that I don’t want a penny for this. I want to donate it to a cause I believe in — children with cancer. I told him I want to support you because I love what you’re doing, and I think this film will take Indian cinema to the global stage with a bang,” the actor said. Vivek, who will be seen portraying Vibhishan — the righteous brother of Raavan — said his decision came from admiration for the project’s vision and the dedication of its makers. Bringing Ramayana to the glo...

Bigg Boss 19: Mridul Tiwari breaks down after Kunickaa, Farrhana and Tanya refuse to perform duties

Emotions ran high in the latest episode of Bigg Boss 19 as housemate Mridul Tiwari broke down after several contestants refused to perform their assigned duties. The tension in the house had been building ever since most contestants — except Mridul, Ashnoor Kaur, and Abhishek Bajaj — were nominated for eviction. Contestants Refuse Duties As a form of protest, Kunickaa stopped performing her duties, calling Mridul a “weak captain” over the past few days. Tanya Mittal followed suit, refusing to work under him, citing that she had been hurt by a false narrative spread about her and that Mridul had not apologized, which left her upset for several days. In addition, Farrhana Bhatt initially shared playful moments with Mridul, Malti Chahar, and Pranit More in the kitchen. However, she later took offense and refused to perform her chores as well, leaving Mridul visibly heartbroken. Mridul Tiwari Handles All Chores Despite the growing tension, Mridul took on most of the housework himself ...

Rituparna Sengupta on Aparna Sen as the latter turns 80, “She has always made a difference with her work”

As the legendary Aparna Sen turned 80 recently, actress Rituparna Sengupta spoke about her in an interview with us. The two have not only been co-stars but they also share a great rapport in real life. What is your rishta with the great Aparna Sen? I am totally in awe of her. She is one lady who has always made a difference with her work, be it acting or directing. Her choice of films as an actor always fetched her great critical acclaim. She was the cynosure of all eyes as one of the greatest of directors. Her impact as a director is exceptional You can say that again. She had the guts to do films like Parama, Sati, 36 Chowringhee Lane... way back when audiences awakened to kind her cinema. Would you agree Aparna Sen paved the way for an actress like you in Bengal? Oh absolutely! Female protagonists saw a new era with her films. I was privileged to work in Paromitar Ek Din directed by her.... and also as a co-actress in my first film Shwet Pathorer Thala... and also in movies li...

Priyamani calls out the overuse of ‘Pan-India’ tag in cinema, says ‘We’re all Indian’

Actor Priyamani, who has worked extensively in both Hindi and regional cinema, shared her views on the growing use of the term “pan-India actor.” She expressed her disapproval of the label, saying that it unnecessarily divides the industry. “I think we should stop using the term pan-India,” Priyamani said. “We’re all Indian at the end of the day. What is this pan-India? I don’t understand. You get work in other industries, and that’s a good thing — but you don’t call someone a ‘regional actor’ when they come from Bollywood to the South.” The 41-year-old actor further pointed out that artists have been working across languages for decades without needing such a tag. “For years, actors from both sides have worked across languages. Why are we suddenly labelling people now?” she said. Priyamani highlighted examples of legendary stars like Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth, Prakash Raj, and Dhanush, who have successfully balanced careers in multiple languages without ever being called “pan-India...

Truth behind Tezaab: How Boney Kapoor and N. Chandra built the Anil Kapoor-Madhuri Dixit classic

Debunking Aditya Pancholi’s recent claim that he lost the lead role in N. Chandra’s iconic Tezaab due to “internal politics,” a source very close to the film — who prefers not to be named (“Not worth it”) — has laughed off the suggestion, calling it pure imagination. “Umar ho gayi hai, and he’s jobless, so he’s sitting at home cooking up conspiracy theories,” the source quips. “There isn’t an iota of truth to Pancholi’s claims. It was always Anil Kapoor for Tezaab — right from the time the concept poster was designed.” The insider reveals that the film’s initial concept poster was inspired by Walter Hill’s Streets of Fire, and it featured Anil Kapoor’s face from the very beginning. “So where did Pancholi — or any other actor — come into the picture?” the source asks with amusement. Interestingly, the entire project was put together by Boney Kapoor, who was immediately taken by N. Chandra’s one-line pitch: “A violent love story.” “The concept of a violent love story appealed to Boney...

