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Showing posts from May, 2024

Ajay Devgn to star in biopic of India's first Dalit cricketer Palwankar Baloo; to be helmed by Tigmanshu Dhulia

Fresh off his performance in the sports biopic Maidaan, Ajay Devgn is gearing up for another film on the world of athletics. This time, he'll be portraying Palwankar Baloo, the pioneering cricketer credited as India's first Dalit player. The news was revealed by film producer Priti Sinha on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on May 29, 2023. Sinha's announcement indicated a collaborative effort between herself, Devgn, and director Tigmanshu Dhulia. “We are producing Baloo Palwankar's story based on @Ram_Guha sir's book 'A Corner Of A Foreign Field,'” she wrote, expressing their intent to bring this cricketer's tale to the big screen. We, @ajaydevgn @dirtigmanshu @pritisinha333 are producing Baloo Palwankar’s story based on @Ram_Guha sir’s book “A Corner Of A Foreign Field”. We will bring the story of this great cricketer on film soon @ABsay_ek https://t.co/u9xQxTWB7P — Priti Sinha (@pritisinha333) May 27, 2024 Filming is expected to commence b

Pratik Gandhi suffers mishap on Gandhi set; says, “It is a bit painful”

Pratik Gandhi, who has a release today Dedh Bigha Zameen—his third release this year— has realized playing Mahatma Gandhi is not easy, even if you are Gandhi yourself. So Pratik discovered last night when he suffered an injury while shooting for Applause Entertainment’s Gandhi, directed by Hansal Mehta, which could have been worse. When I touched base with Pratik and he said, “Yes, I’m better now. A ceramic pot fell on me while rehearsing for a next scene to shoot. And I got a deep cut on my right-hand knuckle. I got stitches done last night.” When asked if it is painful, Pratik replied, “It is a bit painful. But it should be better in a few days, hopefully.” Speaking of his infinitely rewarding association with Applause Entertainment Pratik said, “Scam 1992 was surely a turning point in my career. I try to convert high expectations into excitement and inspiration for myself rather than pressure. Scam changed my life!” Pratik sees Applause Entertainment’ s Scam, Do Aur Do Pyaar and

Ajay Devgn and Tabu starrer Auron Mein Kaha Dum Tha FIRST POSTER unveiled; teaser out today

The first poster of Ajay Devgn and Tabu starrer Auron Mein Kaha Dum Tha has been unveiled. The poster features Ajay who is not facing the camera. Following the poster reveal, the teaser will be out today at 1 pm! Ajay shared the photo on social media and wrote, "An epic love story on its way!" An epic love story on its way! #AuronMeinKahanDumTha #AMKDT Teaser Out Today! In cinemas 5th July, 2024.@neerajpofficial #Tabu @jimmysheirgill @saieemmanjrekar @shantanum07 @mmkeeravaani @ShitalBhatiaFFW #NarendraHirawat #KumarMangatPathak @nh_studioz @FFW_Official… pic.twitter.com/QjUyN0qSmd — Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn) May 31, 2024 Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha promises to be an epic love story spanning a remarkable 23 years. The narrative unfolds between the years 2000 and 2023, hinting at a journey that traverses love, loss, and the enduring power of time. Adding further weight to the project is the stellar supporting cast. Jimmy Shergill, known for his captivating performances, joins t

Jio Studios’ Sumo Didi to screen at the prestigious New York Indian Film Festival 2024 (NYIFF) on June 2

Sumo Didi is all set to be screened at the prestigious New York Indian Film Festival on June 2. Inspired from the remarkable journey of India’s first Sumo Wrestler Hetal Dave, Sumo Didi stars Shriyam Bhagnani in the titular role along with Chaitnya Sharma (Slow Cheeta) and is directed by debutant Jayant Rohatgi. Presented by Jio Studios, Sumo Didi is produced by Jyoti Deshpande, Akash Chawla, Amit Chandrra, and Arunava Sengupta. Sharing his excitement, director, Jayant Rohatgi, said, “After a heart-warming response at Tokyo and Palm Springs, I am excited to be a part of another prestigious film festival in NYIFF. It’s a privilege to be amidst such powerful films and filmmakers celebrating the best of Indian cinema. Hetal’s journey is simply remarkable. Her tenacity in breaking through gender stereotypes, social prejudices, lack of opportunities and her own demons to make a seemingly impossible dream come true moved me immensely. I hope our film resonates with and inspires the audience

