Bollywood
Agastya Nanda voices Project Hum’s latest video on memories, people and home
Agastya Nanda has lent his voice to Project Hum’s latest promotional video, continuing his association with the Mumbai-based farm-to-table fast-casual restaurant. The actor has been a partner at Project Hum for the past four years, alongside Raghav, Jatin and Pragun.
The latest video centres on the people, memories and small moments that contribute to making a place feel like home. Through Agastya’s voiceover, the film explores the familiar feeling of returning to a place where there is always a table waiting for you.
Built around the idea of coming back to a familiar space, the video focuses on the sense of warmth and familiarity associated with Hum over the years. Rather than highlighting the restaurant solely as a dining destination, the film brings attention to the experiences and personal connections that develop around a shared table.
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Agastya’s involvement in the project marks another chapter in his ongoing association with Project Hum. Having been connected with the restaurant for four years, his latest contribution adds a personal voice to the story the brand seeks to tell through the video.
The project has been put together by a team comprising Executive Producers Aanya Jain and Meghna Sahgal, Producer Bherulal Prajapati, Creative Producer Vishwa Sankhe and Director Tanvi Ghosh. They have worked alongside the wider crew to bring the concept and visual narrative of the video together.
With its focus on familiarity, shared memories and the idea of having a place to return to, the latest video reflects the connection Project Hum aims to build around its space and community. Agastya’s voice serves as the narrative thread through the film, bringing together its central theme of finding comfort in a place that feels familiar.
Also Read : Vivaan Shah pays heartfelt tribute to real-life hero he portrayed in Ikkis; calls it one of his most meaningful roles
read moreYami Gautam brings warmth, mystery and mischief as Mohini in Nayyi Navelli trailer, out now
Amazon MGM Studios and Colour Yellow have unveiled the trailer of Nayyi Navelli, offering a glimpse into a fantasy family entertainer that combines family dynamics, humour, mystery and action. Headlined by Yami Gautam Dhar, the film sees the actress in a new avatar as Mohini, a newly married woman whose arrival in the Awasthi family brings a series of unexpected developments.
Set in Meerut, Nayyi Navelli revolves around the Awasthi family and their new bahu (daughter-in-law), Mohini. The trailer initially introduces viewers to the familiar atmosphere of an Indian household, complete with wedding rituals, family opinions and different personalities. However, the story gradually moves beyond the everyday family setting as Mohini’s presence begins to raise questions and hints at a mystery surrounding her. The film is directed by Balaji Mohan and written by Himanshu Sharma and Divy Nidhi Sharma. The ensemble cast includes Addinath M Kothare, Anurag Thakur, Sunita Rajwar, Mita Vasisth, Aaditya Kulshreshth, Susmita Mukherjee and Prateek Pachori in pivotal roles. Produced by Aanand L Rai and Himanshu Sharma, the film features music by G. V. Prakash Kumar.
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Speaking about the film, director Balaji Mohan said, “What makes Nayyi Navelli special to me is that it starts with a family that feels instantly relatable, with all the quirks, opinions and madness you’d recognise from any family, and then takes things somewhere completely unexpected that will leave you pleasantly surprised.” He further added, “We have a fantastic ensemble, with everyone bringing something unique to the mix, while Yami brings warmth, mystery and mischief to Mohini. We’ve taken these household dynamics and given them a larger-than-life spin while keeping the humour intact throughout, and I am excited for audiences to experience my first Hindi film and this epic, fantastical world on the big screen this Dussehra.” Yami Gautam Dhar also opened up about her character Mohini, saying, “What drew me to Mohini is that she is never quite what you expect. There’s a warmth and familiarity to her, but also a mystery that slowly reveals itself. Nayyi Navelli gave me the opportunity to explore a character that moves seamlessly between family, humour, emotion, fantasy and action, while still staying rooted at heart. It was a wonderful experience working with Balaji sir, Aanand sir, Himanshu, the team at Colour Yellow and Amazon MGM Studios. I’m really excited for audiences to meet Mohini this Dussehra and discover her for themselves.” Also Read : Yami Gautam Dhar recalls being asked to breakdance at audition: “I would honestly love to see that tape today”
read moreTara Sutaria opens up on the essence of good manners: “Etiquette is thoughtfulness”
Tara Sutaria recently opened up about the foundational values of social grace, personal presentation, and basic manners during her appearance on the show Fashionably Pernia.
During the candid conversation, host Pernia Qureshi brought up Tara’s upbringing, noting that her mother was an etiquette coach, and asked her to share valuable lessons and tips on good manners that viewers could learn from. Tara emphasized that etiquette is fundamentally rooted in empathy and consideration for others rather than rigid formalities.
Explaining the true essence of manners, Tara stated, “Etiquette is thoughtfulness.” Elaborating on body language and physical habits, she demonstrated improper posture and remarked, “Very often you’ll find people sitting, you know, like that. If their foot is pointing towards you, that’s inetiquette, that’s considered... Yeah, bad manners and not very thoughtful because your foot is probably touching another person, facing another person, it’s rude.”
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Moving on to dining decorum, she pointed out common table mistakes and said, “Things like elbows on the table, it doesn't look great, but it’s also just like you’re gonna probably drop something. It’s going to be messy.”
Tara further highlighted the significance of non-verbal cues and social interactions, adding, “Eye contact, very important. When you touch another person, how you do it, gently, but with a slight firmness to show confidence.”
Concluding her thoughts on interpersonal grace, she underscored communication and warmth, “The tone of your voice, how you make another person feel, I think that is what etiquette is all about. It’s simple, but I think we complicate it sometimes,” she said.
Also Read : Tara Sutaria shares her take on hosting and meaningful gatherings at home: “It doesn’t have to be fancy, the best moments are the ones when you can just chat”
read moreMira Rajput Kapoor joins Kareena Kapoor Khan on What Women Want, sparks curiosity
Mira Rajput is set to appear on Kareena Kapoor Khan’s popular chat show What Women Want, marking an unexpected guest appearance that has already caught attention. Shahid Kapoor’s wife recently shared glimpses from the shoot on social media, giving fans a peek at her appearance while keeping details about her conversation with Kareena under wraps.
On Tuesday, Mira took to Instagram to share a series of pictures in which she showcased her look for the upcoming episode. While she did not reveal much about what transpired during her interaction with Kareena, her post hinted at the camaraderie between the two.
Referring to Kareena’s show in her caption, Mira also praised the actor for the woman she is. She wrote, "What women want is to be themselves. Thanks @kareenakapoorkhan for having me and for being the woman you are."
Kareena was quick to respond to Mira’s post. Reacting to the pictures, the Daayra actor wrote, "So happy you came, gorgeous," along with heart and blessed emojis.
Over the years, Kareena has used What Women Want as a platform to have candid conversations with guests about different aspects of their personal and professional lives. From marriage and family to relationships and friendships, the show has featured conversations that often offer a more personal glimpse into its guests. Mira’s appearance could similarly bring out some interesting conversations, particularly given her connection to the Kapoor family through her marriage to Shahid Kapoor.
The episode also has an interesting backdrop because of Shahid Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor Khan’s past relationship. Before marrying Mira, Shahid and Kareena were in a relationship for nearly four years. Their romance was widely discussed during their time together, while their pairing in Imtiaz Ali’s Jab We Met continues to remain popular.
Shahid and Kareena’s on-screen pairing as Aditya and Geet became one of the memorable aspects of the film. The actors’ real-life relationship at the time also added another layer of public interest to their onscreen chemistry.
Shahid Kapoor and Mira Rajput tied the knot on July 7, 2015. The couple have two children, daughter Misha and son Zain. With Mira now joining Kareena on What Women Want, viewers will be watching to see what the conversation brings when the episode premieres.
Also Read : Mira Rajput marks 11th wedding anniversary with Shahid Kapoor through a sweet throwback post; see pic
read moreTara Sutaria shares her take on hosting and meaningful gatherings at home: "It doesn’t have to be fancy, the best moments are the ones when you can just chat"
Tara Sutaria recently opened up about hosting and the importance of creating meaningful moments at home. In an episode of Fashionably Pernia, Pernia Qureshi asked Tara to share some hosting tips, following which the actor spoke about keeping gatherings personal, comfortable and centred around spending time with loved ones.
Sharing her thoughts on hosting, Tara Sutaria said, “I think just having people around, everyone’s going through such a difficult time. I mean the best moments are the ones when you can just chat with and share.”
The actor went on to explain that hosting does not necessarily require an elaborate or expensive setup. According to Tara, people can add their own personal touch while preparing for guests instead of worrying about making everything look perfect.
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“You can have a beautiful table, you can use the right table, prep well in advance, let it be with a little bit of a hint of you,” Tara said.
She further stressed that there is no need to make a gathering overly elaborate and suggested that hosts should focus on what feels natural to them. “It doesn’t have to be fancy, it doesn’t have to be anything that you don’t want it to be,” she added.
Tara also highlighted the importance of food and family recipes when hosting people at home. Referring to recipes passed down in families, she said, “So let the food, I mean, your grandma’s recipes, and yeah, have people over more.”
Through her response, Tara Sutaria shared a simple approach to hosting, suggesting that the experience is less about creating a perfect setting and more about bringing people together. Her comments also reflected the value of conversations, shared meals and personal touches in making gatherings memorable.
Also Read : Toxic OTT Rights: Streaming platforms in discussions, but deal figures are pure speculation
read moreNawazuddin Siddiqui opens up on discovering acting after leaving his job: “I realised acting was what I had always wanted to do”
Nawazuddin Siddiqui has built a varied career in Indian cinema, taking on characters across films, series and theatre. From Gangs of Wasseypur and The Lunchbox to Raman Raghav 2.0, Manto, Sacred Games and Thamma, the actor has often explored layered roles and stories that have allowed him to experiment with different aspects of his craft. However, his decision to pursue acting came after an unexpected experience early in his career.
Looking back at the moment when he realised that acting was the path he wanted to pursue, Nawazuddin Siddiqui recalled how watching a play at Mandi House in Delhi changed his perspective. He said, “After graduating, I started working as a chief chemist in Baroda. Within a year, I realised the job was not for me and moved to Delhi. While I was looking for work there, someone introduced me to theatre and took me to watch a play at Mandi House. That experience changed everything. As I watched the performance, I realised acting was what I had always wanted to do, but instead, I had been pursuing everything else. It also struck me that this was something I could never get bored of. Soon after, I joined an amateur theatre group and spent over a year performing with them before eventually getting admission to the National School of Drama. Joining the group was also a practical decision because you needed experience in a certain number of plays to be eligible for admission to NSD.”
His introduction to theatre eventually became an important step in his acting journey. After watching the play, Nawazuddin joined an amateur theatre group, where he spent more than a year performing. His theatre experience also helped him meet the eligibility requirement for admission to the National School of Drama.
The training and experience he gained through theatre later became part of his approach to acting. Over the years, he has worked across films, series and stage productions, taking on a range of characters and genres.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui continues to explore different roles and stories in his career. He will next be seen in Tumbbad 2.
Also Read : Sohum Shah’s Tumbbad gets themed Ganesh pandals across cities in India, watch videos
read moreNetflix’s The Great Indian Kapil Show Season 5 continues ‘Hasi Ka Tyo-ha-ha-har’ with The Vvaan cast
Netflix’s The Great Indian Kapil Show Season 5 continues its festive run with another episode of comedy, conversations and light-hearted banter. The second episode, premiering on Saturday, October 3 at 8:00 PM, will feature the cast of The Vvaan: Force of the Forrest — Sidharth Malhotra, Tamannaah Bhatia, Shweta Tiwari, Anup Soni and Maniesh Paul.
The upcoming episode will bring together the cast for conversations, playful exchanges and a family-friendly roast. One of the highlights will be Tamannaah Bhatia and Sidharth Malhotra discussing Kapil Sharma and Maniesh Paul’s style of comedy.
Tamannaah praises the duo for their clean humour and their ability to entertain audiences across generations. Sidharth also appreciates their ability to roast guests without crossing the line or offending them, describing it as a rare skill.
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Sidharth further recalls his association with Kapil’s show, revealing that since his debut film, Student of the Year, he has returned to the comedian’s stage for film promotions. He shares that the show is a stop he looks forward to during promotional tours, citing the fun and warmth on the sets.
The episode also features Kapil teasing Sidharth over his opportunity to work with Tamannaah Bhatia, joking that his “Tamannaah” was finally fulfilled. He then takes a playful dig at the media attention surrounding Sidharth and Kiara Advani, asking whether the headlines had Kiara wondering, “Ye media mein Ki-ara hai?”
Responding to the banter, Tamannaah calls Sidharth and Kiara one of the country's most loved couples, saying they are true couple goals and look incredibly cute together.
Meanwhile, Sunil Grover returns in new avatars, while Krushna Abhishek and Kiku Sharda add to the episode with their comic performances. Together, the cast and comedians are set to bring more light-hearted moments to the latest episode.
With its fifth season, The Great Indian Kapil Show continues to feature celebrity guests from the worlds of films and entertainment. The upcoming episode will see the cast of The Vvaan: Force of the Forrest joining Kapil Sharma for an evening of conversations and comedy.
Also Read : The Great Indian Kapil Show Season 5 to premiere on Netflix on September 26; Kapil Sharma and gang return with ‘Hasi Ka Tyohaar’
read moreFICCI Frames 2026: Ajay Devgn: “Making a Hindi film is MORE difficult than regional or international cinema; you don’t know your target audience”
Ajay Devgn and Alok Jain, Head - Hindi & English Entertainment Business (Streaming, TV and Studios), JioStar, spoke about their upcoming film, the much-awaited Drishyam The Conclusion, on day 2 of FICCI Frames 2026. The thriller releases on October 2. While both spoke about their film, they also made a larger conversation about box-office, post-Covid changes in audience trends and a lot more.
Ajay Devgn said, “I’d not like to take the credit away from international or regional cinema; it's as difficult to make films there, but I personally feel making a Hindi film is the most difficult. You do not know what your target audience is. When you make a Punjabi film or a Telugu film or a Tamil film, you understand the audience as it’s made for a certain region. You know their tastes and hence, you’ll target accordingly.”
Ajay continued, “As for Hindi-speaking regions, the language changes every 80 to 90 kms. The thought process changes. You also need to understand the idea of mass and class audiences or cities or rural centres. So, either it’s liked by one section of the audience and the other section may not like it. As a result, the numbers don’t come (as intended).”