Farah Khan visits Diana Penty's 100-year-old Mumbai home, calls it 'A piece of Mannat'

Filmmaker and choreographer Farah Khan recently visited actor Diana Penty’s 100-year-old Mumbai home in the latest episode of her vlog featuring her cook, Dilip. The visit turned into a delightful tour of the heritage property, leaving Farah in awe of its vintage charm. Farah Khan Finds ‘A Piece of Mannat’ in Diana Penty’s Home In her vlog, Farah took her viewers inside Diana’s century-old residence, sharing glimpses of its antique interiors and colonial-era design. As she looked around the house, Farah couldn’t help but express her amazement, saying, “Please give me a house tour! What is this place? I feel like I’ve travelled back in time to a colonial-era home!” While admiring a carved wooden table with a mirror, Farah asked curiously, “How old is this?” Diana’s mother replied, “Over 100 years old.” Laughing, Farah added, “This is over 100 years old — still older than me! I’m so happy to be in a place where things are older than me.” Inside Diana Penty’s Heritage Kitchen As Fara...

Harshvardhan Rane’s “Nepotism is over” remark after Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat success sparks debate

Actor Harshvardhan Rane, who’s enjoying the success of his latest film Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat, recently made a statement that has ignited fresh chatter within industry circles. The actor in an interaction with the audience said, “Aap logon ne Bollywood se poora NEPOTISM hi khatm kar diya!” - a remark that many interpreted as a comment on how audiences are now rewarding genuine talent over industry privilege. While Rane’s post came from a place of gratitude and triumph, reflecting his journey as a self-made actor who has carved his niche without any film-family backing, the choice of words has divided opinion. A section of fans applauded his confidence and saw it as a victory cry for outsiders who continue to break barriers. Others, however, felt that such broad statements risk alienating the very ecosystem that thrives on collaboration and mutual respect. In our view, the real victory lies in balance - celebrating the growing acceptance of new talent without dismissing the contrib...

EXCLUSIVE: Production designer Khyatee Kanchan opens up on Maidaan: “PAINFUL to see our set destroyed by cyclone; we built the sets 4 times…HATS OFF to Boney Kapoor for never ever thinking of shelving the project”

The recently released film Homebound has been lauded for many reasons, foremost among them the authentic realism brought alive by its makers. One of the key architects of this authenticity is production designer Khyatee Kanchan. She began her journey as an assistant production designer in Dhoom 2 (2006). She later worked as a production designer in films such as Ugly Aur Pagli (2008), Phoonk 2 (2009), Badmaash Company (2010), and Maidaan (2024), among others. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Khyatee Kanchan spoke about her work in Homebound and later opened up about Maidaan as well. You were a part of another outstanding film, Maidaan. How do you look back at it? Maidaan was a completely different experience from Homebound. There’s a physical aspect to designing Movies. Maidaan was that - a Biographical sports period drama. Biographical meant that we had to be true to Syed Abdul Rahim Saba. Sports was tough during covid times as we had to film with crowds for the foot...

Hrithik Roshan and Saba Azad set out on a winter date; fans can’t get enough of their adorable stroll

Hrithik Roshan and Saba Azad continue to set couple goals with their effortless chemistry and quiet yet heartwarming public appearances. On Sunday, Saba took to Instagram to share a candid moment from her vacation with Hrithik, where the two were seen enjoying a peaceful stroll on the streets abroad. In the picture, the couple looked relaxed and happy as they embraced the winter chill in casual, comfy outfits that included caps and beanies. While the exact location wasn’t revealed, the photo exuded an unmistakable sense of warmth and togetherness. Sharing the snap, Saba captioned it, “Nothing better than winter walking!!” — a line that perfectly captured the simple joy of their moment. Fans were quick to flood the comment section with heart emojis and affectionate messages for the duo. From dropping heart emojis to admiring their chemistry, netizens couldn’t stop gushing over the lovebirds.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Saba Azad (@sabazad) The couple,...

