Posts

Showing posts from October, 2026

Jiya Shankar addresses breakup rumours with fiancé Kaaran Dhanak; says “Some things are private”

Actress Jiya Shankar has addressed the speculation surrounding her relationship with fiancé Kaaran Dhanak, requesting people to respect her privacy amid rumours of an alleged breakup. The Bigg Boss OTT 2 contestant took to social media to clarify that assumptions about her personal life had gone beyond what she had shared publicly. However, she stopped short of confirming or denying reports that the engagement had been called off. In a statement shared on her social media account, Jiya wrote, “I'd like to clarify something. Recent assumptions about my personal life have gone far beyond what I've actually shared. Please don't speculate about or spread rumours regarding my relationship. Some things are private, and I'd appreciate everyone respecting that.” Her statement comes after online discussions about a possible rift between the actress and Kaaran gathered momentum. Social media users had reportedly noticed that Jiya was no longer following Kaaran on Instagram, prom...

EXCLUSIVE: Rajeev Siddhartha AMAZED as Musafir Cafe inspires two real-life cafes: “It is ABSOLUTELY insane in the best way possible”; bats for slow-burn storytelling: “Our minds are in a daze because of overexposure to Reels…fast-paced content can be so tiresome!”

Rajeev Siddhartha has a special connection with the hills. Having studied at The Doon School and CJM Hampton Court School in Mussoorie, the actor spent a significant part of his growing-up years surrounded by mountains. Interestingly, the hills have also become an important part of his recent projects. His upcoming film, Kinaare, premiered at the 15th edition of the Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF), while his recently released Netflix series, Musafir Cafe, is also set against the picturesque backdrop of the hills. Co-starring Vikrant Massey, Vedika Pinto and Mahima Makwana, Musafir Cafe has struck a chord with audiences and become quite a rage. In fact, the show's popularity has inspired the creation of two real-life cafes in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh! In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Rajeev Siddhartha spoke about it and a lot more. Rajeev Siddhartha said, “The feedback has been absolutely fantastic. Every time your film or show releases, you ...

Is Bollywood selling religion, nostalgia or spectacle? The three audiences Ramayana must satisfy to become a historic blockbuster

A family walks into a cinema to watch Ramayana: Part One. The grandfather wants to see a respectful portrayal of Lord Rama. The parents hope to experience the story they grew up watching on television, this time on a spectacular big screen. Their teenage children are excited about the visual effects, action sequences and the prospect of watching Ranbir Kapoor and Yash in an epic confrontation. All four are buying tickets for the same film. But are they really buying the same experience? This is perhaps the most fascinating commercial challenge facing Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana, which is scheduled to release on November 5. The film is attempting to attract audiences whose reasons for watching may be fundamentally different. For some, the Ramayana is a sacred narrative. For others, it evokes powerful childhood memories. And for a younger generation accustomed to Hollywood spectacles and contemporary action blockbusters, it represents the possibility of experiencing Indian mythology on...

Mira Rajput calls Kareena Kapoor Khan “Bollywood star” in What Women Want promo; reveals the “silliest” rumour she has heard about herself

Kareena Kapoor Khan and Mira Rajput are set to share the couch on What Women Want, and a new promo for the upcoming episode has offered a glimpse of their conversation. The episode, which is set to release tomorrow, marks a notable on-screen interaction between the two, given Kareena’s past relationship with Shahid Kapoor, who is now married to Mira. When the first promo for the talk show dropped earlier this month, Mira’s appearance caught viewers’ attention. The latest clip features the two discussing rumours, marriage and relationships, with Kareena opening the conversation by acknowledging the interest surrounding their meeting. “Everyone's very excited that you and me are sitting on this couch. We only talk about What Women Want,” Kareena tells Mira in the promo. Mira Rajput responds to pregnancy rumours During the conversation, Kareena asks Mira about the silliest rumour she has heard about herself. Mira replies, “That I am having another child.” Kareena responds, “You might...

Akshay Oberoi on being drawn to negative and morally grey characters, “They rarely see themselves as the villain of their own story”

Akshay Oberoi has a particular fascination with characters who exist in shades of grey. Rather than sticking to conventional hero roles, the actor has consistently explored morally complex personalities across projects such as Gurgaon, Flesh, and Toxic. With Gajab Raat, he returns to a space that offers him the opportunity to push creative boundaries and explore the many layers of human behaviour. For Akshay, negative and morally ambiguous characters offer a unique creative freedom. Often driven by conflicting emotions, unconventional motivations and unpredictable choices, such roles allow an actor to move beyond familiar character tropes and explore personalities that are not easily defined as good or bad. It is this complexity that makes portraying such characters particularly exciting for him. Speaking about his interest in playing characters with darker shades, Akshay Oberoi said, “What fascinates me about morally grey characters is that they rarely see themselves as the villain o...