Ajay Devgn further said, “However, in international cinema, they know their target audience. They know that, ‘This is how they think, this is how they behave. So, we need to make a film for them’. Here, we have to target everybody. How do you cut across to everyone? Hence, it's most difficult to write a Hindi film.”
Also Read: Drishyam The Conclusion: Abhishek Pathak reveals he studied fan theories to keep climax under wraps; says “The climax is the real (star of the) show”
read moreKubbra Sait questions gossip around Govinda’s personal life: "Real people have a heart and a brain"
Actor Kubbra Sait has spoken about the speculation surrounding Govinda’s personal life and the way women seen around the veteran actor are often described online as “mystery women” or “alleged girlfriends”.
In a video shared on Instagram, Kubbra reflected on Govinda’s popularity and questioned the growing focus on his personal life. She also spoke about the scrutiny faced by women who become part of such conversations, including Govinda’s wife Sunita Ahuja. Kubbra Sait on speculation around Govinda Kubbra began by recalling her admiration for Govinda and his popularity during the 1990s. “I grew up watching Govinda. Yeah dude, what a superstar, icon, legend. Full 90s was owned by this guy,” she said.
She then questioned the way women seen around the actor are described on social media. “Today in 2026, if there is a girl, if she’s near him, if she’s breathing air around him, then she’s ‘mystery woman’, ‘alleged girlfriend’. You tell me, who has come to this conclusion?”
Kubbra questioned how speculation turns into a narrative without those involved necessarily having an opportunity to address it. Kubbra speaks about Sunita Ahuja The actor also mentioned Sunita Ahuja, whom she said she has met personally. Describing her as “funny”, “outspoken”, “outrageous” and “incredible”, Kubbra questioned why women are expected to respond to rumours surrounding their personal lives.
“Every single time today there’s one affair in the market, she has to turn around and give justification for this. Forget her, those five other women have to give justification for this,” she said.
Kubbra then asked, “When the hell did gossip stop being gossip and start becoming judgement?” "I’m a public figure, I get it" Kubbra acknowledged that public figures are subject to scrutiny but said she believes there should be a distinction between discussing someone's work and speculating about their private life.
“I’m a public figure, I get it. My life is excruciating, but it’s my work. Why are you taking my personal life and then making it a public spittoon? Like, who asked you?” she said.
She also urged people to consider how they engage with online conversations involving women.
“Respect a woman in everyday life, in everyday choices, and don’t ask women to come forward and justify themselves. No one asked,” Kubbra added.
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Kubbra Sait on clickbait and online comments The actor further questioned the practice of creating viral content or posting harsh comments based on unverified speculation.
“So yeah, before you go out there and go like, ‘I consumed this, let me take phone and put nasty comment,’ or, ‘Wait, let me make one viral video for clickbait,’ ask yourself, ‘Who asked me to do this?’ I’ll tell you the answer. The answer is nobody,” she said.
Kubbra ended the video by quoting a line associated with Bambi: “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say nothing at all.”
She concluded with a simple message to audiences: “Just be a fan. Enjoy being a fan.”
Also Read: Kubbra Sait calls out safety rules imposed on women after Delhi park rape case: “How much more careful are we supposed to be?”
read moreFICCI Frames 2026: Ajay Devgn reveals Drishyam The Conclusion begins with a prologue: “I saw the film yesterday; it BEATS Drishyam 2”; also adds, “Sequels don’t work, the characters work”
Ajay Devgn and Alok Jain, Head - Hindi & English Entertainment Business (Streaming, TV and Studios), JioStar spoke about their upcoming film, the much-awaited Drishyam The Conclusion, on day 2 of FICCI Frames 2026. The film releases in 2 days, and when asked how he’s feeling about it, Ajay Devgn said, “We are keeping fingers crossed. You’ll have to wait and watch to find out if Vijay Salgaonkar can beat them or they beat Vijay Salgaonkar. The series also concludes with this film because it is very difficult to write a film like Drishyam. We want to end it on a high. We all felt that the way the script has shaped up and the film has shaped up, I think we should put a stop right now.”
He added, “I saw the film yesterday. My personal opinion is that it beats Drishyam 2 (2022). So, fingers crossed!”
Later, Ajay Devgn remarked, “I think sequels don’t work; the characters work. Pick up any sequel – Golmaal or Singham or Drishyam – its Vijay Salgaonkar or Bajirao Singham or Gopal that stay with the audience. When the audiences start investing in characters is when you should make a sequel. You can’t just make a sequel because you made a great film. The audiences have to love the character.”
Alok Jain explained why the Drishyam franchise stands out, “In the Marvel series, Iron Man and Captain America move from one movie to another and they create a world around it. Building a franchise where the same character has a linear story moving forward is unique. It's not like this character has gone somewhere else.”
Ajay Devgn added to it, “In our country, I don’t remember any sequel where the film has continued from where it has ended. So, if you have not seen part 2, you won’t understand part 3. Though we have shown a prologue, you might still miss something.”
Also Read: From Panaji to the Final Reckoning: Vijay Salgaonkar’s story comes to an end in Drishyam: The Conclusion
read moreAyushmann Khurrana says influencers and YouTubers have changed the definition of stardom: "It used to be exclusive club earlier but not anymore"
Ayushmann Khurrana has spoken about the changing definition of stardom in Bollywood, saying that it is no longer limited to an “exclusive club” of mainstream film actors. According to the actor, the rise of social media personalities, influencers and YouTubers has created multiple entertainment spaces, each with its own set of stars and audiences.
Speaking at FICCI Frames 2026 in Mumbai on Tuesday, Ayushmann participated in a session titled Cinema at Crossroads - The Rules of the Big Screen. Filmmaker Sriram Raghavan and Denzil Dias, VP and Managing Director, India Theatrical at Warner Bros Discovery, were also part of the session.
Discussing how the entertainment landscape has evolved, Ayushmann said that audiences today follow personalities across different platforms and entertainment formats. “We are dwelling in multiple universes, where there are multiple worlds of entertainment and there are multiple stars of each world, be it influencers, or YouTubers, etc. There are certain stars who are big and you probably don't know about them and there are certain people who know about them,” he said.
The actor further pointed out that stardom has become relative, with the script increasingly playing a central role in determining a film's appeal. “So, stardom is relative and script is the star. It is not one size fits all... It used to be exclusive club earlier but not anymore,” he added.
Ayushmann also emphasised his belief that a film's story should take precedence over the actor's star image. While discussing his upcoming spy comedy Udta Teer, he said he is returning to the kind of storytelling and authenticity that has been associated with his work.
“I'm going back to my core, which is authenticity. If we give authentic subject to people that's a good draw. I believe in my next film, Udta Teer it is like a reverse uno stuff but I'm excited about it as I'm going back to my core. It is my genre,” he added.
The actor's comments come amid a broader shift in how audiences discover and engage with entertainment, with digital creators building substantial fan bases outside the traditional film industry.
Also Read : FICCI Frames 2026: Obsession’s India distributor Denzil Dias decodes how he TEMPTED audiences into cinemas: “We released it 2 weeks late, CLASHED with IPL…film eventually did 12x its opening weekend”
read morePankaj Tripathi, Manoj Bajpayee, Karan Tacker, Bobby Deol and Jitendra Kumar: The OTT stars whose shows keep coming back
The success of an OTT actor is no longer only about how many shows he or she appears in. In the rapidly expanding streaming landscape, longevity has become an important part of the conversation. When a show returns for a second, third or even fourth season, the actors at its centre get the opportunity to build a lasting association with their characters — and, in some cases, turn them into franchises.
Pankaj Tripathi, Manoj Bajpayee, Karan Tacker, Bobby Deol and Jitendra Kumar are among the actors who have benefited from this franchise-driven OTT ecosystem.
Their shows have returned across seasons, allowing their characters to remain in the public conversation long after their initial appearances.
Pankaj Tripathi: Mirzapur
Pankaj Tripathi's Kaleen Bhaiya has become one of the most recognisable characters to emerge from Indian OTT. Mirzapur has completed three seasons, with Tripathi remaining one of the show's central faces.
The franchise has now expanded beyond streaming with Mirzapur: The Movie, bringing its popular characters to the big screen. For Tripathi, the journey illustrates how an OTT character can evolve into a larger franchise, with audiences following the same world across multiple instalments.
His association with returning digital properties doesn't end there. Tripathi is also closely associated with the Criminal Justice franchise as Madhav Mishra, giving him another recurring OTT character that audiences have returned to over multiple seasons.
Manoj Bajpayee: The Family Man
Manoj Bajpayee's Srikant Tiwari is another character that has become synonymous with Indian OTT. The Family Man has returned for three seasons, with Bajpayee continuing to lead the series as the intelligence officer balancing his professional life with his family responsibilities.
The show's longevity has allowed Bajpayee to build a character that audiences have followed over several years. Rather than being limited to a single-season performance, Srikant has become a continuing part of the actor's digital identity.
Karan Tacker: From Special Ops to Bhay Season 2
Karan Tacker's OTT journey offers a particularly interesting example of how returning franchises can shape an actor's digital career. His association with Special Ops saw him play Farooq Ali, a character he returned to in the show's subsequent instalment.
But it is his journey with Bhay: The Gaurav Tiwari Mystery that is now becoming an important part of the conversation around his OTT career.
Tacker headlines the series as Gaurav Tiwari, the paranormal investigator at the centre of the story. The show gave the actor a very different character from his espionage role in Special Ops, allowing him to explore a mystery-driven narrative based around a real-life figure.
Now, with Bhay returning for Season 2, Tacker is set to reprise the role of Gaurav Tiwari. The second season gives the actor another opportunity to return to an established character and continue a story that has already found an audience.
That consistency is increasingly important in the OTT ecosystem. An actor being brought back for another season indicates that the character and the world created around them have enough audience interest to continue. For Tacker, Bhay Season 2 marks another chapter in that journey.
Bobby Deol: Aashram
Bobby Deol's OTT resurgence has been closely linked to Aashram. His portrayal of Baba Nirala gave him a character that audiences followed across multiple seasons and became one of the defining digital roles of his career.
With Aashram continuing its franchise journey, Deol's association with Baba Nirala demonstrates how a successful OTT character can become a long-running part of an actor's screen identity.
The show also played an important role in introducing a different side of Deol to streaming audiences, proving that a strong character in a returning series can create a new phase in an actor's career.
Jitendra Kumar: Panchayat
Jitendra Kumar's Abhishek Tripathi, popularly known as Sachiv Ji, has become another hugely recognisable OTT character. Panchayat has completed four seasons, with Kumar remaining at the centre of the story as the young government employee navigating his life in Phulera.
The show's popularity has turned Abhishek into one of Kumar's most identifiable roles. Each returning season has allowed the character's journey to evolve while keeping audiences invested in the world of Phulera.
The franchise advantage
There is a clear shift in the streaming landscape towards returning properties. A successful first season can establish a show's world, but subsequent seasons give actors the opportunity to deepen their association with a character.
For Pankaj Tripathi, it is Kaleen Bhaiya and Madhav Mishra. For Manoj Bajpayee, it is Srikant Tiwari. For Karan Tacker, Farooq Ali in Special Ops and Gaurav Tiwari in Bhay. For Bobby Deol, it is Baba Nirala. And for Jitendra Kumar, Sachiv Ji.
Karan's trajectory is particularly interesting as Bhay heads into its second season. With the actor returning as Gaurav Tiwari, the show adds another returning property to his OTT portfolio and strengthens his association with franchise-led streaming content.
As platforms continue to invest in stories that can return season after season, these actors represent a growing category of OTT performers whose careers are being shaped not just by new shows, but by the ability of audiences to keep coming back for the characters they play.
Also Read: “Manoj Bajpayee is funny, inspiring and there are no starry airs about him,” says Last Man In Tower co-star Swaroopa Ghosh
read moreWamiqa Gabbi on playing Jyoti Nikam in Prahaar: “I realised how important a role she has played in Ujjwal sir’s journey”
At the trailer launch of Prahaar, Wamiqa Gabbi spoke about portraying Jyoti Nikam in the film and recalled meeting her before stepping into the role. The actor said her interaction with Jyoti helped her understand the important role she has played in Ujjwal Nikam’s life and journey.
Speaking about her meeting with Jyoti, Wamiqa said, “When I met Jyoti ma’am, I realised how important a role she has played in Ujjwal sir’s journey. I was very happy that I got a chance to play this role in the film.”
Wamiqa also addressed Jyoti directly during the trailer launch and spoke about her experience of portraying her on screen.
“Jyoti ma’am, I love you. You are such a strong person, and I am honoured that I got to play you. I am grateful that I got to know you and could show a brief part of your life in the film. I think the way you have handled your life, the way you have taken care of everyone, is commendable. I love you,” she said.
Her comments reflected the approach she took while preparing for the character. While Prahaar centres on Ujjwal Nikam’s journey, Wamiqa’s role as Jyoti offers a glimpse into the personal side of his life and the support surrounding him.
Meeting the real-life Jyoti also gave Wamiqa an opportunity to understand her character beyond the events depicted in the film. Her interaction with Jyoti at the trailer launch further highlighted the connection between the actor and the person she portrays.
Also Read : Wamiqa Gabbi joins Everlite as first national brand ambassador for Senco Gold & Diamonds
read moreRanveer Singh gives a glimpse of his fitness routine in new shirtless picture; see pic
Ranveer Singh has grabbed attention on social media after sharing a new shirtless picture. The actor posted the photograph on Instagram, giving fans a glimpse of his fitness routine and toned physique.
In the picture, Ranveer is seen posing in what appears to be a gym. He sports a rugged look with his hair swept back and beard on full display. Holding a shaker bottle in his hand, the actor appears to have shared the picture straight from his fitness routine. The photograph has since sparked reactions from fans and followers on social media.
The latest post comes at a busy phase in Ranveer's personal and professional life. The year 2026 has been significant for the actor, with several major developments taking place on both fronts.
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Professionally, Ranveer has had a successful run with the Dhurandhar franchise. The two films have collectively crossed the Rs 3,000 crore mark worldwide, with the franchise becoming the first Indian film franchise to achieve the milestone. Ranveer's performances in the films have also remained a major talking point, particularly as he portrayed different shades through his characters Hamza and Jaskirat.
Away from films, Ranveer and Deepika Padukone recently welcomed their second daughter on September 19, 2026. The couple, who are already parents to a daughter, have now become parents to two daughters.
Meanwhile, Ranveer has already moved on to his next project. He has begun shooting for Pralay, a post-apocalyptic action thriller directed by Jai Mehta. The film also marks Ranveer's debut as a producer, adding another responsibility to his upcoming professional chapter.