EXCLUSIVE: Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat makers go against the tide - refuse post-theatrical OTT deal before release, put full faith in cinemas; Milap Zaveri reveals, "Producer Anshul Garg was wooed by OTT platforms, but he said no...!"

In today's times, it is rare for a significant film to be released in cinemas without an OTT deal in place. Earlier this year, Aamir Khan chose this unconventional path with Sitaare Zameen Par. And now Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat is a rare film where the makers haven't given away the rights to any OTT platform. Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat's writer-director Milap Zaveri spoke about this aspect in an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama. Milap Zaveri said, "There's a reason why I call my producer Anshul Garg as 'Sher Garg'. He was wooed by OTT platforms. But he made it clear that he didn't want to sell the film's digital and satellite rights before release. This is because he had immense faith in the film. He made it clear that he had made the film for cinemas and only after the theatrical release will he decide which platform the film should be premiered on." Milap Zaveri also said, "It needs jigra to have such confidence." The pric...

Ibrahim Ali Khan on dealing with self-doubt and family legacy: “Whenever I feel unsure, all this is a reminder of who’s at home”

Ibrahim Ali Khan, son of Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh, has begun opening up about his entry into the Hindi film industry and the expectations that come with being part of one of Bollywood’s most well-known families. In a recent interview, the debutant spoke candidly about navigating self-doubt and the constant reminder of his family’s cinematic lineage. Sharing an honest perspective, Ibrahim said, “I usually always have self-doubt. Whenever I feel unsure, all this (lineage) is a reminder of who’s at home. ‘You’re Saif Ali Khan’s kid. Bebo’s in your family. You should be able to do it. You should be smashing it, man’.” His words offer a glimpse into the mindset of a newcomer who acknowledges both the privilege and pressure that come with being born into a film family. Rather than relying on his surname, Ibrahim insists that he is focused on establishing his individuality through his performances and work ethic. Over the years, audiences have drawn frequent comparisons between Ibrah...

Ayushmann Khurrana welcomes Aneet Padda to MHCU with Shakti Shalini: “So proud to see someone from Punjab making us all proud”

After delivering yet another hit with Thamma, Ayushmann Khurrana is celebrating not just his own success but also the arrival of a fresh new face in the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe (MHCU). The actor took to Instagram to warmly welcome Gen Z star Aneet Padda, who joins the popular cinematic universe with the upcoming film Shakti Shalini. The announcement of Shakti Shalini was revealed in the opening credits of Thamma, leaving fans intrigued about what’s next in Maddock’s ever-expanding horror-comedy world. Sharing his excitement, Ayushmann posted a heartfelt message on his Instagram Stories along with a clip of the film’s announcement. He wrote, “Welcome to the MHCU, @aneetpadda… Punjabi aa gaye oye!! From one dreamer to another – keep chasing what you want. Nothing is impossible… so proud to see someone from Punjab making us all proud. Can’t wait to see you shine in Shakti Shalini! Onwards and upwards, Aneet.” The post quickly went viral, earning love from fans across social media ...

Shabana Azmi calls Aparna Sen's 80th birthday a 'State Event in Bengal'; says, "She’s my dearest friend"

As the iconic actress-filmmaker Aparna Sen turned 80 on October 25, her best friend and frequent collaborator Shabana Azmi flew from Mumbai to Kolkata to attend the grand celebration held in honour of the still-gorgeous Sen. Just before boarding her flight, Shabana said with affection, “But of course I have to be there. How could I not? Aparna turning 80 is a state event in Bengal. After Suchitra Sen, Aparna is Bengal’s most treasured actress.” Shabana turns positively gooey-eyed when speaking about her dear friend. “I’m sorry if this sounds hagiographic, but that’s because you’ve caught me in this frame of mind! She is my dearest, dearest friend. I love and respect her deeply. Aparna is an extremely intelligent person — one can discuss any subject wi’th her. Over the years, we’ve developed a relationship where I immediately slip into a daft mode in her presence, and she scolds me like a schoolteacher!” Shabana cherishes Aparna not just as a confidante but also as a filmmaker. “Her u...

