Paresh Rawal REACTS to The Taj Story being called “propaganda”: “It focuses solely on historical facts”

Paresh Rawal has stepped forward to address the growing controversy surrounding his upcoming film, The Taj Story, which recently caught attention for its provocative poster showing him removing the Taj Mahal’s dome with a statue of Lord Shiva emerging.

The actor took to social media to share a statement from the film’s makers clarifying that The Taj Story does not touch upon any religious matters, nor does it suggest that a Shiv temple exists within the Taj Mahal. “The makers of the film The Taj Story clarify that the movie does not deal with any religious matters, nor does it claim that a Shiv temple resides within the Taj Mahal. It focuses solely on historical facts. We would kindly request you to watch the film and form your own opinion,” the official disclaimer read.

The controversy resurfaced when a Twitter user dug up a 2017 tweet by Rawal in which he had expressed frustration over similar claims, writing, “Taj Mahal—Symbol of Love becomes the symbol of Hate!!! Stupid n unnecessary n sad n pathetic controversy!” He captioned his re-tweet, “A tweet by someone who just made a propaganda film on Taj Mahal being ‘Tejo Mahalya’!!”

https://t.co/8H34CJT1bD pic.twitter.com/PeEBZJv3Fr — Paresh Rawal (@SirPareshRawal) September 29, 2025

The Taj Story, directed as a hard-hitting social drama, is led by a powerhouse ensemble including Paresh Rawal, Zakir Hussain, Amruta Khanvilkar, Sneha Wagh, and Namit Das. The film raises a provocative question: “Even after 79 years of Independence, are we still slaves of intellectual terrorism?”

The narrative combines social commentary with a re-examination of historical facts, distinguishing itself from conventional period or historical films. The soundtrack has been composed by Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dev Nath, adding to the film’s intense tone. The Taj Story is slated for a nationwide release on October 31, 2025.

Also Read: Paresh Rawal on ‘Hera Pheri 3’ comeback: “A lot has happened, but that hasn’t soured my bond with Priyadarshan”

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Rakul Preet Singh says Jackky Bhagnani lost 75kg before debut, adds he’s a better cook than her: “He was a very heavy kid”

Actor-turned-producer Jackky Bhagnani may have stepped away from acting, but his journey in showbiz continues behind the camera. While Jackky has often spoken about his dramatic transformation—shedding 75 kilos before making his debut—his wife, actress Rakul Preet Singh, recently revisited the story, highlighting both his love for food and his commitment to fitness.

During her appearance on the YouTube channel Khaane Mein Kya Hai, Rakul rated her husband’s cooking skills, admitting that he is “definitely better than me.” She added, “He can make a very nice breakfast.”

Opening up further, Rakul shared that Jackky’s passion for food dates back to childhood. “He was a very heavy kid. He lost 75 kilos before he debuted. So, he loves food,” she revealed. She went on to narrate anecdotes from his younger years: “He knows the phone numbers of certain restaurants by heart. As a kid, he would quietly sneak out of his house to eat at his favourite dosa stall. Eventually, he even learned to make dosas himself. He once made a Schezwan dosa for me, and I told him he didn’t need to prove himself again—because then I’d also have to cook something!”

Jackky’s inspiring transformation remains a major chapter in his career. Speaking at the Fit India Cult Yogathon in New Delhi earlier this year, the producer recalled the discipline that went into his weight-loss journey. “It’s hard for people to believe that I once weighed over 150 kg and managed to lose 75 kg. It wasn’t easy, but it wouldn’t have been possible without motivation, determination, and the will to break past my own limits. What I realised along the way is that you don’t always need fancy gym equipment or expensive plans to lose weight. Eating clean, staying hydrated, sleeping well, doing regular cardio, and practising yoga—all of it helped me create balance, both physically and mentally.”

Jackky lost the weight ahead of his acting debut in the 2009 film Kal Kissne Dekha. Though his last acting outing was Mitron in 2018, he has since found success as a producer. His most recent venture was the action entertainer Bade Miyan Chote Miyan.

Also Read: Rakul Preet Singh shares mom’s secret haldi besan milk for monsoon comfort

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Akshay Kumar counters Aamir Khan’s six-month gap between theatres and streaming releases: “OTT platforms also need to benefit from the deal”

The ongoing debate over the ideal gap between theatrical releases and OTT premieres has found two of Bollywood’s biggest stars on opposite ends. After Aamir Khan recently advocated for a six-month window to protect the theatrical business, Akshay Kumar has voiced his disagreement, suggesting that a shorter gap is more practical for all stakeholders.

In a conversation with ABP Live, Akshay stressed that OTT platforms, which invest heavily in digital rights, also deserve fair treatment. “According to me, a three-month gap is okay. Six months is too long because at the end of the day, the OTT platform is paying you for the digital rights. They also need to benefit from the deal,” he said.

The actor-producer added that the industry should return to the pre-pandemic model, where theatres and streaming platforms co-existed without friction. “When it comes to digital rights sale, producers happily take money from the OTT platform. But when we want to, we also conveniently say our films aren’t working because of OTT. We don’t consider that maybe we’re not making the right films,” he remarked.

Akshay admitted he consumes a significant amount of OTT content himself, not just for entertainment but also to scout talent for his own projects. “I don’t have any other work than making movies. Since I’m not educated, I do only movies. So, I get a lot of time to watch OTT,” he shared. Acknowledging his journey, he added, “Thirty percent is hard work, which should feel like you’ve done 100% hard work, but you also need that 70% luck to make it. When I enter a studio, I often see a struggler better looking, a better dancer, and who does better action than me, but he hasn’t gotten a chance yet.”

His comments come in the backdrop of Aamir Khan’s evolving perspective on the theatrical-to-OTT window. The Laal Singh Chaddha star has long criticized the shrinking gap, blaming it for dwindling footfalls in cinemas. After Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies underperformed theatrically but found immense popularity upon its Netflix release, Aamir doubled down on his call for a minimum six-month gap.

At present, most films follow an eight-week theatrical-to-digital model.

Also Read: Akshay Kumar and other celebs shower love on Aryan Khan’s directorial debut The Ba***ds of Bollywood

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Langda Tyagi spin-off announced: 19 years after Omkara, Langda Tyagi set to make a comeback

A spin-off centered around the iconic character Langda Tyagi from the 2006 film Omkara is reportedly in development. According to a recent update by Pinkvilla, producers Kumar Mangat Pathak and Abhishek Pathak are working on a project that revisits the world of Omkara, with a fresh narrative focused on Langda Tyagi. While it’s still early in development, the project is generating buzz—especially over whether Saif Ali Khan will reprise his acclaimed role.

Directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, Omkara was an adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Othello and featured a star-studded cast including Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor, Konkona Sen Sharma, Vivek Oberoi, Bipasha Basu, and Naseeruddin Shah. The film earned critical acclaim and won multiple National Film Awards. Among the standout performances was Saif Ali Khan’s portrayal of Langda Tyagi, which went on to become a cult favourite in Indian cinema.

Now, nearly 19 years later, the makers are planning a spin-off centered on this memorable character. A source close to the development shared that the producers found an idea that naturally extends from the original story and brings Langda Tyagi back into focus.

“The character of Langda Tyagi has remained relevant in pop culture, and the audience's continued interest has motivated the producers to explore his story further,” the source revealed. “Writing is currently underway, and the team is aiming to begin production in 2026.” As for the casting, no official announcements have been made. The source added, “Whether Saif Ali Khan returns to play the role or a younger actor is brought in to reboot the character is still undecided. It all depends on the final script.”

Also Read: Birthday special: Saif Ali Khan had reservations about cutting his hair short for Omkara; went for haircut a day before the shoot at midnight

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Raashii Khanna and Farhan Akhtar bring Rezang La’s heroic tale alive in 120 Bahadur teaser; watch

Raashii Khanna takes on a significant role in 120 Bahadur, a war drama produced by Excel Entertainment. The recently released teaser gives a glimpse of the film, which highlights the bravery of the Ahir soldiers of Charlie Company, 13 Kumaon regiment, during the Battle of Rezang La.

Alongside Farhan Akhtar, Raashii Khanna adds an emotional touch to this story of sacrifice and bravery. Having worked across languages and genres, she now collaborates with one of Bollywood’s most versatile actors to bring a narrative that is both heartfelt and impactful.

 

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120 Bahadur is presented as a tribute to the courage of soldiers who showed remarkable bravery. The teaser has drawn attention from audiences, hinting at a film that combines emotion with heroism. Backed by Excel Entertainment, the project aims to deliver on scale and authenticity, with Raashii Khanna’s role adding to its emotional appeal.

Scheduled to release in cinemas on 21st November, 120 Bahadur brings forward a story of bravery meant to leave a lasting impact. Apart from this film, Raashii Khanna will also be seen in a suspense thriller with R. Madhavan and will return in Farzi Season 2. She is currently working on Ustaad Bhagat Singh opposite Telugu star Pawan Kalyan and will team up again with Vikrant Massey in Talakhon Mein Ek. Her Telugu project Telusu Kada has also received positive response, strengthening her presence across multiple film industries.

With this range of upcoming projects, Raashii Khanna continues to showcase her versatility and strengthen her position as one of the notable actors of her generation.

Also Read : Raashii Khanna shares candid BTS with Vikrant Massey from Talakhon Mein Ek sets; watch

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Alia Bhatt celebrates Ranbir Kapoor’s birthday with love-filled post, Raha’s handwritten ‘Best Papa’ note steals hearts; watch

Bollywood star Ranbir Kapoor turned 43, and his birthday was made all the more special by a deeply personal gesture from his young daughter, Raha Kapoor. His wife, Alia Bhatt, took to Instagram to post a series of pictures capturing intimate family moments, with the highlight being a sweet handwritten note from Raha.

In the handwritten letter, young Raha addressed her father with tender affection, writing, “Happy Birthday best papa in the world.” Among the pictures were images of Raha and Ranbir’s hands together as they cut a slice of his birthday cake, and a shot of Alia and Ranbir embracing against a serene sunset backdrop. Alia’s Instagram caption read, “happy birthday our whole and soul.”

 

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Later in the day, Ranbir appeared on Instagram Live via his lifestyle brand Arks, responding to fan questions and sharing the heartfelt gift from his daughter. He revealed, “Raha made me a promise that she will give me 43 kisses, so I got that!”

Raha, born on November 8, 2022, is the daughter of Ranbir and Alia, who had kept her face largely private until it was revealed during the Kapoor family’s Christmas luncheon in 2023.

On the work front, Ranbir is slated to appear in Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana, which features an ensemble cast including Sai Pallavi, Yash, Ravi Dubey, Sunny Deol, and Lara Dutta. The first part is scheduled to release on Diwali 2026. He will also share the screen with Alia and Vicky Kaushal in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s upcoming film Love & War.