Ranveer Singh and Prashanth Varma part ways from Rakshas citing creative differences; release official statement: "Not the ideal time for this project"

Ranveer Singh's much-anticipated collaboration with Mythri Movie Makers for the mythological drama Rakshas has been shelved. The project, directed by Prasanth Varma of Hanuman fame, was touted as a grand spectacle. However, in a surprising turn of events, Singh decided to exit the film. Previously, Bollywood Hungama reported that Singh's discomfort stemmed from a brief promo shoot in Hyderabad. A source claimed, "He wasn't able to picture himself in the filmmaking format of South Cinema." Singh reportedly returned to Mumbai early, citing personal reasons, before informing the makers of his decision. However, the official confirmation has come from the studio citing creative differences as the real reason. This came as a shock to the production house, which had invested heavily in pre-production and a promotional shoot. Sources close to the producers indicated attempts to salvage the project, but Singh remained firm in his decision. However, official statements fr

Sanya Malhotra starrer Mrs to close New York Indian Film Festival 2024

Sanya Malhotra's upcoming film, Mrs, is generating buzz on the festival circuit, emerging as a favourite for its exploration of domesticity and gender roles. The Hindi remake of the acclaimed Malayalam movie, The Great Indian Kitchen (2021), Mrs is directed by Arati Kadav and is set to be the closing film at the New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF) 2024. Kadav expressed her excitement at having her film showcased at the festival. Speaking to Mid-day, she shared, “I look forward to the films screened at the NYIFF every year. So, I feel privileged that we've been chosen as the closing film. With this film, our aim is to connect with Indian audiences living not just in India, but also abroad, and this platform helps us reach the diaspora.” Described as "exotically delicious," Mrs uses the backdrop of Indian cuisine to delve deeper into the societal pressures placed on women. The synopsis paints a picture of a young dance teacher, Richa, who falls for a wealthy doctor,

Jackie Shroff releases official statement on Delhi High Court order protecting his personality rights: “Crucial to control any unauthorized use and misuse of celebrity attributes”

Veteran Bollywood actor Jackie Shroff has secured a significant legal win in protecting his image and persona. The Delhi High Court recently issued an interim order restraining various entities from misusing his name, image, voice, and other personality attributes. This move comes after Shroff filed a lawsuit against the unauthorized use of his likeness and catchphrases. Shroff's legal team identified instances where his personality rights were allegedly infringed. These included unauthorized use of the term "Bhidu," a phrase often associated with the actor, along with his image and voice in various forms of media. In an official statement, Jackie Shroff said, “I am immensely grateful to the judiciary for passing an order that safeguards my personality rights, including my name, image, likeness, voice, and other unique attributes. For a long time, celebrities had little to no recourse against the misuse of their persona. However, I am heartened by the fact that courts ha

Neha Dhupia, Navya Naveli and more to grace the inaugural Podmasters, celebrating excellence in Indian podcasting

Fever FM has come up with an intriguing celebration of India's best podcasters in partnership with HT Smart Cast, the podcasting arm of HT Media Ltd. This landmark occasion will unite India’s foremost podcasters, celebrities, experts, and industry leaders to celebrate and elevate the modern audio medium. Taking place on May 30 in Mumbai, 'Podmasters Conclave and Awards' will feature 35 award categories, meticulously designed to honor the finest in podcasting. The winners have been chosen from over 240 nominations and have garnered more than 30,000 votes, reflecting the immense popularity and impact of their work. A distinguished panel of 12 judges will preside over the awards, including Sonal Kalra, Chief Managing Editor of HT; Aditya Kuber, Co-founder and CEO of Ideabrew Studio; Roshan Abbas, Founder of Kommune; Mantra Mugdh, Director of MnM Talkies; Kavita Rajwade, Co-founder of IVM Podcasts; and Varun Duggirala, Co-founder and CEO of EMoMee. “Podcasting in India has l