Priyanka Chopra Jonas drops stunning selfies in a random social media post; ends post with a romantic pic featuring Nick Jonas

Priyanka Chopra Jonas once again proved she’s the queen of effortless charm on social media. The global icon treated her followers to a refreshing photo dump from what appears to be a serene nature escape, featuring a series of stunning selfies and a heartwarming glimpse with her husband, singer Nick Jonas. In the photos, Priyanka is seen basking in the natural light, surrounded by greenery, exuding her signature confidence and grace. The post concludes with an adorable picture of the actress cuddled up with Nick, giving fans a glimpse into their sweet off-screen chemistry that continues to melt hearts worldwide. Adding her signature wit to the post, Priyanka captioned it, “Not me pretending this wasn’t take #37,” and added skull, selfie emojis, leaving fans amused and instantly relating to her light-hearted honesty. The post quickly went viral, garnering thousands of likes and comments within hours. Admirers couldn’t stop praising her timeless beauty, dropping an array of heart and ...

EXCLUSIVE: From linking Stree to Thamma to planting secret Easter eggs - 'Pitaji' of MHCU Amar Kaushik delivers masterclass in Universe-Building; BREAKS silence on censor cuts: "'Main tumhe azaadi doonga' was uttered by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose for a greater cause; CBFC's point was valid..."

Amar Kaushik’s Stree 2 (2024) is the highest Bollywood grosser of all time. Yet, the director remains humble and down-to-earth, just like he was when his debut directorial, Stree, became a surprise super-hit. The horror comedy universe began with the 2018 flick and now, it has gone to another level. The recently released Thamma, starring Ayushmann Khurrana, Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Rashmika Mandanna, is the latest entrant to the universe and has been successfully accepted, as evident by the first two-day figures. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Amar Kaushik spoke about producing Thamma, the process followed in connecting characters from the universe and a lot more. Let’s start with your energetic, dancing cameo in the song ‘Poison Baby’! You always have such cameos, even in your earlier films… (Laughs) It all started with the first part of Stree. I have this habit of enacting the scenes for the actors. I also insist, ‘Mere jaisa nahin karna hai but something on these...

Harshvardhan Rane on the success of Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat, “99% of the film industry laughed and mocked my decision of doing this film”

Filmmaker Milap Milan Zaveri’s romantic drama Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat has been doing well at the box office, despite clashing with Maddock Films’ Thamma. Harshvardhan Rane, the main lead of the film, got talking about the film’s success in an interview with us. So, how are you sleeping after your first blockbuster? In the last nine years, I have trained myself to sleep deeply independent of the result. I made sure validations do not impact the breathing pattern, my thought process, and my deep sleeping stage. It’s my only wealth. Did you expect Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat to become the success that it has? Deewaniyat was the first film I chose after Sanam Teri Kasam re-release success in February. 99% of the film industry laughed and mocked this decision of mine, as it was the most important time of my career. But I did exactly what I did for the last nine years, which is to listen to my heart and never take anybody’s advice. Earlier this year, your 2016 film Sanam Teri Kasam became a...

Medha Shankr gets emotional recalling Sonu Nigam concert at age 11: "There’s no one like you in the world"

12th Fail actress Medha Shankr recently met the beloved music sensation, Sonu Nigam, at a Diwali party held in the city. She took to her social media handle to share a click alongwith a warm note that revealed a heartfelt anecdote from her childhood. The actress recalled attending Sonu Nigam's concert at the mere age of 11, along with her family, and shared how his voice continues to remind her of her childhood and home. “I was 11 when I attended Sir’s concert with my family. He wasn’t feeling well that evening, so a few other artists performed before him. Then, for a few minutes, the stage went quiet. Just the lights, the anticipation, and then… that voice singing “Suraj Hua Maddham” ,before we could even see him on stage. The 11-year-old me couldn’t hold back tears. I was so overwhelmed. The next 2 hours were nothing short of magical!” she wrote. And added, “At one point, you asked the audience to sing along, and the whole crowd joined in. Then you smiled and said, “Wow, aap lo...