Also Read : From Mouni Roy to Alia Bhatt: Bollywood celebs show how faux fur and knee high boots make every outfit pop

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EXCLUSIVE: Rajat Bedi BREAKS silence on LEGENDARY ‘Sabki izzat karenge toh lootenge kiski’ meme: “It’ll go down in HISTORY”; expresses desire to be cast in Krrish 4: “The whole world wants to see Hrithik Roshan and me together; it’ll create FIRE on screen”

The Ba***ds Of Bollywood has marked the solid comeback of Rajat Bedi. The actor was already popular among the masses and netizens because of his roles in memorable films like Koi Mil Gaya (2003), Jaani Dushman (2001) etc. What also kept him alive in the minds of people was the legendary meme of him mouthing the dialogue ‘Sabki izzat karenge toh lootenge kiski’. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Rajat Bedi opened up about these memes and a lot more.

When reminded about the ‘Sabki izzat karenge toh lootenge kiski’ meme, Rajat couldn’t stop laughing. Then he said, “It has become iconic. That line is going to go down in history. There’s nobody taking that line from me. Woh Rajat Bedi ka hi rahega. From kids to elders, everyone loves that line.” But he cautioned, “As far as you use it for fun purposes, then it's fair enough (laughs).”

Rajat analyzed, “I guess sabko nostalgia ho raha hai. People are remembering these dialogues since they are seeing my face again in The Ba***ds Of Bollywood. I am loving it and I am happy that they always appreciated my work. Now, after the web show, they are appreciating it even more.”

 

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Another meme, which just got famous, says ‘His aura was so goated that Hrithik Roshan had to bring an alien to defeat him’. Rajat Bedi once again laughed heartily when reminded about it. He then spoke highly of Koi Mil Gaya’s director-producer Rakesh Roshan and actor Hrithik Roshan, “It was all thanks to Rajesh ji and Hrithik. Working with Hrithik was unforgettable because that boy’s dedication and love for cinema is on another level. There’s no one like Rakesh Roshan. He’s unbelievable as a director. He’s too, too good! Rakesh ji has been a very big support to Hrithik as well. He has been there to help him grow as an actor.”

When asked about his future projects, Rajat Bedi replied, “I have meetings lined up. Casting directors have started calling me. I want to tell all of them – please give me another chance. I have a lot of fire in me. With God’s grace, I’ll prove myself. I have a good screen presence. I am willing to work twice as hard this time. I want to say the same to all the directors and producers – please give me a chance!”

Rajat Bedi has often played negative or characters with shades of grey. How about playing an all-positive character? The actor said, “It should happen thanks to OTT. Anyway, main toh aaya tha hero banne. Yeh toh industry ne ghusa diya villain roles mein! Mera bhi jee karta hai ki main bhi hero hi banu (laughs). But one thing is for sure. If I am the hero, they’ll have to get an even stronger negative chance (smiles).”

At this point, he expressed a wish, “I would do anything to work with Hrithik once again on screen.”

With Krrish 4 in the offing, will he be interested in signing the fourth part of the blockbuster franchise? Rajat Bedi exulted, “I think you should put it out and also tell Rakesh ji and Hrithik that ‘even Rajat is pleading to come back in the series’. The whole world wants to see us together in Krrish 4! It’s a fact. It’ll create fire on screen.”

He signed off by saying, “I get so many messages, ‘Sir, Krrish series mein wapis aa jaaiye’. How do I tell them that it’s not in my hands?”

Also Read: Rajat Bedi addresses comparisons between daughter Vera and Kareena Kapoor Khan; says, “She is thinking to join the industry now”

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EXCLUSIVE: Rajat Bedi opens up on the story behind the viral 1994 picture with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan: “We GLOBALLY made a name for ourselves the same year”; reveals that he ALMOST got launched with Anil Kapoor-Madhuri Dixit starrer Rajkumar

The Ba***ds Of Bollywood has brought back Rajat Bedi into limelight. The fans are aware of his filmography as an actor, but not many know about his journey before he got his acting break. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Rajat Bedi went down memory lane starting from the time he assisted in a film starring Shah Rukh Khan.

Rajat Bedi began by saying, “I assisted in Zamaana Deewana (1995) and also in one TV show of Ramesh Sippy ji, Kismat. Then, I wanted to get into modelling, but I was not aware as to how to go about it like kaunse office jaau aur kya karu. Fortunately, a big show was announced at that time called Gladrags Manhunt. It was headed by Maureen Wadia of Bombay Dyeing. A family member told me, ‘Rajat, you are tall, good-looking; why don’t you give it a shot?’. I decided to give it a try, hoping that I would get some modelling assignments.”

He added, “I met Maureen ji. He saw that ladka theek thaak lag raha hai. She asked for my photographs. When I told her that I didn’t have them, she told me to do the needful. I replied, ‘Mere paas paise nahin hai’! I was genuinely broke. She immediately called up Ashok Salian, a very big photographer at that time. She told him, ‘This boy is coming to meet you. Click his pictures’. She saw my snaps and enrolled me into the pageant. There were 30 contestants from all over India and I was one of them.”

Surprisingly, Rajat Bedi felt that he had no chance of winning the pageant, “I was quite excited and started to exercise. It was a big thing as Gladrags was a huge magazine. The first prize was a beautiful car and an all-expenses-paid trip to Singapore. When I heard about it, I told myself, ‘Apne ko toh milna nahin hai’. I was hoping that I would be noticed if I were on stage. After all, the who’s who of the ad world were going to be present.”

He continued, “The show was held at Oberoi Hotel, Mumbai. The Jeep, which was the winning prize, was parked and it was outstandingly beautiful. I had a look at the Jeep and I left. The other contestants were clicking pictures with the vehicle. They were hopeful that they might get to own the car while I was sure that I was not going to be the winner! Wahaan dekhna hi kyun jahaan jaana hi nahin hai (laughs)?”

Rajat Bedi then revealed, “I went inside and met Raveena Tandon, who was the judge. I had worked with her in Zamaana Deewana and so, she was very happy to see me. Just before I went on stage, I got nervous. I went to the bar to drink water. By mistake, I ended up breaking 8 glasses! I wondered, ‘Kaanch tootna hamare mein good luck hai’ (smiles).”

He stated, “My wife, who was then my girlfriend of 7 years, and my friend Monty Sabharwal, were present in the audience. From 30, the judges shortlisted 15 contestants and then further shortened the list to 10 followed by 5 and then 3. I managed to be in the top 3. Finally, I won the show. I couldn’t believe how it happened. Kuch toh magic hua tha.”

Throwback to the pictures of #RajatBedi aka #JarajSaxena of The Ba***ds Of Bollywood during his modelling days. He was also the first winner of the Gladrags Manhunt Contest India in 1994 pic.twitter.com/Zaz8Hlm7lF — Fenil Seta (@fenil_seta) September 27, 2025

Rajat Bedi said that thanks to The Ba***ds Of Bollywood, he feels the same at present, the way he felt then, in 1994, “That time of my life and the present-day have been magic periods of my life. I was 22 years old. Today, I am 53. 31 years later, life has come a full circle.”

Rajat then talked about his journey after the victory, “Suddenly, I blew up all over India. I became the manhunt international top male model in the country. Later on, Dino Morea, John Abraham etc. also won the Gladrags contest. The same year, I was sent to Australia in November for the world final. I came in the top 3 over there. When I returned, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Sushmita Sen won Miss World and Miss Universe, respectively. Aaj kal bahut photos chal rahi hai meri aur Aishwarya ki. We were being celebrated. I won the male beauty pageant while they won the female beauty pageants. We globally made a name for ourselves the same year.”

As expected, a shift to cinema was inevitable, “That’s how I started getting attention and it was followed by film offers. I was going to be launched by Pankaj Parashar and Tutu Sharma in a film called Rajkumar (1996). It also starred Anil Kapoor and Madhuri Dixit. It was going to be a huge film. Sadly, that film didn’t work at all and Pankaj Parashar and Tutu Sharma had a fight. That’s how my career came to a standstill. Then Pravin Shah of Time Audio Video and Keshu Ramsay, who were big producers then, saw me and Raj Sippy directed me with 2001: Do Hazaar Ek (1988). It also starred Tabu. That song ‘Tu Qatil Tera Dil Qatil’ has once again become so popular. It’s my favourite song. Poori janta paagal ho rahi hai yeh gaane ke saath. It is being loved and how (laughs).”

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Rajat Bedi on cloud nine with The Ba***ds Of Bollywood response; reveals his condition to Aryan: “I told him, ‘I started my career with your father; my son will start his career with you’”; opens up on his scene with Shah Rukh Khan: “I felt COMPLETE”

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18 years of Johnny Gaddaar EXCLUSIVE: “I was told, ‘Tum toh singer ke bete ho, acting kar paoge?’” – Neil Nitin Mukesh; also recalls his grandfather and legendary singer Mukesh’s connection with his debut

Filmmaker Sriram Raghavan’s crime saga Johnny Gaddaar completes 18 years today. This also marks Neil Nitin Mukesh’s 18 years in cinema as the movie was his big launch. Also starring Dharmendra, Vinay Pathak, Zakir Hussain, Ashwini Kalsekar, Rimi Sen and Dayanand Shetty, the film is considered a landmark crime thriller in Hindi cinema.

In an exclusive chat with Bollywood Hungama earlier this year, Neil Nitin Mukesh looked back at the film and the roadblocks it faced. “It is 18 years since the release,” he said. “The shoot has completed 20 years. The film was stuck for around a year and a half because of financial issues. We started making it in 2005 and it got completed and released in 2007. Johnny Gaddaar is one of those iconic films that will always remain one of the top-billing thrillers to come out of Indian cinema.”

Neil had revealed earlier this year that he was offered two films to choose from for his debut – Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na and Johnny Gaddaar. Sharing why the choice was important for him, he said, “I knew that I was getting just one chance. I was told that I will get just one film. People had thrown a lot of questions at me, like, ‘Tum toh ek singer ke bete ho, tum acting kar paoge?’ So, it was very important for me to choose that film. It was important for me to choose a film through which maybe such questions are not raised on me again. And Johnny Gaddaar was that film.”

Neil was amazed by the final product. “Johnny Gaddaar was a brilliant film, not just because of the story or the way it was made and how people love it, but the journey was amazing,” he said. “I learnt a lot from Sriram sir, Pooja Ladha Surti (editor), Sanjay Routray (producer) and others. Technically also I got to learn a lot.”

He also added that it wasn’t a normal debut because of the unusual subject, the way it was told and the actors he was rubbing shoulders with. “We were making a story that was very different from the point of view of a debut,” he said. “I was put in the centre of all the action with such stalwart actors – Zakir Hussain, Vinay Pathak, Dayashankar Shetty, Govind Namdev, Dharam ji and Rimi Sen. It was such a great bouquet of stars. And all fantastic actors. So, you had to one-up them or, at least, match them.”