Deepika Padukone tops IMDb's Top 100 Most Viewed Indian Stars of last decade; Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Alia Bhatt, Irrfan Khan in top 5

In a significant milestone, Deepika Padukone has been recognized as the “Most Viewed Indian Stars of the Last Decade” by IMDb, based on page views from hundreds of millions of IMDb customers and fans worldwide. It is interesting to note that the list of 100 stars includes actors from the Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada film industries and Deepika, leads it followed by Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Alia Bhatt, Irrfan Khan and other notable names from across industries. This announcement comes as IMDb revealed its Top 100 Most Viewed Indian Stars of the Last Decade list, which considers data from January 2014 through April 2024. Deepika Padukone's consistent popularity has cemented her position at the top of this prestigious list, underscoring her widespread appeal and influence in the entertainment industry. Deepika Padukone, who made her debut in the Hindi film industry in 2007 opposite Shah Rukh Khan in the blockbuster Om Shanti Om, has had a remarkable ca

Junaid Khan and Jaideep Ahlawat starrer Maharaj: A Story of One Man’s Courage in Pre-Independence India to premiere on June 14 on Netflix, see first poster

Netflix and Yash Raj Films are set to unveil a hidden chapter of Indian history with their upcoming film Maharaj, premiering on June 14th, 2024, starring Jaideep Ahlawat and debutante Junaid Khan. Stepping back to pre-independence India, in 1862, the movie sheds light on the courageous fight of Karsandas Mulji, a journalist and social reformer. The year 1862 paints a vivid picture of a nation in flux. With only three universities established and the embers of the Sepoy Mutiny still glowing, India was grappling with change. Against this backdrop, Mulji, a young man studying at Elphinstone College in Mumbai, emerged as a champion for the marginalized. Inspired by his mentor, scholar-leader Dadabhai Naoroji, Mulji championed social reform and women's rights. His unwavering commitment to justice led him to confront a powerful figure in the infamous Maharaj Libel Case. The specifics of the case remain under wraps, but the film hints at allegations of misconduct against this prominent i

EXCLUSIVE: Abhijeet Bhattacharya makes a major comeback after 11 years with a 90s-style song in Panchayat Season 3

Abhijeet Bhattacharya began his career as a playback singer in the 80s and from the 90s, he became a very important part of Hindi film music. He crooned highly memorable songs which were featured on some of the biggest of stars. Since the last decade, the number of songs featuring his voice has decreased. Hence, fans of Abhijeet Bhattacharya will be surprised to know that the singer has sung a beautiful track in the most awaited web show of the season, Panchayat Season 3. The name of the song is ‘Thame Dil Ko’ and is composed by Lalit Pandit, of Jatin-Lalit fame. It is written by Alok Ranjha Jha. The solo romantic number appears at a cute juncture in the show and it adds to the impact. What is also appealing is that ‘Thame Dil Ko’ has a very 90s vibe. It won’t be surprising if those watching the show, at first, assume that the track is from a 90s film! ‘Thame Dil Ko’ marks Abhijeet Bhattacharya’s major comeback to Hindi film music. The last significant song sung by him for a Bollywoo

Bhuvan Bam trademarks his onscreen character, Titu Mama

India's biggest content creator turned actor, Bhuvan Bam, known for playing multiple characters in his sketch videos under the title ‘BB Ki Vines’, has now officially trademarked one of his most popular characters, Titu Mama. Titu Mama, a character beloved by millions, is known for his savage humour and distinctive style. Often featured in BB Ki Vines episodes, Titu Mama has become a cultural icon with a unique personality that resonates deeply with audiences. "The journey of Titu Mama has been incredible. When I first introduced him in my sketches, I had no idea he would gain such immense popularity. Titu Mama's distinct qualities and style have struck a chord with viewers, and it's truly heartwarming to see the love and appreciation for him." Said Bhuvan. He further added, "In 2018, we took Titu Mama to a new level with 'Titu Talks,' where I had the privilege of hosting Shah Rukh Khan as my first guest, followed by international star Johnny Sins,

Shahid Kapoor and Mira Rajput purchase luxury apartment worth nearly Rs. 60 crore in Mumbai: Report