Rasika Dugal reflects on five years of Mirzapur 2: “I hope I can find my Beena again”

As Mirzapur Season 2 marks its fifth anniversary, Rasika Dugal — who brought the enigmatic Beena Tripathi to life — reflects on the journey that turned into one of Indian streaming’s most iconic sagas. “There’s always a nervous excitement every time I step back into Mirzapur,” says Rasika. “The thought is always — ‘I hope I can find my Beena again!’ So much has been said about the show and the characters that the real challenge is to stay true to what I feel while being Beena, instead of giving in to what people expect or interpret about her. People evolve, and so do characters. It’s important — and also a lot of fun — to stay open to that evolution.” Since its debut in 2018, Mirzapur has redefined the grammar of Indian web storytelling — gritty, layered, and character-driven. Beena Tripathi remains one of the show’s most fascinating women — unpredictable, quietly powerful, and deeply human. Now, as audiences celebrate five years of the cult phenomenon’s second season, Rasika gears ...

Shah Rukh Khan wins hearts as he joins Gauri Khan’s design team for an intimate Diwali celebration

Shah Rukh Khan, who had earlier shared a glimpse of his serene Diwali celebration with family, gave fans yet another reason to admire him. Photos that surfaced online late Tuesday night showed the superstar celebrating Diwali with Gauri Khan’s design team, turning what was expected to be a quiet evening into a heartwarming moment of togetherness. Known for his gracious personality and down-to-earth nature, SRK was seen spending quality time with the members of Gauri Khan Designs, the interior décor company helmed by his wife. The pictures captured the Jawan actor smiling with the team, who were evidently delighted to have their boss’s husband join in the festivities. Many fans took to social media to praise the actor’s humility, calling it “a true King move” and applauding how he continues to make everyone around him feel valued. For those unaware, Gauri Khan is not just a celebrated entrepreneur and film producer but also one of India’s leading interior designers, having styled the ...

Zarina Wahab on starring in Asrani’s directorial Salaam Memsaab, “He had a terrific sense of storytelling”

Not many know that Asrani was not only a versatile actor, but also a director. He cast himself as the leading man in two of his directorials Chala Murari Hero Banne in 1977 and Salaam Memsaab in 1979. His Salaam Memsaab leading lady Zarina Wahab remembered Asrani with much joy and fondness. “When Asrani ji asked me to do Salaam Memsaab, I quickly jumped in. I think a lot of heroines said no as they considered him a comedian. I think Mehmood saab must have faced a similar situation when he played the leading man. I had no such qualms. I readily said yes, and I didn’t regret my decision for even a second.” In Salaam Memsaab, Asrani and Zarina played street performers in love. “We shot some of the songs in front of the Taj Hotel in Mumbai. I remember Asrani ji had a very good sense of music. R D Burman gave some good songs in Salaam Memsaab. I especially remember the songs ‘Hum bhi raahon mein khade...

Throwback: When Asrani recalled ‘palpable tension’ between Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan on Namak Haraam sets: “Rajesh Khanna never accepted his downfall…”

Moviegoers and the industry were saddened with the passing of one of the finest actors of Indian Cinema, Asrani, on October 20. He had a rich filmography and proved his worth with each and every performance. In a detailed interview to Filmfare in 2018, he went down memory lane and opened up about some of his memorable films. While talking about Namak Haraam (1973), he said, “Zanjeer (1973) had not been released then. There was a basic courtesy between the two, but Rajesh suffered from a superiority complex. He believed ‘no one can shake me. I am too powerful’. Throughout the film, there was palpable tension between the two.” He added, “At the onset, Hrish da (Hrishikesh Mukherjee) had asked both of them which role they wanted to play. He had said, ‘There are two characters, one dies, one fights back! You decide’. In those days, the trend was that the actor who died on screen won all the raves. Rajesh chose to die. On the final day of the shoot, Rajesh Khanna’s garlanded photo frame w...