Ali Fazal gets emotional as Mirzapur receives praises as the most-watched show: “Guddu Pandit has given me so much as an actor”

Ali Fazal has expressed gratitude for the overwhelming love that Mirzapur and his character Guddu Pandit have received over the years. As the series earns the distinction of being voted the most-watched show across streaming platforms over the last decade, spanning its first three seasons, the actor reflected on the emotional significance of playing a character that has become a household name. For Ali, the popularity of Guddu Pandit goes beyond professional recognition. The character’s journey, intensity and transformation have resonated with audiences, making him one of the most recognisable figures from the crime drama. Reflecting on the milestone, the actor spoke about how the response to the series has exceeded expectations and how audiences have made Guddu Bhaiya a part of their lives. Speaking about the recognition and what it means to him, Ali Fazal said, “It's honestly quite overwhelming and emotional to see the kind of love Mirzapur continues to receive. When we started ...

Ramayana producer Namit Malhotra calls Los Angeles premiere his “Oscar moment” ahead of November 5 release

Producer Namit Malhotra spoke about his journey of bringing Ramayana to an international audience as the film held its Los Angeles premiere at the David Geffen Theater inside the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. Addressing the gathering, Malhotra described the screening as a significant moment in his career and reflected on his journey from starting a post-production company to producing an ambitious adaptation of the Indian epic. He also introduced director Nitesh Tiwari and the film’s lead cast, including Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi and Yash. “I wanted to host this evening at the Academy Theatre because this is my Oscar moment,” Malhotra said during his address. Namit Malhotra reflects on his journey Malhotra also spoke about his association with Los Angeles and his work in visual effects through DNEG. He noted that the company has won eight Academy Awards, including seven over the past 11 years, for its collaborations with filmmakers such as Christopher Nolan and Denis Villeneuve....

Blockbuster directors of Indian cinema whose next projects have fans eagerly waiting

Indian cinema has witnessed several filmmakers who have left audiences in awe with their vision, scale and storytelling on the big screen. From larger-than-life spectacles to ambitious cinematic universes, these directors have delivered projects that have stayed with audiences long after their theatrical runs. With each film raising the bar, fans are now eagerly looking forward to what these filmmakers bring to the big screen next. Here’s looking at 11 such filmmakers who have raised the bar of Indian cinema: S.S. Rajamouli – Baahubali franchise, RRR S.S. Rajamouli left audiences spellbound with the grandeur of the Baahubali franchise and the spectacle of RRR. His ability to create immersive cinematic worlds has made every new project an event, with fans eagerly anticipating his next film, Varanasi, starring Mahesh Babu. Prashanth Neel – KGF franchise, Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire Prashanth Neel redefined mass-action storytelling with the KGF franchise and Salaar. His signature style, p...

Mona Singh on shooting an action scene in freezing cold for Kohrra Season 2, “That is one night I will never forget”

2026 has been a remarkable year for Mona Singh, with the actor delivering six diverse projects that have found success and further showcased her versatility as a performer. From exploring different characters to taking on new challenges on screen, Mona has continued to push her boundaries, with Kohrra Season 2 emerging as one of the notable projects in her impressive year. While Mona has consistently demonstrated her ability to slip into varied roles, Kohrra Season 2 presented her with a challenge she had never experienced before. The series saw her take on an action sequence for the first time in her life, with the shoot becoming an unforgettable experience owing to the extreme weather conditions and the physical demands of the scene. Reflecting on the most challenging scene she has ever filmed, Mona shared, “Most challenging scene I've ever filmed I guess would be in my series Kohrra Season 2 where we did the action sequence and I was also like doing action for the first time in...