Bollywood actor Shahid Kapoor and his wife Mira Kapoor have made headlines with their recent acquisition of a luxury apartment in Mumbai’s prestigious Oberoi 360 West project, situated in the upscale Worli area. According to registration documents accessed by IndexTap.com, the transaction was finalized at a staggering Rs. 58.66 crore and registered on May 24, 2024. The opulent apartment boasts a RERA carpet area of 5,395 square feet and includes three dedicated parking spaces, reflecting the premium amenities associated with the Oberoi 360 West development. This high-rise, constructed by Oberoi Realty, is renowned for its luxurious residences, including 4 BHK, 5 BHK, duplex apartments, and penthouses, all offering stunning sea views. Interestingly, the Kapoors purchased the apartment from Chandak Realtors Pvt Ltd, who had originally acquired it from D’Mart owner Radhakishan Damani’s family and close associates. “The apartment was bought by Chandak Realty at around ₹65,000 per square

Bipasha Basu to turn author, pen a book on themes of self-exploration, resilience and the pursuit of inner peace

Bollywood actress Bipasha Basu is basking in the joys of motherhood, cherishing every moment with her daughter Devi, husband Karan Singh Grover, and loved ones. But amidst this domestic bliss, she has a thrilling surprise in store for her fans – a book! Bipasha Basu is embarking on a new journey of self-discovery, this time with pen in hand. In a recent interview, she expressed her desire to connect with her audience on a deeper level, sharing her vulnerabilities and the wisdom she's gained. Her upcoming book promises to delve into the profound themes of self-exploration, resilience, and the pursuit of inner peace. Reflecting on her life's tapestry, intricately woven with both challenges and triumphs, Basu shared her experiences with PTI. “What has gotten me this far is a conscious decision to focus on the bright side of life and to choose sunshine – every day!” she enthused.  This philosophy, along with her learnings, is what she aims to share with her readers. To help bring

Talat Hussain, legendary Pakistani actor, passes away at 83 in Karachi

Pakistan's entertainment industry is mourning the loss of one of its most celebrated actors, Talat Hussain, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 83. Hussain, a veteran of radio, television, theatre, and cinema, breathed his last at a private hospital in Karachi after a prolonged illness. The Arts Council of Pakistan (ACP) Karachi President, Ahmed Shah, confirmed Hussain's passing. Shah, highlighting Hussain's immense talent, said, “An acclaimed actor like Talat Hussain is born after centuries.” Born in Delhi, Hussain's powerful baritone voice and unique acting style captivated audiences. His talent was recognized with prestigious awards, including the Pride of Performance award in 1982, Pakistan's highest national literary honor, and the Sitara-i-Imtiaz, the country's third-highest civilian award, bestowed upon him in 2021. President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, provincial chief ministers, and other prominent figures paid their respects.

Bhumi Pednekar launches new campaign Bhoomi Namaskar in association with Bhamla Foundation

Actor and climate warrior Bhumi Pednekar has been deeply involved in creating awareness around the conservation of the environment and now as a step further in that direction, she has launched Bhamla Foundation’s ‘Bhoomi Namaskar’ campaign for World Environment Day. The Bhamla Foundation supported by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) initiated this campaign that aims to harp on the importance of the restoration of ecosystems to combat climate change and its adverse effects which comes in effect with the UN resolution of the year ‘Generation Restoration’. As a climate warrior, Bhumi Pednekar has been at the forefront of numerous environmental initiatives. Through her non-profit advocacy platform Climate Warrior and The Bhumi Foundation, Bhumi has championed various causes, such as waste segregation, rainwater harvesting, recycling, upcycling, conscious fashion choice

Heeramandi: Amid accusations of nepotism, Sharmin Segal receives flak for interrupting Sanjeeda Sheikh in an interview

Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar has been a major topic of discussion on social media where actresses like Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, and Sanjeeda Sheikh are basking in rave reviews, but Sharmin Segal seems to be at the receiving end of it. Although the Netflix show was hailed for its extensive sets and beauty, Sharmin is being heavily criticized by audiences for her acting skills and now, another reason why the actress is being trolled is for the way she has been interrupting her co-stars during interviews. After a video of her interrupting Aditi Rao Hydari in one of the interviews for the promotions of Heeramandi went viral, another video that has grabbed attention is the interaction she had along with co-actors Sanjeeda Sheikh and Richa Chadha for Showsha. After Sanjeeda was asked about her experience of working with Sanjay Leela Bhansali, where the Ek Hasina Thi actress appreciated the filmmaker for his dedication and for being a perfectionist,