From Hema Malini to Rekha: What does Diwali mean to our film stars

Diwali, the festival of lights, is here again. And along with the common public, our film celebrities too are in a festive mood. Here’s what Diwali means to some of our film folks. Teja Sajja: Sir, my Diwali couldn’t get any happier. My film (Mirai) is a success, thanks to the force above (God) and the force below (the audience). Mirai is about light conquering darkness. My Diwali will be spent with my parents. Sadly, there is no one special in my life at the moment, apart from my parents. My next Diwali, my relationship will change. Abhishek Bachchan: I couldn’t hope for a better Diwali. I’ve just won a major award for my performance in I Want To Talk. Diwali is always with family and close friends. This year, I am feeling more Diwali-ish than ever. Shabana Azmi: Diwali, Eid, Holi, Xmas have always been top priority in our home. The tradition was started by Abba (father Kaifi Azmi) ages ago in celebration of India’s syncretic culture. Baba and I follow ...

30 Years of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge EXCLUSIVE: The untold Jaipur drama! Why Shah Rukh Khan-Kajol’s classic was REJECTED by Raj Mandir and how it turned a B-category theatre into BLOCKBUSTER hub

Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995), the longest-running film in the history of cinema, completed 30 years on October 20. On this historic occasion, Bollywood Hungama exclusively spoke to distributor and exhibitor Raj Bansal. He released the Shah Rukh Khan-Kajol starrer in Rajasthan and revealed the drama that erupted before its release in Jaipur. Raj Bansal began by saying, “The film was about to release and we were unable to get a theatre for the film in Jaipur. A very big film was running in Raj Mandir. Hence, screening DDLJ in that theatre was out of the question. We were not even able to get Golcha, Ankur, or any other major theatre in the city.” He continued, “We panicked and didn’t know what to do. My father (O P Bansal) told me, ‘Izzat kharaab ho jaayegi. Yash ji (Yash Chopra) is like a family. It’s his son’s (Aditya Chopra’s) first film. We should release it in the best theatre’. With no other option, my father told me to hop on the next available flight, fly down to Mumbai a...

Soha Ali Khan celebrates Dhanteras with Kunal Kemmu, Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan; watch

Actor Soha Ali Khan welcomed the festive season in style, hosting a cozy yet glamorous Dhanteras get-together with her family and close friends. Taking to Instagram, Soha shared a series of pictures capturing joyful moments from the evening that featured her brother Saif Ali Khan, sister-in-law Kareena Kapoor Khan, close friend Amrita Arora Ladak, husband Kunal Kemmu, Karisma Kapoor, and daughter Inaaya Naumi Kemmu. Posting the photos, Soha captioned her post, “Last night had some solid gold energy. #happydhanteras !!” perfectly summing up the warmth and sparkle of the night.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Soha (@sakpataudi) In one of the photos, Soha looked radiant in a stunning red ethnic outfit, posing gracefully on a beautifully decorated staircase adorned with marigold garlands and colourful floral mats. Her look was completed with soft curls, a statement choker necklace, and minimal makeup a perfect blend of elegance and festivity. Another picture...

“Were we bhikaris before The Kashmir Files?” – Vivek Agnihotri SLAMS trolls linking lavish new house to film’s success; says, “Pallavi Joshi and I were always well-to-do”

Vivek Agnihotri had a long conversation with Komal Nahta about his working style, beginnings in the industry and a lot more. At one point, he was asked to comment on his supposed claims that he would donate a portion of the collections of The Kashmir Files (2022) to the Kashmiri Pandits. Vivek Agnihotri revealed, “I never said it. Some people with vested interests made that claim. Even before the film was out, we were working closely with the Kashmiri Pandit community. How can I announce? Woh paisa mera tha hi nahin!” He said, “The budget of The Kashmir Files was Rs. 15 crores. While Zee Studios invested 50%, the balance Rs. 7.50 crores was funded by Abhishek Agarwal. We (Vivek Agnihotri and Pallavi Joshi) worked on zero fees. We were minority partners as we didn’t have clout then. In The Bengal Files, we are the majority partners and also the major producers.” Vivek continued, “So, it’s not like I got a huge amount of money or that my life changed big time. Some people alleged that...