Guru Randhawa releases new Punjabi single ‘So What’ featuring Anjini Dhawan; song shot against Sambhar Lake Desert

Singer-songwriter and actor Guru Randhawa has released his new Punjabi single, ‘So What’, featuring Anjini Dhawan in the music video. Released by Saregama, the track is available across major streaming platforms and brings together a high-tempo musical arrangement, Punjabi lyrics and a visual setting centred on the Sambhar Lake desert. The music video moves away from conventional studio-style sets, using the landscape of Sambhar Lake to establish a grunge-inspired visual aesthetic. Anjini Dhawan features alongside Guru Randhawa, with the video incorporating choreography and a series of stylised sequences. The makers have also highlighted a hook step as one of the track’s key visual elements. ‘So What’ is performed by Guru Randhawa, Kiran Bajwa, Rony Ajnali and Shevv. The lyrics have been written by Guru Randhawa, Gill Machhrai and Rony Ajnali, while the composition is credited to Guru Randhawa, Gill Machhrai, Rony Ajnali and Shevv. The song centres on an attitude of carefree confidenc...

Deepika Padukone talks about Diwali Traditions as she celebrates the festival with daughters Dua and Devi

Diwali holds a special significance for Deepika Padukone this year as the actress celebrates the festival amid an eventful phase in her personal life. With motherhood taking centre stage, the festival of lights offers an opportunity for Deepika to spend time with her family and create memories with her two daughters, Dua and Devi. Speaking about what Diwali means to her and her family, Deepika highlighted the importance of spending quality time together, describing the festival as an occasion that brings people closer through shared experiences. She said, “For us, Diwali has always been about spending quality time with family. Whether it’s spending time together at a mall, or enjoying a meal together at a restaurant, there’s something for every generation to experience and enjoy.” Her comments underline a family-focused approach to the celebrations, with the emphasis on togetherness rather than elaborate festivities. This year’s Diwali comes during a significant period for the actress...

Radhika Apte on playing Rudra in Netflix’s Akka: “Rudra was a character that I had never played before”

Radhika Apte is set to explore a different kind of character with Akka, Netflix’s upcoming series directed by Dharmaraj Shetty. The actress plays Rudra, an outsider who challenges the established order in Pernuru, a town governed by women for generations. Speaking about the role, Radhika highlighted the contrast between her character’s dramatic appearance and her more complex motivations. “Rudra was a character that I had never played before,” said Radhika as she continued, “On the surface, she is very dramatic and stylish, but internally, there is a lot of complexity to her. That was something I found interesting.” Rudra’s ambitions bring her into conflict with the existing power structure, placing her on a collision course with Bhavani, played by Keerthy Suresh. While the series features a clash between the two characters, Radhika has described Rudra as someone who operates on her own terms rather than conforming to conventional expectations. “Rudra is someone who refuses to be defi...

Varun Sharma reviews Pehla Pyaar Doosri Baar, says “Nostalgia bhi hai, fun bhi hai, drama bhi hai”

Varun Sharma has shared his reaction to Luv Films’ latest romantic comedy Pehla Pyaar Doosri Baar, encouraging audiences to watch the film in theatres with their friends. The actor shared his review on social media after watching the film and praised its mix of humour, nostalgia and drama. Directed by Anuj Saini and produced by Luv Ranjan and Ankur Garg, Pehla Pyaar Doosri Baar released in theatres on October 23. The film explores young love, friendship and relationships against the backdrop of memories associated with school and college. Sharing his reaction, Varun wrote, “Pehla Pyaar Doosri Baar hai badi Maazedar,Just watched the Film and It’s damm Fun yaar. Nostalgia bhi hai Fun bhi hai Drama Bhi hai matlab sab kuch hai. Went through a chain of emotions while laughing out loud 👏❤️ Please dekho Cinema main jaake apne Doston ke saath and relive those School/College Days ✨😍” Varun Sharma urges fans to watch the film with friends In his post, Varun highlighted the nostalgic elements...

Is Ramayana benefiting from Adipurush's failure? The surprising advantage nobody is talking about

When Adipurush was released in June 2023, it was expected to be one of the biggest cinematic events of the year. Starring Prabhas, Kriti Sanon and Saif Ali Khan, the Om Raut directorial attempted to bring the timeless story of the Ramayana to a new generation through modern visual effects and large-scale filmmaking. The expectations were enormous. So was the disappointment. Despite a massive opening, Adipurush faced widespread criticism over its visual effects, dialogues, characterisation and treatment of the source material. Its theatrical performance declined sharply after the initial enthusiasm, turning what was supposed to be a landmark cinematic event into a cautionary tale for the industry. Three years later, another ambitious adaptation of the same epic is preparing to arrive in cinemas. Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana: Part One, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Yash and Sai Pallavi, is scheduled to release on November 5, 2026. The film has been mounted on an enormous scale and carries exp...