Bigg Boss 17 winner Munawar Faruqui hospitalized again

Munawar Faruqui, the winner of Bigg Boss 17, has been hospitalized. The stand-up comic was brought to the hospital after becoming unwell again. Munawar was brought to the hospital a month ago and is currently dealing with health concerns again. Munawar Faruqui’s friend, Nitin Menghani, took to his Instagram handle and shared a picture of the Bigg Boss 17 winner resting on a hospital bed, showing Munawar with an IV drip in his hand. He wrote, “Wishing all the strength to my brother @munawar.Faruqui get well soon.” For the unversed, this isn't the first time Munawar has faced health issues recently. Last month, he was also hospitalized and shared a picture of himself receiving treatment via an IV drip. At that time, he expressed his concerns about his recurring health problems, writing, “Lag gaye nazar” Earlier, Munawar Faruqui expressed his opinions on a crucial problem in his distinct Shayari way. Munawar offered a heartbreaking statement on the recent Porsche accident in Pune,

Drake places $250,000 high-stakes bet on Shah Rukh Khan's Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL finals

Drake, the acclaimed Canadian rapper with multiple Grammy Awards to his name, is turning his attention to the Indian Premier League finals in Chennai this Sunday. In a surprising move, he's placed his "first ever cricket bet" on actor Shah Rukh Khan's team, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), as they prepare to face off against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) today. On Saturday, Drake took to his Instagram Stories and shared a screenshot of him placing a bet on KKR in its match against SRH in the IPL finals today. The screenshot claimed that he had a 1.70 odds of winning the bet. His bet is worth $250,000, and its estimated payout is $425,000. Drake wrote along with the screenshot, “Since @ovorajaju team is out, I am going with KKR for my first ever cricket bet (teary-eyed laughter emoji) Korbo Lorbo Jeetbo.” Drake's interest in the Indian Premier League finals extends beyond mere curiosity; it's also tied to a personal investment. The Grammy-winning rapper recently

Janhvi Kapoor reveals paparazzi get paid per photo based on celebrity popularity

Janhvi Kapoor, known for her captivating on-screen performances and stylish off-screen appearances, has become a favorite among photographers. In a candid revelation during an interview with The Lallantop, she disclosed that paparazzi are paid per photo of a star, with the amount depending on the celebrity's popularity. Janhvi, when quizzed about her views on paparazzi culture, she said, “Like right now, Mr & Mrs Mahi's promotion is going on; they are called to the airport to click my picture. But when the film's promotion is not happening, when I am not going for shoots, when I want to disappear, then, if they want to put in extra effort, and this has happened many times, they follow the car because they get paid for every picture, every image.” She further added, “Every celebrity has a ration card. Their pictures sell for so much. If your price is high, they reach you, follow your car. If the price is not that high, you call paparazzi.” Janhvi is returning with Raj

Sharvari steps into Dinesh Vijan’s horror-verse as the surprise factor of Munjya; says, “I’m a big surprise factor of the film”

Dinesh Vijan, acclaimed for creating a horror comedy universe with films such as Stree and Bhediya, has cast Sharvari in the lead role for his latest horror comedy, Munjya. Known for delivering numerous content driven hit films, Vijan's horror universe continues to expand with this new installment. Sharvari says, “I have been fortunate to have been guided and chosen to be a part of this huge franchise by Dinesh Vijan, who I reckon is one of the best minds of our industry. For him to have believed in me, is a huge validation of my craft. I’m extremely proud of Munjya and I’m grateful to have this film in my filmography. The horror-verse has huge stars of our industry and I’m honoured to be a part of this universe. I wish Munjya’s world meets the worlds of Stree & Bhediya in due course of time. I’m secretly praying for that to happen soon!” She adds, “Without giving out too much, I would like to say that I’m a big surprise factor of the film which will be revealed by the makers