With the success of the Dhurandhar franchise, the arrival of his second daughter and his new role as a producer, Ranveer has had plenty happening in 2026. His latest shirtless picture has now added another talking point, as the actor continues to share glimpses of his life and fitness routine with his social media followers.
Also Read : EXCLUSIVE: CBFC orders 45-50 cuts for Dhurandhar The Revenge’s TV Premiere; U/A 16+ version is 10 minutes shorter
read moreEXCLUSIVE: Tahir Raj Bhasin felt working with Parineeti Chopra in Shaque was “like meeting someone from your college batch”; actor also shares status of Yeh Kaali Kaali Aankhein Season 3
In the first episode of director Rensil D’Silva’s Netflix show Shaque: Don’t Trust Anyone, Tahir Raj Bhasin’s character of Alok appears just like a supportive husband to Parineeti Chopra’s Anvita. However, from second episode onwards, one realizes that his character has different shades and has a lot to do in the larger scheme of things. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Tahir threw light on the making of the show, his experience of being a part of a mystery thriller and his career as a whole.
How has the response been so far for Shaque?
I think the response has been incredible. These days, you directly get responses from the audience on social media. We also get responses when we meet people face-to-face. I think these responses are the box office for OTT. For this show, we have got a lot of curiosity, love and excitement. I feel very fortunate and excited because we shot this last year in Chail and Shimla. The show has released after an entire year of post-production.
It is a bit experimental in terms of the way the story is told, different types of characters, there is a little bit of mysticism and surrealism too. The fact that the audience has accepted that means a lot; it’s very fulfilling and validating.
In the first episode, we feel that you are playing just a supportive husband. But from the second episode onwards, we realize that your character is very layered and he has disguised intentions
I read the whole script within one night. In every episode, a character changes his or her shades. I found that very interesting. What he is thinking, doing and saying are three different things. It is always difficult to play a character that knows half the truth. In a way, this character is also entangled in certain circumstances. Some of these are because of his choice while some were outside his control. That is what makes him interesting. He is a part of the situation but, at the same time, he is also helpless. As the story progresses, you realize his part in the entire conspiracy and how circumstances also affected him.
What was the biggest challenge for you while making this show?
I have been watching Rensil D’Silva’s work from my childhood, from Rang De Basanti to Kurbaan. The way he writes ensemble scripts, where every character has an arc, story and a resolution in the end, is something I find very special. When I saw the show, I felt every actor has done a great job. Even if a single character was weak, the story would have gone flat.
The challenge was to ensure that the audience has a doubt about a character being the culprit but they shouldn’t be sure; to keep the mystery alive but not reveal much. We also wanted to ensure that if someone watches it for the second time, it should still be appealing. For that, we also had to perform in a way that repeat audience still finds the performance genuine.
How did you find Parineeti Chopra when you all were not shooting?
The way she is bubbly and warm on screen, she is the same in real life. I am from Delhi and Parineeti is also from north India. The second commonality we have is that our respective first films were produced by the same studio (Yash Raj Films). YRF Talent was also handling both of us for quite some time. So, we used to meet but we never worked together. Working with her was like meeting someone from your college batch.
You have played various characters over the years, whether it’s in films or web shows. What is your selection criteria like?
I believe that an actor is defined by his choices. What matters is that more than money, whether a movie or a show was worth the audience’s time. I give a lot of importance to audience’s expectations. As far as my selection criteria goes, I consider the story, director, the point of view of the story and, lastly, what my character has to do in it. I consider myself fortunate that in last 10 years, I have worked with maestros like the late Pradeep Sarkar, Nitesh Tiwari, who had Chhichhore, Kabir Khan, who made 83, Nandita Das, who made Manto, Milan Luthria, who made Sultan Of Delhi and now Rensil D’Silva.
How challenging it is to say no to a project, especially if it is produced by a reputed production house?
I think it all depends how you say no. If you are saying no through someone else, the person who offered might not like that. Whether a director, writer or producer approaches you, I feel you should give them respect, you should read the material, give them time, understand the project. Maybe if you don’t feel like doing it at that time, tell them politely that at the moment this is not working for me. Those who are experienced individuals realize that everyone has a vision for themselves on what they want to do next. And if it doesn’t fit into that, then honesty is the best thing. One thing I always follow is that I shouldn’t make someone wait. To be respectful and direct is the best way to refuse if you have to.
You got your first big break in Mardaani. How would you describe your journey from then till now?
I feel very grateful and incredibly fortunate because I do not come from any film family. I am a complete outsider. It took me three years to get Mardaani. In those days, I had given around 150-200 auditions for films and ads. It’s an aspiring phase where you have to go through a process. You realize the importance of having work during such times. When I finally got the part, I was very grateful for it. And the journey after that really became how do you now break the mould. Mardaani was an all-out anti-hero. To break out of that anti-hero image and do different parts was a challenge. So, it has been a very conscious effort to try and do strong leads parts in different genres.
You have Vikram Phadnis’ Pal Bhar Ke Liye coming up. Which are your other forthcoming projects for which you are excited?
Right now the only project I can talk about is Pal Bhar Ke Liye. But there are interesting scripts that are coming my way and I am very excited to do them. But I can tell you that two genres that I would really like to explore in the future. One is a detective genre. I have never played a cop or a detective. The other one is an all-out comedy. I think I have always done slightly more serious kind of parts. I look at some point in the future to doing those kind of roles.
What is the status of Season 3 of Yeh Kaali Kaali Aankhein?
It’s currently in the writing stage. The makers are very particular about getting the writing of that show right. I am also equally impatient. As and when I hear from the production and from Netflix, I will make sure that Bollywood Hungama gets to know first (smiles).
Also Read: Web Series Review: SHAQUE: TRUST NO ONE works due to mass-appealing treatment and fast paced narrative
read moreFICCI Frames 2026: Rupali Ganguly, Rajan Shahi share FASCINATING trivia: “People tell their daughters-in-law, ‘Don’t watch Anupamaa. Ghar mein jagda hota hai’… men watch the show more than women”
Rupali Ganguly and creator Rajan Shahi talked about their much-loved daily soap, Anupamaa, on the day of FICCI Frames 2026, and shared fascinating trivia. Rajan Shahi began by saying, “Anupamaa was launched post-Covid. At that time, it was said, ‘TV khatam ho gaya hai, filmein bhi khatam ho gayi hai’. Only re-runs of old TV shows were being aired. It takes guts for a broadcaster to back a show based on a mother and a housewife who’s 40 years old.”
Rajan continued, “The rest is history. Anupamaa became a household name and a trendsetter. I feel so proud as a maker, as on every channel, there are 10 versions of Anupamaa! From her saree to her jhola to her dialogues to her movements, everything was aped. The show revived Indian television.”
Rajan Shahi revealed, “The saree that Anupamaa has worn in the title song of the show cost just Rs. 500. A lot of people asked me, ‘Aap heroine ko aisi saree pehenaoge?’. I was clear that it would work, as the show is about a homemaker.”
He also said, “Jab tak Anupamaa rahega, usme Rupali hi rahegi! She changed the whole face of television.”
Rajan Shahi raised laughs as he stated, “In a lot of houses, it was told that ‘You should not watch Anupamaa’. I know somebody who told his daughters-in-law, ‘Don’t watch Anupamaa. Ghar mein jagda hota hai’! Also, men became the biggest watchers of Anupamaa more than women! There are also memes that ‘Our mothers have become very vocal after watching Anupamaa’ (laughs).”
Rupali Ganguly added, “A lot of men told me, ‘Food is not served to us at 10:00 pm. Their wives or mothers tell me that 10 ke pehle ghar pe aa jaao ya fir 10:30 ke baad khana khaao. 10:00 se 10:30 ka Anupamaa ka jo time hain, tab please disturb mat karna’. So, thanks to Anupamaa, every woman has decided to have her me-time!”
Rupali agreed that a lot of men consume Anupamaa. She said, “Once, I was leaving my building when I saw my milkman watching Anupamaa. Another time, I was taking my son for karate classes. To beat the traffic, we boarded the train. There, I saw 2-3 men sitting together and watching Anupamaa. Television is known as the women’s medium, but it’s not. I can bet my life on the fact that there are men who are closet TV watchers.”
Also Read: Ravi Kishan brings the house down at FICCI Frames 2026; breaks into viral dance; reveals hilarious fan requests during IPL commentary: “Bhaiyya mere gaanv ke upar se bhi ball ko feko na”
read moreEXCLUSIVE: Rasika Dugal Learned piano in four months for Little Thomas: “I happily played away between filming scenes of a horror show”
Actor Rasika Dugal underwent four months of piano training for her upcoming film Little Thomas, learning to play intricate classical compositions while simultaneously working on another project. As part of her preparation, the actor even carried a portable keyboard to her other shoot and practised between takes.
Directed by Kaushal Oza and co-starring Gulshan Devaiah, Little Thomas explores the quiet rhythms and everyday chaos of a Goan family. Dugal plays Jessie Miranda, a character with a deep connection to music. To prepare for the role, the actor learned around 45 seconds of complex piano pieces by composers Mozart, Schumann and Chopin.
Speaking about the challenge of learning the instrument from scratch, Dugal said, “These are masters, and I didn’t even know how to get both my hands to play different things at the same time! So, yes, 45 seconds turned out to be quite a task! But it was a challenging and beautiful one.”
Dugal trained under piano instructor Nitesh Dean, focusing on coordinating both hands while playing. Her preparation coincided with another project she was filming, which required her to find time to practise alongside her shooting schedule.
“I was also filming something else at the time, and anyone who has learnt the piano will tell you that even one day of not practising can feel like a setback. So I carried a keyboard with me on shoot and happily played away between filming scenes of a horror show! So Jessies love for playing the piano became more a part of my prep work than Kaushal and I intended it to be. But it really gave me an entry into a world that I didn't know so well. And led to one very poignant moment in the film.”
Through the process, Dugal said the piano practice became an important part of understanding Jessie and her relationship with music. What began as preparation for a specific sequence eventually became a way for the actor to connect more closely with a part of the character's world.
Little Thomas is scheduled to release on October 23. The film is produced by Luminoso Pictures, Civic Studios, Good Bad Films, Ranjan Singh's Flip Films and Anurag Kashyap.
Also Read : Mirzapur – The Movie Box Office Day 25: Film collects Rs. 41 lakh on Monday, sees 63.72% drop; total reaches Rs. 211.94 crore
read moreRupali Ganguly gets emotional recalling family’s financial struggles and late father’s dream of owning a Mumbai home: “Anupamaa hua and maine apna pehla ghar khareeda”
Actress Rupali Ganguly became emotional while recalling her family’s financial struggles and her late father, filmmaker Anil Ganguly’s long-standing dream of owning a house in Mumbai. Speaking at FICCI Frames 2026 in Mumbai on Wednesday, September 30, the actress opened up about the difficult phase her family went through and how the success of Anupamaa eventually helped her fulfil her father’s wish.
Rupali recalled that her father had to make difficult financial decisions while pursuing his career in filmmaking. She explained that during those years, filmmakers working outside the corporate system often had to sell their homes to finance their movies. Her family, too, went through a difficult period and eventually lost their property.
"My father was a filmmaker. In those times, those who were not into corporate filmmaking business, they sold homes and made films. There was a point when we lost it all. My father's only dream was to make a house in Mumbai," Rupali recalled, becoming emotional.
The actress also reflected on growing up as the daughter of a filmmaker and the assumptions that came with being a "nepo kid". While acknowledging her background, Rupali said that she wanted to build something of her own while also fulfilling her father's dream.
"I was a typical nepo kid, a big filmmaker's daughter. But that was the only dream of my dad that I wanted to fulfil. Anupamaa hua and maine apna pehla ghar khareeda (Anupamaa happened and I finally bought my first home)."
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The success of Anupamaa proved to be an important turning point for Rupali, both professionally and personally. The show gave her wider recognition and also helped her achieve a goal that had remained close to her heart.
Rajan Shahi recalls Rupali Ganguly’s early struggles
Anupamaa producer Rajan Shahi, who was also present at the event, recalled Rupali's initial struggles in the industry. He revealed that she had auditioned multiple times for the first show they worked on together, but he had initially rejected her.
"For the first show we did together, Rupali had given three auditions and I had rejected her. She asked me to give her another chance. That time, she used to walk all the way from Worli as she didn't have money to travel by bus. So that is her struggle and I am very proud of her," Rajan said.
Rupali was visibly emotional as Rajan spoke about her early years in the industry and wiped away tears on stage.
Also Read : Rupali Ganguly drops adorable Yashoda-Krishna reel on Janmashtami 2026
read moreWho is Lalit Prabhakar? Meet the National Award-winning actor playing Ajmal Kasab in Prahaar
The trailer of Rajkummar Rao's much-awaited Prahaar: The Ujjwal Nikam Story is out, and while Rao impresses as special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam, it is the final reveal that has everyone talking. The actor unrecognisable as Ajmal Kasab, the lone terrorist captured alive during the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, is none other than Lalit Prabhakar. The trailer was launched on September 29 at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), one of the sites targeted during the 2008 attacks. Since then, fans have been curious to know more about the actor behind the striking transformation.
Lalit Prabhakar As Ajmal Kasab In Prahaar Lalit bagged the role of Kasab after auditioning for it. For the part, the actor went far beyond a physical makeover, studying Kasab's psychology, language and body language to bring the real-life figure to the screen. The role marks one of the most daring choices of his career, and a striking departure from the characters audiences have come to associate him with.
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Who Is Lalit Prabhakar? Lalit Prabhakar is one of Marathi cinema's most accomplished actors. Born in Kalyan, Maharashtra, he began his journey in experimental theatre and was among around thirty artists in India selected for the Ministry of Culture's Young Artiste Scholarship. He rose to fame with the Zee Marathi show Julun Yeti Reshimgathi, which won him the Best Actor award at the Zee Marathi Awards. He made his film debut with Paresh Mokashi's Chi Va Chi Sau Ka (2017), which earned him the Maharashtra State Film Award for Best Debut Actor. Critically acclaimed across platforms: Lalit's biggest milestone came with Sameer Vidwans' Anandi Gopal (2019), in which he played Gopalrao Joshi, the progressive husband of Anandibai Joshi, one of India's first women physicians. The film won two National Awards, and Lalit's performance earned him the Filmfare Marathi Best Actor (Critics) award, Best Actor at the Pune International Film Festival and Best Actor at the Zee Chitra Gaurav Puraskar. The accolades have only continued. In 2026, he received a Jury Special Mention at the Pune International Film Festival for Toh Ti Ani Fuji, an India-Japan romance that also drew international attention. Lalit Prabhakar's Versatility Across Genres: Over the years, Lalit has built a reputation for never repeating himself. He has played a charming romantic in Hampi, taken on a double role in the horror-comedy Zombivli, and won praise for slice-of-life dramas like Medium Spicy and Sunny. He has also backed films that reflect contemporary lives and relationships. Super Duperr (2026), a family comedy-drama about two households forced to share one home, was loved by critics and audiences alike. Aarpar (2025), an intense love story, fetched him a Filmfare Marathi Best Actor nomination and the Zee Chitra Gaurav award for Best Jodi with Hruta Durgule. On OTT, he has featured in popular series such as Shantit Kranti, Pet Puraan and The Raikar Case.