Armaan Malik on singing for Ranbir Kapoor’s Ramayana: “It is a dream come true”

Singer Armaan Malik has lent his voice to Mangala Sangama, the Kannada version of a song from Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming film Ramayana, starring Ranbir Kapoor. Composed by AR Rahman, the song marks another addition to Armaan’s multilingual musical repertoire. The singer spoke about the experience of being associated with the film and how singing in Kannada makes the collaboration particularly meaningful to him. Sharing his thoughts on the project, Armaan said, “Being a part of a vision like Ramayana is honestly a dream come true. Getting to sing Mangala Sangama song in Kannada makes it even closer to my heart, just because of the pure, unfiltered love I always receive from my Kannadiga listeners. Working with AR Rahman sir is a joy I can barely put into words. His compositions have a structure that is so unique, it just amazes you every single time.” The singer also spoke about his association with Ranbir Kapoor and director Nitesh Tiwari. Armaan had previously worked with them on the s...

Himesh Reshammiya reveals, “I composed 7 songs of Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge in 2 hours and ALL songs of Humraaz in 1 sitting… every day, I compose AT LEAST one song!”

Himesh Reshammiya had a conversation with Komal Nahta and revealed that he had a habit of storing songs and tunes in his bank even before he got a break with Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya (1998). He said, “I have ready songs in my bank. When David Dhawan ji approached me for Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge (2000), we locked as many as 7 songs in just two hours. Chapter closed! I could even offer you 40 more songs and then you could take that many songs to people to get their feedback. However, it would only add to your confusion.” He added, “Similarly, in just one sitting, we finalized each and every song of Humraaz (2002) with Abbas bhai and Mustan bhai. That’s because I gave them their whole world and setting of the film through the songs.” Himesh Reshammiya continued, “When I wake up in the morning, the first thing I have to do is to compose a song. I get on a call with my lyric writer. As soon as we get a tune, I record it immediately and I send it to my sampled group and also to the lyricist. Ai...

Kaun Banega Crorepati 18: Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi and Ravi Dubey to promote Ramayana on Amitabh Bachchan-hosted show

Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi and Ravi Dubey are set to appear on Kaun Banega Crorepati 18, hosted by Amitabh Bachchan, to promote their upcoming film Ramayana. The actors, who are part of the mythological saga, will join the veteran actor on the quiz-based reality show for a special episode scheduled to air on October 29 and 30, Thursday and Friday, at 9 pm. Sony TV recently shared a promotional video on its official Instagram handle, featuring the Ramayana cast alongside Amitabh Bachchan. The promo offers a glimpse of the interaction between the actors and the host, with Ranbir asking Amitabh about his memories of Diwali. The conversation takes a humorous turn as the veteran actor recalls how the festival was celebrated during his childhood. In the video, Ranbir asked Amitabh, “Amit uncle aapki koi Diwali ki yaadein” Responding to the question, Amitabh shared a memory of the friendly competition that accompanied Diwali celebrations in his neighbourhood. He said, “Sir Diwali ki keval ye...

Kriti Sanon calls out gender inequality, says women shouldn’t have to justify their choices, Kareena Kapoor Khan calls her brave

Kriti Sanon recently appeared on Kareena Kapoor Khan’s show What Women Want, where the two discussed online trolling, the scrutiny women face over their appearances, and the importance of standing up for oneself. During a segment in which they responded to different situations as a ‘Boss Lady’ or a ‘Baddie’, Kriti spoke about the criticism she received over her outfit in a recent advertisement, which became a topic of public debate. Speaking about her approach to online trolling, Kriti said, “I'm a boss. I don't pay attention to any of the trolls. I don't pay heed to them. I don't feel like I need to justify anything because I don't want to give them that attention. I let it pass. I don't say anything to them. I don't react. But, which is something that actually happened recently, where my choli became national debate. My God, I couldn't believe for half the times that my choli become, like, a six-people panel discussion on prime-time news. And I was li...