Joy Forum 2025: Shah Rukh Khan on the three Khan’s sharing the screen together: “It will be a dream, not a nightmare”; Salman Khan teases, “Nobody can afford us three in a film together”

Bollywood witnessed a historic moment as three of its biggest icons Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Aamir Khan came together on one stage at the Joy Forum 2025 in Riyadh. The rare reunion of the legendary trio, who have dominated Indian cinema for over three decades, turned into an evening filled with nostalgia, laughter, and heartfelt reflections on their journeys, friendship, and the long-standing dream of collaborating in a single film. During the conversation, Shah Rukh Khan expressed his admiration for his contemporaries and spoke about the idea of the three Khans sharing the screen. “Let me show off a little. It’s been too long I’ve been humble on this part. I’ve been too nice, too kind. I have to say, if three of us are in a project, it is a dream itself. So, whenever we… Absolutely. Hopefully not a nightmare. It will be a dream if the three of us are together,” SRK said, receiving loud applause from the audience. He continued, “Inshallah, whenever we get an opportunity, a st...

Zaheer Iqbal applauds wife Sonakshi Sinha’s fierce avatar in Jatadhara trailer: “I always said she has a little devil in her”

Zaheer Iqbal, actor and husband of Sonakshi Sinha, has expressed his admiration for his wife’s intense performance in the recently released trailer of the supernatural thriller Jatadhara. The trailer, which debuted on October 17, 2025, was launched digitally by Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu. In the film, Sonakshi portrays a formidable character, described as a ‘Pishachini’, a supernatural being rooted in Indian folklore. The narrative explores themes of black magic, greed, and the protection of ancient treasures.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Zaheer Iqbal (@iamzahero) Zaheer shared his excitement on social media, captioning the post, “My wife surprising the world with her versatility AGAIN. Also I always said she has a little devil in her... turns out Jatadhara made it official. Best wishes to the entire team. #JatadharaTrailer Out Now. Witness #Jatadhara in theatres from Nov 7th 2025 in Telugu & Hindi. #JatadharaOnNOV7 #AwakeningBegins.” Directed b...

Manish Chaudhari on playing Freddy Sodawallah in The Ba***ds of Bollywood, “With the kind of acceptance and love Freddy is getting, I am over the moon”

Manish Chaudhari has given numerous quality performances in films for over 20 years. But he has found maximum fame in recent times with his character Freddy Sodawallah in Aryan Khan’s web series The Ba***ds of Bollywood. He spoke about his character in the show and his career in an interview with us. 22 years of dedicated performances and now finally you have found the fame that you deserve. How does it feel? I have had the privilege of working in cinema since 2003 when my first film, Rules: Pyaar Ka Superhit Formula came out. In fact, I just did the math today and realised that I’m on my 40th film now. I have always done my work to the best of my ability. That I learnt from my father who was a great believer in the teaching of The Gita. You put your best foot forward and hope for the best because our industry can be very welcoming and extremely difficult all at the same time. Long before Sodawallah, you have excelled in numerous films You really can’t ...

Esha Deol on being appointed brand ambassador of Handball Pro League, “When I got to know that a sport I passionately played is getting its due, I immediately decided to support it”

Actress Esha Deol has been appointed as the brand ambassador of the Handball Pro League. Not many know that she is a former handball player herself. She spoke about this and more in an interview with us. You are the face of Handball Pro League. How did it happen? The organisation got in touch with my manager and were keen on me representing this sport as I have been a former handball player myself and played at state level too for years (under) our coach Mr. Cyril D'Souza. Back then, we wished a game like handball got more recognition. And when I got to know it finally is with HPL (Handball Pro League) it felt like a childhood dream come true. They felt I would be the perfect fit. And so, when I got to know that a sport I so passionately played is finally getting its due, I immediately decided to support it. Have you always been athletic and sporty? Yes, right from the start have been into athletics, football and handball. I was one of the kids who woke up at 5 am, had raw eggs...