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Lalit is effortlessly taking up challenging roles, especially real-life characters. After Gopalrao Joshi in Anandi Gopal and Ajmal Kasab in Prahaar, he will next be seen as Dalit Panther co-founder and Padma Shri poet Namdeo Dhasal in the biopic Dhasal. The film features music by Ilaiyaraaja, and his first look as Dhasal, crafted by veteran make-up artist Shrikant Desai, has already created a buzz.
Having created his mark with impressive work in the Marathi industry, Lalit is now broadening his horizons by stepping into Hindi cinema with not only Prahaar but also as Dhasal, which will be released in Marathi as well as Hindi.
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Directed by Avinash Arun and produced by Dinesh Vijan's Maddock Films, Prahaar: The Ujjwal Nikam Story stars Rajkummar Rao, Wamiqa Gabbi, Jaideep Ahlawat, Sikandar Kher and Ashish Vidyarthi, along with Lalit Prabhakar. The film is set to hit theatres on October 16, 2026.
Also Read: Prahaar trailer launch: Devendra Fadnavis hails Rajkummar Rao as an “ACCOMPLISHED actor”; urges every Indian to watch Prahaar
read moreDia Mirza shares 7 simple ways to live more sustainably: "Form a connection with nature"
Dia Mirza has frequently advocated for a cleaner tomorrow and has often talked about ways to achieve sustainability. Recently, the actress presented a unique ‘rainbow’ perspective to achieve sustainability, the kind that’s not overtly complicated and can be practised on a daily basis. She says:
1. Form a connection with nature. Spend time outdoors, whether it’s planting a tree and watching it grow or making a connection with the plant you plant the seedlings of, and nurture it. If you are fortunate enough to walk in a garden every day, walk on the grass or work with soil.
2. Refuse single-use plastics and find a way to recycle the plastic that is entering your home; that is unavoidable. There are vendors who come to your doorstep and pick up everything, and there are great inventions that are helping solve the pollution that plastic creates in the environment.
3. Turn off the main switches of appliances and devices that are not in use. Try to keep your air conditioner at 24 degrees. I avoid using air conditioning as much as possible, but I keep it at 24 degrees. For the times that I am comfortable, I keep the windows open and enjoy the breezy air. So, I avoid air conditioning.
4. We can segregate and manage waste at home, at work, wherever you have any level of administrative or housekeeping access, and you know you can sustain the changes you can bring about.
5. Switch from CFL bulbs to LED bulbs. They last longer, they cost less and they also reduce your energy consumption. Switch to clean energy if you can. Find out who your energy service provider is, and figure out whether they are supplying clean energy or not. There are energy service providers who have clean energy in Mumbai, so you can get that connection.
6. Support organisations that work towards the protection of the environment and wildlife.
7. Engage with policy-makers, government, civic bodies, your neighbours, friends, your children - to protect what is worth protecting. Everytime you see a tree being cut, ask the person whether or not they have permission, a license, a letter - something. If the answer is ‘No’, click a picture, upload it onto the BMC site and record your protest. If enough of us keep doing this, we will be able to make a big difference.
Dia Mirza recognises the urgent need to safeguard the ecosystem and is actively contributing towards keeping it protected, offering ways for citizens to fuel the contribution.
Also Read: Dia Mirza reveals she mortgaged her first home to make Vidya Balan’s Bobby Jasoos; says, “I was willing to put what I had on the line”
read moreVishal Mishra and Mithoon’s 'Tumhein Bhi Humse’ gives a glimpse of Gurmeet Choudhary and Isha Malviya’s romance in Tum Mere Ho; song out now
The first song from Tum Mere Ho, titled ‘Tumhein Bhi Humse’, has been released. Sung by Vishal Mishra, the romantic track features Gurmeet Choudhary and Isha Malviya and offers a glimpse into the relationship shared by their characters.
The song marks the first on-screen collaboration between Gurmeet Choudhary and Isha Malviya. ‘Tumhein Bhi Humse’ explores themes of love, longing and heartbreak, giving audiences a glimpse of the romantic track at the centre of Tum Mere Ho.
With romance playing an important part in the film, the song focuses on the emotions and relationships between its characters. Vishal Mishra’s vocals complement the emotional tone of the track, while Mithoon’s music and lyrics bring out its softer side. The chemistry between Gurmeet and Isha also adds to the song as their characters navigate their feelings for each other.
Speaking about the song, Vishal Mishra said, “‘Tumhein Bhi Humse’ is a song that I feel will stay with you. It carries so much emotion, and I really loved working on it with Mithoon. It was a beautiful experience bringing this song to life, and I hope the audience loves it as much as I do.”
Gurmeet Choudhary said, “‘Tumhein Bhi Humse’ is very special because it captures a very emotional side of the story. Working with Isha on the song was a lovely experience, and being part of a track created by Mithoon and sung by Vishal made it even more special. I’m really excited for audiences to experience it.”
Isha Malviya said, “‘Tumhein Bhi Humse’ has a very beautiful and emotional quality to it. Shooting the song with Gurmeet was a really special experience, and Vishal’s voice brings out the emotions of the song so beautifully. I’m really happy that audiences can finally hear it and experience this side of Tum Mere Ho.”
‘Tumhein Bhi Humse’is now streaming on Saregama Music. The song has been sung by Vishal Mishra, with music and lyrics by Mithoon, and features Gurmeet Choudhary and Isha Malviya.
Also Read : Tum Mere Ho teaser out ahead of October 23 release: Gurmeet Choudhary and Isha Malviya lead an intense love story
read moreRakesh Bedi and Ananth Mahadevan’s cricket-fuelled comedy LAST OVER enthrals audiences in the US
Veteran actor Rakesh Bedi, known for his distinctive comic performances across Hindi cinema, television and theatre, and acclaimed actor Ananth Mahadevan reunited on stage in LAST OVER, an urban Hindi situational comedy that recently travelled across the USA. The play was presented in New York on September 25, New Jersey on September 27 and Boston on September 29, bringing its mix of cricket, family, relationships and the unmistakable madness surrounding an India-Pakistan match to audiences across three cities.
The USA tour was brought by Prria Trehan Haider, with Bhavana Sharma and Jasbir Jaisingh organising the New York show. Prria has been working to bring quality Indian entertainment and live theatrical productions to audiences across the USA.
Presented and produced by Coconut Theatre, LAST OVER brought together a seasoned cast of Rakesh Bedi, Ananth Mahadevan, Abhishek Pattnaik, Zachary Coffin, Ahan Nirban and Yashaswee Gandhi. Written by Abhishek Pattnaik and co-directed by Pattnaik and Suketu Shah, the urban Hindi situational comedy is set against the backdrop of an India-Pakistan Cricket World Cup Final at Lord’s in London. The story follows newlyweds Sunny Arora from India and Zubaina Kazmi from Pakistan, whose lives are thrown into chaos when their cricket-obsessed fathers arrive unannounced, determined to get tickets to the sold-out match. What follows is a comic roller-coaster of family dynamics, cricket fever and the rivalry between the two nations, with Pattnaik also stepping into the cast as part of the ensemble.
Speaking about the USA tour, celebrated actor Rakesh Bedi shared, “There is something very special about taking a play like LAST OVER on tour, especially when you know there are audiences across the USA who love Hindi theatre and connect with stories like this. LAST OVER has cricket at its centre, but it is really about family, relationships and the kind of madness that happens when people get too emotionally invested in a cricket match. Taking the play across the USA and performing for audiences in New York, New Jersey and Boston was a wonderful experience, and I really enjoyed seeing their reactions to the laughter and emotions we brought to the stage.”
Adding to this, Ananth Mahadevan shared, “Rakesh and I go back a long way, and LAST OVER is particularly special to me because it brought us together on stage for the first time. To reunite for the same play almost a decade later and take it across the USA was a wonderful feeling. The play has travelled with us over the years, but the excitement of performing it live never really goes away. Performing for audiences in New York, New Jersey and Boston and revisiting these characters with Rakesh after all these years made this tour particularly memorable. There are strong characters, plenty of unexpected turns and a lot of human humour in the story. Theatre always has an element of spontaneity, and experiencing that energy with audiences throughout the tour was truly special.”
With performances in New York on September 25, New Jersey on September 27 and Boston on September 29, LAST OVER marked another chapter in the play’s journey. The USA tour also brought Rakesh Bedi and Ananth Mahadevan back together on stage nearly a decade after their earlier association, giving audiences across three cities an evening of cricket, family chaos and live Hindi theatre.
Also Read: Rakesh Bedi breaks silence on CINTAA dispute; says, “What is happening is very sad”
read moreKeerthy Suresh shares a heartfelt note as she looks back at her journey with Dorothy: “The film took a little piece of my heart”
National Award winner Keerthy Suresh has shared a heartfelt glimpse into her journey with Dorothy, taking to social media to post a series of behind-the-scenes images from the film and reflect on the experience of bringing the character to life. The actress shared moments from the making of the film while expressing gratitude towards everyone who was part of the project.
At the heart of her post was an emotional note for Dorothy and the people who helped shape the film. Keerthy credited director Karthik Subbaraj for trusting her with the character and for making her part of a project that was close to his heart. She also expressed her admiration for music legend Ilaiyaraaja, calling it something she would treasure for a lifetime to be part of the magic he creates.
The actress also shared warm words for her co-stars Rishikanth and Sananth, cinematographer Tirru, her makeup and styling team, and the entire cast and crew. Her note reflected the personal connections she formed while working on the film and the memories she is taking away from the experience.
Sharing the BTS pictures, Keerthy wrote, “Dorothy took a little piece of my heart, and I hope I left a little piece of mine with you all. 🤍 @ksubbaraj sir, thank you for trusting me with Dorothy and for making me a part of your vision so close to your heart. To be part of your dream project truly feels like a dream of my own. ❤️ @ilaiyaraaja_offl Raja sir, I never imagined that one day I would be fortunate enough to be a part of the magic you create, and it is something that I will treasure for a lifetime. ❤️ @iam_rishikanth Karthi and @sananth__ Subbu, it’s rare to meet people and feel an instant familiarity, as though life has simply skipped a few chapters. Like I said before, I will be one among your well-wishers and rooting for you always! 🤗❤️ @dop_tirru Thiru sir, you are my Guru. I am taking this opportunity to say that I have always admired your work, but this time I have fallen in love with it all over again.”
Her caption added, “You guys have been with me in this from the beginning. Thank you for making Dorothy look just the way I wanted her to be. @makeupbyanighajain @tejisinghofficial @sruthi.sb @aiishwarya_suresh 🤗❤️ @praveenraja I am so happy our first work is something that’s so memorable. ❤️ To our producers #jyotideshpande, @guneetmonga, @achinjain20, and to the entire cast and crew, thank you for making this a journey I will always be proud to have been a part of. Every person who came together to make this film has left a little mark on it, and a much bigger one on me. ❤️ Last but never the least, thanks to our audience for all the love they have showered.”
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Keerthy's performance as Dorothy has also received appreciation following the film's premiere, with the actress earning praise for bringing warmth, compassion and emotional depth to the character. Dorothy had a special international outing earlier this month as it premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), where the film received a standing ovation from the audience. The film's journey also marked another significant collaboration for her, bringing together names such as Karthik Subbaraj and Ilaiyaraaja.
Also Read: Keerthy Suresh makes Milan Fashion Week debut at Giorgio Armani show in sleek grey tailoring
read moreRaashii Khanna shares her experience of working with Akshay Kumar: “He is just so much fun, it feels like I am on a vacation”
For many actors, long shooting schedules can be demanding, but Raashii Khanna says her experience of working with Akshay Kumar has been quite different. According to the actress, spending time on set with the actor often feels more like a relaxed break than a routine workday.
During a recent Ask Me Anything (AMA) session on Instagram, a fan asked Raashii about her experience of working with Akshay Kumar. In response, she shared a candid picture of the two from the shoot and spoke about their equation on set.
Raashii wrote, “Akshay sir is just so much fun! With him, it feels like I am on a vacation where we pause to work, rather than the other way around. He is also such a lovely person and is always making everyone around him laugh.”
The actress also shared an insight into how they spent their time between takes. Recalling the lighter moments from the shoot, Raashii said, “And I don’t think I have ever played as much Ludo in my life as I have on this set!”
Her comments offer a glimpse into the easygoing atmosphere she experienced while working with Akshay. Rather than focusing only on the demands of a long filming schedule, Raashii highlighted the casual conversations, laughter and games that made her time on the set enjoyable.
The actress’s anecdote also gives fans a look at the camaraderie she shares with Akshay beyond their work in front of the camera. From spending downtime playing Ludo to sharing laughs between takes, Raashii’s account reflects the lighter side of their time together during the shoot.
Also Read : SCOOP: Akshay Kumar-Shraddha Kapoor’s second consecutive box-office clash averted; Eetha gets SOLO December 4 release
read moreKaran Johar announces final season of Koffee With Karan, to premiere on JioHotstar on October 14
After 22 years, eight seasons and 161 episodes, Karan Johar is set to bring Koffee With Karan to an end. The filmmaker and television host has announced that the ninth season of the chat show will be its final chapter. The season will premiere on JioHotstar on October 14.
Since its debut in 2004, Koffee With Karan has featured several prominent names from the Indian film industry and has covered conversations around relationships, careers, friendships and life in the public eye. Over the years, several exchanges from the show have become widely discussed, while some guests have also shared personal moments and experiences during their appearances.
Karan Johar has now decided to conclude the show with its upcoming season. In his announcement, he reflected on the journey of Koffee With Karan, including the controversies, speculation and online reactions that have accompanied the show over the years, while also acknowledging the audience that continued to tune in.