Revathy wins Best Actor (International Short) for Sayani Gupta’s directorial Aasmani at IFFSA

Sayani Gupta's directorial debut Aasmani has added another honour to its list, with veteran actress Revathy winning Best Actor (International Short) for her performance in the film at the International Film Festival of South Asia (IFFSA) in Toronto. Revathy plays Asha, a grandmother whose bond with her granddaughter and their vintage powder blue Fiat sits at the emotional centre of the film. This win is doubly special for team Aasmani as it lands at the same festival where Sayani Gupta was Guest of Honour and received the South Asian Screen Excellence Award. For Sayani, who wrote and directed the film, the recognition for her lead actress is a quiet validation of the choices she made behind the camera. Casting a performer of Revathy's stature in her very first outing as a director was a bold call, and the Toronto win suggests it paid off in a performance that international audiences and juries have responded to. It also rounds out a picture of a film being celebrated across ca...

Anil Kapoor gets emotional remembering Satish Kaushik on India Ke Top 1%; says, “Agar mera koi judwa bhai ban sakta hai, toh woh sirf Satish tha”

Anil Kapoor revisited his cherished memories of late actor and filmmaker Satish Kaushik on an upcoming episode of India Ke Top 1% – The Anil Kapoor Show. A contestant named Gagan, whose appearance reminded people of Satish, prompted the host to recall his long-standing friendship with the actor and the bond they shared beyond their professional association. During the interaction, Gagan told Anil that people often compared him to Satish Kaushik. He also recalled meeting the late actor while shooting in Delhi for the television show Sumit Sambhal Lega. The conversation led Anil to reflect on the closeness they shared and the many memories they had created together. Speaking about their relationship, Anil said, “My bond with him, I cannot explain. Even if this shoot were 70 minutes long, it would not be enough to tell his stories. He used to tell me, ‘Tera talent lajawab hai (Your talent is unmatched).’” Anil also recalled that he affectionately called Satish ‘Danny DeVito’. The two sha...

Sohum Shah shares a clip featuring how Tumbbad and Hastar took over a local fancy dress competition: “Thank you for loving Tumbbad the way you do”

Over the last 8 years, Tumbbad has achieved a cult-classic status. Proof of its impact was recently seen when a local community's fancy dress competition turned into a full-blown Tumbbad performance. In a viral video shared by lead actor-producer Sohum Shah on his Instagram stories, locals went all out, dressing up as iconic characters from the film, including Vinayak, the terrifying entity Hastar, and Poorti Ki Devi. Along with the video, an overwhelmed Sohum wrote, “Nothing more humbling than seeing this kind of mass love. Thank you for loving Tumbbad the way you do.” Watching people recreate the haunting atmosphere, complete with eerie red lighting, the traditional lantern, and the haunting vibe right on the streets, shows just how the film’s imagery has stayed with the audience. It is rare for a folklore fantasy to transcend cinema and inspire grassroots celebrations like this, proving that the world Sohum Shah and his team built continues to impress and thrill viewers. Ever s...

Bipasha Basu deletes initial comment on Deepika Padukone’s daughter Devi after revealing their old conversation about the name

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh revealed the name of their second daughter, Devi Padukone Singh, on the auspicious occasion of Dussehra, prompting congratulatory messages from fans and members of the film industry. Among those who reacted was Bipasha Basu, Deepika’s co-star from Bachna Ae Haseeno, whose initial comment on Instagram offered a glimpse into a conversation the two actresses had shared in the past. Responding to Deepika’s announcement, Bipasha wrote, “So you were really serious when you told me you love the name Devi.” The comment suggested that Deepika had spoken about her fondness for the name well before choosing it for her younger daughter. The remark subsequently drew attention on social media, with users discussing the actresses’ exchange. Bipasha later deleted her initial comment and left a shorter message instead, writing “Devi” followed by a red heart emoji. The exchange also brought attention to a shared detail in the lives of the two actresses. Bipasha and he...

Rishab Shetty visits Kollur with wife Pragathi Shetty and kids on the auspicious occasion of Dasara

Actor and filmmaker Rishab Shetty marked the auspicious occasion of Dasara with a family visit to Kollur, accompanied by his wife, Pragathi Shetty, and their children. The family visited the sacred town to perform puja and seek divine blessings on the festive occasion. For many, festivals are a time to reconnect with faith, traditions and loved ones. Rishab’s visit reflected the importance of observing auspicious occasions with family, taking a moment away from professional commitments to offer prayers and seek blessings for the journey ahead. Dasara holds a special place in India’s cultural calendar and is celebrated across the country with prayers, rituals and festivities. Symbolising the triumph of good over evil, the festival brings families and communities together in a spirit of devotion, gratitude and hope. Rishab, who has earned recognition for his work as an actor and filmmaker, continues to remain connected to his cultural roots. His visit to Kollur with Pragathi and their c...

