Paresh Rawal BREAKS silence on “propaganda” tag for The Taj Story: “I was ZAPPED by the research…I don’t like doing anything for the sake of sensationalism”

The Taj Story, starring Paresh Rawal, emerged as a surprise at the box office. The trade and industry didn’t expect much from the film, but it opened better than expected at Rs. 90 lakhs. It jumped to Rs. 2 crores on Saturday and again to Rs. 3 crores on Sunday. Its weekday hold was strong and the second weekend earnings were also fair. It is expected to collect around Rs. 20 crores in its lifetime, which was previously unthinkable. While the film was appreciated for its subject and performances, many called it right-wing propaganda. In an interview with Mumbai Mirror, Paresh Rawal broke the silence on this criticism.

Paresh Rawal dismissed the aforementioned label and stated, “When this script came to me, I was zapped by the research. It was very meticulous. The writer even provided me with all the primary resources…I don’t like doing anything for the sake of sensationalism.”

Not just Paresh Rawal but his talented son, Aditya Rawal, also jointly spoke to Mumbai Mirror, which is a rare instance. During the Prithvi Theatre Festival, held recently, Paresh Rawal attended the premiere of The Queen, directed by Aditya. The former was so entertained by the play that he saw it again.

Paresh said, “It was a thrilling experience. I’d seen the play when it was first staged in America [Theatre for the New City in New York] back in 2016, but was keen to experience it again, because I knew he’d made several changes to make it tighter, more effective, and more impactful.”

Paresh also said that he was very “happy with the result” and that Aditya is “on the right path”.

Aditya Rawal also dabbles in acting. He debuted with Bamfaad (2020) and was then seen in a hard-hitting role in Hansal Mehta's Faraaz (2023).

Also Read: Paresh Rawal admits lobbying exists in National Awards: “Thoda bahut hota hoga, par reputed hai”

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Celina Jaitly shares heart-wrenching plea for detained brother Major Vikrant: “444 Days without my brother”

Celina Jaitly has once again turned to social media to highlight the emotional and uncertain battle her family has been fighting for more than a year. On Sunday, the actress penned a deeply emotional note for her brother, Army officer Major Vikrant Kumar Jaitly, who has been detained in the Middle East for over 444 days. Opening up about the turmoil her family has endured since his abduction, she said the passage of time has felt like “a countdown of fear, hope and unbearable silence.”

In her note, Celina wrote that her brother’s detention began with eight months of complete incommunicado isolation, followed by his continued confinement at an undisclosed location. She recalled receiving one final call from him — a call he made to the only number he could remember, one that, according to her, “carried more pain than words and more truth than the world is ready to face.” She added that Major Vikrant suffers from several service-related injuries and has “given his youth, strength, mind and life to Bharat.”

Celina also expressed concern over what she described as a rising pattern of Indian soldiers and veterans being targeted abroad as India strengthens its global presence. She urged the nation not to remain silent, questioning whether such incidents could now be affecting national security. While raising difficult questions, the actress emphasised that she continues to place her full faith in the Indian government, calling for the same decisive action that secured the release of naval veterans from Qatar. “Our soldier deserves no less,” she wrote, stressing that no Indian soldier should ever be abandoned.

From the Battlefield to a Cell, The Unspoken Pain of an Indian Soldier, 444 Days Without My Brother! It’s been 1 year, 2 months, 17 days, 443 days in total, 10,632 hours, 637,920 minutes… since my brother, Major Vikrant Kumar Jaitly, was taken. Since Maj Vikrant was 1st… pic.twitter.com/CoxEIXVGpB

— Celina Jaitly (@CelinaJaitly) November 23, 2025

Her note closed with a powerful remembrance of her late father, Col VK Jaitly (SM), who often said: “If you want to honour a soldier, be an Indian worth dying for.” Celina vowed that she would not stop fighting until her brother returns home to Bharat — the country he dedicated his life to.

Earlier this month, the actress had shared a similar message of strength and resilience, reaffirming her support for Major Vikrant as he continues to endure difficult circumstances.

Also Read: Celina Jaitly pens emotional message amid brother’s detention in UAE: “I haven’t slept a single night without crying for you”

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“My respectful salute to our brave security personnel”: Shah Rukh Khan shares message of courage as he honours 26/11 and Pahalgam heroes

Shah Rukh Khan attended the Global Peace Honours 2025 on Saturday at the Gateway in Mumbai, where he paid tribute to the victims of major terror attacks and acknowledged the courage of India’s security forces. The event, organised by the Divyaj Foundation and led by Amruta Fadnavis, brought together survivors, families of victims, national leaders, dignitaries and members of the film industry for a collective remembrance.

During his address, Shah Rukh remembered those who lost their lives in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, the Pahalgam terror incident and the recent blasts in Delhi. He also offered his respect to the personnel who were martyred in these tragedies.

Sharing a specially written set of lines dedicated to the armed forces, he said: “My humble tribute to the innocent people who lost their lives in the 26/11 terrorist attack, the Pahalgam terrorist attack, and the recent Delhi blasts, and my respectful salute to our brave security personnel who were martyred in these attacks. Today, I have been asked to recite these four beautiful lines for the brave soldiers and jawans of the country… When someone asks you what you do, say with pride that I protect the country.”

He further added, “If someone asks you how much you earn, smile slightly and say, I earn the blessings of 1.4 billion people. And if they turn around and ask you again, ‘Aren’t you ever afraid?’ Look them in the eye and say, ‘Those who attack us feel it’… Let us all take steps towards peace together. Let us forget the caste, creed, and discrimination around us and walk the path of humanity, so that the martyrdom of our heroes for the peace of our country is not in vain.”

#WATCH | Mumbai | At the Global Peace Honours 2025, Superstar Shah Rukh Khan says, "My humble tribute to the innocent people who lost their lives in the 26/11 terrorist attack, the Pahalgam terrorist attack, and the recent Delhi blasts and my respectful salute to our brave… pic.twitter.com/XQtJp0pm1I — ANI (@ANI) November 22, 2025

The Global Peace Honours saw the presence of several notable attendees, including Nita Ambani, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Amruta Fadnavis, Tiger Shroff, Manisha Koirala, Vikrant Massey, Akanksha Malhotra, Archana Kochhar, Kripashankar Singh and others.

Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan come together to attend the VIP opening of the Natural History Museum in Abu Dhabi

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EXCLUSIVE: Shanaya Kapoor’s acting coach Rachit Singh believes the audience will get “blown away” by her in her upcoming films: “Like how Saiyaara happened to Aneet Padda”

Rachit Singh was recently seen as a Betaal in Aditya Sarpotdar’s Thamma. The film was a part of the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe. But much before making his film debut in the movie, Rachit has been working as an acting coach, who has trained quite a few actors. One of them is Shanaya Kapoor, who made her acting debut earlier this year in Santosh Singh’s Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan, in which she was cast opposite Vikrant Massey.

In an exclusive chat with Bollywood Hungama, Rachit said that the world will see Shanaya’s true talent in her upcoming projects. “You will now watch Shanaya’s actual potential,” he said. “Till now, we have only seen her in her first film. She is doing quite a few films in which she is playing different types of characters. She is a very hardworking girl.”

Rachit has also trained Aneet Padda, who hit a jackpot earlier this year with Mohit Suri’s Saiyaara. He gave her example for Shanaya saying, “Like how Saiyaara happened to Aneet. Of course, Aneet is very good but it’s also a good script and a good director, who can take that performance out of you. I think with Shanaya also (this can happen). She is doing so many different types of roles. She is working with so many directors.”

Rachit added, “I think once her films will start coming out, you will see her potential. Just fingers crossed for her because I know how hardworking and dedicated she is as an actor. I have been working with her from her first film. So, I have seen her journey and growth as an actor. I am just waiting for her films to come out and you guys to watch it and get blown away by it.”

As far as Rachit’s acting career is concerned, he will be seen next in Baby Do Die Do, which stars Huma Qureshi in the lead. The film is also produced by her and her brother Saqib Saleem under their banner Saleem Siblings.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Aneet Padda’s acting coach Rachit Singh when he first met her, “Whatever you ask her to do, she will listen, surrender and just do it”

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Ninad Kamat reveals he lost a “big film” role after a four-round audition, says social media and lobbying have killed the art: “Very different ball game today”

Veteran actor and voice artist Ninad Kamat, known for his extensive work across films, advertising, and dubbing, opened up about the emotional toll of constant auditions and rejections—even after spending over three decades in the entertainment industry. In a conversation with Digital Commentary, he revealed that the struggle for roles persists even with experience.

Sharing a recent incident, Kamat said he had auditioned just a week ago for a major film. Despite being called four times for the same character, he was eventually told he did not cut.

“Even after 31 years, you still have to audition,” he said. “Just a week ago, I gave an audition. And then came a heartbreaking rejection. It was a very big film—I can’t name it. I auditioned four times for one of the three main characters, travelling from Mahim to Andheri Versova each time. Three days ago, I was told, ‘Sorry, sir.’”

Kamat added that he had worked extensively on fine-tuning the character. “I picked a slight North Indian accent, worked on the humour the role required… all of that I kept practising at home. When they tell you three days before that it’s not happening—especially for a main character—it really hurts.”

Talking about the changing dynamics of casting, the actor said the landscape has shifted dramatically. “It’s a very different ball game today. Whether it’s social media, lobbying, or marketing… an actor’s follower count has started deciding things. I feel that’s what has killed the art.”

Kamat’s comments come at a time when several senior actors have been speaking up about how the audition culture often disregards years of experience.

Just a few months ago, veteran Marathi and television actor Usha Nadkarni recalled turning down an audition for Zoya Akhtar’s Gully Boy. She revealed that she was offended when a young assistant director asked her to test for a role without having checked her decades-long body of work.

Nadkarni had said in an interview with Pinkvilla that she refused the offer immediately: “I asked him how old he is—he said 25. I told him I’ve been working longer than his mother has been alive. I don’t do such pointless auditions. When he told me who the director is, I said, ‘She’s the daughter of a big man, isn’t she? Ask her to look up my name on the computer, then she’ll know the work I’ve done.’”

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Pranutan Behl reveals that she auditioned for Rajshri’s Dono; fondly recalls interacting with Rani Mukerji on Kahin Pyaar Na Ho Jaaye sets: “When I reminded her, she caught my cheeks in her typical loving way and gave me a small kiss”

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Kalyani Priyadarshan gets a retro makeover for Divine’s ‘You and I’ teaser — a stylish shift from her Lokah persona

Kalyani Priyadarshan has taken audiences by surprise with her latest appearance in the teaser of upcoming track ‘You and I’, in collaboration with Divine. Known for her rooted, intense presence as Chandra in Lokah: Chapter 1, the actress shifts gears entirely, stepping into a retro-cool avatar that leans heavily into vintage fashion cues and a distinctly groovy mood-scape.

In the brief teaser, Kalyani channels a look that blends old-school charm with contemporary edge — think classic silhouettes, textured styling, and a relaxed, rhythm-friendly vibe that instantly sets a different tone from her recent film persona. Rather than making the moment about glamour, the styling feels more like an atmospheric shift, as if she’s tapping into a fashion era that brings out a new, experimental side of her. The contrast is unmistakable and adds to the intrigue around the music video.