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Speaking about the final season, Karan Johar, Host and Creator, Koffee With Karan, said, “There are some journeys you don't plan to end, you simply know, somewhere deep within you, when it is time to let them go. Koffee With Karan has been an extraordinary part of my life. It has given me friendships, memories, moments of complete madness, a lot of love and, yes, its fair share of controversy! But through all of it, what has remained constant is the audience. They have laughed with us, debated us, trolled us, celebrated us and, most importantly, kept coming back for another cup. Saying goodbye is emotional, but it also feels right. This final season is my way of raising the mug one last time with gratitude, with love and with everyone who has made Koffee With Karan what it is. So, come have one last cup of Koffee with me. One last time.”
Alok Jain, Head – Hindi & English Entertainment Business (Streaming, TV & Studios), JioStar, said, “Koffee With Karan is the talk show that brought the biggest celebrities into viewers’ living rooms and built a fandom that very few shows have matched. For over two decades, it has given audiences an intimate, irreverent and often unexpected glimpse into the lives of the people they love watching, becoming a part of pop culture phenomenon. As Karan raises the coffee mug one last time, we celebrate the extraordinary legacy of a show that has consistently delivered great content and created a lasting connection with audiences. At JioHotstar, we remain committed to bringing audiences the very best in entertainment, and we are delighted to bring this final chapter of Koffee With Karan to them.”
The show has been known for segments such as its rapid-fire rounds and coffee hampers, along with conversations that have frequently generated discussion beyond the episodes. Across its run, several questions, answers and exchanges from the show have remained part of popular conversations.
Also Read : Amitabh Bachchan’s Rs. 30 crore rise Vs Karan Johar’s Rs. 480 crore jump: Hurun numbers explained
read moreVeer Pahariya showcases his emotional side in heartbreak track ‘Tujhse Bichad Ke’ from Prem Keetanu, watch
Veer Pahariya is set to showcase a more vulnerable and emotional side of his character with ‘Tujhse Bichad Ke’, the heartbreak song from his upcoming film Prem Keetanu. The track captures the pain and emotional turmoil of separation, adding a poignant layer to the young actor’s journey in the film.
Featuring Veer Pahariya and Aafiya Sayed, the song presents moments of love, longing and heartbreak, giving audiences a glimpse into the emotional complications surrounding Veer’s character.
‘Tujhse Bichad Ke’ has been sung by Madhur Sharma, with music composed by Rahul Mishra and lyrics penned by Meer. The song features prominently in the film’s trailer and complements the emotional side of the story.
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While Prem Keetanu blends comedy, college life and romance, the track brings a distinctly bittersweet mood to Veer Pahariya’s character. After exploring his romantic side in earlier tracks from the film, Veer now appears to be stepping into the heartbreak and vulnerability that come with young love.
Directed by Apoorv Singh Karki, Prem Keetanu stars Veer Pahariya, Aparshakti Khurana, Aafiya Sayed, Rakesh Bedi and Nikhil Vijay. The film is produced by Gaurav Verma under Avanika Films and is scheduled to release in cinemas on October 2, 2026.
Also Read: Veer Pahariya gets Varun Dhawan to dance to Prem Keetanu song ‘Ishq Ka Ghulam’; Varun’s pet dog Joey steals the show
read moreFarah Khan reveals Mithun Chakraborty caused a stampede on Om Shanti Om sets, even Shah Rukh Khan was confused
Mithun Chakraborty’s popularity was on full display during the making of Om Shanti Om. Farah Khan recently recalled how the veteran actor’s arrival on the sets of the film’s song ‘Deewangi Deewangi’ caused such excitement that it left even Shah Rukh Khan and the filmmaker wondering what was happening.
Farah shared the anecdote while speaking to Mithun’s sons, Mimo and Namashi Chakraborty, on her vlog. The choreographer-turned-filmmaker recalled that 32 leading actors came together for the song, but Mithun’s arrival created an unexpected frenzy on the sets. Farah Khan recalls Mithun Chakraborty’s arrival According to Farah, the incident took place before Mithun became familiar to a newer generation through shows such as Dance India Dance. She said, “A lot of actors came; 32 actors came. But when Dada came, I can't tell you there was a stampede and this was before Dance India Dance. We showed in the song that one lady fainted, which actually happened before! That is why we put it in the song. Even the lightman jumped from his position to meet him, and there was so much commotion... Shah Rukh and I were like, 'What happened!'”
Farah also explained that the fainting scene seen in the song was inspired by what had actually happened when Mithun arrived. The reaction from the crew was apparently so strong that even a lightman left his position to get closer to the actor. Mithun and Shah Rukh Khan’s unplanned moment Farah also recalled another memorable moment from the song involving Mithun and Shah Rukh Khan. While filming their portion, she asked Shah Rukh to follow the steps Mithun was performing. However, Shah Rukh struggled to keep up with the veteran actor. Farah said Mithun responded by playfully tapping Shah Rukh on the head, and the moment was eventually retained in the final song.
“He could not follow him, so Mithun da started giving him tapli (smack on the head) and we have kept that in the shot,” she said.
Released in 2007, ‘Deewangi Deewangi’ became one of the most talked-about songs from Om Shanti Om because of its unusually large line-up of Bollywood stars. The song featured Dharmendra, Tabu, Karisma Kapoor, Jeetendra, Sanjay Dutt, Mithun Chakraborty, Kajol, Rani Mukerji, Salman Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Rekha and Juhi Chawla, among several others.
Also Read: Sameer reveals he OFFENDED Mithun Chakraborty while working as a journalist: “I asked him about his alleged affair with Ranjeeta; he retorted, ‘Maine suna hi ki tumhara Sridevi se affair chal raha hain’”
read moreRavi Kishan brings the house down at FICCI Frames 2026; breaks into viral dance; reveals hilarious fan requests during IPL commentary: “Bhaiyya mere gaanv ke upar se bhi ball ko feko na”
Day 2 of FICCI Frames 2026 began on an entertaining note thanks to Ravi Kishan's presence. He spoke about live sports broadcasting and commentary and he was joined by sports journalist and broadcaster Mayanti Langer, former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan, JioStar's Chief Technology Officer and OpenAI India's Head of Marketing, Sheeladitya Mohanty.
The host Vijay Vikram Singh told Ravi Kishan, “I have been told here by people and also by kids that ‘Ravi sir se dance step seekh lijiyega’.” Ravi smiled and replied, “Why not? By the way, my film had released on Netflix aur uski English dubbing inhone itni shaandaar ki thi. Your voice matched my performance very well. Sabko laga ki meri Angrezi itni Britisher jaisi kaise ho gayi? It was all thanks to him!”
During the panel discussion, Ravi Kishan opened up about his energetic Bhojpuri commentary for the Indian Premier League (IPL): “Bhojpuri is considered the cousin sister of Hindi. It is spoken mostly in Bihar and UP and nearly 25 crores in our country understand and speak Bhojpuri. Bringing cricket into the language was a big task for me. There were people like Irfan Pathan who talked about cricket in detail; people have full faith in them. Meanwhile, I am a film artist and parliamentarian. Now, I have to do commentary on cricket.”
He continued, “I sat in the commentary box, remembered Mahadev, and I ended up saying, ‘Gena gayi Ganga paar’! Then I also said ‘Arre ee gayil Gorakhpur ke upar’. And that worked. I used to get messages that ‘Bhaiyya mere gaanv ke upar se bhi ball ko feko na’! So, I used to mention these references. I also ended up mentioning famous chaurahas or some popular samosa shop or panwallah. And it clicked and how! JioStar was very happy!”
Towards the end, he fulfilled his promise and decided to do his viral dance. Before shaking his leg, Ravi Kishan said, “You guys must be aware that Gen Z ne internet pe mujhe kuch alag tarike se pahucha diya hai aur mujhe bhi nahin malum kyun! I guess it's due to my mistakes like ‘Home from work’ and ‘Jaldi the late’.”
Vijay Vikram Singh asked them to repeat his gems. Ravi gladly said, “Money follows my brother. Naam ya daam? I chase naam and it took 34 years. There are no shortcuts.”
Vijay Vikram Singh reminded him, “Aap tab viral the jab virality logon ko pata bhi nahin thi,” referring to his iconic saying, “Zindagi jandwa, fir bhi ghamandwa.” Ravi Kishan laughed and joked, “Oh yeah, main bahut purana viral item hoon!” He looked towards Irrfan Khan and said, “Irrfan bhai, sometimes, I wonder, ‘Main aisa kyun hoon’!” He added, “Uparwaale ne mujhe jis frame se banaya tha, woh frame usne baad mein tod diya. He was like, ‘Ek hi bhej raha hoon main’.”
With no song playing, the audience provided the beat, clapping rhythmically as Ravi Kishan broke into his viral dance moves. Soon, the rest of the panellists and host Vijay Vikram Singh joined him, bringing the entertaining session to a lively close.
Also Read: MEGA EXCLUSIVE: Viral Sensation Ravi Kishan bags solo-lead Hindi film; to star in Mahaveer Jain’s devotional drama
read moreJohn Abraham marks 15 years of Force with emotional tribute to late director Nishikant Kamat: "I only wish he was here to see where this journey has reached"
John Abraham marked 15 years of Force with an emotional note, remembering late filmmaker Nishikant Kamat, who directed the 2011 action thriller. Taking to Instagram on the film’s 15th anniversary, John looked back at the journey and the vision behind the film.
Sharing a poster from Force, John wrote, “15 years of FORCE. We set out to make an action film where the emotion hit as hard as the action.” The actor went on to remember Kamat, who passed away in August 2020. “Force wouldn’t have happened without Nishi. He pushed me, believed in me and gave the film its heart. I only wish he was here to see where this journey has reached,” he wrote. John concluded the post with an emotional message for the filmmaker, saying, “Miss you Nishi. Hope we make you proud.”
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Released on September 30, 2011, Force featured John as ACP Yashvardhan, a tough and uncompromising narcotics officer. Genelia D’Souza played Maya, while the film also marked Vidyut Jammwal’s Hindi film debut as the antagonist Vishnu.
An official remake of the Tamil film Kaakha Kaakha, Force combined hard-hitting action with an emotional love story and went on to become an important film in John’s evolution as an action star. The film was followed by Force 2 in 2016.
Fifteen years later, John’s anniversary post serves as a reminder of Kamat’s role in shaping Force and the personal connection the actor continues to share with the film and its late director.
Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: From John Abraham’s Force 3 to Ekta Kapoor’s action franchise: Harshvardhan Rane’s recent choices suggest producers are beginning to explore the full range of his screen persona
read moreBigg Boss 20: Yung DSA says he will "maintain a boundary" with Love Gill after latter calls out his remark for dancing with Gullu
A recent episode of Bigg Boss 20 saw a conversation between Yung DSA and Love Gill lead to an awkward moment between the two contestants. The incident took place after the morning wake-up call, when Love was seen dancing on Gullu’s bed.
Yung later taunted her, saying, “Gullu ke aang pe chadhke nachti hai?” Love asked him not to say it in that manner. She also clarified that she understood he did not make the remark with that intention, but felt it could look different when viewed on screen. Yung DSA clarifies his remark During the conversation that followed, YUNG DSA explained that the remark was not intended in the way Love had interpreted it. He said that such slang is commonly used where he comes from and maintained that there was no inappropriate intention behind his comment.
Aamrapali Dubey also joined the conversation and told Love that she did not believe Yung would have meant the remark in that way. She pointed out that misunderstandings inside the house can sometimes have a lasting impact, particularly when the contestants are being watched by their families.
Yung DSA then spoke about his concern over how the situation could be perceived by his loved ones outside the house.
“I don’t care what anybody thinks about me. I only care about what my mother thinks about me out there and she shouldn’t think anything uneven. My girlfriend and her parents are also watching this show and I don’t want to give any wrong message to anyone.” Yung DSA says he will maintain a boundary Yung DSA said that the incident had made him reconsider how he interacts with Love Gill inside the Bigg Boss house. However, he clarified that he would continue to support her. “I will always support Love, but I will always maintain a boundary in our friendship hereafter,” he added.
Love was later seen apologising to YUNG DSA, bringing the conversation to a close.
The incident comes as relationships and friendships continue to evolve inside the Bigg Boss 20 house, with contestants often having to navigate misunderstandings while being constantly watched by cameras and audiences.
Also Read: Bigg Boss 20: Isha Rikhi BREAKS silence after eviction; says, “I had my emotional breakdowns, moments where I struggled to express myself”
read moreEXCLUSIVE: Shahid producer Sunil Bohra recalls borrowing a few lakhs at "extremely high interest" during the making as film finds a new home on Prime Video after 13 years; says, "I don’t remember the struggle as much as..."
Thirteen years after its theatrical release, Hansal Mehta’s National Award-winning film Shahid is now available to stream on Prime Video. Produced by Bohra Bros, the 2013 drama stars Rajkummar Rao in the lead and is based on the life of lawyer and human rights activist Shahid Azmi. The film’s arrival on the streaming platform gives a new generation of viewers an opportunity to discover the acclaimed drama, while also allowing audiences who watched it in theatres to revisit the film.
Shahid went on to become an important film in the careers of both Rajkummar Rao and Hansal Mehta. Rao received the National Film Award for Best Actor for his performance as Shahid Azmi, while Mehta won the National Film Award for Best Direction. The film also featured Prabhleen Sandhu as Mariam, along with Kay Kay Menon, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub and Vipin Sharma in key roles. Set against the life and work of Shahid Azmi, the film explored the lawyer’s efforts to defend people accused under terror laws and his commitment to due process. Azmi was assassinated in 2010. Sunil Bohra Recalls Making The Film With Limited Resources For Bohra Bros co-founder Sunil Bohra, the film remains a particularly personal project. He recalled, “Shahid was made with love, belief and vision at a time when we had very little money in hand. I still remember having to borrow a few lakhs at extremely high interest just to keep the film moving. But when I look back today, I don’t remember the struggle as much as I remember the beautiful journey. Making this film with my close friend and master filmmaker Hansal Mehta remains one of the most cherished experiences of my life.”
Bohra Bros backed the film during its theatrical run, with the production eventually earning recognition for its storytelling and performances. Prabhleen Sandhu on her experience of making Shahid Prabhleen Sandhu, who played Mariam in the film, also reflected on her association with Shahid and her experience of working with Mehta and Rao. She said, “Working with Hansal Mehta and Rajkummar Rao on Shahid remains one of the finest experiences of my life. There are some films that go beyond being just another project — they become a part of who you are. Shahid will always be an extremely special film for me.”