Johnny Gaddaar is also special for Neil because of a reason related to his grandfather and legendary singer Mukesh. “For me it was a dream come true that my debut was with Dharam ji because his first ever song was sung by my grandfather (Mukesh). So, it came a full circle there. He bridged the gap between me not being able to meet my grandfather ever. That was the kind of love he gave me,” he said.

Also Read: Neil Nitin Mukesh celebrates daughter Nurvi’s 7th birthday with adorable photos

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Mona Singh shares behind-the-scenes magic with Bobby Deol, Shah Rukh Khan and The Ba***ds of Bollywood cast; watch

Mona Singh, known for her charm and impeccable acting, has once again captured fans’ hearts with her latest project, The Ba***ds of Bollywood. The actress recently took to Instagram to share a heartfelt post, expressing her gratitude towards her co-stars and the entire crew.

In her social media post, Mona shared photos featuring herself with the entire cast of the show, including director Aryan Khan and his sister Suhana Khan. She appeared to share great camaraderie with the cast as they celebrated the success of the hit series, alongside actors like Manoj Pahwa, Lakshya, Anya, Sahher, and others. In her heartfelt post, Mona also included a snapshot from The Ba***ds Of Bollywood trailer launch, where she shared the stage with Shah Rukh Khan. She even reunited with Bobby Deol, who plays her ex-lover Ajay Talvar in the series. She captioned the post, “Overwhelmed #badsofbollywood #instapic #insta #instamood #gratitude #blessedwiththebest #sept2025.”

 

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The images capture candid moments from the sets, reflecting the warmth among the cast. From laughter-filled interactions with Bobby Deol to heartfelt exchanges with Shah Rukh Khan and his children, Suhana and Aryan, Mona’s post offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse that fans rarely get to see.

Mona’s gratitude post not only celebrates the success of the project but also highlights the collaborative spirit that goes into creating such films. With her consistent charm and ability to leave a mark in every role, Mona Singh continues to be a favourite among audiences and critics alike.

As The Ba***ds of Bollywood creates waves, Mona Singh’s Instagram post serves as a reminder of the bonds formed on set and the joy of working with an ensemble cast of such caliber.

Also Read : Shah Rukh Khan on Mona Singh at the preview event of The Ba****ds Of Bollywood, “Aaj bhi mujhe lagta hai ki Mona jaisi koi nahin”

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Vedang Raina talks shooting with Khushi Kapoor, Imtiaz Ali’s film & Aryan Khan’s debut series

You recently shot with Khushi Kapoor for a clothing brand (Arrow). Was this your first major ad campaign? Not really my first campaign—I’ve done a few before. What makes this one special is that the campaign is addressing something very relatable to our generation, and it’s also something I personally connect with. I’m glad to be part of a brand that’s sparking this conversation.

What was it like shooting with Khushi Kapoor? It’s always a good experience shooting with her. We’ve done quite a few campaigns together, and of course, we spent a lot of time on the series The Archies. So, there’s a natural comfort when we work together.

How different is it shooting for an ad as compared to a feature film? An ad is way quicker—it usually takes a day or two at most. Things move really fast, so you have to conserve your energy and keep up with the pace. But, of course, it’s not as creatively satisfying as playing a character in a film.

Would you endorse a product that you wouldn’t use? No, not at all. I’ve been fortunate that the brands approaching me are ones I genuinely believe in. These are products I would use myself or even recommend to my family.

When do you start shooting for Imtiaz Ali’s film? The shoot has already begun. I’ll soon be traveling to Punjab for my major schedule, and I’m really excited about that.

What did you think of your friend Aryan Khan’s series The Bads of Bollywood? I think the show is a really enjoyable watch. I haven’t laughed like this in a while! I loved the performances—it’s the perfect masala entertainer. I’ve been recommending it to everyone.

Also Read: Vedang Raina and Khushi Kapoor join hands as new brand ambassadors of Arrow; bring fresh energy to campaigns

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Rajat Bedi addresses comparisons between daughter Vera and Kareena Kapoor Khan; says, “She is thinking to join the industry now”

Actor Rajat Bedi, currently in the spotlight for his role as Jaraj Saxena in the Netflix show The Ba***ds of Bollywood, has responded to the growing social media comparisons between his daughter Vera Bedi and Bollywood star Kareena Kapoor Khan.

The comparisons surged after Vera walked the red carpet alongside her father at the premiere of The Ba***ds of Bollywood in Mumbai. Several users posted comments such as “Better than Kareena with blue eyes,” “More beautiful than Kareena,” and “Kareena’s aura is her aura, but she also looks alike, which we can’t deny.”

Reflecting on the media attention, Rajat told Hindustan Times, “My whole family has got into the spotlight. It's not just me alone. My children are exposed right now because of me and the show. They have gone viral, and it’s crazy.” He added of Vera, “She is just overwhelmed... because that attention is not just from India, but global… People are calling from America, Canada, London, Dubai, everywhere. She is so simple, and she has never been exposed to anything like this. This is the first time in her life that she has gone to a red carpet event with her father. She is so simple.”

When asked whether he had guided his children on managing such public attention, Rajat admitted, “No, I have not yet spoken to them about how to deal with it. But they know they have to be humble, respectful with any and everyone. You'll never see my children have any attitude or anything with anyone… That being said, this is all so new to them and they are also overwhelmed.”

Moreover, Rajat confirmed that both Vera and their son Vivaan Bedi are now contemplating dipping their toes into the entertainment industry. He revealed, “When we talk about my son, planning is going on to launch him right now. So, God willing, you'll see something on that soon.” He also said about Vera, “She is thinking about it. She never did, but now she is.”

As the public continues drawing parallels between Vera and a seasoned star like Kareena, Rajat Bedi and his children adjust to newfound attention and the possibility of stepping into the limelight themselves.

Also Read : Rajat Bedi opens up on Shah Rukh Khan’s support and his big comeback in Aryan Khan’s show

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World Tourism Day: Akansha Ranjan Kapoor is a beach bae; these 5 pictures are proof

Akansha Ranjan Kapoor knows how to make a statement both on and off screen. And when it comes to her travel diaries, it’s safe to say that she is a certified beach bae. The actress often shares glimpses from her tropical getaways, and her Instagram is filled with swoon-worthy pictures that blend her chic fashion sense with dreamy coastal vibes.

On this World Tourism Day, here are 5 pictures that prove Akansha is living her best life by the beach.

Golden Hour Glow

 

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Akansha’s sunset pictures by the beach are straight out of a postcard. With the orange sky behind her and waves crashing at her feet, she radiates pure vacay energy.

Sunkissed Chic

 

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In breezy resort wear, Akansha shows us how to nail the perfect sunkissed look. Minimal makeup, natural waves, and a relaxed pose by the shore—her beach style is effortless yet striking.

Poolside Goddess

 

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Whether it’s lounging by an infinity pool or sipping on a tropical drink, Akansha’s poolside shots prove she knows how to unwind in style. Her swimwear choices always strike the right balance between trendy and classy.

Island Explorer

 

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From white sandy beaches to turquoise waters, Akansha’s island pictures highlight her love for exploring new coastal escapes. With her radiant smile and vacation-ready vibe, she makes us want to plan our own beach holiday.

Vacation Mood On

 

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Be it a candid laugh with friends or a solo shot against the waves, Akansha’s pictures embody the carefree spirit of vacations. She’s not just serving looks but also giving us major travel goals.

Also Read: Alia Bhatt joins bestie Akansha Ranjan Kapoor’s birthday bash in Alibaug; Inside photos from poolside fun go viral

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All about her: Soha Ali Khan hosts powerful talk on sexism in journalism with Faye D'Souza and Palki Sharma

Actor and author Soha Ali Khan welcomed two of India’s most respected journalists, Faye D’Souza and Palki Sharma Upadhyay, in the seventh episode of her podcast All About Her, which premiered on YouTube on August 22. Known for her calm, thoughtful style, Soha has used the platform to create honest conversations around women’s experiences, and this episode tackled the realities of sexism in Indian newsrooms.

In a frank and relatable discussion, Faye and Palki shared how they navigated gender bias, workplace judgment, and long-standing stereotypes in the media industry. Soha asked thoughtful, pointed questions that gave both guests space to open up—not just about their professional journeys, but also the personal choices and resistance that came with being women in a male-dominated field.

Faye D’Souza on Facing Sexism at the Top

Faye D’Souza reflected on her time as the head of a news channel and the dismissive attitude she faced in boardroom settings. “When I was leading a channel, I was one of the youngest people in the executive committee. There weren’t many women, and I was often talked over. Someone even called me ‘sweetie’ during a meeting. I was 35 or 36 at the time. When I stood up for myself, I was called a ‘feminazi,’ and people said I complained too much. It felt like women were seen as replaceable—like it was a favour to let us in.”

Palki Sharma on Pushing Back Against Appearance Expectations

When Soha asked whether she had ever been told what to wear on screen, Palki shared how she struggled with rigid image standards early in her career. “In the beginning, I had a stylist who wanted everyone to look a certain way. I tried to fit in, but I wasn’t comfortable. It took years for me to say, ‘This is what I’m wearing, and I’m fine with it.’ I enjoy dressing up—but on my own terms. The real focus should be on reporting, credibility, and the work—not on how we look.”

A Space for Real Stories and Reflection

Throughout the episode, Soha guided the conversation with her usual ease, creating a space that felt more like a heartfelt chat than a formal interview. Her podcast All About Her continues to resonate for its balanced mix of insight, lived experience, and authentic voices. The episode served as a reminder of the unspoken challenges many women still face in professional spaces—especially industries like journalism that demand visibility but don’t always offer equal footing.

Episode 7 of All About Her is now streaming on YouTube. Tune in to watch Soha Ali Khan in conversation with Faye D’Souza and Palki Sharma Upadhyay as they speak honestly about navigating sexism, speaking up, and staying true to themselves in the newsroom and beyond.

Also Read: Soha Ali Khan and Kusha Kapila recall their first periods on All About Her: “I thought I was dying”

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Amar Singh Chamkila: Diljit Dosanjh starrer is the only Indian title nominated at International Emmy Awards 2025

Netflix India has made history at the 53rd International Emmy Awards 2025, securing two prestigious nominations that spotlight its storytelling on the global stage. The streaming giant’s acclaimed film Amar Singh Chamkila has been nominated in the TV Movie/Mini-Series category, while its lead star, Diljit Dosanjh, has been recognised in the Best Performance by an Actor category. Notably, Amar Singh Chamkila stands tall as the only Indian title competing at this year’s International Emmys.

Directed by Imtiaz Ali and produced by Mohit Choudhary, Select Media Holdings LLP, Saregama, and Window Seat Films, the film has been celebrated for its powerful storytelling, stellar performances, and music by Academy Award winner A.R. Rahman with lyrics by Irshad Kaamil.