The transition is especially interesting considering her last big outing in Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra, the Malayalam-language superhero film directed by Dominic Arun and backed by Wayfarer Films. In the film, she played Chandra, a mysterious woman summoned to Bengaluru to take on a rising threat, navigating complex alliances and high-stakes action sequences. The performance added a fresh layer to her evolving career, which has steadily expanded across Malayalam, Tamil and Telugu cinema.

 

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  A post shared by DIVINE (@vivianakadivine)

Her appearance in Divine’s track also adds another layer of curiosity, with the music video being set against the vibrant backdrop of Mumbai. The city’s energy, combined with Kalyani’s new aesthetic, hints at an interesting crossover of atmospheres — one that subtly places her in a space she hasn’t explored onscreen yet, making the teaser feel even more refreshing.

From the grounded world of Lokah to the stylish, groove-infused canvas of ‘You and I’, Kalyani seems to be enjoying a phase of reinvention. And while the teaser only offers a glimpse, it’s enough to spark anticipation about what this unexpected shift will bring when the full music video drops.

Also Read: Krithi Shetty and Kalyani Priyadarshan dazzle in Genie’s ‘Abdi Abdi’; fans can’t get enough of their belly dance performance

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Vivek Oberoi reveals he received death threats while shooting Kurbaan: “We know you are here, khatam kar denge”

Vivek Oberoi has revisited one of the most unsettling incidents of his career — the time he received death threats while filming the Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan-starrer Kurbaan. In a recent interview with Pinkvilla, the actor shared that he was caught off guard by a threatening message left on the answering machine during the film’s shoot in the United States.

Recalling the moment, Vivek said, “I was shooting for Kurbaan in the US and they left a threat on the (answering machine) system and as per law, I had to report it to the authorities there.”

He revealed that authorities questioned him immediately, but he had no context for the menacing message. “I told them, ‘I don’t know anything’. I just landed up in this, where they were saying, ‘We know you are here, khatam kar denge, uda denge (we will finish you, we will shoot you).’ They were saying such things. And they traced that number back to Pakistan. And they said it’s a real number which has been flagged, that’s when I got scared,” he added.

Released in 2009, Kurbaan was set against the backdrop of global terrorism, unfolding across New York and Delhi. The thriller followed Avantika Ahuja, a psychology professor whose life spirals after she unknowingly marries a member of a terrorist sleeper cell. Vivek played a man seeking revenge for the death of his partner Rehana, portrayed by Dia Mirza. His character infiltrates the sleeper cell, becoming a crucial piece of the narrative’s tense and emotionally charged conflict.

While Kurbaan remains one of his more intense films, Vivek is currently in a completely different zone professionally. The actor is gearing up for the release of Mastiii 4, the latest installment in the popular adult comedy franchise. The film reunites him with Riteish Deshmukh and Aftab Shivdasani, while also expanding the cast to include Tusshar Kapoor, Arshad Warsi, Nargis Fakhri, Elnaaz Norouzi, Shreya Sharma, Ruhi Singh, Nishant Malkani, and Shaad Randhawa, among others.

With Mastiii 4 expected to deliver the franchise’s trademark humour and chaos, Vivek’s anecdote about Kurbaan serves as a stark reminder of the unexpected challenges actors sometimes face behind the scenes — moments far removed from the laughter and entertainment they bring to the screen.

Also Read: Vivek Oberoi says even Shah Rukh Khan may be forgotten by 2050: “History relegates you into nothingness”

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Web Series Review: THE FAMILY MAN SEASON 3 proves to be a satisfying and engaging new chapter

Star Cast: Manoj Bajpayee, Priyamani, Jaideep Ahlawat, Nimrat Kaur, Ashlesha Thakur, Vedant Sinha

Director: Raj-DK, Tusshar Seyth, Suman Kumar

Synopsis: THE FAMILY MAN SEASON 3 is the story of a spy facing the biggest challenge of his career. Few years have passed since the events of SEASON 2. Suchitra (Priyamani) has bought a bigger flat where she and her family - husband Srikant Tiwari (Manoj Bajpayee), daughter Dhriti (Ashlesha Thakur) and son Atharv (Vedant Sinha) - have shifted. Suchitra and Srikant are not on talking terms and are contemplating a divorce. Meanwhile, Srikant and his boss, Gautam Kulkarni (Dalip Tahil), leave for Kohima, Nagaland. There have been blasts in 6 cities in the Northeast in 48 hours, threatening Prime Minister Basu's (Seema Biswas) pet project, named Project Sahakar. It involves bringing rebel groups together with the aim of providing peace and stability in the region. The project has been possible, thanks to the highly respected local leader, David Khuzou (Sunil Thapa). Srikant and Kulkarni meet David a day before the deal is to be signed. David's grandson, Stephen Khuzou (Paalin Kabak), who runs a faction called MCA-S, is against the deal and makes it clear to David. On the day the deal is to be signed, the convoy of David, Srikant and Kulkarni is ambushed by a dreaded drug lord, Rukma (Jaideep Ahlawat). Rukma kills David and Kulkarni. He spares Srikant, presumably assuming that he's dead. Srikant survives and is able to identify Rukma. Stephen is assumed to be the one behind the attack and he goes into hiding. In a sudden turn of events, the NIA has a suspicion that Srikant could be behind the attack as well, since he survived and also because very few knew about the route of the convoy. Suchitra, meanwhile, is also facing a tough time, as the government bans 69 Chinese apps, one of which is her app, ShrinkMe. She tries to defend the app on a news channel debate but it backfires. A troll campaign starts against Suchitra and Dhruti is also dragged into it. An arrest warrant is issued against Srikant and he decides to run away with his family. The NIA, TASC and TASC's new chief, Yatish Chawla (Harman Singha) are behind him, but he outsmarts them and leaves Mumbai. What happens next forms the rest of the series.

The Family Man Season 3 Story Review: Raj-DK, Tusshar Seyth and Suman Kumar's story is promising and the obstacles in front of Srikant this time are many notches higher. Raj-DK, Tusshar Seyth, Nikhil Gonsalves, Sudhish Kamath and Suman Kumar's screenplay is captivating and neatly incorporates humour, which is a USP of the show. But as it happens, when the previous seasons have formed a benchmark, the writing feels underwhelming. Sumit Arora's dialogues are hilarious, sharp and one of the best things about the show, without doubt.

Raj-DK, Tusshar Seyth and Suman Kumar's direction is exemplary. The beauty of their execution is that amid the chaos and nail-biting moments, they make sure that viewers also laugh their guts out. This is no easy task, as often, this might not land properly. But every joke or every line, intended to raise laughs, works bang-on. Two scenes which stand out in this regard are when Srikant tells his son that he’s a spy, and the TC enquiring about JK Talpade (Sharib Hashmi), with Srikant cooking up a howlarious story. On the other hand, David and Stephen’s confrontation is significant. The scenes of Rukma and how he strategizes also makes for a nice watch. Meanwhile, the geopolitical angle also has its charm as it's soaked in realism. The makers borrow from real-life happenings like banning of Chinese apps, organized trolling, news channels being used, or rather misused, by vested interests, etc. Lastly, Raj-DK’s shows are known for one-take shots. Here, they tweak the technique a bit in the scene of the attack at Rukma’s farmhouse, and it's praiseworthy.

On the flipside, though the makers try their best, the new season doesn’t match up to Season 1 and 2, especially in terms of humour. The earlier 2 parts had jokes and moments that became meme-worthy and are remembered even today. The humour quotient in Season 3 is there but doesn't go into the cult zone, which will be the demand. The track of Meera (Nimrat Kaur) is unconvincing; a smart and careful person like her blows her cover and this whole bit is unconvincing. The show ends on a chilling cliffhanger but at the same time, several tracks are left abruptly. Lastly, the character of Chellam Sir (Uday Mahesh), who became a sensation after Season 2, gets a raw deal this time.

The Family Man Season 3 Performances: Manoj Bajpayee yet again slips into the ‘Family Man’ character effortlessly. This is his most adorable performance and the way he essays it with perfection adds a lot to the show. Priyamani makes her presence felt and this time, her equation with her hubby is different; it provides a nice touch though questions still remain. Ashlesha Thakur and Vedant Sinha are very impressive and even they get to try something novel in this season. Sharib Hashmi is adorable as always. Jaideep Ahlawat is terrific and his long-hair-look is dashing. Nimrat Kaur is a bit let down by the writing but performance has no complaints. Shreya Dhanwanthary (Zoya) returns in a major role and is damn good. Jugal Hansraj (Dwaraknath), Harman Singha, Jason Tham (Colonel Zhulong) and Andrea Kevichüsa (Nima) are aptly cast. Sunil Thapa and Dalip Tahil leave huge marks despite limited screen time. Seema Biswas, Paalin Kabak, Gul Panag (Saloni), Vipin Sharma (Sambit) and Aritro Rudraneil Banerjee (Punit) are dependable. Vijay Vikram Singh (Ajit) and Aditya Srivastava (Yashwant Kumar) get a limited scope. Riyan Mipi (Bobby) is cute. Uday Mahesh is forced.

The Family Man Season 3 music and other technical aspects: Sachin-Jigar's original title music sets the mood instantly. Ketan Sodha's background score is exhilarating. Jay Charola's cinematography is gritty as well as breathtaking. Parichit Paralkar's production design is superior, while Neha R Bajaj's costumes are straight out of life. Yannick Ben and Aejaz Gulab's action adds to the fun. Sumeet Kotian's editing is slick.

The Family Man Season 3 Review Conclusion: On the whole, THE FAMILY MAN SEASON 3 proves to be a satisfying and engaging new chapter, serving a potent mix of action, drama, tension and situational humour that fans of the franchise expect. The writing stumbles at places and a few tracks feel undercooked. Nevertheless, powered by the insane popularity of the brand and the enduring affection for Srikant Tiwari and his world, this season is poised to attract massive viewership and keep audiences eagerly waiting for what comes next.

Rating – 4 stars

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Armaan Malik's surprise Bigg Boss 19 entry moves Amaal Mallik to tears in emotional family week episode, watch

Armaan Malik entered the Bigg Boss 19 house while singing ‘Kaun Tujhe’ from M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story, surprising his brother, Amaal Mallik.

Bigg Boss 19 viewers had been looking forward to family week, and it turned into an emotional experience filled with heartfelt moments. Much of the attention centered on Armaan and Amaal.

In a video shared on Instagram by the show's makers, Armaan was seen walking into the house singing ‘Kaun Tujhe’. The camera then showed Amaal relaxing on a bean bag. Moments later, he stood up and froze as part of an ongoing task. In the background, Bigg Boss announced, “Bigg Boss Amaal ke bhai Armaan ka swagat karte hain,” which left Amaal visibly emotional.

Armaan hugged Aamal, creating one of the most touching moments of the season. The video was shared with the caption, “Dekhiye brotherhood ka kamaal, Armaan ko dekh apne aansu nahi rok paaye Amaal,” highlighting the brothers’ emotional reunion.

Fans react to Amaal Mallik and Armaan Malik’s reunion Fans were deeply moved by the surprise meeting. One user commented, “Amaal didn’t expect Armaan to come here. Such a good surprise for him.” Another wrote, “Amaal’s reaction shows how much Armaan means to him.” Others added that the moment brought them to tears as well. Several called it the “most awaited promo.”