With its arrival on Prime Video, Shahid is now accessible to viewers who may not have seen it when it released in theatres in 2013. The film's streaming release also brings renewed attention to a story that earned recognition at the National Film Awards and became an important part of Hansal Mehta and Rajkummar Rao's filmographies.
Shahid is currently available to stream on Prime Video.
Also Read: Rajkummar Rao’s Shahid is FINALLY streaming after 13 years; writer-editor Apurva Asrani asks “Why now?”
read moreAvengers Endgame: Encore collects Rs. 23.86 cr in 5 days; IMAX + Infinity Vision contribute a massive 44%; Sanam Teri Kasam record out of reach, Interstellar milestone in sight
The re-release of Avengers Endgame: Encore has delivered an impressive performance at the Indian box office and has managed to hold reasonably well even on the weekdays. Given the extraordinary advance booking, the superhero blockbuster was initially expected to open in the vicinity of Rs. 10 crores. However, that did not materialize, possibly due to the limited availability of screens. Moreover, spot bookings remained relatively muted, as a large section of the audience, particularly Marvel Cinematic Universe fans, had already booked their tickets well in advance amid the tremendous excitement surrounding the re-release.
Nevertheless, Avengers Endgame: Encore opened to a huge Rs. 6.07 crores on Friday, an exceptional number for a re-release. The collections witnessed a healthy jump on Saturday, rising to Rs. 7.31 crores, before dropping slightly to Rs. 6.37 crores on Sunday. On Monday, the film collected Rs. 1.90 crores. Thanks to the discounted ticket pricing on Tuesday, the earnings saw a marginal rise to Rs. 2.19 crores.
As a result, Avengers Endgame: Encore has amassed Rs. 23.86 crores in its first five days. Going by the current trend, the film is expected to close its first week in the range of Rs. 27-28 crores.
Interestingly, the re-release has performed exceptionally well in premium formats. Avengers Endgame: Encore collected Rs. 5.64 crores from just 34 IMAX screens in five days, meaning that IMAX alone contributed approximately 23.65% of the film’s total Nett collections. The film also became the first title to release in the Infinity Vision format, which generated considerable curiosity among moviegoers. In Infinity Vision, Avengers Endgame: Encore collected Rs. 4.96 crores in five days, accounting for approximately 20.82% of its total Nett collections. Together, IMAX and Infinity Vision contributed Rs. 10.61 crores or a massive 44.47% of the film’s overall Nett collections, underlining just how significant premium-format viewing has been to the success of this re-release.
The all-time record for the highest-grossing re-release in India continues to be held by Sanam Teri Kasam (2016), which collected around Rs. 42 crores during its re-run. That record is likely to remain intact, as the collections of Avengers Endgame: Encore are expected to be impacted in Week 2 by the release of the highly awaited Drishyam The Conclusion.
However, Avengers Endgame: Encore is now closing in on another major milestone. The record for the highest-grossing Hollywood re-release in India is currently held by Interstellar (2014), which collected around Rs. 29 crores during its theatrical re-run in February and March 2025. Going by its present trajectory, Avengers Endgame: Encore should surpass that figure by Sunday, October 4, or during the weekdays that follow.
The collections of Avengers Endgame: Encore Friday - Rs. 6.07 cr Saturday - Rs. 7.31 cr Sunday - Rs. 6.37 cr Monday - Rs. 1.90 cr Tuesday - Rs. 2.19 cr TOTAL - Rs. 23.86 cr
The collections of Avengers Endgame: Encore in IMAX Friday - Rs. 1.51 cr Saturday - Rs. 1.65 cr Sunday - Rs. 1.64 cr Monday - Rs. 38.45 lakhs Tuesday - Rs. 43.85 lakhs TOTAL - Rs. 5.64 cr
The collections of Avengers Endgame: Encore in Infinity Vision Friday - Rs. 1.34 cr Saturday - Rs. 1.59 cr Sunday - Rs. 1.29 cr Monday - Rs. 35.80 lakhs Tuesday - Rs. 38.79 lakhs TOTAL - Rs. 4.96 cr
read moreAkshay Kumar in Hanuman Ansh 2? Producer Anupriya Nagar dismisses casting reports; says, “It’s false”
Speculation about Akshay Kumar’s possible involvement in Hanuman Ansh 2 has been circulating after recent comments from the film’s co-producer, Anupriya Nagar. However, Nagar has now clarified that the actor has not been confirmed for the sequel and that reports suggesting she had announced his involvement are incorrect.
Speaking to Hindustan Times, Anupriya directly addressed the reports surrounding Akshay’s alleged casting and said, “I have not said anything regarding Akshay Kumar in Part 2. It's false.”
With this clarification, the producer dismissed reports linking Akshay to the second instalment of Hanuman Ansh. She also made it clear that no official casting announcement regarding the actor has been made by her. How Akshay Kumar’s name became linked to Hanuman Ansh 2 The speculation began after Anupriya Nagar was asked about Akshay Kumar potentially appearing in the sequel. During the interaction, she described Akshay as her “favourite actor” before giving a cryptic response when questioned about his possible casting.
“Voh Maharaj ji batayenge,” she said.
The remark quickly caught attention on social media, where some users interpreted it as a possible hint that Akshay could be associated with Hanuman Ansh 2. However, the response itself did not confirm that the actor had been signed for the film.
Anupriya’s latest clarification now puts those reports into perspective. According to the producer, she did not make any statement confirming Akshay’s involvement in the sequel.
Also Read: FICCI Frames 2026: Sriram Raghavan gives witty reply to Ayushmann Khurrana’s point-blank question, “When are you making Andhadhun 2?”; Ayushmann insists, “We need to make films like Hanuman Ansh and Obsession which are…”
read morePrahaar trailer launch: Devendra Fadnavis hails Rajkummar Rao as an “ACCOMPLISHED actor”; urges every Indian to watch Prahaar
Rajkummar Rao, Wamiqa Gabbi, Sikandar Kher, Lalit Prabhakar, Ritvik Sahore, producer Dinesh Vijan and director Avinash Arun attended the trailer launch of their film Prahaar at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT). The film is based on Ujjwal Nikam, who was also present at the venue. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis attended the event as the chief guest.
Devendra Fadnavis began by saying, “I’d like to appreciate Maddock for making a film on such an important topic. If we had our way, we could have killed Ajmal Kasab. But our police and justice system thoughtfully showed the world that India believes in the rule of law. There’s no kangaroo court here. Hence, we proved the terrorists' wrongdoing through evidence and witnesses and brought the truth before the world.”
He further said, “I’d especially like to thank Ujjwal Nikam ji because he not only ensured that a terrorist was hanged, but also exposed the entire design and conspiracy behind the terror attack before the world. He also established how Pakistan was responsible for the attack. It was state-sponsored terrorism. This one judgment demolished Pakistan’s false narrative and laid bare its role in the conspiracy. Ujjwal ji worked with a lot of passion, professionalism and patriotism. His efforts delivered justice even to those who were martyred.”
Devendra Fadnavis continued, “What unfolded was known only to Ujjwal Nikam ji and those involved in the legal proceedings. But now, the audience will also get to know what happened. Also, with an accomplished actor like Rajkummar Rao ji playing the lead, I am sure this film will not just entertain but also deliver an important message.”
Addressing Dinesh Vijan, he said, “Through Chhaava (2025), you brought to the fore the life and bravery of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. Similarly, Prahaar will also be an important film as it tells people about our real hero, Ujjwal Nikam ji.”
He concluded, “I’ll definitely watch Prahaar on October 16. I request all countrymen to watch the film as well. If you have oodles of patriotism, or even a little bit of patriotism in you, you shouldn’t miss Prahaar.”
Also Read: Rajkummar Rao remembers 26/11 as Prahaar: The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam trailer drops tomorrow
read moreBigg Boss 20: Isha Rikhi BREAKS silence after eviction; says, “I had my emotional breakdowns, moments where I struggled to express myself”
Punjabi actress Isha Rikhi has shared her first statement after being eliminated from Bigg Boss 20. The actress, who spent three weeks inside the reality show, took to social media to reflect on her journey, the emotions she experienced and the support she received from viewers. Isha was eliminated after facing the eviction vote against Yung DSA. Yung DSA was saved through public voting, bringing Isha’s stint on the show to an end.
Isha Rikhi reflects on her Bigg Boss 20 journey Following her exit, Isha shared a note on social media, admitting that her three weeks inside the Bigg Boss house came with a mix of emotions and challenges. She also acknowledged that there were moments when she struggled to express herself. She wrote, “Three weeks inside the Bigg Boss house three weeks of so many emotions, experiences, challenges, laughter, tears, and memories I’ll carry with me forever.”
The actress further added, “Coming back has made me realise just how much your love and support means to me. Thank you to every single person who stood by me, believed in me, cheered for me, and even to those who didn’t support me. I’m grateful for every opinion, every message and every person who was a part of this journey in some way.”
Another excerpt of her note read, “The last few weeks were not easy for me. I had my emotional breakdowns, moments where I struggled to express myself, and moments where I probably didn’t come across the way I wanted to. I know I may have disappointed some of you, and if I did, I’m genuinely sorry. I’m still processing everything, understanding myself better and taking this whole experience as a learning.”
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Isha says she felt the audience’s support Isha also thanked viewers who continued to support her during her time on the show. She said, “But one thing I want you all to know is that I felt your love, even when I couldn’t express much myself. And that means more to me than I can put into words. Thank you for standing by me, for understanding me, and for continuing to support me. ❤️ I’m truly, truly grateful. 🫶🏻”
Her statement comes shortly after her exit from the reality show, as she looks back at the experience and the response she received during her time inside the house.
Isha entered Bigg Boss 20 as one of the contestants this season. During her three-week stint, the actress became part of the conversations and dynamics inside the house before eventually facing the public vote.
Also Read: Bigg Boss 20: Isha Rikhi says she faced “physical, emotional and social cheating” in relationship
read moreHimesh Reshammiya composes his first-ever garba song ‘Jai Ambe Bol’ for Ayushmann Khurrana, Sharvari starrer Yeh Prem Mol Liya
With Navratri 2026 around the corner, the makers of Yeh Prem Mol Liya have unveiled a new song from the upcoming Sooraj R. Barjatya directorial. Titled ‘Jai Ambe Bol’, the Garba track features Ayushmann Khurrana and Sharvari and marks Himesh Reshammiya’s first-ever Garba composition in his music career.
The song arrives after the release of the film’s title track, ‘Yeh Prem Mol Liya’, which introduced the emotional side of the upcoming film and its central themes of love, family and celebrations. With ‘Jai Ambe Bol’, the makers have now introduced a more festive and upbeat sound to the soundtrack, timed with the Navratri season that begins on October 11.
Composed by Himesh Reshammiya, ‘Jai Ambe Bol’ has been sung by Shreya Ghoshal, with lyrics penned by Mayur Puri. The track features Ayushmann and Sharvari in a colourful festive setting, with the song and its choreography built around the atmosphere of a Garba celebration.
Interestingly, ‘Jai Ambe Bol’ marks Himesh Reshammiya’s first Garba composition. The music composer has worked across several genres during his career, and the new track brings him into the festive Garba space for the first time.
The song has been designed around the energy associated with Navratri celebrations, with its arrangement and rhythm complementing the visual setting featuring the film’s lead pair. Shreya Ghoshal lends her vocals to the track, while Mayur Puri’s lyrics contribute to its festive character.
Music is an integral part of Yeh Prem Mol Liya, with the title track and ‘Jai Ambe Bol’ representing different moods within the film’s musical world. While the title song focuses on the emotional and romantic elements surrounding Ayushmann and Sharvari’s characters, the new Garba number brings a more celebratory dimension to the soundtrack.
Yeh Prem Mol Liya is presented by Rajshri Productions (P) Ltd. in association with Mahaveer Jain Films. Directed by Sooraj R. Barjatya, the film stars Ayushmann Khurrana and Sharvari, with music composed by Himesh Reshammiya. The film is scheduled to release in cinemas on November 27, 2026.
Also Read: Sooraj Barjatya says, “Yeh Prem Mol Liya is one of my MOST progressive films, while also keeping my values intact!”; shares grandfather Tarachand Barjatya’s FASCINATING “Super hit hai par mere kaam ki nahin hai” anecdote
read moreSparsh Shrivastava reveals how Govinda, Salman Khan and Madhuri Dixit inspired Bhugol in Dupahiya Season 2
Sparsh Shrivastava’s character Bhugol in Dupahiya Season 2 carries more than just the aspirations of a small-town dreamer. As the character steps into a new phase of his life and begins navigating newfound fame, Bollywood and its iconic stars become an important part of how he expresses himself. Sparsh has now revealed how actors including Govinda, Salman Khan and Madhuri Dixit influenced Bhugol’s personality in the upcoming season.
According to Sparsh, several familiar Bollywood references were consciously incorporated into Bhugol’s character, reflecting his fascination with films and stars. The actor particularly pointed to Govinda as an inspiration for a mandir sequence featured in the trailer of the second season.
Sharing the inspiration behind that scene, Sparsh said, “The inspiration for that was Govinda sir. There’s this moment in Raja Babu, I think, where he goes to his mother and says, ‘Itna pyaar diya tune mujhe, maa,’ so I was just trying to channel that feeling. There’s a little bit of Govinda in Bhugol, there’s a lot of Deewaar, and he’s also wearing Salman Khan’s jacket from Maine Pyar Kiya. So, in a way, everybody’s embodiment is in Bhugol. He’s everything. And then there’s Madhuri ma’am as well, of course, especially when it comes to the launda naach in his character. I loved bringing all these little references together because that’s how I see Bhugol. He’s this small-town guy who has absorbed so much from the films and stars he loves ”
The Bollywood connection also brought back a personal memory for Sparsh while filming the launda naach sequence. The actor recalled participating in a dance reality show in 2010, where veteran choreographer Saroj Khan was a judge. He remembered receiving ₹100 notes from her after good performances.
Reflecting on the experience, Sparsh said, “The choreographer was Kruti, and I remember this one specific moment from that launda naach. When I did a dance reality show back in 2010, Saroj Khan ma’am was the judge, and after every good dance, she would give you a ₹100 note. This time, when I did that shoot, Kruti came to me and gave me a ₹500 note, and I was so emotional.”
Directed by Sonam Nair, Dupahiya Season 2 is created and produced by Salona Bains Joshi and Shubh Shivdasani under Bombay Film Cartel LLP. The series is created and written by Avinash Dwivedi and Chirag Garg.