Reflecting on the global recognition, director Imtiaz Ali said, “Amar Singh Chamkila is a rare film because it has to do with the scent of the land of Panjab- its music, its socio-politics, its conflict, its aspirations, and its many problems. The fact that conflict creates art creates conflict was represented through the life of Amar Singh Chamkila in this film. We are all very happy that we could bring the story of Chamkila, such a unique individual, to the fore… Congratulations Team! Also, thank you Netflix, for believing blindly in this film from the beginning to the end.”

Lead actor Diljit Dosanjh, who brought to life the legendary Punjabi singer Chamkila on screen, also expressed his gratitude: “I feel truly honored Amar Singh Chamkila, an artist from Punjab, is being recognized and talked about at a global level on such a prestigious stage like the International Emmys. This nomination is not just for me, but for the entire legacy of Chamkila. I am grateful to Imtiaz Ali Sir for choosing me for the role.”

Monika Shergill, Vice President, Content, Netflix India, shared her excitement over the double nomination: “We’re thrilled that Amar Singh Chamkila has received two prestigious nominations at the International Emmys. This story is a celebration of an iconic Indian artist whose music and journey transcended boundaries… These nominations are not only a recognition of their remarkable work but also a tribute to Chamkila’s enduring legacy that continues to inspire.”

This recognition adds to Netflix India’s growing legacy at the International Emmys, where Delhi Crime won Best Drama Series in 2020 and Vir Das: Landing bagged Best Comedy in 2023. With Amar Singh Chamkila now in contention, Netflix continues to champion bold, rooted Indian stories and bring them to audiences worldwide.

Amar Singh Chamkila starring Diljit Dosanjh and Parineeti Chopra is streaming exclusively on Netflix.

Also Read: Imtiaz Ali on allegations of vulgarity against Amar Singh Chamkila’s songs, “Other Punjabi singers also sang vulgar lyrics, but why were the not equally popular?”

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Bhumi Pednekar reflects on 10 Years in Bollywood: “Dum Laga Ke Haisha changed my life forever”

Bhumi Pednekar has completed a decade in the Hindi film industry, and at the India Today Conclave, she reflected on her remarkable journey with rare candour. The actress, who made her debut with the unconventional yet powerful Dum Laga Ke Haisha in 2015, credited the film for shaping not only her career but also her perspective as an artist.

“I can’t shake off the presence that Dum Laga Ke Haisha still holds to this day. And I think that’s the power of a movie that can create impact in its truest form,” she shared, emphasizing how her debut project continues to resonate with audiences years later.

Looking back at her initial days, Bhumi recalled her beginnings as a dreamer with aspirations of becoming a heroine. “The last 10 years… you know, I started as a gawky teenager at Yash Raj Films. I had huge dreams, aspirations. I wanted to be a heroine in the Hindi film industry and I have done that. When I started off, I was somebody seeking recognition, opportunities, acceptance. But today, what I’m seeking is purpose and impact. That’s how I’ve evolved as an actor, and that’s how I’ve evolved as an individual.”

For Bhumi, her choice of films has always been about more than just performance—it has been about advocacy and representation. She highlighted how her debut film gave a voice to many who felt seen for the first time on screen. “That’s when I realized cinema is such a powerful tool that I have. And I began asking myself: how do I bring advocacy into my art?” she explained.

Citing her filmography as proof of this vision, Bhumi pointed to Toilet: Ek Prem Katha (about women’s dignity), Sonchiriya (on gender oppression), Badhaai Do (focused on LGBTQIA+ rights), and Bhakshak (on ethical journalism and child rights) as milestones in her journey. “Each film has been a step in that journey,” she said.

Despite her achievements, Bhumi remains grounded and grateful. “For me, the last 10 years have been full of gratitude. I’m living my dream every single moment. I wake up and think, kaha jaa rahi hoon? Film set pe jaa rahi hoon. Bahut kam logon ke saath hota hai yeh (where am I going? I am going to a film set, this happens only with a few people),” she said, adding that she plans to continue creating and performing “until the day I die.”

Looking ahead, Bhumi is gearing up for exciting projects including The Royals Season 2 and Amazon Prime Video’s upcoming series Daldal, among others. With a decade behind her and a purposeful vision guiding her, Bhumi Pednekar is clearly only getting started.

Also Read: Bhumi Pednekar channels “chaos” in a Maison Amali look worth Rs 1.07 lakh, see pics!

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Salman Khan recalls 7.5-year battle with “Suicide Disease” Trigeminal Neuralgia: “Took 750 mg of painkillers, underwent Gamma Knife surgery for nearly 8 hours”

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan made an emotional revelation on Prime Video’s chat show Two Much with Kajol and Twinkle, where he appeared alongside Aamir Khan. During the candid conversation, the 59-year-old actor spoke about his long struggle with trigeminal neuralgia, a condition often called the "suicide disease" due to the unbearable pain it inflicts. The disclosure moved Kajol to tears.

Recalling the ordeal, Salman said, "You have to learn to live with it. Many individuals are coping with bypass surgeries, heart issues, and more. When I experienced trigeminal neuralgia, the pain was... You wouldn't wish that on your worst enemy. I endured it for seven-and-a-half years. The pain would strike every 4-5 minutes. It would come on suddenly, even while I was speaking."

The actor revealed that even simple meals became a challenge: “It would take me about an hour and a half to finish my breakfast, and I would go straight to dinner. For an omelet, since I couldn't chew it, I had to push through the pain, endure it, just to finish my meal.”

Initially, many believed his issue was dental-related. Salman shared, “I was taking around 750 mg of painkillers, and even that didn't provide relief. They thought it was a dental issue. I was asked when the pain would subside. I replied that it would lessen a bit after having a drink or two, but it would return at longer intervals. That’s when they realized it was a nerve problem.”

The actor traced the first instance back to the filming of Partner (2007). “Lara was there. She brushed a strand of hair from my face, and I felt a jolt of pain. I joked, ‘Wow Lara, you're electrifying!’ That was the moment it began,” he recounted.

Speaking about treatment, Salman highlighted how the condition drives many patients to despair: “The highest rate of suicides is among those suffering from this disease. Many people are unaware of it. I chose to speak out because numerous individuals are affected. Nowadays, it is quite treatable. There’s a procedure called Gamma Knife Surgery where they attach screws to your face for nearly 8 hours. I went through this surgery. When I emerged, they informed me that my pain would decrease by 20-30%. But, by the grace of God, it completely vanished.”

Salman had first revealed his diagnosis in 2017 during promotions of his film Tubelight in Dubai. Trigeminal neuralgia affects the trigeminal nerve, causing severe facial pain that can be triggered by everyday activities like chewing or brushing teeth.

In a separate disclosure earlier this year on The Great Indian Kapil Show season 3, Salman also revealed that he has a brain aneurysm and an arteriovenous malformation (AVM)—serious conditions that require careful monitoring. A brain aneurysm is a bulge in a weakened blood vessel that can lead to a life-threatening hemorrhagic stroke if ruptured.

Also Read: “Once upon a time…”: Twinkle Khanna drops throwback with Salman Khan and Aamir Khan ahead of Two Much premiere

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EXCLUSIVE: Gupt director Rajiv Rai opens up on ‘Duniya Haseeno Ka Mela’ in The Ba***ds Of Bollywood: “VERY happy for Shah Rukh Khan; glad the song worked out very well for them”; reveals interesting trivia on the dancer-in-white: “She was Rekha Prakash-Chinni Prakash’s assistant…”

The song ‘Duniya Haseeno Ka Mela’ from Gupt (1997) was always iconic but since last Thursday, it got a new lease of life thanks to The Ba***ds Of Bollywood. It plays an important part in the story and the way it’s even a part of the suspense has been loved by one and all. The credit for it obviously goes to the writers and makers, but one more person who also deserves to be thanked is Rajiv Rai, the director and producer of Gupt. He had the rights to the track and he happily gave it to producer Shah Rukh Khan, that too for free.

Bollywood Hungama spoke exclusively with Rajiv Rai after the release of The Ba***ds Of Bollywood and after ‘Duniya Haseeno Ka Mela’ became even more iconic. However, the veteran filmmaker said that he still hasn’t seen the web series, “I went for the premiere and I saw the first episode. But I am very busy with some work. So, I’ll watch it either today or tomorrow. However, I am aware that the song is used in the climax and that it's woven into the story. I always knew that, but I don't know the exact storyline.”

He added, “I gave it knowingly as they told me that the song forms an important part of the story,” and also said that ever since the show has been released, “a lot of people have reached out to me (to share their feedback and excitement).”

On not charging a single rupee for parting with the rights, Rajiv Rai said, “Before the show was out, the news had spread that I was giving the rights to the song. Someone asked me, and I happened to casually mention that I hadn’t charged them. What do you charge for something like this?”

The dancer, in white dress, in ‘Duniya Haseeno Ka Mela’ with Bobby Deol forms a crucial part of the suspense. Mona Singh’s face is morphed on that particular dancer. Does Rajiv Rai remember who the original dancer was? Rajiv Rai revealed, “She was the assistant of choreographers Chinni Prakash and Rekha Prakash. I don’t remember the name. Initially, I had gotten another girl to dance with Bobby. But she was not able to perform as per our requirement. Rekha suggested that we should take a dancer for that part. This is how her assistant came on board.”

Rajiv Rai continued, “The girl, who was replaced, is also there in the song; she is the one in black who appears when the female singer sings ‘Aaah…’.”

Rajiv Rai signed off by saying, “I am very happy for Shah Rukh Khan and also glad that the song has worked out very well for them. They worked very hard. When Shah Rukh took the rights to the song, he told me, ‘We really need your blessings. It’s my son’s first show’. He was very polite and respectful. He’s a gentleman; how can you say ‘No’ to him? Also, it was for his son. I didn’t blink an eyelid. I told him, ‘Take whatever you want’! I don’t say that to anyone. I am not an easy guy to deal with (laughs)!”

Also Read: The Ba***ds of Bollywood: Netflix show by Aryan Khan joins hands with Boat to introduce the loudest party speaker

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Vikrant Massey pens heartfelt thank you after winning first National Award for 12th Fail; wife Sheetal Thakur turns "loudest cheerleader"

Fresh off his historic National Award win for Best Actor for 12th Fail, the best actor of this generation, Vikrant Massey took to social media to pen a deeply emotional note of gratitude. The actor, known for his humility and sincerity both on and off screen, opened up about the overwhelming feelings that followed his big moment at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Sharing his post, Vikrant wrote, “I’ve been thinking since yesterday की मैं क्या लिखूँ? कैसे आप सबका शुक्रिया अदा करूँ? And I’m still unable to. So hopefully a simple thank you from the bottom heart would suffice  I’m grateful beyond words for your continued support in my journey. Thank you, thank you, thank you each one of you This dreamlike life is only because of you.”