Richa Chadha traces Mumbai’s journey from a cluster of islands to a financial capital in Musafiri

Richa Chadha explores Mumbai’s transformation from a group of islands into one of India’s leading financial centres in the latest episode of Musafiri. The episode takes viewers through the historic streets of South Mumbai, tracing the role of traders, colonial administrators and philanthropists in shaping the city’s economic and cultural landscape. The episode revisits key moments in Mumbai’s history, beginning with the transfer of the Bombay islands to the British Crown in 1661 as part of the marriage settlement of Catherine of Braganza and King Charles II. It also looks at the contribution of Gerald Aungier, the second Governor of Bombay, whose policies encouraged trade and attracted communities to the growing port city. Aungier is widely regarded as one of the key figures in the development of early Bombay. His efforts to promote commerce and engage with local communities helped establish the foundations for the city’s subsequent growth. The episode also explores Mumbai’s emergence...

Koffee with Karan 9: Vijay Deverakonda reveals he proposed to Rashmika Mandanna on their sangeet night; says, "I wanted to do it in Italy but..."

Vijay Deverakonda has opened up about his proposal to Rashmika Mandanna, revealing that he wanted to ensure she had a special proposal story of her own. The actor shared the details during the couple’s appearance on Koffee with Karan Season 9, where they made their first joint appearance on the talk show as newlyweds. Recalling how he planned the proposal, Vijay said he had initially wanted to pop the question while the couple were in Italy in December, ahead of their wedding in February. However, he could not find the right ring at the time. “Didn't want Rashmika not to have one. Before our marriage in February, so in December when we were in Italy, I felt like I didn't want her to not have a proposal story just because I am not that kind. I wanted to do it in Italy but couldn't find the right ring,” he said. Vijay Deverakonda reveals where he proposed to Rashmika Mandanna Vijay eventually proposed to Rashmika during their wedding celebrations in Udaipur. He revealed that...

Anushka Luhar talks about playing a “boss woman” in Tum Mere Ho; calls her character "sexy, hot siren"

Actor Anushka Luhar is set to make her Hindi feature film debut with Tum Mere Ho, which is scheduled for a theatrical release on October 23. The film stars Gurmeet Choudhary and Isha Malviya, with Anushka playing Nisha, a confident and glamorous woman who knows what she wants. After making her Telugu film debut with Chakkora, Anushka is exploring a different kind of character in her Hindi debut. Describing Nisha, the actor said, “Nisha is this sexy, hot siren who knows exactly who she is and what she wants. She’s bold, commanding, and unapologetically herself. She likes things done her way and definitely has that boss-woman energy about her. I’d say she’s the woman who drives everyone in the film a little crazy!” Anushka Luhar on landing her Hindi film debut Anushka said she went through multiple rounds of auditions and readings after being approached through a casting agent. She later met the film’s director, Ashish, and co-star Gurmeet Choudhary before receiving confirmation that sh...

EXCLUSIVE: Avika Gor speaks on making TV comeback after eight years with Apsara; says, "It's always about finding a role that makes me curious"

Actress Avika Gor is set to explore the fantasy genre with her upcoming show Apsara, in which she plays the Queen of the Apsaras. The actor has spoken about preparing for the role, explaining how understanding her character’s personality, authority and body language helped her approach the part. Talking about the preparation involved in portraying the queen, Avika said, “The preparation involved understanding her personality, her authority as the Queen of the Apsaras, and the way she would carry herself in this extraordinary world. With a fantasy character, even the smallest details matter, your expressions, your body language, the way you move, and how you hold yourself in a particular situation. You have to make someone who belongs to a magical world feel believable to the audience.” Avika explained that portraying a character from a fantasy setting required attention to details beyond the visual appearance. Her expressions, movements and mannerisms were important to establishing th...