The second season continues the story established in the first instalment and brings back Gajraj Rao, Renuka Shahane, Sparsh Shrivastava, Bhuvan Arora, Shivani Raghuvanshi and Yashpal Sharma. Dinesh Lal Yadav (Nirahua) joins the ensemble for the new season.
Dupahiya Season 2 will premiere exclusively on Prime Video on October 1.
Also Read: Dupahiya Season 2 Trailer: Gajraj Rao, Renuka Shahane, Sparsh Shrivastava return as Dhadakpur faces new chaos
read moreManiesh Paul to host IIFA 2027 in Abu Dhabi; says “I can’t wait to be back on that stage”
Maniesh Paul is set to return to the IIFA stage as host for the 27th edition of IIFA Weekend & Awards. Known for his energetic hosting style and ability to connect with live audiences, Maniesh will once again take charge of the entertainment on one of the most anticipated nights celebrating Indian cinema.
The 27th edition of IIFA Weekend & Awards is scheduled to take place on January 22 and 23, 2027, at Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. With the event bringing together leading names from the Indian film industry, Maniesh’s return as host adds to the anticipation around the upcoming celebration.
Reflecting on his association with the international awards platform and his return to the IIFA stage, Maniesh Paul said, "Hosting IIFA has been such a special part of my journey. I've had the privilege of being on this incredible stage multiple times, and every time IIFA comes around, that excitement and nervous energy is exactly the same. The live audience, the stars, the madness, the laughter, there's simply nothing quite like it.”
He went on to add, “To be returning as host for the 27th edition, and especially to be back at Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, feels incredibly special. IIFA has given me some unforgettable memories over the years, and I feel genuinely grateful to be a part of its journey. I can't wait to be back on that stage, share the madness with my co-host, celebrate our incredible cinema and create some more unforgettable IIFA memories."
Maniesh Paul has been associated with IIFA as a host in the past, and his return continues his longstanding connection with the awards platform. His hosting is expected to bring a mix of live entertainment, humour and interaction to the two-day celebration.
The 27th edition of IIFA Weekend & Awards will take place across January 22 and 23, 2027, at Etihad Arena on Yas Island. The event will bring the Indian film fraternity together in Abu Dhabi for another edition of the global celebration of Indian cinema.
Tickets for IIFA 2027 are already live. Those looking to attend the event can book their tickets through Etihadarena.ae and Platinumlist.net.
Also Read: Happy birthday Maniesh Paul: 5 best fashion looks from the actor’s Instagram
read moreEXCLUSIVE: Mrunal Thakur on Pooja Meri Jaan co-stars Huma Qureshi, Vikram Singh Chauhan and Vijay Raaz; says, “Everyone brought such a different energy to sets”
Mrunal Thakur is set to headline Pooja Meri Jaan, an upcoming crime-thriller and courtroom drama that explores unrequited love, stalking and toxic obsession. Ahead of the film’s premiere, the actress opened up about her experience of working with co-stars Huma Qureshi, Vikram Singh Chauhan and Vijay Raaz, recalling the different energies they brought to the sets.
Speaking about whether there was a memorable off-camera moment that became part of her experience of making the film, Mrunal said, “There were so many instances. One of the lovely things about this film was the people I got to work with. Everyone brought such a different energy to sets, Huma is so dynamic as an actress and working with actors like Vijay Raaz and Vikram was beautiful.”
“It was so instinctive, especially with Vikram because he's playing Romeo, such a vulnerable character. At that point in time, it was his first film, and there were plenty of moments between the takes. The camaraderie really helped because the material itself was so intense and not just the actors, but also with the filmmakers. Navjot was so passionate about this film, and Amar and Dinu, who believed in this film and produced this movie. I think what stayed with me was that hunger to make a film which is true,” she added.
In Pooja Meri Jaan, Mrunal plays Pooja, while Huma Qureshi essays Sana and Vikram Singh Chauhan plays Aniket. Vijay Raaz is also part of the film in a key role. The story centres on Aniket’s pursuit of Pooja and the consequences that follow after his behaviour crosses boundaries.
According to the film’s premise, Aniket dies after pursuing Pooja, following which she finds herself accused and blamed for his death. The situation subsequently develops into a legal and public battle, with Sana, a lawyer who has close personal ties to both Pooja and Aniket, caught between her relationship with them and her pursuit of the truth.
Directed by Navjot Gulati and co-directed by Vipasha Arvind, the film has been written by Gulati and Kanishka Singh Deo, with dialogues and additional screenplay by Niren Bhatt. The project deals with questions surrounding consent, public judgment and the consequences of obsessive behaviour.
Produced by Dinesh Vijan and Amar Kaushik under Maddock Films, Pooja Meri Jaan is scheduled to premiere exclusively on ZEE5 on October 2, 2026.
Also Read: Mrunal Thakur makes Paris Fashion Week debut 2026; actress set to bring her style to the global stage
read moreAishwarya Rai Bachchan turns up the drama in ‘Royal Crimson Glam’ at Paris Fashion Week with L'Oréal Paris
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan made a striking appearance at Paris Fashion Week, stepping out at Place Joffre in a Royal Crimson Glam look that brought together bold beauty, rich colour and timeless glamour, set against the unmistakable backdrop of the Eiffel Tower. Her appearance marks yet another chapter in her years-long journey with L'Oréal Paris on the global fashion stage, this time celebrating the brand's message of "Express Your Worth."
Aishwarya's beauty look made a powerful statement with a deep, bold lip. Her signature red made a comeback with the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Matte Resistance Liquid Lipstick in shade 423 Audacious Red, one of five new shades from the brand's Runway Matte Collection. With its intense colour payoff and comfortable matte finish, the statement red lent the look a striking sense of depth and confidence, instantly drawing attention on the runway.
Her complexion was perfected with the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Cushion Foundation in shade N140, delivering lightweight, flawless coverage with a semi-matte finish. The L'Oréal Paris Panorama Waterproof Mascara added bold, voluminous lashes, while the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Matte Liquid Liner in shade 01 Matte Black brought added definition and intensity to her eyes. The look was locked in with the L'Oréal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Spray, ensuring her makeup stayed flawless and intact through the runway appearance.
Completing the Royal Crimson Glam look was a Yara Shoemaker corseted black velvet fishtail gown, featuring a velvet-embellished cape, paired with a jewelled crown that added a distinctly regal sense of drama and grandeur to Aishwarya's presence on the Paris runway. The corseted silhouette and dramatic fishtail cut gave the ensemble a commanding, statuesque quality, further elevated by the cape's sweeping movement.
Paired with her bold red lip and glamorous beauty look, the statement ensemble came together as a powerful celebration of confidence, individuality and timeless glamour, bringing the spirit of "Express Your Worth" vividly to life and reaffirming Aishwarya's status as one of global fashion's most enduring faces.
Also Read: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan struts again at Paris Fashion Week: L’Oréal’s Le Défilé returns with star-studded line-up
read moreRanbir Kapoor starrer Love & War poster gets a road safety twist from Mumbai Police; ‘LoveAndSafetyOnRoad’ message goes viral
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s upcoming film Love & War has found an unexpected connection with a road safety campaign. Mumbai Police has used Ranbir Kapoor’s first-look poster from the much-awaited film to spread awareness about the importance of wearing a seat belt while driving, giving the promotional material a creative twist.
The first-look posters of Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal were recently unveiled by the makers of Love & War, giving audiences their first look at the three central characters. While the posters have been generating attention online, Mumbai Police has now joined the conversation by using Ranbir’s poster for a road safety message.
The department shared the creatively adapted poster on its social media platforms and used the visual to underline the importance of buckling up before driving. The caption accompanying the post read, “Seatbelt over wheels is the only deal. #LoveAndWar neither excuses an unbuckled ride. #LoveAndSafetyOnRoad.”
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By incorporating the visual associated with Love & War into its road safety messaging, Mumbai Police has brought the film into a public-awareness campaign while also tapping into a piece of current pop culture. The post connects the film’s title with a simple reminder for motorists to prioritise seat belts while travelling.
The film’s first-look campaign has already introduced audiences to the three leads in their respective looks. The three actors are coming together for the Sanjay Leela Bhansali directorial, which has been among the closely followed upcoming Hindi film projects since its announcement.
Love & War also marks a collaboration between Bhansali and Ranbir Kapoor after Saawariya and Bajirao Mastani, while Alia Bhatt previously worked with the filmmaker on Gangubai Kathiawadi. Vicky Kaushal is also collaborating with Bhansali for the first time with the project.
As the makers continue to build anticipation around the film through its promotional material, the Mumbai Police post has given one of its first-look assets a different context. The road safety campaign has also brought the Love & War imagery into a conversation beyond the film itself.
A Sanjay Leela Bhansali film, Love & War stars Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal. The film is scheduled to release worldwide on January 21, 2027, in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu.
Also Read: Love & War: Sanjay Leela Bhansali and others celebrate the birthday of Ranbir Kapoor with grand dinner
read moreMrunal Thakur makes Paris Fashion Week debut 2026; actress set to bring her style to the global stage
Mrunal Thakur is set to make her debut at Paris Fashion Week 2026, adding another international fashion appearance to her growing list of global outings. The actress has already left Mumbai for Paris and is expected to make her presence felt at the fashion event, following her recent appearance at the Cannes Film Festival.
Over the past few years, Mrunal has increasingly explored different sides of fashion, moving between contemporary silhouettes and more traditional Indian looks. Her Paris Fashion Week debut comes with anticipation around what she will bring to the French capital, particularly after several notable red-carpet appearances that have seen her experiment with varied aesthetics.
The actress has developed a fashion repertoire that ranges from structured contemporary ensembles to Indianwear-led looks, allowing her to shift between different styles depending on the occasion. Her upcoming Paris appearance will mark another international platform where her fashion choices are likely to draw attention alongside her ongoing work in the entertainment industry.
Mrunal’s global fashion outings also come as her acting career continues to span multiple film industries. She first gained recognition through television before transitioning to films, with projects such as Love Sonia and Super 30 bringing her wider attention. She subsequently expanded her work into Telugu cinema, starring in films including Sita Ramam and Hi Nanna.
On the film front, Mrunal is set to headline the courtroom psychological thriller Pooja Meri Jaan. Directed by Navjot Gulati, the film also features Huma Qureshi and Vijay Raaz and is scheduled to premiere on ZEE5 on October 2, 2026.
She is also attached to the pan-Indian action film Raaka, adding a commercial project to her upcoming lineup. The combination of character-driven films and larger-scale productions continues to define the range of projects associated with the actress.
As Mrunal arrives in Paris for her first Fashion Week appearance, the focus now shifts to the looks she will bring to the event. Following her Cannes outing, her Paris debut adds another international chapter to her evolving fashion presence while she continues to balance her work across the entertainment space.
Also Read: Mrunal Thakur celebrates Marathi Film Gondhal as India’s official Oscar entry for 2027; says, “What a moment of pride”
read moreBhumi Pednekar joins BDRF to aid flood-affected Bihar, appeals to citizens for support
Bhumi Satish Pednekkar has raised her voice once again to extend an appeal to citizens to support those affected by floods in Bihar. The actress took to her social media handle to share a video, highlighting the gravity of the situation in Bihar and how her collaboration with Bharat Disaster Relief Foundation (BDRF) is extending aid on the ground.
“Bihar mein picchle 45 dino se aise kayi ilaake hain jaha par abhi tak paani neeche nahi gaya hain. Itne saare parivaar hain jo sab kuch kho chuke hain. Unke paas koi zariya nahi hain ki wo apna khaan-peen, anaaj, kapde, auraton ke liye sanitation - bathroom nahi hain…itne saare parivaar aur itni saari communities hain jo relief camps aur tents mein reh rahi hain,” she says.
Bhumi highlighted that this time too, she has collaborated with the BDRF team to provide relief to flood-struck Bihar. “Iss waqt Bihar ko humari bahot zyada zaroorat hain,” she says and urges citizens to unite once again to help those affected by the floods by extending support through any means possible. The actress attached the link in her bio through which citizens can extend help in improving the situation in Bihar.
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Also Read: From Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Deepika Padukone to Bhumi Pednekar: Bollywood actresses who turned heads at global fashion events
read moreRam Gopal Varma poses with Sandeep Reddy Vanga; shares "the Sprite of the Spirit" caption
Filmmakers Ram Gopal Varma and Sandeep Reddy Vanga recently came together for a picture that has caught the attention of cinema fans. Varma shared the photograph on social media, accompanying it with a playful caption that appeared to reference Vanga’s upcoming film Spirit.
In the picture, Varma and Vanga can be seen posing together. Sharing the moment on Instagram, Varma wrote, “The SPRITE of the SPIRIT 😎”.
The caption quickly drew attention, particularly because both filmmakers are currently associated with T-Series for their respective projects.
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Ram Gopal Varma and Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s T-Series connection Sandeep Reddy Vanga is currently working on Spirit, which stars Prabhas in the lead role and is backed by T-Series producer Bhushan Kumar. The action drama is scheduled to arrive in theatres on March 5, 2027.
Meanwhile, Ram Gopal Varma is directing Police Company, an upcoming action-crime drama produced by T-Series. The film features Harshvardhan Rane in the lead role and is inspired by the Mumbai Police special squad that operated against organised crime during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Rane is set to portray a character based on encounter specialist Daya Nayak in the film. Sandeep Reddy Varma’s caption sparks curiosity Both Varma and Vanga have explored crime and intense subjects through their filmmaking, making their latest picture an interesting meeting between two directors associated with the genre.
While Varma’s caption does not reveal any details about a collaboration between the two, his reference to Spirit has added curiosity around the photograph. Vanga, meanwhile, continues to work on Spirit ahead of its scheduled 2027 theatrical release, while Varma’s Police Company marks his return to the action-crime space.
Also Read: Ram Gopal Varma insists that the Deepika Padukone – Sandeep Reddy Vanga row is just ‘blown up in the media’; says, “The whole thing is very exaggerated”
read moreFICCI Frames 2026: Obsession’s India distributor Denzil Dias decodes how he TEMPTED audiences into cinemas: “We released it 2 weeks late, CLASHED with IPL…film eventually did 12x its opening weekend”
Ayushmann Khurrana, Sriram Raghavan and Denzil Dias, VP and Managing Director - India Theatrical at Warner Bros. Discovery, attended the ‘Cinema at Crossroads - The Rules of the Big Screen’ session on Day 1 of FICCI Frames 2025 in Mumbai. During the discussion, Denzil Dias opened up for the first time about the unconventional release strategy behind the Hollywood sleeper blockbuster Obsession in India.