The message resonated with fans, many of whom have followed Vikrant’s inspiring journey from television to films, and now to one of the highest honours in Indian cinema. His portrayal of IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma in 12th Fail has been hailed as career-defining, bringing him recognition as the Best Actor at the National Awards.

On the other hand, his wife Sheetal Thakur also shared a heartfelt post for Vikrant's first National Award win. She wrote, "Just when I feel I couldn’t be more proud, you give me another reason to be Congratulations on your first National Award  It has been my honour to be your loudest cheerleader in every room you walk in," in her Instagram post.

 

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Meanwhile, on the work front, Vikrant is gearing up for White. In this historical drama biopic, he portrays spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, further showcasing his versatility and dedication to meaningful cinema.

Also Read: Vikrant Massey opens up on winning National Award for 12th Fail: “Nothing short of surreal”

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Ed Westwick aka Chuck Bass grooves to 'Ghafoor' as Aryan Khan’s The Ba**ds of Bollywood goes global!

Ed Westwick, best known as the iconic Chuck Bass from Gossip Girl and acclaimed for roles in White Gold and Son of Rambow, recently set social media ablaze by vibing to the series’ viral track 'Ghafoor.' The actor was seen grooving in a video posted by MVM Entertainment North America, captioned “Chuck Bass X Bads of Hollywood”. The clip has since gone viral across Instagram and TikTok, quickly becoming a fan favourite. With celebrities and influencers now jumping on the trend, 'Ghafoor' is quickly becoming a global anthem.

Meanwhile, Aryan Khan’s bold Netflix debut continues to make waves. After climbing to the No.1 spot on Netflix India, The Ba****ds of Bollywood is capturing global attention, with fans praising its mix of biting satire, drama, and the jaw-dropping cameos by Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, and more.

Adding to the buzz, the show also lit up New York’s iconic Times Square billboard, marking a milestone moment for Bollywood’s global presence.

With Ed Westwick aka Chuck Bass dancing to 'Ghafoor' and fans worldwide joining in, Aryan Khan’s The Ba****ds of Bollywood has officially crossed borders — proving that this debut is more than a series, it’s a cultural movement.

The Ba***ds of Bollywood is written and directed by Aryan Khan, with Gauri Khan producing under the banner of Red Chillies Entertainment. The series features a stellar ensemble cast including Lakshya Lalwani, Bobby Deol, Mona Singh, Raghav Juyal, Anya Singh, Manoj Pahwa, Manish Chaudhari, Sahher Bambba, Gautami Kapoor, Rajat Bedi, and more. The much-awaited show premiered on Netflix on September 18, 2025.

Also Read: The Ba***ds of Bollywood: Netflix show by Aryan Khan joins hands with Boat to introduce the loudest party speaker

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EXCLUSIVE: Neville Bharucha aka DJ Adam ECSTATIC with response to The Ba***ds Of Bollywood; jokes, “I teach kids and I hope they don’t recognize me!”; admits that he’ll “drop EVERYTHING” for a live music performance with Manoj Pahwa

Last Thursday, when The Ba***ds Of Bollywood released on Netflix, Neville Bharucha was at Mumbai’s Jai Hind College, as a judge for the Kaleidoscope festival. “No one made any connection as the show had dropped the same day,” said Neville, aka DJ Adam. In no time, he and every other actor of the show have gone on another level, with social media being flooded with memes and clips of them. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Neville Bharucha opened up about the experience of working on The Ba***ds Of Bollywood. Neville is also a comedian and an Improv expert and hence, some of the answers were quite witty and hilarious.

How has life changed since the time The Ba***ds Of Bollywood was released last Thursday? Nothing has changed! Everyone around me has treated me like crap before and after the show, or rather they have treated me the same. Until I don’t see more and more people buying tickets for my Improv shows, I will still say that nothing has changed (laughs).

But I am sure you must be getting a lot of DMs from the admirers of the show. Many must have discovered you for the first time thanks to The Ba***ds Of Bollywood … Yes, and that is great. Also, people from ages and ages ago are reaching out, people I haven’t spoken to for years and people I didn’t even honestly remember. I am getting messages from people telling me that they saw me in some college event a few years ago or way back in 2008. It’s wonderful to see that people are taking time to reach out and remember me from so long. That is the nicest thing.

How did you bag the part? I do a lot of TVCs. From time to time, I get calls for auditions for a web series or movie. I always decline because of my other commitments, especially when I was a school teacher. I was teaching drama at an IB school. Hence, I would only take TVC offers as it worked well for my schedule. When this offer came up, I was hesitant at first. Yet, I auditioned for it; my wife and my friends persuaded me to give it a shot. I didn’t even know what it was. I just read the character. The casting director was fantastic. He explained to me what to do. I remember walking out after the audition and calling my wife. I told her, ‘I think I am going to get this role’. Sure enough, a couple of weeks later, I got a call, confirming my part.

 

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How is Aryan Khan as a director? What a great guy he is ya! I love him as a director and I also love him as a human being. He’s the most fun, warm and welcoming. He’s a great guy to work with as he inspires you to give your best. He’s super-excited to hear your opinion.

There’s a perception that he doesn’t smile. Is that true? (Laughs) He’s always smiling and laughing. It’s a running joke that he doesn’t smile for the camera. Other than that, he’s always smiling and making merry.

How was Manoj Pahwa? Is he as abusive in real life as he was on screen? (Laughs) He’s a lot of fun to work with and I learned so much working with him. He’s a top-class, high-quality actor. He’s so nice and so collaborative on sets. The chemistry between us was very effortless and I think the credit for it goes to him. I don’t come from an acting background and we are very different in what we do. But when we came together, it was wonderful. Our chemistry was the highlight, for me personally.

You guys should plan a music performance. I am sure a lot of people would come for it. I’ll definitely be up for it! I wish we could. First of all, none of us knows anything about music. But if someone asks us to do a live show together, I would drop everything and go for it! Anything with Manoj sir, I would love to do.

You are a part of the viral scene where a drug officer comes and arrests an actor. The scene is quite talked about as it has parallels with a real-life incident and moreover, that incident involved Aryan Khan. How was it shooting for that scene? I am not talking about this scene at all.

Which was the most memorable scene for you? For me, the most memorable were the music video sequences. I never thought I'd get to do something of that sort. Also, I loved shooting the party scene in the first episode as so many people from the cast were together at one location, which wasn’t always the case.

Did you ever get a chance to meet Shah Rukh Khan? Yes, we met him once when our shoot overlapped. It was so nice. He was a thorough gentleman.

Will there be a Season 2 of The Ba***ds Of Bollywood? I have no idea. I am waiting with as much anticipation as you are. If you hear anything, please text me!

What next for you? Will you be interested in taking up more acting offers? It depends. Whoever calls me, I am ready. Besides, I have a couple of Improv shows coming up. I have a show on Sunday, September 28, at 7:00 pm at the NCPA, Mumbai. Me and my group, Medium Size Improv, and I have been performing together for years. These shows are always super-fun. We also have shows at The Habitat every week or every alternate week. We do a lot of corporate workshops as well, where we use Improv for training. All these are picking up right now because of the added credibility I have of being DJ Adam (smiles). I teach kids as well and I hope they don’t recognize me from the show! Their parents would recognize me, though.

Also Read: Aryan Khan’s The Ba***ds of Bollywood revives ‘Kaho Na Kaho’ and ‘Duniya Haseeno Ka Mela’

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Amrita Rao opens up on bizarre proposals after Vivah; reveals, “People standing next to their car and dog, saying ‘mujhse shaadi karlo’”

Actor Amrita Rao, who rose to prominence with Vivah (2006), has opened up candidly about the emotional and professional challenges she faced in the years following the film’s success. In a conversation with Ranveer Allahbadia, she revealed how fame came with a strange mix of unsolicited attention, creative frustration, and, ultimately, loneliness.

Amrita recalled, “After Vivah, I used to get NRI proposals with family photos, people standing next to their car and dog, saying ‘mujhse shaadi karlo’. And not just one or two… I got many! I used to laugh and wonder, ‘Kya log hain yeh!’. Some even wrote letters. Once, I received a letter written in blood, and that was very scary. There was this guy who would stand at the telephone booth outside my house, and my mom or dad would have to pick up the phone. It got a little much.”

Beyond the odd proposals, Amrita described an internal struggle in juggling public expectations with her artistic aspirations. She said, “I met my husband (RJ Anmol) when I was at a very critical point in my life. Even with all the superhit films and love from the audience, I felt stuck. The kind of films I wanted to do weren’t coming to me. The offers were big but came with conditions like, ‘There’s a kissing scene,’ and I would think, ‘Why do I only get offers with a glitch?’ People would say all kinds of things to demotivate me. I didn’t want to attend parties, award shows or be seen. I just wanted to do my work and come home. I was in a lonely space.”

It was during this low phase that Amrita met RJ Anmol, with whom she later tied the knot in 2016 after seven years of dating. The couple welcomed their son, Veer, in November 2020.

After stepping away from the spotlight for some years, Amrita is making a return with Jolly LLB 3, where she reprises her role as Sandhya, originally played in Jolly LLB (2013). This marks her re-entry into mainstream cinema following her appearance in Thackeray (2019).

Also Read : Arya Babbar on 23 years of his debut Ab Ke Baras, “I consider it a privilege to still be standing here as an actor”

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EXCLUSIVE: ‘Arjan Vailly’ composer Manan Bhardwaj talks about his epic mid-air meeting with Animal star Ranbir Kapoor: “At first, he mistook me for a fan; later, he hugged and said, ‘Kya gaana banaya hai yaar tune’!”

In five years, Manan Bhardwaj has carved a niche for himself as a music composer, singer and lyricist. He has been a part of the songs of significant films like Shiddat (2021), Radhe Shyam (2022), Satyaprem Ki Katha (2023), Animal (2023), etc. The last-named film stands out with the song 'Arjan Vailly' being a milestone in his career. In an exclusive interaction with Bollywood Hungama, Manan Bhardwaj spoke about working in this Randeep Kapoor-starrer.

Manan Bhardwaj agreed, “‘Arjan Vailly' is one of the most important songs in my career. Honestly, I work hard on every song of mine. I go very deep into the process, be it while composing or writing the lyrics or singing. But there are songs that help you win awards or popularity. 'Arjan Vailly' is that song and it’ll always remain special.”

When asked whether he met director Sandeep Reddy Vanga or did the maverick filmmaker approach him, Manan Bhardwaj revealed, “Bhushan Kumar sir called me one day and said, ‘Jahan bhi hai, fatafat aa jaao’! Thankfully, I was close by and I rushed to the T-Series office. He introduced me to Vanga sir. The first song of Animal, which was locked, was ‘Kashmir’; it was also my composition. I had sung the song for Vanga sir; he recorded it as a voice note and even used it to shoot the song.”