Along with Amaal Mallik, the current Bigg Boss 19 contestants include Kunickaa Sadanand, Malti Chahar, Shehbaz Badesha, Tanya Mittal, Gaurav Khanna, Pranit More, Farrhana Bhatt, and Ashnoor Kaur.

Also Read: Armaan Malik postpones Delhi concert after fatal blast: “I regret to inform you…”

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Why India Can’t Stop Watching Crime: The new dark obsession of OTT

The Bollywood Hungama OTT India Fest and India Entertainment Awards are just around the corner. The two-day event is all set to take place on December 3 and 4 in Mumbai. One can expect some of the biggest names from Indian OTT sphere to assemble under the same roof. Before that happens, here’s looking at an interesting trend on OTT in recent times.

Over the past few years, Hindi crime shows on OTT platforms have emerged as one of the most-watched genres across the country. Whether it’s gritty police procedurals, dark psychological dramas, or real-life-inspired investigations, Indian audiences appear more hooked to crime narratives than ever before. The surge is not just a passing trend—it reflects a deeper shift in viewing habits, storytelling preferences, and the impact of streaming culture. One major reason behind this growing fascination is the freedom OTT platforms offer. Without the restrictions of traditional television or cinema, creators can explore crime in a more layered and realistic manner. The shows delve into complex motives, flawed characters, and morally ambiguous situations, providing viewers with a far more immersive experience. From small-town crime sagas to narratives based on high-stakes corporate frauds, the range is wider than what mainstream entertainment offered earlier. Another factor is the audience’s appetite for fast-paced, unpredictable content. Crime shows are inherently built on suspense, investigation, and twists—elements that encourage binge-watching. In a digital era driven by the need for constant engagement, this genre perfectly fits the mood. Viewers often finish an entire series over a weekend, drawn by cliffhangers and the urge to solve the mystery alongside the characters. There is also a growing curiosity about the darker side of society. Many shows highlight issues like political corruption, cybercrime, law enforcement challenges, and rising social tensions. This blend of fictional drama and real-world relevance makes crime shows both entertaining and thought-provoking. For many viewers, it feels like getting an insider’s view of the world that headlines often skim over. Additionally, the rise of strong performances and sharp writing has elevated the genre. Actors known for nuanced roles, along with fresh talent from theatre and indie cinema, have brought authenticity to characters—cops, criminals, victims, and investigators alike. High production values and cinematic storytelling have further made these shows visually compelling. Ultimately, Hindi crime shows have become the new obsession because they offer escapism and realism simultaneously. They satisfy the thrill-seeker in audiences while holding up a mirror to society. As OTT platforms continue to expand, crime dramas are likely to remain at the forefront—darker, sharper, and more addictive than ever. The Bollywood Hungama OTT India Fest and India Entertainment Awards is presented by SleepZ by Raymond, co-powered by Fima, Carlo Frattini, and Amante in association with Helios, Style Partner Rare Rabbit, Lovestory Patner Truly Madly, Stylish Furniture Partner Uraban Ladder, with healthcare partner HCG, skincare partner Fixferma, Spirituality partner Satvik, conversation partner Bevzilla, gourmet dessert partner Smoor, nutrition partner The Naturik Co., radio partner Radio City and celebration partner Heineken Silver. Also Read: Tabu backs the buzz around Huma Qureshi’s commanding performance in Delhi Crime 3

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Shalini Pandey promises ‘madness & mayhem’ in Rahu Ketu: “Every day on set felt fun!”

Shalini Pandey is on an impressive run, moving from one exciting project to the next with effortless momentum. After sharing screen space with Dhanush in his directorial venture Idli Kadai, the actress has now shifted her focus to Rahu Ketu, her next big release directed by Vipul Vig. The film pairs her with the widely loved Fukrey duo, Varun Sharma and Pulkit Samrat, setting the stage for a comedy steeped in mischief, charm, and cosmic madness.

At the centre of the buzz is Shalini’s own enthusiasm for the project. Reflecting on her experience, she said, “Rahu Ketu is the kind of film where every day on set felt fun. Varun and Pulkit are a riot, and Vipul brings this quirky world alive in the coolest way. I can’t wait for people to see the madness we’ve created!”. Her excitement hints that audiences can expect the same infectious energy when the film hits screens.

The actress recently wrapped up the schedule of Rahu Ketu in the scenic locations of Himachal Pradesh. While shooting for the film, Shalini had taken to social media to reveal that her character in the film is named Meenu, and she even shared behind-the-scenes glimpses that offered an early look at her onscreen avatar. Her updates have helped build anticipation for the film, particularly among fans who have followed her journey closely.

Back in June, Shalini had also informed her fans about wrapping the schedule in Manali, where she documented her experiences in a heartfelt note. From forming bonds with Himachali dogs and spending time in local cafés and pottery studios to highlighting the meaningful work done by Manali Strays, her reflections showed how deeply the environment had affected her. It was a shoot that doubled as a personal transformation, something that continues to shape her connection to the project.

With Idli Kadai adding fresh momentum to her filmography and Rahu Ketu promising a high-spirited entertainer, Shalini Pandey is excited to see what more is in store for her. As for the film, it is slated to release on January 16 next year.

Also Read: Shalini Pandey’s FANTASTIC Rapid Fire on Arjun Reddy, Kareena Kapoor, Salman Khan, Zoya Akhtar

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120 BAHADUR stands as a sincere and stirring salute to the heroes of Rezang La, powered by immersive war detailing and a commanding performance by Farhan Akhtar Movie Review: 120 BAHADUR stands as a sincere and stirring salute

Star Cast: Farhan Akhtar, Raashii Khanna

Director: Razneesh 'Razy' Ghai 

120 Bahadur Movie Review Synopsis: 120 BAHADUR is the story of bravery and valour. The year is 1962. In October, the Chinese troops began their march towards Ladakh. Major Shaitan Singh Bhati (Farhan Akhtar) heads the 13th Battalion of Kumaon Regiment; his platoon is holding a position at Rezang La in the Chushul sector. Chushul consists of an airstrip and the Chinese are desperate to capture this sector. Shaitan realizes the importance of Chushul and fears that if the Chinese gain control of it, they can also be at an advantage to capture the rest of Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir. On November 17, Major Shaitan Singh Bhati spots more than 3000 Chinese soldiers marching towards Rezang La. He informs the army headquarters and his senior asks him to leave Rezang La since the Indian side is outnumbered. But Major Shaitan Singh Bhati tells his commanding officer that he and his 120 brave men would not leave their position and fight the enemy until their last breath. What happens next forms the rest of the film. 

120 Bahadur Movie Story Review: 120 BAHADUR is based on true events. Rajiv G Goswami tells a story that many don't know about and that works to the advantage of the makers. Rajiv G Goswami's screenplay is engaging during the war scenes but leaves a lot to be desired otherwise. Sumit Arora's dialogues are conversational and clapwothy in a few places.

Razneesh 'Razy' Ghai's direction is decent. To give credit where it's due, he has gone all out. At a time when films are filmed against green screen in studios, he has shot the film in real and extremely challenging locations. In terms of authenticity, the film scores distinction marks. The war scenes are executed with finesse and moreover, the film pays a great tribute to Major Shaitan Singh Bhati and the 120 brave men under his leadership who chose to fight despite having the option to fall back.

On the flipside, the first half is very ordinary. The scenes of the build-up, Major Shaitan Singh Bhati's flashback and the comedy among his regiment give a deja vu of films like BORDER [1997], KESARI [2019], SHERSHAAH [2021] etc. All these films had great music score and this film lacks in that department. There's a subplot of a rookie soldier; ideally, the makers should have explored it a bit more and made it more dramatic, as it was novel. However, the makers rushed through this track. 

120 Bahadur | Official Trailer | Farhan Akhtar | Raashii Khanna | 21st November

120 Bahadur Movie Review Performances: This is Farhan Akhtar’s first film as an actor after nearly 4 ½ years and he’s terrific without a doubt. He underplays his part and also shows his angry side as required and he impresses in both avatars. Raashii Khanna (Sugan) is lovely in a special appearance. Ajinkya Ramesh Deo (Brigadier) and Eijaz Khan (Commanding Officer) lend able support. From the armymen, debutant Sparsh Walia (Radio Operator Ramchander Yadav) gets the maximum screen time and he delivers a very fine performance. Vivan Bhatena (Jemadar Surja Ram) is the next best followed by Ashutosh Shukla (Dharampal) and Brijesh Karanwala (Jairam Kaka). Others who do well are Dhanveer Singh (Jemadar Hariram Singh), Digvijay Pratap (Jemadar Saab), Sahib Verma (Nanha), Devendra Ahirwar (Baingan), Ankit Siwach (Ramlal), and Atul Singh (Nihal Singh). Marcus Mok (General Gao) is fair while Seng Soo Ming (Major Memeti) is over the top. Yet, it works for his character. 

120 Bahadur movie music and other technical aspects: Songs – 'Yaad Aate Hain', 'Main Hoon Woh Dharti Maa' and 'Naina Re Lobhi' – fail to entice or move the viewers. Satish Raghunathan's background score is heroic. Tetsuo Nagata's cinematography is spectacular. Ladakh has never been shot in this manner before. Marek Svitek's action is in sync with the film's mood. And unlike the trend today, it's not gory or disturbing. Theia Tekchandaney's costumes and Shailaja Sharma's production design are authentic. Nolabel, Frame X and Fortune Leaf's VFX is satisfactory. 

120 Bahadur Movie Review Conclusion: On the whole, 120 BAHADUR stands as a sincere and stirring salute to the heroes of Rezang La, powered by immersive war detailing and a commanding performance by Farhan Akhtar. However, the routine first half, been-there-done-that type of moments and underwhelming music hold it back from becoming truly unforgettable. At the box office, the film will have to rely heavily on strong word of mouth and patriotic sentiment to find success.

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20 years of Ek Khiladi Ek Haseena EXCLUSIVE: Suparn S Varma on the Fardeen-Koena MMS campaign that many viewers still associate with their honeymoon and first lovemaking session

November is a special month for Suparn S Varma. His recent film, Haq, premiered in cinemas on November 7 and garnered widespread acclaim from critics and moviegoers alike. November was also the month when his debut directorial, Ek Khiladi Ek Haseena (2005), was released 20 years ago, on November 18. The film is memorable for its music, sleek look, and the ensemble cast – Fardeen Khan, Koena Mitra, Kay Kay Menon, Rohit Roy, Gulshan Grover, and, above all, the late Feroz Khan. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Suparn S Varma spoke about Ek Khiladi Ek Haseena and his beautiful memories associated with it.

You were one of the writers on Janasheen (2003), which starred Fardeen Khan and was directed by Feroz Khan. Did this experience help you form a bond with the two and get them on board for Ek Khiladi Ek Haseena? Yes. I had known Fardeen and Feroz Khan saab. I narrated the idea to them and both came on board. So, my script and actors were in place when I went to PNC (Pritish Nandy Communications). Mr Pritish Nandy heard it, he loved it and he came on board as well as a producer.