Denzil Dias said, “We saw the film sometime in February this year and immediately felt that it had the potential to work in India. But we also knew that, on its own, the film would find it difficult to survive. So, we took a very deliberate decision not to release it simultaneously with the US.”
He continued, “Most of our films release day-and-date with the US. With Obsession, however, we decided to hold it back by two weeks. In fact, we released it at a time when IPL matches were on! Why? Because there was no other major film in cinemas at that point. We started small, with limited prints and limited screens.”
Denzil further explained, “We also decided not to sell the film upfront. It was made by a filmmaker and featured actors who were largely unknown to Indian audiences. We realised that if we simply started putting out conventional promotional assets, people were unlikely to respond or engage with them.”
He added, “Instead, I decided to wait for the international buzz to build and allow that conversation to travel organically to India.”
The strategy paid off. Denzil said, “That’s exactly what happened. The buzz started building internationally and curiosity around the film increased in India as well. We opened with around 300-odd screens in Week 1. Once the film released, our entire focus shifted to word of mouth. What we needed to amplify was the audience response.”
Highlighting the extraordinary legs of the film at the box office, he revealed, “Obsession has eventually done around 12 times the box office of its opening weekend. That tells you that audiences kept coming back, and more and more people discovered the film as the weeks progressed.”
Denzil then broke down the larger theatrical strategy behind films such as Obsession. He said, “The first thing you have to do is identify your audience. Then, you have to meet them where they are. Once you do that, you need to give them assets and communication that they can actually connect with.”
He continued, “Once that connection is established and demand starts getting created, the next important step is distribution. With the phenomenal marketing teams at Warner Bros. and Universal, the focus then becomes ensuring that the supply is available – on the right screens, at the right showtimes and in the right markets.”
Denzil stressed that theatrical success today depends on much more than merely having a good film. He concluded, “It’s not just about the great films that our filmmakers make. It is equally important for us to find the right audience, make sure that they know there is a great film waiting for them and ensure that the film is available to them at the right screens and at the right show timings...We have some great stories waiting to be told. But sometimes, it’s not just about the story. How you deliver that story, how you market the film and how you nurture the audience are equally important.”
Also Read: FICCI Frames 2026: Sriram Raghavan gives witty reply to Ayushmann Khurrana’s point-blank question, “When are you making Andhadhun 2?”; Ayushmann insists, “We need to make films like Hanuman Ansh and Obsession which are…”
read moreFICCI Frames 2026: Sriram Raghavan gives witty reply to Ayushmann Khurrana’s point-blank question, “When are you making Andhadhun 2?”; Ayushmann insists, “We need to make films like Hanuman Ansh and Obsession which are…”
Ayushmann Khurrana, Sriram Raghavan and Denzil Dias, VP and Managing Director - India Theatrical at Warner Bros. Discovery, attended the ‘Cinema at Crossroads - The Rules of the Big Screen’ session on Day 1 of FICCI Frames 2025 in Mumbai. Ayushmann and Sriram had famously collaborated on the much-loved 2018 super-hit Andhadhun. As expected, the thriller came up during the conversation, along with several interesting observations on films, audiences and the changing theatrical trends.
After Denzil Dias explained the strategy behind releasing Obsession in India, Ayushmann Khurrana joked, “Agar Sriram Raghavan koi horror film banate, toh woh Obsession hoti! It’s like Sriram Raghavan’s genre.”
On a serious note, he added, “I am obsessed with Obsession. It’s the newness of the emotion that also worked for the film.”
At another point during the session, Ayushmann remarked, “Right now, the prime examples are Hanuman Ansh and Obsession. Two different worlds, but both are small-budget affairs. We need to make films like that. Films need to be budget-friendly and connect more with the people.”
Speaking about the importance of word of mouth, Ayushmann said, “Most of my films have been word-of-mouth films. If you are expecting your film to work, the word of mouth cannot be just good or very good. It has to be great.”
He continued, “At the same time, if you give that promise to the audience through your filmography, or if the trailer somehow clicks, or if a song works, it will definitely fetch you an opening number. These are the tropes you generally follow. Eventually, you have to depend on the content that you create.”
Ayushmann further observed, “It’s unfair to certain great films. Ideally, they should get showcasing.”
Fans of Andhadhun have long been waiting for a sequel. Towards the end of the session, Ayushmann Khurrana point-blank asked Sriram Raghavan, “When are you making Andhadhun 2?” Sriram smiled and replied, “Hopefully, when we get the right story which doesn’t screw up the first film!”
Sriram also shared an interesting anecdote about the casting of Andhadhun. He revealed, “Five or six actors had refused Andhadhun or politely declined. When Ayushmann first heard the narration of Andhadhun, his first reaction was, ‘This film needs an actor, not a star.’ That’s how he sold himself to doing the film.”
Also Read: From Udta Teer to Yeh Prem Mol Liya, Ayushmann Khurrana explores comedy and family drama
read moreBigg Boss 20: Aamrapali Dubey says Dinesh Lal Yadav is “convincing” her to marry someone; says, “People think he and I are dating”
Aamrapali Dubey has addressed the long-standing rumours surrounding her equation with Bhojpuri actor Dinesh Lal Yadav, popularly known as Nirahua, on the latest episode of Bigg Boss 20. While the two have often been linked romantically, they have maintained that they share a close friendship. Amrapali opened up about their bond while speaking to fellow contestant Love Gill.
Aamrapali and Dinesh have known each other since the actress entered the Bhojpuri film industry. She made her Bhojpuri film debut in 2014 with Nirahua Hindustani, which also starred Dinesh. Over the years, their professional association has developed into a close friendship, often leading to speculation about their relationship. Aamrapali Dubey on dating rumours with Nirahua Speaking about her equation with Dinesh, Aamrapali explained that their friendship has reached a point where they can understand each other without saying much. She also addressed the public perception that the two are dating.
“Even today, our friendship is such that I don’t need to tell him anything. I just look at him, and he understands and starts laughing. Friendships should be so unfiltered. People think he and I are dating, and that poor guy has gone crazy convincing me that I should marry someone. How do I explain to him? Men think it’s very easy to get married. They don’t understand our side. We will have to leave all that we have earned behind and go. Men find this idea of getting married very easy,” she said. Aamrapali and Dinesh's longstanding bond Aamrapali and Dinesh's association dates back to the actress's early years in Bhojpuri cinema. Apart from working together, their friendship has remained a talking point among fans and audiences. Dinesh is married to Mansha Yadav, and they have two sons. Aamrapali has also spoken about her bond with his children. A few months ago, she discussed her equation with Dinesh's family on the reality show Bhojpuri Bawaal.
Her connection with Dinesh also played a role in her transition from television to Bhojpuri films. During an earlier episode of Bigg Boss 20, Aamrapali recalled that Dinesh recommended her name to actor Santosh Shukla during Bigg Boss 6. According to her, after Dinesh put in a word for her, she moved from television to films.
Also Read: Bigg Boss 20: Uditi Singh calls breakup with Karan Wahi “blessing in disguise”; says partner “demotivated” her
read moreEXCLUSIVE: Husne Shabnam on dialect-coaching Amitabh Bachchan: “He told me, ‘Devi ji, aap MAALIK ho. Aap jo bologi, hum wahi karenge’!”; reveals, “Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani had a lot of Bengali, which we modified during the edit”
The recently released Lust Stories 3 has been appreciated, particularly its final segment, directed by Vishal Bhardwaj and starring Aditi Rao Hydari and Siddharth. The scenes featuring Aditi’s character interacting with her students have especially won hearts. One of the actors playing a student is Husne Shabnam, who has carved an interesting space for herself in the industry, not just as an actor but also as a dialect coach. Husne worked as a dialect coach on Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023), acted in Tribhuvan Mishra CA Topper and served as both an actor and dialect coach on Karisma Kapoor’s web series Brown. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Husne Shabnam opened up about working with megastar Amitabh Bachchan on an upcoming advertisement, her experience with Karisma Kapoor in Brown and a lot more.
Husne Shabnam said, “It is among the best memories of my life. When I learned that I was going to coach Amitabh sir, I knew that he is very punctual. So, I reached well before time. I was scared and thought that I wouldn’t be able to speak at all. After all, he is Amitabh Bachchan! But he told me, ‘Devi ji, aap maalik ho. Aap jo bologi, hum wahi karenge’! That’s how he broke the ice.”
Husne continued, “There were three more dialect coaches for different languages. We all had lunch with him. He asked us about our lives and backgrounds. Hence, it was a lovely day. He asked me, ‘Aapko pata hai na ki main Bengal ka jamai babu hoon?’! I smiled and said, ‘Yes sir, I know’.” When asked about the details of the advertisement, she simply said, “It’s a national ad campaign.”
Husne also had a lovely experience coaching Karisma Kapoor in Brown. She stated, “She’s a sweetheart. You won’t feel that she is Karisma Kapoor at all. She’ll treat you lovingly, like a family member. The common factor between Karisma ma’am and Shabana Azmi ji was that they would both ask everyone, ‘Khana khaya?’ (smiles).”
Future plans
Husne Shabnam revealed, “As an actor, I am giving auditions. One project, Broken Souls, may get released in a few months. It’s a Hindi series which also stars Saurabh Sachdeva. And as a dialect coach, I am working with a renowned director. I can’t take the name, but I assure you that you’ll be amazed!”
She further said, “We get projects which are national and Hindi-oriented. Hence, we don’t want to force too much Bengali into them. Otherwise, people may not be able to understand. Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani had a lot of Bengali, which we modified during the edit session. The same happened when I worked with Inaamulhaq in Pippa (2023).”
Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Husne Shabnam on acting in Lust Stories 3 and coaching Alia Bhatt, Shabana Azmi in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani: “Alia is a superstar and a sweetheart”; reveals, “Though I was a dialect coach, I still had a vanity van for myself; I was STUNNED”
read moreRise And Fall 2: Swara Bhasker reveals two unsuccessful IVF attempts with anonymous donor before marriage to Fahad Ahmad; says, “I had convinced my parents”
Swara Bhasker has opened up about a deeply personal chapter of her life, revealing that she underwent two unsuccessful rounds of IVF with an anonymous donor before she married Fahad Ahmad and later became a mother. The actor shared the details during a conversation with fellow contestants on Rise And Fall Season 2. Swara recalled a time when she had begun to believe that marriage might not happen for her, but she remained certain about one thing: she wanted to become a mother.
Rather than waiting for marriage to happen before starting a family, Swara said she had considered pursuing motherhood independently. She also discussed the decision with her parents and eventually received their support. “I was okay to do IVF, I had convinced my parents, ‘Meri shaadi toh hone se rahi, main IVF se bacha karungi.’" Swara said. Swara Bhasker discusses IVF with her parents Swara recalled that her parents were initially surprised when she brought up the idea. However, after understanding how seriously she felt about becoming a mother, they chose to support her while also making her aware of the challenges she could face.
“First they were like, ‘Hain?’ And then bechare mere parents yaar, bade sweet log hain. They were like, ‘Okay,’ but of course talked to me and said, ‘Listen, it will be very challenging in a country like India. But it’s okay if that’s what you want,’"
Swara then revealed that she did not stop at discussing the possibility of IVF. She went ahead with the treatment and underwent two attempts using an anonymous donor. However, neither attempt resulted in a successful pregnancy. “You know, I did two rounds of IVF, anonymous donor, and hua nahi," she said. How did Swara and Fahad Ahmad meet? Swara’s personal life later took an unexpected turn when she met Fahad Ahmad at a protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in New Delhi in January 2020.
The meeting eventually developed into a relationship, with Swara recalling how quickly their equation progressed: “We hooked up like immediately… it was insane. We got married in a court, we had a court wedding. Like basically 2-3 khushkhabri humein saath mein mil gayi."
Swara and Fahad registered their marriage in Mumbai on February 16, 2023. The couple subsequently celebrated their wedding with their family and friends in a traditional ceremony.
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read moreEXCLUSIVE: Gurmmeet Singh decodes Sonal Chauhan's SHOCKING climax scene in Mirzapur The Movie: “Audiences didn’t know whether to laugh at Chandu or feel bad for Mumtaz...we were SCARED the scales would tip in Ravi Kishan’s favour”
The recently released Mirzapur The Movie has several memorable scenes. But one sequence that truly stands out is the moment when Mumtaz (Sonal Chauhan) gets shot, that too unexpectedly by none other than Chandu Puncture (Satendra Soni). The reactions from the audience were one of a kind – some were shocked, some couldn’t stop laughing and some laughed in sheer disbelief! In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Mirzapur The Movie director Gurmmeet Singh opened up about this sequence and the challenges associated with it.
Gurmmeet Singh said, “Ravi Kishan’s character Babban was being loved a lot. Also, in Mirzapur, there’s no concept of a hero or villain. Everyone is grey and you understand their motivations. Aisa nahin hai ki koi aadmi ekdum bura hai. You do get attached to them. We were very scared because we didn’t want the scales to tip in favour of Babban. Then, the audiences would not have been happy that our heroes won. So, we kept wondering what would happen, as so many emotions were riding on him.”
He continued, “Thankfully, the balance was achieved. Audiences took them as larger-than-life characters. They wanted Guddu (Ali Fazal), Munna (Divyenndu) and Kaleen Bhaiyya (Pankaj Tripathi) to win. Also, that scene was the very purpose behind the character of Chandu Puncture. We knew that we wanted someone innocent to kill Mumtaz and that it needed to happen by mistake. It wasn’t out of aggression. So, Chandu killing her felt a little bittersweet. Audiences were left wondering whether they should enjoy Chandu’s humour or feel bad for Mumtaz. It was a bizarre dichotomy that played out in the film.”
Gurmmeet Singh further remarked, “In fact, the emotion landed most strongly when Chandu dies. That’s when audiences either gasped or went completely silent. Nevertheless, it was magical, almost like the olden days, when until we saw the audience reacting, we didn’t know what to expect from a scene.”
When asked about working with Ravi Kishan and whether he dropped any gems, Gurmmeet replied, “Ravi sir is absolutely entertaining. His public persona right now is that he’s all about fun and games. But he’s also a deep thinker. No wonder he plays dramatic scenes so beautifully. He has done more than 700 films and hence, he’s an institution in himself. He has seen so many ups and downs and has had such a vast journey. If you sit with him and listen to his conversations, kahan 3-3, 4-4 ghante nikal jaate hain, pata hi nahin chalta! We also used to really enjoy listening to his jokes and anecdotes.”
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