 

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How did Ranbir Kapoor react to the songs of Animal? Manan Bhardwaj said, “I met Ranbir sir on a flight. I told him, ‘Hello Ranbir sir, this is Manan Bhardwaj’. He said, ‘Hi, Manan’. He mistook me for a fan; actually, I am a fan! What I mean is that he thought I was a layman. So, I added, ‘Sir, Manan Bhardwaj, Arjan Vailly’! He got up and hugged me and said, ‘Kya gaana banaya hai yaar tune’. He also asked, ‘Kashmir bhi tera gaana hai na?’. We shared many things on the flight; mazaa aaya! That was my first interaction. Bobby Deol sir was also present; it was a lovely experience.” 

Animal ends with the promise of a sequel, named Animal Park. Is Manan Bhardwaj a part of it? He replied, “As of now, the process of composing songs for that film hasn’t begun. Probably, (Sandeep Reddy Vanga is) working on the pre-production. I hope that I get a chance to work with him again.”

Also Read:EXCLUSIVE: Manan Bhardwaj talks about Nishaanchi and how Sapna Chaudhary inspired a peppy track; opens up on Harshvardhan Rane-starrer Tara vs Bilal’s token theatrical release: “Had it been released after Sanam Teri Kasam’s re-release success, it would have been a BLOCKBUSTER!”

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Why Deepika Padukone’s hardball negotiations could redefine Bollywood Power Dynamics

Deepika Padukone is no stranger to headlines, but the ones she’s been making lately aren’t just about red-carpet appearances or box office triumphs - they are about walkouts, renegotiations, and fallout. In the span of a few months, she’s opted out of Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s much-hyped Spirit and withdrawn from the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD, leaving the industry buzzing. To her critics, this looks like diva behaviour; to her supporters, it’s an actress exercising control over her career. But in an industry where perception can make or break a star, the bigger question looms: is Deepika’s assertiveness a bold power play - or is it a gamble that could dent her hard-earned stardom?

Reports suggest that Deepika declined Spirit due to a combination of creative differences, fee negotiations, and disagreement over working hours, even prioritising another project - Atlee’s film with Allu Arjun - that she found more exciting. Soon after, the makers of Kalki 2898 AD were said to have been irked by her revised terms, which reportedly included a significant fee hike, a cap on working hours, and extensive entourage requirements. Unable to accommodate these conditions within a VFX-heavy, high-stakes production, they eventually decided to recast. This is not the first time Deepika has been involved in such a situation. Back in 2013, her abrupt walkout from Race 2 provoked producer Ramesh Taurani to publicly call her decision “unprofessional” before a resolution was negotiated, and she eventually returned to the film. Viewed together, these episodes suggest an emerging pattern of last-minute renegotiations and exits that could quietly shape her professional narrative.

There is, of course, another side to the story. Deepika is no longer the newcomer who must say yes to everything; she is a global brand, one of India’s most visible stars on international red carpets. Exercising her agency and insisting on humane working hours, fair remuneration, and projects that align with her creative instincts may well be the sign of a maturing actor. In an industry notorious for chaotic schedules and overnight call times, such assertiveness could even inspire structural change. Many insiders privately agree that Bollywood needs better contract clarity and working conditions, and Deepika’s stand might encourage a new template where actors are treated as professionals rather than commodities.

Yet, the risk lies in how these decisions are perceived. Producers who invest hundreds of crores in star-driven projects need reliability and predictability. Sudden exits, even when justified, can throw production schedules into disarray and inflate costs. When such incidents occur repeatedly, they can trigger a trust deficit. Studios may hesitate to greenlight large-scale ventures around an actor whose participation feels contingent or fragile. Moreover, in the court of public opinion, multiple controversies can merge into a single narrative of being “difficult” or “unreliable.” This is particularly risky at a time when pan-India cinema is dominated by stars from other industries, many of whom are eager to collaborate and are perceived as “safer bets.”

What complicates the matter further is the timing. Bollywood is in the midst of a major reset - budgets are being recalibrated, streaming platforms are altering box office economics, and producers are seeking to control costs while maximising returns. Against this backdrop, demands for higher fees, capped hours, and large entourages, though understandable on an individual level, may appear extravagant and untenable to stakeholders juggling razor-thin margins.

For Deepika, the way forward may lie in balancing assertiveness with collaboration. Transparent communication and earlier negotiations could prevent last-minute frictions. Selective but fully committed participation in chosen projects could reassure filmmakers that when she says yes, she means it. Occasional flexibility - especially for projects with strong creative merit or franchise potential - might help rebuild goodwill. Most importantly, she must let her work speak louder than the headlines. A run of high-quality, impactful performances could shift the focus back to her artistry and reaffirm her place at the top of the industry.

Deepika Padukone’s career has, in many ways, been defined by reinvention and courage - whether taking on author-backed roles or headlining female-led films. Her current choices reflect a star who knows her worth and is unafraid to insist on fair terms.

Today, she stands at another crossroads. Her choices may well reshape industry norms, but they could just as easily reshape how the industry sees her. In Bollywood, reputations are fragile, and the line between power play and career suicide is perilously thin. In an industry where perception is half the battle, sustaining her reign will depend on being seen as both empowered and dependable - because in Bollywood, reputations are currency, and they can be spent faster than they are earned.

Also Read: Deepika Padukone shares cryptic note as she joins Shah Rukh Khan for King shoot a day after Kalki 2898 AD exit: “Experience of making a movie, and the people…”

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Anupam Kher slams speculations about his BJP ties; says, “I have no shame in being a loyal Indian”

Anupam Kher opened up about his early struggles in cinema, his views on nationalism, and his outspoken nature at the ninth edition of Expresso held at The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai. In a free-flowing conversation, the veteran star spoke about being nearly replaced in his debut film, the misconceptions about his political stance, and why he has never shied away from expressing himself.

Anupam Kher, known for openly sharing his political opinions, discussed how audiences view his political persona during a conversation with Anant Goenka, Executive Director of the Indian Express Group. He said, “People confuse anybody who is talking about India that he wants to join politics. I was born in 1955 and India was born on 1947. I always say that I am 8 years younger to India. We both grew up together. I had post-independence blues in school and college. So, I was a born nationalist, now they say nationalist is different from being patriotic but I don’t understand that. I speak in favour of India without worrying about consequences and people confuse that with me being in politics. This happened only after 2014 when we became very open about our likings and dislikes.”

Addressing the allegation that he is associated with the BJP, Kher responded, “It doesn’t bother me now. People say, ‘BJP ka aadmi hai’ but I have no shame in being a loyal Indian. I feel proud when somebody praises India and I have been like this since forever. I am passionate about my country because we have grown up together.”

He also spoke respectfully about Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying, “I think he’s a great leader. We have disagreements even with our fathers and friends, but it doesn’t mean disrespecting that person. I go by the intention of the person. I feel protective towards him, he has so many enemy, yet he continues to work for the country.”

Kher, who made his debut in Mahesh Bhatt’s Saaransh, revealed that he was nearly replaced by Sanjeev Kumar on that very project. The actor recalled packing his bags and being ready to leave Mumbai, only to confront Bhatt. “I told Mahesh Bhatt, ‘Can you see that cab, it has my luggage. I’m leaving the city but before I leave it, I want to tell you, you are the biggest fraud on this earth. You are the biggest cheat on this earth. You are making a film about truth, and you don’t have the truth in you.’” After the confrontation, Bhatt convinced the producer to retain Kher.

Anupam Kher’s body of work spans over 540 films and 100 plays over 35 years. Recently, in 2025, he acted in Emergency, Tumko Meri Kasam, Metro In Dino, and Tanvi the Great.

Also Read : EXCLUSIVE: The Bengal Files is 1 minute longer than Animal; CBFC censors ‘contemptuous’ words against transgenders; makers voluntarily remove Gopal Mukhopadhyay’s mention in several scenes

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Arjun Kapoor and Malaika Arora share warm hug at Homebound premiere after their breakup; watch

Former couple Arjun Kapoor and Malaika Arora surprised fans and paparazzi alike by sharing a warm hug and exchanging smiles at the premiere of Homebound in Mumbai, marking a rare public reunion since their breakup.

The film’s premiere, held Monday, was attended by its leads Ishaan Khatter, Janhvi Kapoor, and Vishal Jethwa, among others. Arjun showed up in support of his sister. Malaika also made an appearance. Videos from the event quickly made the rounds on social media, but one particular clip caught widespread attention: after posing for cameras, Malaika approached Arjun, and they shared a warm hug and pleasantries.

 

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Following this greeting, director Neeraj Ghaywan joined them and the three were later seen in casual conversation another rare joint appearance given how much they have kept separate since their split. One social media user commented: “It is always uncomfortable to meet exes. But they looked alright,” while another observed, “A hug that speaks louder than words - Malaika Arora & Arjun Kapoor.”

Arjun and Malaika began dating in 2018 and have occasionally shared glimpses of their life together in public, but their breakup confirmed by Arjun last year led both to largely retreat from jointly appearing at events. Arjun had said, “Nahi abhi single hoon. Relax karo.” Malaika, meanwhile, has emphasized her preference for privacy, telling Etimes, “I am a very private person, and there are certain aspects of my life that I don’t want to elaborate on. I will never choose a public platform to talk about my personal life. So, whatever Arjun has said is entirely his prerogative. I just want to say that, yes, it has been a very trying year for various reasons.”

Also Read : Arjun Kapoor drops his famous poker face for ice-cream – Call Me Chunky is to blame!

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Nora Fatehi hints at singing in Bengali after Punjabi hit ‘I’m So Rich’

Nora Fatehi is back in the spotlight. The renowned dancer and singer recently unveiled her new Punjabi anthem, ‘I’m So Rich’, featuring Honey Singh. Touted as a global party anthem, the track has already created a buzz among fans ahead of its release.

Even before the release of ‘I’m So Rich’, Nora has sparked curiosity about another musical project - a potential Bengali track. In a playful interaction with musician Sanjoy, she hinted at possibly singing a Bengali chorus, further expanding her repertoire of musical experiments across languages.

In a recent playful chat with musician Sanjoy, the idea of Nora singing in Bengali came up. Already experienced in performing in languages like Arabic, Swahili, and Punjabi, Nora admitted that Bengali felt “beautiful but intimidating,” adding, “What if I sound silly?”

Sanjoy reassured her, saying, “You won’t. We’re going to celebrate it.” The exchange quickly turned into a lighthearted commitment, with Nora exclaiming, “Guys, I don’t know what this man’s got me doing… we’re doing a song in Bengali. Pray for me!” A possible hook line for the track, ‘Ki maya, Lagaiso,’ was even suggested.

Nora shared her excitement about the project, stating, “It’s not just about being global, it’s about celebrating every culture authentically.”