Ram Gopal Varma looks back at Shiva ahead of its re-release, "Shiva represents the ideal of self-respect, to that extent he's almost Gandhian"

Ram Gopal Varma’s iconic directorial debut Shiva is all set to re-release on November 14. Starring Nagarjuna in the lead, the film was appreciated for its honest and poignant portrayal about the underworld when it had released 35 years ago in 1990. RGV looked back at Shiva in an interview with us. Your first film Shiva is being re-released on November 14? After 36 years, I finally understood the character of Shiva. As a 26-year-old, I wrote the character of Shiva out of instinct and now at 62, as I kept on watching it to prepare it for its re-release, I now understand it from maturity. And what do you understand about Shiva? Shiva is the story of a man who has immense self-respect, and his courage comes from the principles he stands for. He would rather die than bow down to threats and intimidation. To him, dignity is not a virtue… it is the hallmark of existence itself. Shiva is not loud, not emotional, and not heroic in the conventional sense. His power lies in his silence, and h...

Vicky Kaushal shares his purest joy about fatherhood: “Just being a dad” is all I’m looking forward to

Actor Vicky Kaushal recently opened up about the joy of becoming a father, sharing that he plans to remain by wife Katrina Kaif’s side throughout her pregnancy. The Bollywood couple delighted fans when they confirmed they were expecting their first child in September, putting an end to months of speculation. Vicky Kaushal Reflects on Becoming a dad Vicky made the remarks during his appearance at the second edition of the Yuvaa Conclave in Mumbai, where he took part in a candid on-stage conversation with Nikhil Taneja. Speaking about this new phase of life, Vicky called fatherhood “a huge blessing” and said he was eagerly looking forward to the experience. When asked what excites him most about becoming a father, Vicky smiled and responded simply, “Just being a dad.” He went on to say, “I am really looking forward to it… I think it is a huge blessing. Exciting times, almost there, so fingers crossed,” hinting that Katrina might be nearing her due date. He also added with a laugh, “Mu...

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

History will be created in a week’s time. Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995), the longest running film in cinemas in the world, will complete 30 golden years on October 20. The Shah Rukh Khan-Kajol starrer continues to draw audiences at Mumbai’s Maratha Mandir, where it’s playing daily at 11:30 am. What’s enticing is that the ticket prices are still kept firmly in check. Manoj Desai, the Executive Director of Maratha Mandir and G7 Multiplex aka Gaiety-Galaxy, spoke about this aspect in an interview with Digital Commentary, and the craze created by this iconic film. Manoj Desai revealed, “There are 1107 seats in Maratha Mandir. Even now, the shows of DDLJ are sold out on Sunday. There are people who have seen the film 200 times; even 500 times! Our biggest advantage is that the Mumbai Central railway station is located right opposite our theatre. The ST depot, meanwhile, is situated next door. People from other cities like Delhi, Surat, Ahmedabad, etc. come down to Mumbai, watch DDLJ h...

Bobby Deol and Preity Zinta's nostalgic reunion at Manish Malhotra's Diwali bash delights fans

Bobby Deol and Preity Zinta shared a heartwarming moment at Manish Malhotra’s star-studded Diwali bash, rekindling fond memories for fans of their iconic on-screen pairing. The two actors, who starred together in several popular films, embraced warmly upon meeting, sparking a wave of nostalgia online. Preity Zinta and Bobby Deol share a warm hug Dressed in elegant festive attire, Preity looked graceful in a white Anarkali suit, while Bobby turned heads in a maroon velvet kurta with detailed zardozi embroidery. His wife, Tania Deol, joined them for a few photos and looked stunning in a shimmering gold sequin saree. A particularly appreciated moment came when Preity gently pulled Tania into the frame after photographers initially began calling for solo pictures of the Soldier co-stars. The thoughtful gesture resonated with fans and added to the charm of the reunion. Fans react to the reunion Photos and videos from the evening quickly went viral, with social media users expressing th...