It came from belief. I am really grateful to the universe that people have always believed in me. Hansal Mehta believed in me when I was a journalist after reading my reviews (and offered me Chhal and Yeh Kya Ho Raha Hai; 2002). Ramu (Ram Gopal Varma) also trusted me and had me working with him for 6-7 months. None of my films were released, and yet, Khan saab took me on for Janasheen. So did Harry Baweja (who offered him Qayamat; 2003). Chhal was the only film of mine that had been released when Rohit Shetty asked me to join him on Zameen (2003). So, it’s been a series of coincidences that has brought everything for me. One connection led to another.

As per IMDb, Koena Mitra shot a whole song with a stone in her kidney and had an operation to remove it the next day… Yes. Before shooting ‘Sara Jahaan Kahe Ishq Hai Jhootha’, she had kidney stones. Pritam gave really good music to Ek Khiladi Ek Haseena. Every song was a chartbuster. Sameeruddin’s background score was also outstanding.

How important are songs to you? Every film of yours has had music… I love music in films. When we wrote Haq and even shot it, there were no songs. But I had songs in my head. After the lineup and the first edit were done, I went to Vishal Mishra. He heard the same music that was there in my head and heart. He’s the one who found a soul. We spent 2-3 weeks in London composing and playing cricket. It was the most amazing experience (smiles).

Today, digital promotion is indispensable. Ek Khiladi Ek Haseena was the first film to try it out. An MMS clip, showing Fardeen Khan and Koena Mitra getting intimate, was released and interestingly, Pritish Nandy agreed that it was done by the makers themselves… Every film needed a gimmick in those days. We had the song ‘Jal Jal Ke Dhuan Ho Rahe Hum’. We released a small bit of that song on MMS. That was done just to test the waters. Those days, I think colour phones had just come and so, a marketing experiment was done at that time (laughs).

It was a path-breaking move, considering that we are still talking about it even after 20 years… A lot of people tell me that their honeymoon and first lovemaking session have been to ‘Jal Jal Ke Dhuan Ho Rahe Hum’!

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Suparn Varma talks about Sultan Of Delhi and creating HISTORY by becoming the first director of India to have 4 web show releases in a year; also speaks highly of Ajay Devgn: “He is a born director. He understood facts, figures and distribution even when he began in the 90s”

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OTT Files 2024: The best dressed stars of the OTT India Awards previous edition

The Bollywood Hungama OTT India Fest and India Entertainment Awards is just around the corner. The grand event is all set to take place on December 3 and 4 in Mumbai. Apart from the best of OTT being awarded, the event is also known for its style and glamour.

Here’s looking back at the best dressed stars from the previous edition:

Kartik Aaryan

Kartik brought classic elegance in a sleek black tuxedo, pairing it with an open-collared shirt for a relaxed yet polished look. A timeless choice, but with a modern twist — very red-carpet-ready. No wonder the actor has a large fan following.

Ayushmann Khurrana

Ayushmann went with a refined black tuxedo and crisp white shirt, complete with a perfectly tied black tie. His charm and smile elevated the simplicity of the look — sometimes less is more. The look had the same heroism and un-conventionalism, like in his film subjects.

Kriti Sanon

Kriti entered the red carpet at the OTT Fest in a Versace denim look, styled by Sukriti Grover. Her look was bold in its informality — denim for an awards event, but elevated. Her look showed that reinventing casual fabrics for formal events and good styling can transform you in an unexpected way.

Tiger Shroff

Bold and edgy: Tiger opted for an all-black leather ensemble (jacket + trousers), paired with his signature sunglasses. This look broke the mold of traditional red-carpet suits and made a statement. One could see his natural swag in this look.

Ananya Panday

Ananya wore a fitted black gown paired with a dramatic cape-style blazer, adding a powerful, structured touch. The embellished, high-neck bodice brings shimmer and sophistication, while the long black leather gloves give the outfit a bold, couture edge.

Sharvari

She opted for a playful yet elegant strapless black dress with a striking white bow detail. That bow added just the right touch of whimsy to a sophisticated silhouette. Her confidence was for all to see at the event, just like her on-screen appearances.

The Bollywood Hungama OTT India Fest and India Entertainment Awards is presented by SleepZ by Raymond, co-powered by Fima, Carlo Frattini, and Amante in association with Helios, Style Partner Rare Rabbit, Lovestory Patner Truly Madly, Stylish Furniture Partner Uraban Ladder, with healthcare partner HCG, skincare partner Fixferma, Spirituality partner Satvik, conversation partner Bevzilla, gourmet dessert partner Smoor, nutrition partner The Naturik Co., radio partner Radio City and celebration partner Heineken Silver.

Also Read: She’s the Story Now: Women who changed the screen in 2025

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Bharti Singh gets emotional at surprise baby shower hosted by Laughter Chefs’ team

Comedian Bharti Singh announced her second pregnancy in October this year and has been regularly sharing health updates on her YouTube vlogs. On Sunday (November 16), the team of her show Laughter Chefs surprised her with a baby shower in Mumbai, leaving her emotional and grateful.

Inside Bharti Singh’s surprise baby shower

Bharti shared a video on Instagram tagging the entire Laughter Chefs team. She revealed that the team had called her in for work, only to surprise her with a warm and intimate celebration. Expressing her gratitude, she said, “Main darr gayi, itne logon ne mere pe hamla kar diya. Toh I know kuch log gussa kar rahe honge ki hume kyun nahi bulaya, mujhe bhi nahi pata (I got scared, so many people jumped on me. And I know some people must be upset about not being invited, but I didn’t know either).”

The baby shower was attended by Tejasswi Prakash, Arjun Bijlani, Jannat Zubair, Krushna Abhishek, Debina Bonnerjee, Gurmeet Choudhary, Aly Goni, Jasmin Bhasin, Kashmera Shah, and others. Jannat shared glimpses from the event on Instagram, captioning her post “Team baby girl.” Bharti wore blue for the occasion, while the guests dressed in pink.

The venue was decorated with blue and pink balloons and featured a large board that read “We can barely wait.” Bharti was given a “mom-to-be” tiara and sash, and the team cut a cake with a small note that said “I vote girl.” Tejasswi also posted a video of the guests dancing to “London Thumakda” and posing with Bharti. Bharti, who is already mother to three-year-old Laksh, had earlier expressed her wish to have a baby girl. In one of her vlogs, she said she hoped to dress her daughter in cute lehengas and ponytails.

About Bharti Singh’s upcoming work

Bharti is set to return as the host of Laughter Chefs Season 3 alongside Harpal Singh Sokhi. The show features Gurmeet Choudhary–Debina Bonnerjee, Tejasswi Prakash–Karan Kundrra, Elvish Yadav, Isha Malviya, Abhishek Kumar, Samarth Jurel, Krushna Abhishek–Kashmera Shah, and others. It is scheduled to premiere on Colours TV on November 22 and will also be available for streaming on JioHotstar.

Also Read: Bharti Singh confirms second pregnancy with husband Haarsh Limbachiyaa: “We are pregnant again”

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Sushmita Sen opens up on taking the ‘brave’ decision of staying awake during heart surgery; reveals why she was insistent on returning to Aarya sets

Sushmita Sen has spoken candidly about one of the most challenging phases of her life—undergoing angioplasty after doctors discovered a 95 percent blockage in one of her arteries, even as she was filming the final portions of her hit web series Aarya. In a recent podcast conversation with Divya Jain, the actress detailed the emotional clarity, personal strength and professional responsibility that defined her recovery.

Reflecting on how the health scare became a moment of reckoning, Sushmita shared, “When you suffer a heart attack and you are conscious through it, you kind of know how close you came to being on the other side of life. Once you cross that, you also know how far behind it is now, and you know the difference… In my mind, everything is transient, including a heart attack. If I were not to survive it, then there would be no story to tell, but if you have survived it, then no point sitting a harping about what happened then.”

She explained that she insisted on staying awake throughout her angioplasty, driven by what she called a deep need for control and awareness. “All my doctors will tell you, I was very impatient with them. I said I didn’t want to be unconscious during the procedure. The control freak in me doesn’t like losing consciousness; it’s also the reason why I survived the heart attack… I was conscious throughout that, and wanted to be conscious through the procedure… asking them to hurry up, because I wanted to go back on set. My entire crew was waiting in Jaipur.”

Her determination to return to work, she said, came from understanding the scale of responsibility she carried as the lead of Aarya. “When you headline a show, it’s not an ordinary job; you have the privilege of taking on the onus of a 500-member crew… I am concerned about the fact that their daily wages are stuck, and you cannot shoot without me… it took me 15 days negotiating with them, but then I was allowed to go back and film Aarya.”

Aarya, streaming on Disney+ Hotstar, is a crime-thriller co-created by Ram Madhvani and Sandeep Modi. Starring Sushmita in the title role, the series follows a woman who enters the criminal underworld to protect her family and avenge her husband’s death. The acclaimed show, produced by Ram Madhvani Films and Endemol Shine Group, has also earned an International Emmy nomination for Best Drama Series.

Sushmita’s account of her surgery and swift return to work highlights not just her resilience, but also her deep commitment to the people behind Aarya, a show that continues to earn global recognition.

Also Read: Tanuja Chandra on 19 years of Zindaggi Rocks, “It was a difficult film to shoot because it had a very small budget”

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Rubina Dilaik and Abhinav Shukla win big at Colors’ Dhamaal With Pati Patni Aur Panga; say, “It was a superb way for us to spend time together without life rushing by us”

Colors’ Dhamaal With Pati Patni Aur Panga signed off its debut season with Rubina Dilaik and Abhinav Shukla emerging as the Sarvagun Sampann Jodi. The reality series, positioned as a light-hearted look into the dynamics of marriage, quickly became one of the channel’s standout non-fiction successes of the year, offering a mix of humour, emotional moments, and candid exchanges between celebrity couples.

Hosted by Sonali Bendre and Munawar Faruqui, the show brought together seven celebrity jodis who participated in challenges designed to reflect the everyday quirks, conflicts, and warmth that shape married life. Over several weeks, audiences saw the couples navigate unexpected tasks, revisit personal milestones, and address the relatable push-and-pull that accompanies long-term partnerships. The season culminated in a grand finale styled like a big fat Indian wedding, where the couples dressed as dulha and dulhan to symbolically renew their vows in a celebratory setting.

For fans of Rubina and Abhinav, watching the duo together on screen again added a nostalgic charm to the season. Their spirited banter, emotional transparency and light-hearted humour became recurring highlights. At one point, Rubina teased, “Engineers mein sabse poor quality ka romance hota hai,” while Abhinav’s steady gestures—including a heartfelt birthday gift from their financially tougher days—resonated strongly with viewers who appreciated the couple’s authenticity.

After three months of competition, eliminations, and unexpected turns, the couple secured the winning title. Sharing their gratitude, Rubina and Abhinav said, “Dhamaal with Pati Patni Aur Panga was a superb way for us to spend time together without life rushing by us. As a couple, we’re far from perfect, and we, along with other couples, were very candid about our blind spots, and that was super liberating. Winning this trophy is extremely special; it’s the result of all the love we’ve received from the viewers and the supportive spirit of every couple who made this journey so much fun”.