Alongside exploring new linguistic horizons, she has been busy with her Punjabi anthem ‘I’m So Rich’ featuring Honey Singh. Giving fans a behind-the-scenes look, Nora shared a snippet from the recording session on Instagram Stories, captioned, “Recording ‘I’m So Rich’.” Honey Singh also posted the clip, noting, “She is singing in Panjabi, guys.” The track is being positioned as a major international release.

Meanwhile, Nora Fatehi continues to make waves in the film industry. She is set to star in Kanchana 4 and has several upcoming projects in the pipeline. Over the years, she has garnered acclaim for chart-topping hits such as ‘Dilbar’ (Satyameva Jayate, 2018), ‘O Saki Saki’ (Batla House, 2019), ‘Garmi’ (Street Dancer 3D, 2020), and most recently ‘Oh Mama! Tetema.’

Also Read : Nora Fatehi and Honey Singh’s off-screen chemistry sparks buzz for upcoming Interantional Punjabi track

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Suhana Khan pens heartfelt post for brother Aryan Khan after debut series The Ba***ds Of Bollywood trends at number 1 on Netflix

Aryan Khan’s directorial debut, The Ba***ds of Bollywood, has been making waves ever since its release on Netflix, quickly climbing to the top spot on the platform. While audiences and industry insiders continue to shower praise on the series and its cast, Aryan also received a special note of pride and love from his sister, Suhana Khan.

Taking to Instagram, Suhana shared a carousel dedicated to her brother. Alongside a picture of the siblings from the show’s premiere, she posted an old childhood photo of a young Aryan with Shah Rukh Khan, a certificate of his early achievement in a school competition, one of the official posters of The Ba***ds of Bollywood, and a short clip from the series. In her caption, she wrote, “Always been number 1.”

The clip she included has caught the attention of many, as it features a producer character, played by Manish Chaudhari, delivering the line, “Say no to drugs.” Fans were quick to point out the subtle reference to Aryan Khan’s 2021 arrest in the Mumbai cruise drug case, where he was taken into custody by NCB officer Sameer Wankhede and later released after weeks of legal proceedings. The inclusion of this particular moment in Suhana’s post was seen by many as a quiet yet powerful dig at the controversy that once overshadowed Aryan’s name.

 

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Besides Suhana, the cast of the show also reacted to the show’s success. Bobby Deol, in a statement, asserted, “It’s wonderful to watch the industry I’ve been a part of for 30 years and my loving fans embrace the show as well as my character, Ajay Talvar. Aryan has captured the true spirit of cinema in a fun, quirky, and emotional way. The whole cast and team are on the receiving end of an outpouring of love from all corners of the world, and I’m truly feeling blessed.”

Meanwhile, Lakshya said, “Since the release, it’s been an avalanche of love from calls to messages, with people reaching out from everywhere. It feels unreal. To have people connect with Aasmaan’s journey- whether it’s the action, the chaos, or the vulnerability- makes every bit of hard work and the journey to get here worth it.”

Also Read: Inside The Ba***ds of Bollywood premiere: Ranbir Kapoor-Alia Bhatt, Ajay Devgn-Kajol, Ambanis and more; biggest stars step out for Aryan Khan’s directorial debut

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Soha Ali Khan reveals Rang De Basanti cast returned fees as producers doubted it’s success; says, “That film became a movement”

Nearly two decades after its release, Rang De Basanti continues to be celebrated as one of Bollywood’s most iconic films. Starring Aamir Khan, Soha Ali Khan, Kunal Kapoor, and others, the 2006 drama became a cultural landmark that still resonates with audiences today.

In a recent interview with Zoom, Soha Ali Khan revealed that the film’s success was far certain at the time. She shared that the producers were so doubtful about its prospects that they even asked the cast to return a portion of their fees.

Soha said, “Nobody anticipated it making the kind of money it did or touching people the way that it did. In fact, when we were promoting the film, the producers called and said, ‘Can you return some of the money we’ve given you? Because we’re not sure this film is going to do well.’ All of us gave money back. We were like, ‘Okay, maybe, sure.’ But that film became a movement. And for me, it was a turning point in my career, something that will always stand out in my journey.”

Soha also spoke about her experience on set, describing long shoots and an intimate, committed cast and crew. She stated, “We shot for about a year, travelling across India-- Punjab, Rajasthan, Delhi, Mumbai. It was a very close-knit crew and cast. We would often wait for hours on set as Binod Pradhan, our cinematographer, took his time, rightly so, to light each shot. Sometimes it took half a day. So we spent a lot of time together. Friendships were formed, and at the time we thought, ‘We’ll be friends forever.’ But now it feels like we haven’t spoken in a lifetime, something I’ve realised just happens over time.”

The film starred Soha Ali Khan alongside Aamir Khan, Kunal Kapoor, and others. Released in 2006, Rang De Basanti went on to be more than just a box-office hit; it became a cultural phenomenon.

Soha Ali Khan’s recent work includes Chhorii 2, a horror thriller streaming on Amazon Prime Video, directed by Vishal Furia. It follows her return to acting after a seven-year break since Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster 3 in 2018.

Also Read : Soha Ali Khan and Kusha Kapila recall their first periods on All About Her: “I thought I was dying”

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After Box Success Formula, Aamir Khan now introduces PATHBREAKING points system: “Everyone should be paid equally…bigger stars contribute more and should get a little more”; reveals he distributed bonus to his team after Dangal’s blockbuster success

During the release of Dhoom 3 (2013), Aamir Khan came up with a different theory to gauge a film’s success. According to Aamir Khan, “To measure a film’s success, you need to see the weekend figures and compare it with the total collection. Like 3 Idiots (2009) did Rs. 40 crores on the weekend and the total business was Rs. 202 crores, so the weekend multiplied by 5, is the behaviour of the film, which is very good. That shows people have gone again and again to see the film. Jo film teen din mein 100 crore karein aur total mein 200 crore karein, then that film is not good.” This formula has been widely accepted and now, in an interview with Komal Nahta, the intellectual superstar has given another valuable tool, this time about how the profits should be distributed.

Aamir Khan said, “I feel that you should be paid as per your contribution. Filmmaking is a collective medium. Everyone contributes equally, be it the cameraman, sound recordist, sound designer, director, actor, production designer, costume designer, producer, etc. In the absence of any one of them, you can’t make a film. That way, everyone has an equal contribution. And by that logic, everyone should be paid equally.”

He then said, “I have often thought that I should go deep into this and create a formula for it. I am talking about the points system. Everyone gets equal points in terms of making of the film. All of us get 1 point each. If there’s anyone who should get slightly more, it is the writer and the director. The reason writer should get extra is because it’s because of that person that we all have gathered in the first place. The director may not be the writer, but he’s a narrator. He’s narrating in place of the writer. So, if there are two people who are slightly unequal and who should be getting slightly more, it is the writer and director.”

Aamir continued, “Suppose the film does huge business. There are certain stars who are actually filling seats. I could be the DOP and I don’t fill seats. Or I could be the director who could fill seats. Mere naam pe log andar aa rahe hai. In each film, it could be different; kabhi heroine ho sakti hai. Kabhi hero ho sakta hai. Kabhi director ho sakta hai. It could be A R Rahman. At one point, Salim-Javed were a huge draw. So, when you are distributing profits, that should be another level of sharing as they are contributing that much.”

He further explained, “In terms of work, everyone is contributing the same. So, the basic price should be the same for everyone, except the writer and director. Then, when the earning goes beyond a certain point, it should be shared based on how much each person contributed. The bigger stars contribute more and hence, they should get a little more. That, according to me, is the ideal way.”

Aamir revealed, “I try to follow it in AKP (Aamir Khan Productions). When our films are successful, we give bonuses to everyone who has worked on the movie. Like we did for Dangal (2016). Everyone has contributed to its success. I have to acknowledge that as an honest producer.”

Also Read: Aamir Khan reveals that 3 Idiots was NOT tracking despite historic box office success: “Our title was in English; it was not registering”; sharply remarks, “Ours is the ONLY industry where we make films in Hindi but mention the title in English!”

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Aamir Khan reveals that 3 Idiots was NOT tracking despite historic box office success: “Our title was in English; it was not registering”; sharply remarks, “Ours is the ONLY industry where we make films in Hindi but mention the title in English!”

In an interview with Komal Nahta, Aamir Khan raised laughs as he revealed how his much-loved film 3 Idiots (2009) was over-performing at the box office, despite the research suggesting otherwise.

Aamir Khan said, “I believe marketing is a part of filmmaking. It’s not a separate thing. It's not like ‘Rs. 20 crores ka budget daal diya. Yeh kharid lo. Woh kharid lo. Isko paise de do. Usko paise de do’. That kind of marketing also exists. But I have always believed that your trailer is your main marketing tool. It’s something that has been going on since time immemorial and won’t change even in the future. So, you need a good story and a good trailer. Another important factor is the title of your film. People don’t give much importance to it. Title is very important; I learned it during the release of 3 Idiots.”

He explained, “During the release of 3 Idiots, we were told, as per research, the film is not tracking well. We were wondering, ‘The research says that it’s not tracking, but we are getting a feeling that it's tracking. The film opened well, but that was not meant to happen; how come?’ The collections were increasing week after week and as research, yeh film nahin chal rahi hai.”

He continued, “Then we realized that our title was in English, 3 Idiots. The title was not registering in people's minds. So, when people were asked by the research team, ‘Did you watch 3 Idiots?’, they would reply, ‘3 Idiots nahin dekhi hai’. When asked which film they saw recently, they would reply, ‘Woh Aamir Khan, Kareena aur Zoobi Doobi waali film dekhi’ (laughs)!”

Aamir Khan added, “The other problem is that ours is the only industry where we make films in Hindi but mention the title in English! I brought the change with Dangal (2016). The main title appeared in Hindi while the title in English was mentioned on the side.”

Aamir Khan also stated, “This is how I realized with 3 Idiots that the title was not registering. They felt that they were watching ‘Aal Izz Well’ as that’s the song they liked. If a person doesn’t understand English, woh dekhta hai ki Aamir Khan hai, Kareena hai aur angrezi mein kuch likha hai. If you don’t know Japanese, you’ll not focus on the title; you’ll instead focus on the actors and then take a call (to watch the film).”

Also Read: Aamir Khan reveals that he had doubts about Lagaan; went against the norm and narrated script to his parents; recalls their GOLDEN words that changed his life: “Aamir, acchi kahani bahut mushkil se milti hai…”

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Kareena Kapoor Khan turns 45: Celebrating the Bebo Blueprint that changed Bollywood heroines forever!

On September 21, 2025, Kareena Kapoor Khan celebrates her 45th birthday, and what a journey it’s been! From her dazzling debut to her reign as Bollywood’s eternal Bebo, Kareena has redefined what it means to be a leading lady. Here’s how she’s rewritten the script for the modern Bollywood heroine, balancing stardom, motherhood, and unapologetic ambition with grace and grit.