Yash Raj Films receives closure on the case of misappropriation of royalties worth Rs. 100 crores

The 2019 case where the Indian Performing Rights Society (IPRS) lodged a complaint against Yash Raj Films alleging the misappropriation of Rs. 100 crore in royalties meant for lyricists, singers, music directors, and producers has finally come to a conclusion. Following nearly five years of investigation, the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai Police has closed the case after categorizing the case as 'C' summary, which indicates neither confirmation nor dismissal of the accusations. In their closure report submitted to the court, the EOW's general cheating cell reportedly did not find any evidence of financial misconduct by Yash Raj Films. The report attributed the issue to ambiguity in copyright agreements regarding royalty calculations, rather than deliberate embezzlement. It concluded that the contractual terms fell within the realm of civil disputes, thus recommending the court's approval of the 'C' summary report. This kind of report is reportedly

Farhan Akhtar to revive Jee Le Zaraa with Alia Bhatt, Katrina Kaif, and Priyanka Chopra Jonas

Farhan Akhtar, the filmmaker, is apparently going to "revive" Jee Le Zaraa, which stars Alia Bhatt, Katrina Kaif, and Priyanka Chopra. Farhan declared his return to directing in 2021 with a slice-of-life road trip film. However, the film never took off due to schedule conflicts. According to the latest Pinkvilla report, Farhan Akhtar and Excel authorities are looking into the possibility of restarting Jee Le Zaraa. “While Jee Le Zaraa was put on the backburner before proceeding to the pre-production stage, the team at Excel was continuing to give the final touches to the script. The film was put on the back burner due to date issues and not completely called off, as it’s a pet project for all the stakeholders – from the producers to writers and director. The script is completely in place and the team is now looking to revive the project,” according to a source. The source continued, “During her visit to India, Farhan Akhtar met Priyanka Chopra as well to restart the convers

Indian film Sunflowers Were The First Ones To Know wins first prize at Cannes Film Festival

In a significant achievement for India at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, Chidananda S Naik’s film Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know secured the first prize in the prestigious La Cinef section. Naik, a doctor-turned-filmmaker from Mysuru, created this film as part of his coursework at Pune's Film and Television Institute of India (FTII). The film, inspired by a Kannada folk tale, narrates the story of an old woman who steals a rooster, showcasing Naik's ability to blend traditional narratives with cinematic excellence. This is the first time a film by a student from the 1-year Television degree has been chosen for the famous Cannes Film Festival. The second prize was shared by Out of the Widow Through the Wall, directed by Asya Segalovich of Columbia University, and The Chaos She Left Behind, directed by Nikos Kolioukos of Aristotle University in Thessaloniki, Greece. The third award in the La Cinef competition went to Mansi Maheshwari's animated film Bunnyhood. Mahes

Shyam Benegal's Manthan starring Smita Patil and Naseeruddin Shah to re-release in Indian cinemas in 50 cities after Cannes 2024 screening

After the success of the world premiere of the Film Heritage Foundation’s restoration of Shyam Benegal’s 1976 film Manthan at the Cannes Film Festival 2024, the Film Heritage Foundation and the Gujarat Co-Operative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd. have collaborated with PVR-INOX Ltd. and Cinépolis India to release the restored classic in 50 cities and 100 cinemas across India on June 1 & 2, 2024. Manthan, a fictionalized version of the beginnings of the extraordinary dairy cooperative movement that transformed India from a milk-deficient nation to the world’s largest milk producer inspired by Dr. Verghese Kurien, the Father of the White Revolution, is also India’s first crowdfunded film produced by 500,000 dairy farmers who contributed Rs. 2/- each towards the production of the film. The film featured a stellar cast including Girish Karnad, Naseeruddin Shah, Smita Patil, Dr. Mohan Agashe, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Anant Nag and Abha Dhulia. Manthan was shot by renowned cinematographer

Salman Khan to kick off AR Murugadoss’ Sikandar from June 20 with action-packed schedule in Mumbai: Report