“We want to thank Colors and the makers of this show for creating a space that was honest, warm, and full of heart. Our deepest gratitude to Sonali ma’am and Munawar for their love, gentleness, humour, and guidance. And to the audience, thank you for pampering us like we’re your own family. If there’s one thing we hope our journey reminds people of, it’s this: Love is not about being flawless. It is about choosing each other over everything else, even on the days it feels hardest”, the winning couple added.

With the show now concluded, Colors will release its next non-fiction offering, Laughter Chefs, premiering on November 22 at 9 PM.

Also Read: Avika Gor and Milind Chandwani’s on-set wedding blends tradition with togetherness

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Farhan Akhtar reveals why he made Lakshya; shares emotional story behind the Hrithik Roshan starrer

The upcoming weekend episode of Indian Idol 16 will feature an emotional moment as Farhan Akhtar reflects on the real-life inspiration behind his film Lakshya. The episode is part of a special celebration marking 25 years of the filmmaker’s career, during which contestant Shreenidhi performed a moving rendition of a song from the film. The performance set the tone for a rare personal revelation from Farhan on stage.

Following the act, judge Badshah asked Farhan whether Lakshya had been created purely for entertainment or driven by a deeper intent. The question prompted Farhan to share the thought process that shaped one of his most significant films. He said, “There are two aspects to this question. Patriotism is something we are all born with. When you watch your parents — the work they do, the way they love their country — it becomes a part of you. And I believe patriotism is something you don’t need to shout about. It’s a feeling with which you live your life honestly and with hard work — for your country.”

Farhan then spoke about the real events that influenced the story. “This film was made around the time Operation Vijay happened in 1999. My father went to Kargil in 2001. There is a memorial there for the soldiers. An officer told him, ‘People are praising the Indian Army for achieving the impossible in these mountains.’ And it’s true — very few armies in the world can do what they did.”

He added that what the officer said next became the seed of Lakshya. “The officer also said something sad: 'Every year, fewer young people apply to become officers. It no longer feels like a viable career option to them.' He shared this with my father, and my father told him, ‘I want to write a story to inspire young people to join the Indian Army.’ That’s how this story was written.”

The filmmaker further noted that the experience influenced the choices he made thereafter. “After that experience, whatever choices I made — whether Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, or now 120 Bahadur — I felt cinema has the power to send a message: respect your freedom. Love it. And never forget the price at which it came.”

Farhan’s candid reflection offered viewers a deeper understanding of the intention behind Lakshya, aligning with Indian Idol 16’s spirit of showcasing journeys and purpose through music and storytelling.

Indian Idol 16 airs every Saturday and Sunday at 8 PM on Sony Entertainment Television and streams on Sony LIV.

Also Read: Farhan Akhtar clarifies Amitabh Bachchan’s feelings during Lakshya shoot, says he never intended to ‘teach acting’ to him

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Priyanka Chopra stuns in regal ivory lehenga at Varanasi event in Hyderabad; fans call it her most majestic look yet

Priyanka Chopra Jonas made a spectacular statement at the Globetrotter event held at Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad, where SS Rajamouli unveiled the official title of his upcoming magnum opus Varanasi. The global star, who makes her highly anticipated comeback to Indian cinema with this project, arrived in a look that instantly set fashion conversations ablaze—an opulent ivory lehenga ensemble that blended timeless Indian craftsmanship with a refined, contemporary silhouette.

For the grand evening hosted by SS Rajamouli in association with JioHotstar, Priyanka chose an ethereal off-white lehenga-choli featuring intricate embroidery and lacework. The voluminous skirt flowed gracefully with every movement, while the blouse—cut in a soft, feminine neckline—added a modern touch to the traditional palette. A richly embroidered dupatta draped over her shoulder further elevated the ensemble, but it was the contrasting ornate waistband in green, gold, and ivory that served as the outfit’s standout detail, giving structure and artisanal depth to the look.

Priyanka paired her ensemble with heritage-inspired gold and pearl jewelry that complemented the muted tones of her attire. A statement choker layered with pearls, heavy statement studs, an elaborate maang tikka resting along her hairline, and stacked bracelets on both wrists created a resplendent, queen-like aura. Her braided hairstyle—embellished with cascading gold braid ornaments—added another dimension of grandeur, making the look reminiscent of traditional Indian bridal elegance while still feeling fresh and fashion-forward.

Her makeup was polished yet dramatic: softly sculpted skin, warm-toned eyes, and a deep berry lip shade with a beautiful green bindi added a rich contrast against the neutral ensemble. Sharing the look on Instagram, Priyanka made a reference to the character she will be essaying in the film which is that of Mandakini and she added, “Channeling my inner Devi”.

 

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The Globetrotter event marked a major moment for the Indian film industry, with Rajamouli officially announcing Varanasi as his next epic starring Mahesh Babu in the lead and Prithviraj Sukumaran in a pivotal role. With Priyanka Chopra joining the cast for her first Indian theatrical release since 2019, excitement around the film has skyrocketed across both Hindi and Telugu markets.

But while the evening was packed with big cinematic announcements, it was Priyanka’s majestic ethnic look that dominated social media—an effortless reminder of why she remains one of India’s most iconic style ambassadors on the global stage.

Also Read: Photos: Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Prithviraj Sukumaran, Mahesh Babu and others grace the grand ‘Varanasi’ event

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The Producers Circle: Powerhouses shaping India’s streaming revolution

The Bollywood Hungama OTT India Fest and India Entertainment Awards are not far away. The mega event is all set to take place on December 3 and 4 in Mumbai. One can expect some of the OTT giants to gather under a single roof.

Before that happens, here’s looking at some of the powerhouse production houses that are shaping India’s streaming revolution:

Rajshri Productions

With the series Bada Naam Karenge, Rajshri Productions stepped decisively into the digital-first world, bringing its legacy of family-romance storytelling into a fresh OTT format. They leveraged their hallmark of emotional intimacy and high production values, adapting it for modern streaming audiences while retaining their hallmark sensibility of relationships and tradition. In doing so, they bridged the gap between old-school cinematic values and new-age OTT narratives.

Balaji Telefilms

Known traditionally for its dominant presence in Indian TV, Balaji made noteworthy inroads into OTT in 2025, for example with the superhero-themed series Power Of Paanch. Their shift into genre experimentation (super-powers, fantasy) signals their recognition that streaming audiences demand variety beyond conventional family dramas. The production house’s legacy brand clout gave its digital projects a head-start in terms of visibility and credibility.

The Viral Fever (TVF)

With the web series Court Kacheri, TVF expanded its focus from youth-slice-of-life comedy-drama into more mature genres like legal drama and legacy conflict. The show demonstrates TVF’s adaptability: although rooted in relatable storytelling, it is willing to tackle rougher terrain (courtrooms, inter-generational rivalry) and deliver high-quality OTT fare. In 2025 this underlines how their digital-native sensibility continues to evolve.

Dashami Creations

With the mystery-thriller series The Secret of the Shiledars, Dashami Creations showed that even newer banners can deliver compelling OTT content. Their choice of genre (mystery + thriller), tight episodic structure (6 episodes) and streaming mindset point to a shift in how OTT content is being packaged in India: compact, gripping, and designed for binge-viewing.

Drishyam Films (and N2O Films)

These two collaborated for the action-drama series Loot Kaand, a lean six-episode heist thriller set in rural India. With crisp pacing, a gritty setting and strong narrative drive, this production shows how OTT is giving space to more compact seasons and genre-driven storytelling. The involvement of Drishyam and N2O illustrates how film-oriented production houses are transitioning into the streaming era with purposeful originals.

The Bollywood Hungama OTT India Fest and India Entertainment Awards is presented by SleepZ by Raymond, co-powered by Fima, Carlo Frattini, and Amante in association with Helios, Style Partner Rare Rabbit, Lovestory Patner Truly Madly, Stylish Furniture Partner Uraban Ladder, with healthcare partner HCG, skincare partner Fixferma, Spirituality partner Satvik, conversation partner Bevzilla, gourmet dessert partner Smoor, nutrition partner The Naturik Co., radio partner Radio City and celebration partner Heineken Silver.

Also Read: From Big Screen to Stream Screen: How Hindi cinema’s biggest names found freedom online

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Varanasi-Globetrotter event: Priyanka Chopra cutely joins Mahesh Babu fans in chanting "Babu, Babu"; thanks his family, "Namrata Shirodkar, Sitara Ghattamaneni made me feel that Hyderabad is home"

Priyanka Chopra stole the show at the Globetrotter event in Hyderabad held to launch the much-awaited film Varanasi. She was joined by S S Rajamouli, M M Keeravani, Mahesh Babu, Prithviraj Sukumaran and others. The actress has achieved global fame and that’s how she was introduced and celebrated at the event.

Priyanka Chopra said, “This is a land where cinema is a celebration. I am so happy to be back making this movie in my beloved India.”

She raised expectations for Varanasi, “Fans have no idea about the music in store. This is just the beginning. The song that Shruti Haasan sang so beautifully is just the beginning.”

Priyanka then talked about her co-star Prithviraj Sukumaran, who plays the antagonist. She revealed, “Prithvi in the film is very, very scary and terrifying. But in real life, you are the complete opposite. Thank you so much for your kindness.”

For S S Rajamouli, she said, “You are truly the visionary.” Soon, fans got the hint that she’s next going to speak about Mahesh Babu. They went into a frenzy. Priyanka Chopra teased the fans by asking the fans whether they call him Bob or Lion. She continued, “I know him as MB. I also know him as the incredible, legendary Mahesh Babu!”

Fans started chanting “Babu, Babu,” as they affectionately addressed their favourite star. Priyanka Chopra, too, joined the fans in chanting the same and it made for a cute moment.

She then praised Mahesh Babu’s wife and daughter, “You and your beautiful family, Namrata (Shirodkar) and Sitara (Ghattamaneni), have made me feel that Hyderabad is home. Thank you so much for treating me like your family.”

Earlier in the day, Prithviraj Sukumaran, too, praised Priyanka Chopra, “I have always been a big, big fan of PC. Jhilmil from Barfi (2012) is on my list of the greatest performances by an Indian actor ever! It’s a privilege to see you transform into Mandakini from such close quarters.”

Also Read: SS Rajamouli and Mahesh Babu’s next unveils Prithviraj Sukumaran’s first look as KUMBHA, ahead of the grand #GlobeTrotter event

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Twinkle Khanna joins Rajkummar Rao, Tabu, and others in praising Huma Qureshi for her performance in Maharani 4

The latest releases of Huma Qureshi have sparked significant conversation across the entertainment industry, with Maharani 4 now streaming and Delhi Crime 3 gaining traction for her intense portrayal in its new season. While the actor’s roles have been widely discussed by fans and critics, appreciation from her colleagues has also been pouring in. After Rajkummar Rao and Tabu, Twinkle Khanna is the latest to share her thoughts.

In a video shared on social media, Twinkle Khanna offered a detailed endorsement of Qureshi’s performance as Rani Bharti in the fourth season of Maharani. She said, “I’ve met Rani before, and season 4 ushers in a new generation. It widens the battlefield from Bihar to the whole country. Now, Huma — she’s my friend, but I have to say she’s exceptional as Rani Bharti. Even though I know her well, when I see her cracking her knuckles as she weighs her son against her daughter, and those eyes — her tired, jaded eyes that don’t change even when she smiles — I forget Huma completely. She’s all Rani. I think Maharani is one of India’s most beloved political thrillers because it gives you a glimpse into what’s happening behind all those headlines. My advice: start watching it — Huma won’t let you look away.”