The Unapologetic Choice: Embracing Motherhood and Work Simultaneously Kareena shattered the outdated notion that a heroine’s career slows down after motherhood. After welcoming her sons, Taimur and Jeh, she returned to the spotlight with powerhouse performances and a packed schedule. From shooting films to becoming a producer, Kareena proves you don’t have to choose between family and ambition—she’s acing both.

 

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The Second Act: Post-40 Roles That Defy the ‘Invisible’ Trope At an age when many actresses face fading opportunities, Kareena is rewriting the narrative. Her roles in Jaane Jaan (2023), a gritty Netflix thriller, and Crew (2024), a heist comedy, showcase her versatility and refusal to be sidelined. These projects highlight her ability to lead films with depth and charisma, proving that 40-plus is a new prime for Bollywood’s leading ladies.

 

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The Star-Turned-Author/Entrepreneur: Expanding Her Brand Kareena is not just a star—she’s a brand. Beyond acting, she co-authored ‘Kareena Kapoor Khan’s Pregnancy Bible’, a candid guide for expecting mothers, and has been a savvy entrepreneur with her production house and brand collaborations. Her ventures reflect a modern heroine who builds her empire off-screen with as much flair as she commands on it.

 

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The Price of Stardom: Speaking Openly About Life, Weight, and Choices Kareena’s candor about her personal journey—be it body positivity, mental health, or the pressures of fame—sets her apart. She’s been vocal about her struggles with weight, societal expectations, and balancing her career, inspiring fans with her honesty. By owning her narrative, she’s made vulnerability a strength for the modern heroine.

 

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The Anti-Stereotype: Breaking the Mold with Bold Role Choices From playing a sex worker in Chameli (2003) to a free-spirited bride in Veere Di Wedding (2018), Kareena has consistently chosen roles that challenge Bollywood’s cookie-cutter heroine. These characters—complex, flawed, and fearless—have paved the way for mainstream actresses to embrace unconventional stories, redefining what a “commercial” star can do.

Happy 45th, Bebo! Kareena Kapoor Khan’s legacy isn’t just her iconic films or glamorous personae—it’s her fearless evolution. She’s shown that a Bollywood heroine can age boldly, live authentically, and keep rewriting the rules. Here’s to a star who continues to inspire millions!

Also Read: Robert Redford passes away at 89: Bollywood celebs Priyanka Chopra, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Anil Kapoor and others pay emotional tributes

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Aamir Khan makes an urgent appeal to the multiplexes: “DON’T serve food inside the screens; film ke beech mein theatre mein koi chalna NAHIN chahiye”

The advent of multiplexes has brought many changes to the idea of watching films on the big screen. Earlier, cinemas served a basic purpose but not anymore. Then, the whole theatre mostly had one kind of seats but now screens are divided into normal seats and recliners. The recliners have an attached swivel table so that viewers can comfortably place their snacks on it. Also, many multiplexes serve food directly on the seat. While many have given this facility thumbs up as it saves them the hassle of going to the F&B counter and ordering food, a section of movie buffs has slammed the practice. They argue that it disturbs not just them but also those around them and can affect the moviegoing experience. Now, Aamir Khan has also joined the latter.

In an interview with Komal Nahta, Aamir Khan began by saying, “Smartphones arrived in 2005. That was 20 years ago. Thanks to smartphones and the internet, ab poori kaaynaat mere haath mein aa gayi hai. Earlier, our audience in cinemas was captive. Unka dhyaan aapke film pe hota tha. Aur kahin nahin hota tha. If they do not like the film, they’ll get bored and leave. There’s nothing else they could do.”

He continued, “Today, the audience is not captive. They are watching the film and also glancing on their phones. They even reply to messages or check how many likes or comments have appeared on their posts.”

Aamir Khan then exulted, “One thing that really disturbs me and I have told this to multiplexes – aap khana mat serve karo yaar! The scene is going on and someone comes and puts food in front of me. If you want to buy your food items, please do so before the film or in the interval. Usko aap organize karo at the start of the film. Film ke beech mein theatre mein koi chalna nahin chahiye. There should be no movement in the theatre.”

At another point, Aamir Khan clarified that he is not against consuming snacks while watching a film. He stated, “I don’t prefer distraction but I like to eat popcorn or samosa. But I buy the snacks before the start of the film. Or I buy in the interval. Beech mein mujhe hulchul nahin chahiye.”

Also Read: REVEALED: “If Lagaan is made today, I would cast Vicky Kaushal as Bhuvan” – Aamir Khan

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Neil Nitin Mukesh celebrates daughter Nurvi’s 7th birthday with adorable photos

Actor Neil Nitin Mukesh marked a special occasion on September 20, 2025, as his daughter Nurvi turned seven. Taking to social media, the actor shared a series of photos of his little one, showcasing her playful and goofy side.

Along with the pictures, Neil wrote an emotional note: “My life. Love you the most in this world my darling daughter Nurvi. Happy 7th Birthday my jaan. Have the best year ahead. God bless you with all the happiness.”

The post was met with warm wishes from friends and colleagues in the industry. Actor Sudhanshu Pandey commented, “Happy birthday to this angel,” while director Umesh K Shukla wrote, “God bless her.”

 

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Neil has often spoken about his daughter and the joy she brings to his life. Earlier this year, in an interview with India Today Digital, the actor revealed that Nurvi is a huge fan of Amitabh Bachchan. “She’s a huge Amitabh Bachchan fan—and I’m so glad that her first screen idol is Mr. Bachchan. It’s amazing how he continues to inspire generation after generation. She enjoys watching a lot of his films with me. We've seen classics like Sholay and Satte Pe Satta together,” he shared.

Talking about her interests, Neil added, “Will she follow in my footsteps? I don’t know. She’s a free bird. But I do see an inclination towards the arts. She sings well, she’s learning Kathak and training with a vocal teacher. She’s just six but already passionate about music and dance. So I just pray to God that she continues to carry forward the Mukesh family legacy in some way.”

On the work front, Neil Nitin Mukesh is currently seen in Ek Chatur Naar.

Also Read: Divya Khossla and Neil Nitin Mukesh spark chaos and comedy in Ek Chatur Naar trailer, watch

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REVEALED: “If Lagaan is made today, I would cast Vicky Kaushal as Bhuvan” - Aamir Khan

Aamir Khan has worked in several memorable classics, but one film that stands out in his glorious filmography is Lagaan (2001). It is memorable for its unique subject of a group of villagers learning an unknown game and defeating the champions, the treatment, nail-biting scenes, exhilarating climax, performances, music and also the fact that it was one of the three films of Indian cinema that got nominated to the Oscars. As Bhuvan, Aamir Khan was outstanding. But if Lagaan were to be made today, who would the superstar like to cast? The superstar was asked this question during an interview with Komal Nahta.

During the rapid-fire round, Aamir Khan was asked who he would cast as Bhuvan in today’s times. Without thinking, the superstar immediately said, “I would have cast Vicky Kaushal in Lagaan. I think that he has the quality of Bhuvan. He has dignity, inner strength, steadiness and integrity. He reflects all of that very naturally. He’s also a great actor.”

At another point, Aamir Khan was asked, “If you had to clone an actor and chose an actor similar to you, who would you name?” Again, Aamir Khan answered, “I think Vicky Kaushal. He and I are slightly similar in our energies. I see the same things in him that I see in myself in a lot of ways.”

When asked about his weakness in the same interview, Aamir said, “I am not able to work according to a budget. We had hoped Lagaan would be made in Rs. 12 crores, but its budget ended up being Rs. 25 crores (laughs)!”

He also revealed, “For the first time, a security system, communications system, first AD system, sync sound and one schedule happened with Lagaan. Definitely, all of these things worked and they are the norms today.”

Also Read: SCOOP: Aamir Khan’s next with Rajkumar Hirani hits a roadblock; Perfectionist asks for script to be rewritten

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A BIG BOLD BEAUTIFUL JOURNEY is an experimental drama that doesn't work as intended Movie Review: A BIG BOLD BEAUTIFUL JOURNEY doesn't work as intended

Star Cast: Colin Farrell, Margot Robbie

Director: Kogonada

A Big Bold Beautiful Journey Movie Review Synopsis: A BIG BOLD BEAUTIFUL JOURNEY is the story of two individuals taking the journey of their lives. David (Colin Farrell) is all set to leave to attend the marriage of a friend at a holiday boutique resort. His car is clamped by the traffic police, supposedly for incorrect parking. He sees the ad for a rental agency and approaches them. The agency is run by two mysterious people (played by Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Kevin Kline). They offer him a vintage 1994 Saturn car and insist that he take their GPS device as well. David agrees. He reaches the wedding venue, where he bumps into Sarah (Margot Robbie). Sparks fly between them, but David stops himself from going all out. The next day, Sarah's car breaks down and David offers her a lift. The GPS suddenly starts taking them to places from their past and does everything possible so that they begin a love affair. What happens next forms the rest of the film.

A Big Bold Beautiful Journey Movie Story Review: Seth Reiss' story is experimental and novel. Seth Reiss' screenplay doesn't do justice to the plot. A few scenes are exceptional, but there are scenes where one loses interest. The dialogues are decent.

Kogonada's direction is okay. To give credit where it's due, he has extracted fine performances from the lead actors. Technically, the film is top-class and the use of different colours adds to the effect. The sequence where David cries after rejecting the offer to dance with Sarah is relatable. The scenes where David and Sarah get confronted by their exes in a restaurant and Sarah's encounter with her mother are lovely. David meeting his father is also touching.

But such scenes are few and far between. The film doesn’t go on a high note even once. Though it's just 109 minutes, it moves at a very, very slow pace and becomes boring. On paper, the drama must have looked enticing; however, it doesn’t translate into a compelling drama a la ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND [2004]. Instead, it gives a déjà vu of BAAR BAAR DEKHO [2016].

A Big Bold Beautiful Journey Movie Review Performances: Colin Farrell never gives a reason to disappoint. Even here, he rises above the script and delivers a lovely performance. Margot Robbie plays a difficult role with ease. In fact, her role is complex, but she handles it like a pro. Their chemistry is great, though it’s affected a bit by the writing. Phoebe Waller-Bridge impresses while Kevin Kline leaves a mark. Lily Rabe (Sarah's mother) makes her presence felt.

A Big Bold Beautiful Journey movie music and other technical aspects: Joe Hisaishi's music is minimal and effective. Benjamin Loeb's cinematography is breathtaking. At the same time, it also gives it a 'film festival' look. Katie Byron's production design has a retro feel. Arjun Bhasin's costumes are realistic. Susan E Kim and Jonathan Alberts' editing is slow.

A Big Bold Beautiful Journey Movie Review Conclusion: On the whole, A BIG BOLD BEAUTIFUL JOURNEY is an experimental drama that doesn’t work as intended due to the writing, boring narrative, and slow pace. At the box office, it’ll sink without a trace, despite the casting.

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