Even though Eid 2024 lacked a Salman Khan release, the superstar has unveiled a grand project titled Sikandar to make up for it. This action extravaganza marks Khan's first collaboration with director AR Murugadoss, and filming is set to commence in June 2024. Murugadoss is currently juggling projects, including an action film featuring Tamil star Sivakarthikeyan (tentatively titled SK23). To ensure a smooth transition to Sikandar, he aims to wrap up a significant portion of SK23 before diving into Khan's film. “Murugadoss wants to complete as much of SK23 as possible before Sikandar goes on floors,” an insider revealed, according to a Mid-day report. The plan involved shooting the initial schedule of Sikandar in May, followed by a return to Sivakarthikeyan's film in June. From July onwards, Murugadoss will devote his full attention to Sikandar. With a target Eid 2025 release, the team is working tirelessly to meet the deadline despite the director's packed schedule.

Bhabi Ji Ghar Pe Hai actor Firoz Khan passes away due to heart attack

Firoz Khan, a television actor most known for impersonating Amitabh Bachchan in the hit program Bhabi Ji Ghar Pe Hai, died of a heart attack. According to reports, the actor had a heart attack in Badaun, Uttar Pradesh, on Thursday morning. Firoz had been in Badaun for quite some time, taking part in numerous activities while being there. Just one day before his death, he posted a video of himself reenacting Big B's classic moment from the film Coolie. Mourning his demise, Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hai actor Saumya Tandon told Indian Express, “Absolutely shocked and deeply saddened. He was too young to leave. Worked briefly with him, but I remember him as quiet, polite and so respectful on sets. He was so talented. I can’t ever forget the episode where he became Amitabh Bachchan. It was such a hilarious episode and he was so funny. We were laughing as we were filming the scene. And him as dhobi was so special. As I talk, all the scenes done with him are flashing in front of my eyes. Uff t

Kalank song ‘Ghar More Pardesiya’ featuring Alia Bhatt gets a shoutout from The Academy on social media

Featuring an ensemble cast, Kalank was one of the most ambitious films of Karan Johar, who produced it under his banner Dharma Productions. The film, while failed to attract the masses, received lots of love for its music. And now, almost five years later, the prestigious social media handle of The Academy has given a shoutout to one of the kathak-dance tracks of the film, ‘Ghar More Pardesiya’ which is picturized on the film’s leading lady Alia Bhatt. The said song ‘Ghar More Pardesiya’ is sung by Shreya Ghoshal and features a heartfelt performance of Roop aka Alia Bhatt who showcased her skills to her mentor Bahaar Begum, played by Madhuri Dixit. The song not only seems to have won the hearts of Indians but many across the globe. On May 23, the official Instagram page of The Academy shared a glimpse of the song’s video, saying, “Alia Bhatt performing “Ghar More Pardesiya” (vocals by Shreya Ghoshal with Vaishali Mhade) from the film ‘Kalank.’” With lyrics written by Amitabh Bhattacha

Shooting of Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana is not halted: “Who spreads these negative rumours, and why?”

Sometimes speculative rumour-driven entertainment stories can be anything but entertaining for the party concerned. A seriously damaging report doing the rounds is that producer Namit Malhotra and director Nitesh Tiwari’s ambitious take on the Ramayana has been stalled due to a legal copyright-infringement issue. However, one of the actors from the movie on condition of anonymity told us the truth. “Who says the shooting was halted? The shooting was not halted for even a day. In fact, we are shooting as I speak to you. Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi and all of us are participating in the shooting right now. Who spreads these negative rumours, and why? What do they get out of it? Here we are trying to make something that would bring us global glory. Instead of encouraging us there are negative stories about the Ramayan every day,” said the actor. Making the situation worse is the fact that the producers (Yash, Namit Malhotra) are not issuing any official statements on the project. “I’

Shah Rukh Khan recovering well after heatstroke, to attend IPL 2024 finals to support KKR, says Juhi Chawla

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan is recovering well after suffering a heat stroke during a recent IPL match, according to his close friend and fellow actor Juhi Chawla. Khan was admitted to Ahmedabad's KD Hospital following the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) match on Tuesday. News of Khan's hospitalization spread quickly, leaving fans concerned. However, Juhi Chawla provided an update with News18, where she said, “Shah Rukh was not feeling too well last night but he is being attended to and was feeling much better this evening. God willing, he will soon be up and in the stands on the weekend, cheering the team, as we play the finals.” Khan, along with his children Suhana and AbRam, and manager Pooja Dadlani, attended the match at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Juhi Chawla and her husband Jay Mehta, who co-own KKR with Khan, were also spotted leaving the hospital but did not interact with waiting media. #WATCH | Gujarat: Gauri Khan, wife of Actor Shah

Teaser poster for second single from Pushpa 2: The Rule out now!