Sharing the video, she added in her caption, “Maharani lets you glimpse what goes on behind all the political headlines:) Watching @iamhumaq become Rani Bharti never stops amazing me. Maharani S4 grips you from the start. I have been following it from the first season and am still hooked. Let me know how you liked the show in the comments below.”

 

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Maharani, created by Subhash Kapoor, has emerged as one of India’s most talked-about political dramas. The series spans four seasons and takes inspiration from socio-political events in Bihar during the 1990s. Known for its layered storytelling, the show initially drew parallels to the period when Lalu Prasad Yadav appointed his wife Rabri Devi as his successor. Across its seasons, it blends fact and fiction with references to real-world events such as the Fodder Scam, the rise of left-wing groups, Naxalite movements, and the Laxmanpur Bathe massacre.

Directed across different seasons by Karan Sharma, Ravindra Gautam and Saurabh Bhave, the show features a strong ensemble cast including Sohum Shah, Amit Sial, Kani Kusruti and Inaamulhaq. As reactions to the new season continue, the conversation surrounding Maharani 4 highlights the show’s enduring impact and its ability to spark dialogue with every new chapter.

Also Read: Tabu backs the buzz around Huma Qureshi’s commanding performance in Delhi Crime 3

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From Munni in Salman Khan's Bajrangi Bhaijaan to Nandamuri Balakrishna's co-star: Harshaali Malhotra steals the show at Akhanda 2 song launch with her cute stage moment

Nandamuri Balakrishna, Aadhi Pinisetty, Harshaali Malhotra, Sangay Tsheltrim, singer Kailash Kher, director Boyapati Srinu, music Director S Thaman, producer Gopi Achanta and many others attended the launch of the song ‘The Thaandavam’ from Akhanda 2: Thaandavam at a multiplex in Mumbai. Everyone from the team came on stage and talked about their experience.

Harshaali Malhotra, last seen as the adorable Munni in the Salman Khan-starrer Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015), stole the show. She came on stage and addressed the crowd, “First of all, hi to everyone. How are you all doing?” A fan shouted, “We love you,” and Harshaali flashed her million-dollar smile and said, “Thank you!”

She also said, “I was very happy when I bagged this film. I was so happy that after 10 years, I’ll be back in cinemas, that too with the legend of South and India, NBK sir. Hence, I was very grateful.”

As expected, Nandamuri Balakrishna aka NBK came last and entertained the attendees with his replies. He began by discussing his non-film work and starting a cancer hospital after his mother’s sad demise. He talked about each and every person on the stage and his experience of working with them.

Regarding Harshaali Malhotra, Nandamuri Balakrishna said, “She’s very lucky to do this film after Bajrangi Bhaijaan. She has a crucial part and I can’t say much about her role. I just want to speak about this actress, who was the young girl in Bajrangi Bhaijaan.”

NBK then stated, “There’s a child actor with us as well here. Where’s Veda?” Veda Agarwal, who was present at the venue, came on stage. Nandamuri informed the audience, “She was in my other film, Daaku Maharaaj (2025), as well. She’s based in Mumbai.”

Nandamuri Balakrishna asked her, “How are you,” and kissed her cheeks. Veda replied, “I am fine”. NBK turned to Harshaali, “You were of the same age when you worked in Bajrangi Bhaijaan, right?”

He asked Beda Agarwal, “How old are you? Sharmana mat. Tum choti bacchi ho. Bol do!” Veda confidently replied, “I am 9 years old.” Harshaali Malhotra replied, “I was 6 (when I shot for Bajrangi Bhaijaan).”

Nandamuri Balakrishna was astonished by her answer. He then remarked, “But Veda and I shot for Daaku Maharaj 3 years ago. So that makes Veda of the same age (as Harshaali when she worked on her debut film).”

Akhanda 2: Thaandavam releases in cinemas on December 5.

Also Read: 10 years of Bajrangi Bhaijaan EXCLUSIVE: Harshaali Malhotra aka Munni says, “When I watch the film today, I feel like, ‘Wow, was that really me?’”; also recalls an acting lesson taught by Salman Khan

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Dining with the Kapoors Trailer: Netflix brings together Bollywood’s first family for a grand tribute to Raj Kapoor

Netflix has unveiled the much-anticipated trailer for Dining with the Kapoors, giving viewers a glimpse into a rare family gathering featuring Bollywood’s first film dynasty. The one-hour special, premiering on November 21, marks a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Raj Kapoor as the family commemorates 100 years of his birth and nearly a century of the Kapoors’ influence on Indian cinema.

Presented as an intimate, fly-on-the-wall documentary, Dining with the Kapoors promises a blend of nostalgia, laughter and candid family interactions. The special invites audiences to join the Kapoor clan as they come together for a grand luncheon filled with stories, playful banter and personal reflections that celebrate both their cinematic ancestry and deep-rooted love for food.

Created by Armaan Jain and directed by Smriti Mundhra—known for her work on Indian Matchmaking, The Romantics and Never Have I Ever—the project is produced by Aavashyak Media. The trailer teases an authentic, unfiltered look into one of India's most iconic families, featuring Randhir Kapoor, Neetu Kapoor, Rima Jain, Ranbir Kapoor, Karisma Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Riddhima Kapoor Sahni, Aadar Jain and others. Together, they create what the makers describe as a once-in-a-generation reunion.

 

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Director Smriti Mundhra, who returns to Netflix with this project, shared her thoughts on capturing the essence of the Kapoor family. “I’ve been lucky to work with Netflix a few times before—on Indian Matchmaking, Never Have I Ever and The Romantics—so coming back to do this project is like a homecoming in more ways than one. Telling a story about the importance of family and the value of legacy in this time when the pace of life is taking us away from those things feels very special. The Kapoors are not just a Bollywood dynasty, but the type of family we all want to be a part of: extremely tight, fun loving, and absolutely obsessed with food. What I wanted to capture wasn’t just their story on the surface, but that feeling of being right there at the table with them—hearing the stories, the laughter, the unfiltered moments that happen when the performance drops away. I’m grateful to Armaan Jain and the entire Kapoor clan for allowing me to be a small part of their legacy.”

 

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With its warm visuals and nostalgic undertones, the trailer sets the tone for what promises to be a heartfelt celebration of heritage, cinema and family bonds. Dining with the Kapoors premieres on November 21, exclusively on Netflix.

Also Read: Netflix’s ‘Dining with the Kapoors’ to stream November 21: “Bringing the Kapoors together around the table”

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Shahrukhz By Danube launch: Farah Khan reveals, “When Shah Rukh Khan turned producer, I was told, ‘What SRK is doing is SUICIDAL; an actor should NEVER start a production house”; SRK jokes, “‘Ghafoor’ mein main Tamannaah Bhatia jitna accha dance kar leta na?”

On Thursday, November 13, Bollywood Hungama was the first one to predict that Rizwan Sajan, the founder and chairman of Danube Group, would launch a tower named after Shah Rukh Khan at an event held in Mumbai on November 14. Our news break came true. SRK himself graced the occasion for the launch of the skyscraper, called Shahrukhz By Danube, and as expected, raised laughs and touched hearts with his quotes. An animated AV played at the beginning drew parallels between SRK and Rizwan, as both had no backing and made a name for themselves in their respective fields through sheer hard work and determination.

Rizwan Sajan told the host, Farah Khan, “Innovation is important. When I entered the property business, there were so many giants selling properties in Dubai. I asked myself, ‘What should I do differently so that I can also be able to sell my inventory in the midst of these big real estate companies’. I realized that 85% of the expat population is unable to buy their house. Hence, I started the 1% payment plan. It made buying a house affordable for many people. This is how I keep innovating.”

Farah Khan remarked, “Rizwan bhai, this holds true for Shah Rukh as well. Almost 25 years ago, he started his production house. Then, it was called Dreamz Unlimited. So many producers told me, ‘Tum Shah Rukh ki dost ho. Usko bolo that what he is doing is suicidal. An actor should never start a production house. Yeh aisa kyun kar raha hai? He should just act and take his money’. Yet, he took the plunge. His first two to three films didn’t really do well. But he kept on at it. Similarly, he was the first actor to start a VFX studio in India. I think it’s the best in the world now.”

Shah Rukh Khan added, “As Rizwan bhai said, you need to keep reinventing. If people are able to do that, they make themselves viable for a longer period of time. This is because they don’t have the ego that they have done it all. Every day, such people wake up hoping that others like the new stuff that they are bringing to the table. Like if I am able to learn a new dance form, I would do that.”

At this point, Farah Khan talked about a popular song from The Ba***ds Of Bollywood, directed by SRK’s son Aryan, featuring Tamannaah Bhatia, “I missed you during ‘Ghafoor’. I wanted you to do the (signature step).” SRK replied, “‘Ghafoor’ mein main Tamannaah jitna accha dance kar leta na?” Farah smiled and said, “You would have done it better than her.”

Towards the end, Rizwan Sajan announced, “A building named after Shah Rukh Khan will not just be located in Dubai. It’ll soon be built across the world. You’ll find Shah Rukh Tower in New York, London, Delhi, Mumbai and other major cities in the world! This is my gut feeling and I think I am right about it.”

Shah Rukh Khan asked whether Shahrukhz By Danube will be built in 4-5 years? Rizwan answered, “It’ll be ready in 3 to 4 years.” SRK joked, “I commit a bit more as I am used to changing my film’s release dates!”

 

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Another fun moment of the event was when Shah Rukh Khan made Rizwan Sajan do his signature pose and also made the latter dance to the song ‘Chaiyya Chaiyya’.

Also Read: Shahrukhz By Danube launch: Shah Rukh Khan’s 30-minute Zoom MIRACLE – Superstar consoles unwell fan Sameera, chats with her online: “He gave her solace, prayed for her. He told her, You’ll be fine’”

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THE RUNNING MAN has a great premise but its long runtime and weak second half dilute the impact. With low buzz, it’s likely to struggle in India Movie Review: THE RUNNING MAN has a great premise

Star Cast: Glen Powell, Josh Brolin

Director: Edgar Wright

The Running Man Movie Review Synopsis: THE RUNNING MAN is the man of a common man who brings social change. The film is set in the future and America has become a totalitarian dystopia and under the control of an organization named Network. Ben Richards (Glen Powell), a resident of the Slumside in Co-Op City, is married to Sheila (Jayme Lawson) and they have a daughter named Cathy. Ben has been fired several times and is under financial stress. Moreover, Cathy is severely ill and they need to make quick cash to save her life. The only way to do so, according to Ben, is to participate in a TV show called 'The Running Man', run by the Network. Sheila is against this idea as contestants of the TV show usually get killed; such are the rules of the game. Yet, Ben decides to participate. Dan Killian (Josh Brolin), the show's producer, also persuades Ben to go for it, as the former realizes that the latter's attitude and arrogance will lead to higher viewership. Ben agrees and as per the rules, he now has to run to save his life and give a better future to his family. What happens next forms the rest of the film.