Hansal Mehta SLAMS Prahaar-Shahid box office comparison: “It deserves to succeed on its own merits”

Filmmaker Hansal Mehta has criticised the comparison between Rajkummar Rao’s latest release, Prahaar: The Ujjwal Nikam Story, and his 2013 film Shahid. While both films feature Rao in the lead and focus on real-life figures and the legal system, Mehta argued that comparing their box-office performance without considering their vastly different budgets and resources is unfair. Prahaar: The Ujjwal Nikam Story, directed by Avinash Arun, released in cinemas on October 16. The film stars Rajkummar Rao as renowned lawyer Ujjwal Nikam and has recorded a modest start at the box office. The film has shown some growth over the weekend, although its overall numbers remain limited. The comparison with Shahid came after a publication shared a box office report carrying the headline, “Prahaar Box Office Day 1: Surpasses Entire Opening Weekend Of Rajkummar Rao’s 1st Courtroom Drama Which Arrived Exactly 13 Years Ago!” Reacting to the report, Mehta shared a screenshot of the article on social media a...

Bigg Boss 20: Salman Khan reveals his Nana regretted staying away from family after opposing Salma and Salim Khan’s marriage; recalls how Sohail Khan’s birth prompted reconciliation

In the latest episode of Bigg Boss 20 Weekend Ka Vaar, Salman Khan spoke about the importance of resolving conflicts before they turn into lasting regrets. Drawing from his own experiences, the actor and host shared a personal conversation with his father, Salim Khan, before recalling how his maternal grandfather reacted to his parents’ marriage. Salman urged people not to let disagreements remain unresolved for too long, pointing out how delayed reconciliations can cost families precious time together. “We all have regrets, and then we repent. Like the other day, I was talking to my father; we were chilling, and I told him, as a son, if I have said anything at any given point of time or I have failed you, then I am really sorry,” the actor said. He went on to explain why it is important to address differences as soon as possible. “When these things happen, solve it right then. Don’t let time pass. If you had solved this the very next day, you could have spent this time with your brot...

Harman Baweja celebrates one year of Bhagwat; says Arshad Warsi and Jeetu brought “distinct identities” to the film

Actor-producer and writer Harman Baweja has reflected on Bhagwat: Chapter One – Raakshas as the crime thriller completes a year. Looking back at the film, Baweja spoke about bringing Arshad Warsi and Jitendra Kumar, popularly known as Jeetu, together and the contrasting characters they portrayed. Directed by Akshay Shere, Bhagwat: Chapter One – Raakshas was backed by Jio Studios and released on ZEE5. The film follows Inspector Vishwas Bhagwat, played by Arshad Warsi, as he investigates the disappearance of a young woman in a small town in Uttar Pradesh. His investigation eventually leads him to a larger trail of missing women and a man concealing a darker side. For Baweja, the casting of Warsi and Jeetu was one of the aspects that stood out about the film. Warsi played an investigating officer, while Jeetu took on a darker role that was different from some of his more familiar screen appearances. “Looking back at Bhagwat a year later, I think one of the most interesting things about t...

World Food Day 2026: Varun Dhawan backs biofortification after joining Better Nutrition as investor and brand ambassador

Actor and investor Varun Dhawan is highlighting biofortification as a way to improve the nutritional value of everyday staples such as atta, rice and dal. On the occasion of World Food Day, the actor has spoken about his investment in Better Nutrition, a brand working with biofortified staples, and his efforts to explore the process on his own farm. Explaining what drew him to the concept, Varun said, “I feel really proud to be part of something that could make a difference to India. When I first learnt about biofortification, I found the idea amazing. What if we could grow more nutrition into the atta, rice and dal we eat every day, right from the seed?” He added, “I believed in this enough to invest in Better Nutrition and start biofortifying my own farm. Imagine if this could reach millions of Indian homes. I’d be really proud to have played a part in that.” The actor has also shared a video on social media to explain the concept and encourage more people to learn about its potenti...

Jailer 2 exposes the UGLY truth of pan-India cinema: Audiences wake up at 4:30 am for Rajinikanth, but theatres can't even guarantee English subtitles!

Gone are the days when South Indian films were watched only by those who understood the language. With the rise of the pan-India phenomenon, audiences are now willing to wake up before sunrise and catch 6:00 am or 7:00 am shows of major South releases, even if they don't understand a word of Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam or Kannada. Several of these films also feature Hindi film stars in significant roles or special appearances, further attracting audiences from the North. Moreover, thanks to the growing consumption of international content on OTT platforms, viewers have become accustomed to watching films and shows with subtitles. All these factors have encouraged audiences to experience South films in their original language rather than wait for the dubbed version. However, for such moviegoers, watching a film in a cinema hall can still be a gamble. The reason is simple: the uncertainty over English subtitles! This was one of the biggest talking points among moviegoers in North India...