The Running Man Movie Story Review: THE RUNNING MAN is based on the novel by the same name by Stephen King. The story is fascinating and relevant as some of the aspects shown in the film mirror the reality, albeit only to some extent. Michael Bacall and Edgar Wright's screenplay is peppered with dramatic and action scenes, but loses steam after a point. The dialogues are sharp.

Edgar Wright's direction is decent. He introduces the dystopian world very well and tries his best to keep the narrative simple. The rules of the game are a bit complicated and this is where the film goes over the head. But once the game show begins, the narrative gets simplified automatically. The action scenes in the first half keep the interest going. Gradually, Ben becomes a messiah and this bit also adds to the fun.

On the flipside, the second half is not as exciting as the novelty wears off. The track of Amelia (Emilia Jones) doesn't work as intended. Elton's (Michael Cera) track is promising but his decision to call the Network authorities seems far-fetched. Also, the Network, after a point, attempts to stop civilians from assassinating Ben. However, no one can be in so much control, especially when a section of the population is baying for his blood. The climax is also quite convenient.

The Running Man Movie Review Performances: Glen Powell is apt for the part and he brings the right amount of vulnerability, anger and star value. However, his temper issues initially don't come across convincingly. Josh Brolin is aptly cast and delivers a bravura performance. Jayme Lawson is lovely in a supporting role. Colman Domingo (Bobby T) gets into the skin of the character flawlessly. Lee Pace (Evan McCone) is decent. Michael Cera plays his part with panache while Emilia Jones is fair. Daniel Ezra (Bradley) leaves a mark. William H. Macy (Molie), Katy O'Brian (Laughlin), Martin Herlihy (Jansky) and others are fine.

The Running Man movie music and other technical aspects: Steven Price's music has a commercial appeal. Chung-hoon Chung's cinematography is breathtaking. Marcus Rowland's production design is futuristic, while Julian Day's costumes are realistic. Paul Machliss' editing should have been slicker.

The Running Man Movie Review Conclusion: On the whole, THE RUNNING MAN rests on a fascinating premise but fails to entice due to its long length and weak second half. It has negligible buzz and hence, it’ll struggle to find an audience in India.

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EXCLUSIVE: Sonal Sehgal looks back at her journey; opens up on working with Himesh Reshammiya in Radio, Damadamm: "He was very hardworking, committed and on time…both films had great scripts"

Sonal Sehgal has recently been in the news after her international film, The Great Departure, opened to glowing reviews from audiences and critics alike. This marks her second foray into global cinema after Manny (2020), helmed by Latvian director Dace Puce. Interestingly, Sonal has also taken on the role of executive producer for The Great Departure, which features Australian actor Xavier Samuel in the lead. Sonal started her career in television with shows like Saara Akaash, Hotel Kingston etc. and then forayed into cinema. 2025 also marks 20 years of Sonal Sehgal as a film actor; her debut vehicle, U Bomsi & Me, released on October 21, 2005. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Sonal reflected on her journey.

Sonal Sehgal said, “Everything is a learning experience, whether a film turns out to be good or bad, hit or flop. In your journey as an artist, you learn something from everything and everyone that you work with. I am proud of everything that I have done until now because it’s the cumulative effect of the TV shows and films I did that has brought me here today. Manny might have been my first production, but because I have been a part of so many big productions, I knew what it takes; I was aware of how many auxiliary wheels it takes to get this train moving. So, the on-set experience of how it works and the patience that the producer needs to have is something I learned.”

Sonal continued, “For instance, we shot my TV show Sara Akaash, at the Poona Air Force Base. It was a huge production. Hotel Kingston was not filmed on a set. We shot it in a resort at Madh Island. Also, I worked for so many long hours (laughs). I used to work 14 hours a day for 27 days a month. Looking back, I am exhausted just thinking about it! If I had to do it today, I feel that my body has that muscle memory. I’ll be like, ‘I have done this before; we can do it’. I am not going to collapse.”

Interestingly, Sonal Sehgal was seen in two Himesh Reshammiya-starrers – Radio (2009) and Damadamm (2011). When asked how it was working with the actor-composer, she replied, “Himesh is a very committed artist and a very, very hardworking guy. Both Radio and Damadamm had great scripts. Hence, it was a very comfortable experience shooting them. It was nothing like what I had heard of; I was told, ‘Oh, he’s a big star’. Yet, he was on time and committed. It was a fine experience.”

Is she still in touch with Himesh Reshammiya or anybody else from the industry? Sonal answered, “No. At times, I bump into people here and there. Also, a lot of them end up being Instagram friends (laughs). One thing Instagram does is that you watch what everyone is doing and you feel that you are updated. Then you realize that it’s been two years since you last spoke to that person!”

When asked about her next, she revealed, “It’s already in the pipeline. Hopefully, early next year, we will roll.”

Lastly, is she open to doing Hindi films? Sonal explained, “Of course. I am open to everything. Now, I am way choosier about what I do. I am not doing too much. Whether you do a good project or a bad project, the amount of energy it takes from you is the same. Hence, I might pick my projects carefully so that I get rewarded for it (smiles).”

Also Read: Himesh Reshammiya announces Capmania tour across India: “It’s grand, it’s epic”

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She’s the Story Now: Women who changed the screen in 2025

The Bollywood Hungama OTT India Fest and India Entertainment Awards are just around the corner. The grand event is all set to take place on December 3 and 4 in Mumbai. It will see the presence of some of the biggest names in OTT gathered under one roof.

Before that happens, here’s looking at the women who changed the screen in 2025:

Sanya Malhotra

In the OTT release Mrs. (ZEE5) Sanya plays a trained dancer who, after marriage, finds herself struggling to reconcile her aspirations with the domestic expectations that surround her. The role sees her moving away from purely glamorous parts into more grounded, emotionally layered territory on streaming platforms.

Konkona Sen Sharma

In Search: The Naina Murder Case (JioHotstar) Konkona stars as ACP Sanyukta Das, investigating the murder of a teenager while juggling personal and professional pressures. The show positions her at the centre of a layered crime-drama, showing that streaming is providing roles where women lead intense investigative narratives.

Prajakta Koli

In Andhera (Amazon Prime), Prajakta is part of an ensemble in a supernatural thriller where her character navigates both horror and the psychological edges of the plot. This shows how OTT platforms in 2025 are creating space for actors primarily known for other formats (in this case YouTube / digital content) to step into genre heavy series.

Tanya Maniktala

In the Hindi-language series Loot Kaand (Amazon MX Player), Tanya plays Latika Mitra, in a story that centres on a heist/drama format. Her presence in a digitally released major series this year highlights how younger female actors are getting meaningful roles in OTT originals.

Shalini Pandey

While her largest OTT shows may still be forthcoming, she was seen in the show Dabba Cartel (Netflix). The crime drama saw her provide a mature performance as a young girl who is a part of a cartel. She succeeded in maintaining her ground despite the presence of powerful performers like Shabana Azmi and Jyotika.

The Bollywood Hungama OTT India Fest and India Entertainment Awards is presented by SleepZ by Raymond, co-powered by Fima, Carlo Frattini, and Amante in association with Helios, Style Partner Rare Rabbit, Lovestory Patner Truly Madly, Stylish Furniture Partner Uraban Ladder, with healthcare partner HCG, skincare partner Fixferma, Spirituality partner Satvik, conversation partner Bevzilla, gourmet dessert partner Smoor, nutrition partner The Naturik Co., radio partner Radio City and celebration partner Heineken Silver.

Also Read: Sanya Malhotra shares emotional tribute for late travel influencer Anunay Sood; posts unseen memories

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32 years of Baazigar EXCLUSIVE: “Shah Rukh Khan said, ‘I will carry it off’. Only he had confidence in the film,” reveals writer Javed Siddiqi; also shares how he thought of “Haar kar jeetne wale ko…” dialogue

Filmmaker duo Abbas-Mustan’s iconic Baazigar completed 32 years yesterday. The film was not only a major success at the box office but also a career-defining project for its lead actor Shah Rukh Khan. Among various things, the movie is known for its dialogue, “Kabhi kabhi jeetne ke liye kuchh haarna bhi padta hai, aur haar kar jeetne wale ko Baazigar kehte hain (Sometimes, you need to lose something in order to win and a person who does that is called Baazigar).”

The line was the brainchild of the veteran writer and literary figure Javed Siddiqi. In an exclusive chat with Bollywood Hungama, he revealed how he thought of this dialogue. “Abbas-Mustan said that once the sequence of the race gets over, there should be a line where there should be a double innuendo – what has been said is one thing but its meaning has to be something else. Then I came up with this line and it worked big time,” he said.

Siddiqi pointed out that if a film works, everything about it works. “I always keep giving this example,” he said. “People have been repeating the lines from Sholay, which are actually meaningless. Where is the dialogue-baazi in a line like, ‘Kitne aadmi the?’? Similarly, how did ‘Arre O Sambha’ become popular? There is no magic of dialogue baazi in this dialogue. But because people like the film, they like its characters and once they like the characters, they like everything about them.”

Siddiqi recalled that he knew SRK even before they both got associated with this film. “I had developed a bond with him before Baazigar,” he said. “Me and my partner Robin Bhatt used to write movies together. We had a permanent room in a hotel, which was in Khar. Shah Rukh often used to visit us because at that time he wasn’t so busy.”

However, Siddiqi hasn’t met Khan for long now. “I am semi-retired. I don’t go out much and don’t attend filmi parties too. He is a very nice, educated and highly civilized man. He has a lot of love,” he said.

Siddiqi also touched upon the fact that a lot of people from the industry advised the makers to not go ahead with something as unconventional at that point of time like Baazigar. “When the project started, a lot of people said that you have made a negative character into a hero or you are making a hero into a villain. They also pointed out that he commits five murders in the film. Most of the people were shocked and they said that the audience won’t accept this film,” he said.

The veteran writer added, “But only one person had confidence in the film and he was Shah Rukh. He said, ‘I will carry it off.’ He has something different in him. He is also very hardworking when it comes to preparing for his role.”

Produced by Venus Movies, Baazigar also starred Kajol, Dalip Tahil, Shilpa Shetty, Ananth Mahadevan and Johnny Lever.

Also Read: 30 years of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge EXCLUSIVE: Writer Javed Siddiqi recalls a senior person from YRF saying during the film’s making, “Is this a film? It’s a travelogue”; also reveals how he coined the iconic ‘Bade bade deshon mein…’ dialogue

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Two Much With Kajol And Twinkle: Kriti Sanon REVEALS, “Katrina Kaif and I used to work out in the same gym; her playlist SUDDENLY changed when she started dating Vicky Kaushal”; actor opens up on HILARIOUS first meeting with Katrina: “She tutored me on…”

The eighth episode of Two Much With Kajol And Twinkle featured Vicky Kaushal and Kriti Sanon and it made for a fun watch as they have never been paired together. Vicky raised laughs as he reacted to being called the ‘Green Flag Man’.

Vicky said, “I’ve received excellent training. Ab main Green Flag se Green Forest banna chahta hoon. Fir Green Planet banna chahta hoon. Fir achanak se Green Universe ban jaunga. I’m not going to stop. I’ll become green, greener, greenest!”

Vicky was asked how he met his wife Katrina. He replied, “I met Katrina Kaif backstage at an award show that I was hosting. She was there as a guest.” Kriti asked him, “Is this when you danced on 'Chinki Chameli' with her?” Vicky said, “I think so, yeah.”

He continued, “In fact, I met her the first time on stage and then we went backstage. I still remember that I had to take an entry, she had to take an entry and there was Sunil Grover along with me. The three of us were standing. Sunil and Katrina had shot Bharat (2019). So, they were like pally and friends. Sunil Grover introduced me to her. For the first 5 minutes of me meeting with Katrina, she trained me how to host the show! This was when we were going to go on stage just to say, 'Goodnight, everyone. Thank you for coming'. I have hosted the entire show, it’s all done!”

Vicky added, “It was like, 'Hi, I am Katrina', 'Hi, I am Vicky'. Then, she immediately told me, 'You know what? You shouldn't care about the audience. You should always do so-and-so'. I got a full-blown tutorial about how to host an award show, which I had already finished. That was my first interaction.”

Kriti Sanon then told Vicky Kaushal, “Katrina and I used to work out in the same gym. When she started dating you, her playlist suddenly changed. Suddenly, her playlist had Punjabi music. I looked at her and asked her, 'Is this your playlist?' Those were definitely not the songs she was listening to before.”

Also Read: From Kajol’s ‘Kriti heels’ to Kriti Sanon’s ‘current crush’ and Vicky Kaushal’s dance rehearsal to impress Hrithik Roshan, this week’s Two Much with Kajol and Twinkle delivers double the drama and fun!

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Two Much With Kajol And Twinkle: Vicky Kaushal’s SHOCKING confession – How his bathroom visits got recorded on a GoPro on the sets of Uri: The Surgical Strike

The eighth episode of Two Much With Kajol And Twinkle featured Vicky Kaushal and Kriti Sanon and it made for a fun watch as they have never been paired together. The highlight was when Vicky was asked about an embarrassing situation on the sets of a film. He narrated an incident that occurred when he was shooting for Uri: The Surgical Strike (2019).

Vicky began by saying, “We were shooting in Serbia for all the action sequences. I was playing a special forces commando. So, my uniform had a lot of gadgets. One of the gadgets was a GoPro and it was on my shoulder. Director Aditya Dhar suggested, 'Let's keep it rolling. So, whatever footage we get, we'll put it in the war room scenes. This is your POV and that's what it should be'. Hence, he told me that 'Rather than shooting it separately, just keep it on'.”

Vicky continued, “The job of switching it on, during the take, and keeping it off, when the scene wasn't been shot, was given to the ADs. Of course, they used to forget. In between the shots, I would go to use the bathroom. The vanity vans in Serbia were not as lavish as the ones we have here. There, they have small trolleys. Hence, when I had to use the van, I used to bend, considering my height. Meanwhile, the GoPro was kept on my shoulder!”

Vicky Kaushal said, “A few days later, I asked my director, 'Bro, how’s the footage looking?'. He told me, 'Beta, main tujhe ek baat batana chahta hoon. Tu apna GoPro bandh kar liya kar' (laughs). I didn't understand and asked him, 'Why? What happened? We're getting extra footage'. He revealed, 'Jo footage mil raha hai, woh na tu dekhna chahega, na main dekhna chahunga lekin fir bhi main dekh raha hoon'!”

Vicky then joked, “I jokingly told Aditya Dhar, 'I cannot say no to your scripts in the future because you have some footage of mine, which I would not like to come out. Warna sach mein tauba tauba ho jaayega!”

Also Read: Two Much With Kajol and Twinkle Finale: Vicky Kaushal to impress with ‘Tauba Tauba’ Moves; Kriti Sanon to make major revelation on her love life

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Shehnaaz Gill recalls her hilarious childhood belief about how babies are born and it will leave you in splits!

Actress and singer Shehnaaz Gill never fails to entertain her audience — whether on screen or in interviews — with her unfiltered charm and infectious sense of humour. In her recent conversation with content creator Ranveer Allahbadia, popularly known as BeerBiceps, the Ikk Kudi actress shared a hilarious childhood memory that had both the host and viewers in fits of laughter.

Recounting how she once misunderstood how babies are born, Shehnaaz said, “How are babies even born? You know what I used to think? My mom once told me, ‘When you were born, I just extended my dupatta (scarf) in front of God, and you just fell out’. After that, I never held my dupatta that way for long — I was scared a baby might fall out! I used to think, what will people say if I suddenly have a baby? How will I face anyone? What about my honour? So I always held my dupatta carefully, but sometimes I would take a risk and move it around a bit.”

The actress further reflected on how such beliefs stemmed from the lack of proper communication around these topics during her upbringing. “All those things my parents made me believe — that this is wrong, that I shouldn’t do that — those were stuck in my head. Because no one ever explained anything to me. If that reproduction chapter hadn’t been there in school, I would’ve been completely lost,” she added.

 

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Fans couldn’t stop laughing at Shehnaaz’s candid recollection, appreciating her for being as relatable as ever. Known for speaking straight from the heart, Shehnaaz’s funny yet honest anecdotes often highlight her down-to-earth personality and connection with her audience.

On the work front, Shehnaaz Gill was recently seen in the Punjabi film Ikk Kudi, which released a few weeks ago. The actress is now gearing up for her next Hindi project titled Sab First Class, where she will be seen sharing screen space with actor Varun Sharma.

From her early reality show fame to becoming one of India’s most beloved entertainers, Shehnaaz continues to win hearts — and this latest revelation about her childhood beliefs has only added another charming chapter to her ever-relatable persona.

Also Read: Shehnaaz Gill gets candid on betraying an ex-boyfriend: “I only did it because the vibe wasn’t matching”

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The Breakout Club: Faces who owned OTT in 2025

The third edition of the Bollywood Hungama OTT India Fest and India Entertainment Awards is all set to take place on December 3 and 4 in Mumbai. Those two days will celebrate some of the biggest names from the Indian OTT space, many of whom would gather under the same roof.

Before that happens, here’s looking back at 7 faces who owned OTT in 2025:

Jaideep Ahlawat

In his role in Paatal Lok Season 2, Jaideep Ahlawat brought a deeply conflicted, haunted cop to life, one who carries the weight of institutional failure, personal loss and moral frustration. His portrayal was noted for the layered nuance — anger simmering beneath control, vulnerability peeking through toughness — which lifted a gritty streaming narrative into something memorable.

Kajol

Making a mark in the digital space through The Trial Season 2, Kajol embraced a character that required her to sink into ambiguity and internal conflict — moving away from the more assured star-persona to someone unhinged, vulnerable yet defiant. Her willingness to adapt to OTT storytelling and anchor a show upon her shoulders earned attention for its mature craft.

Manoj Bajpayee

In a streaming thriller Despatch about investigative journalism and corporate corruption, Bajpayee delivered a performance that felt lived in: the weary investigator, the man caught between bureaucracy and truth, quiet but explosive when provoked. Critics and viewers alike pointed to the calm power of his acting as the pillar around which the film worked.

Sunny Kaushal

Breaking away from lighter or more conventional roles, Kaushal embraced complexity in the streaming film Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba, where his character navigates jealousy, manipulation and moral fall-outs. The turn was remarked upon for how it allowed him to explore a darker shade, proving he’s ready to take on off-beat, riskier work in the OTT space.

Jyotika

Known more for regional work, Jyotika’s venture into Hindi OTT with Dabba Cartel was noteworthy — she played a woman whose calm surface hides deep fissures of loyalty, ambition and survival. Her performance stood out precisely because of its restraint: she didn’t oversell emotion, she earned it, which made her part of a strong ensemble very impactful.

Abhishek Banerjee

In the film Stolen, Banerjee anchored a story of kidnapping, faith and class divide with rawness. The tension in his portrayal, the moral ambiguity he embodied, and the transformation the character goes through were all pointed to as high-points of the movie and a signal of his growing heft in OTT cinema.

Zahan Kapoor

In the gritty prison-drama series Black Warrant, Zahan Kapoor impressed many with his portrayal of a young officer in the brutal environment of Tihar Jail. Viewers and reviewers alike noted how he held his own in a high-intensity ensemble, bringing a grounded voice to a character thrust into chaos and moral test.

The Bollywood Hungama OTT India Fest and India Entertainment Awards is presented by SleepZ by Raymond, co-powered by Fima, Carlo Frattini, and Amante in association with Helios, Style Partner Rare Rabbit, Lovestory Patner Truly Madly, Stylish Furniture Partner Uraban Ladder, with healthcare partner HCG, skincare partner Fixferma, Spirituality partner Satvik, conversation partner Bevzilla, gourmet dessert partner Smoor, nutrition partner The Naturik Co., radio partner Radio City and celebration partner Heineken Silver.

Also Read: From Big Screen to Stream Screen: How Hindi cinema’s biggest names found freedom online

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Inside the grand 70th birthday bash of Boney Kapoor: Anil Kapoor, Arjun Kapoor, Janhvi Kapoor and others come together to celebrate; Shikhar Pahariya joins celebration too

The 70th birthday of producer Boney Kapoor turned into a star-studded family affair, as the entire Kapoor clan gathered to celebrate the special milestone in grand style. The intimate yet luxurious celebration was held on a beautifully decorated lawn, illuminated with canopy lights and featuring a live orchestra that set the perfect festive tone for the evening.

The bash saw the presence of Boney’s children — Janhvi Kapoor, Arjun Kapoor, and Anshula Kapoor — alongside his brothers Anil Kapoor and Sanjay Kapoor, who were joined by their wives, Sunita and Maheep Kapoor, respectively. Also in attendance were the Kapoor sister Reena and her husband Sandeep Marwah, making it a complete family get-together. Adding a personal touch to the night, Janhvi’s rumoured boyfriend, Shikhar Pahariya, was also seen at the celebration, marking his presence at another important Kapoor family event.

Anshula Kapoor, who recently got engaged, took to Instagram to share a heartwarming post for her father. Sharing glimpses from the evening, she wrote, “Everywhere I go, someone always mentions your kindness, your generosity, and the warmth you carry wherever you are @boney.kapoor. You’ve given so much love to the world, and I hope it all comes back to you today. Happy birthday, Dad. Love you.”

 

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Arjun Kapoor too penned an emotional note alongside a series of photos, including moments from the party and old memories with his father. He wrote, “Happy Birthday, Dad. You’ve spent your life building, creating, giving to family, to films, to everyone who crosses your path. Thank you for teaching me what it means to show up with heart, to keep evolving, and to always move forward. I’m proud to be your son.”

 

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Meanwhile, Boney’s brothers Anil and Sanjay Kapoor added their own wishes on social media. Sanjay shared a cheerful photo with his brothers, writing, “Happy 70th birthday big brother/father @boney.kapoor,” while Anil expressed his emotions with a nostalgic message, saying, “Hard to believe how many memories, laughs, and adventures we’ve lived through together. Wishing you all the happiness, love, and good health always.”

 

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From heartfelt tributes to the joyous family reunion, Boney Kapoor’s 70th birthday bash was truly a celebration of love, legacy, and togetherness.

Also Read: Arjun Kapoor, Janhvi Kapoor with Shikhar Pahariya, Sonam Kapoor Ahuja and others attend Anshula Kapoor and Rohan Thakkar’s engagement

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