After the success of the song 'Pushpa Pushpa', the makers of Pushpa 2: The Rule have released a teaser poster announcing the second song. The highly anticipated song announcement video is set to be revealed tomorrow, further intensifying the excitement surrounding the film. Mythri Movie Makers, the production house behind the film, along with stars Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna, have been riding high on the success of the first song 'Pushpa Pushpa'. The song has been trending on social media and establishing the film's dominance. It's been three weeks since its release, and fans have eagerly awaited news of the second track. The new teaser poster promises another catchy track akin to 'Saami Saami'. It prominently features Rashmika Mandanna as Srivalli, hinting at her significant role in the upcoming song. The makers took to social media to share their excitement, captioning, "After the takeover by Pushpa Raj with #PushpaPushpa, it is time for T

Manasvi Mamgai on her production Captivated being presented at Marché du Film in Cannes, “Bringing the film to life has been a deeply personal and passionate journey”

Manasvi Mamgai, alongside 32RED Entertainment, has officially announced the launch of their latest thriller, Captivated, at the Cannes Market. The film, starring Katie Holmes, Toby Kebbell, and Oscar-winner Al Pacino, delves into the infamous 1973 kidnapping of Jean Paul Getty III, presenting a new perspective on the historic event. Captivated is directed by Dito Montiel, who co-wrote the script with Robin Shushan and Michael Mammoliti. The film focuses on the Calabrian mafia boss Saro, portrayed by Toby Kebbell, and in present day by Al Pacino. It explores the complex dynamics that arise when Saro falls in love with his victim's mother, played by Katie Holmes, during the intense ransom negotiations. The project is particularly close to Mammoliti, who is the nephew of one of the primary kidnappers. Having long been engaged with the narrative surrounding the kidnapping, Mammoliti aims to bring a fresh and unheard perspective to the story through Captivated. Manasvi Mamgai, a key

Sushant Divgikar's home destroyed by fire from air conditioner explosion, family safe

Former Bigg Boss contestant Sushant Divgikar, also known as Rani KoHenoor, recently experienced a horrific incident when their house caught fire. The blaze was caused by an air conditioner explosion in the living room during dinner. The fire spread rapidly to the open kitchen and office space, causing extensive damage to almost everything, including awards, appliances, furniture, official documents, certificates, and makeup equipment. According to Divgikar’s manager, “The air conditioner in the living room of the home blasted when they were having dinner and caused the fire which quickly spread to the open kitchen area and office space area damaging mostly everything including awards, appliances, all the furniture and official documents, certificates and make-up equipment and performance outfits. It’s a huge loss but everyone in the family survived and was unharmed.” The family is currently staying at Sushant's parents' place, and the shock of the incident still lingers. Sush

EXCLUSIVE: Sanjay Dutt drops out of Welcome 3 over date and script disagreements

Earlier in the year, Firoz Nadiadwala and Akshay Kumar announced Welcome To The Jungle with a hilarious video. They also informed the audience about the ensemble cast of the film, which had the presence of almost every actor from the Indian Film Industry. One of the many was Sanjay Dutt, who was cast to play a key role of this Ahmed Khan film. But in a shocking turn of events, the industry is buzzing about Sanjay Dutt’s exit from this comic caper. “Sanjay Dutt has cited date issues for his exit. He has conveyed all the issues to his dear friend Akshay, who took the points into account and holds no bad blood. Sanjay Dutt felt that the Welcome To The Jungle shoot was happening in an unplanned way, with too many changes in the script, disturbing his diary of the shoot, and hence has parted ways,” a source close to the project told us. Sanjay Dutt has already shot for 15 days, and the makers are now in two minds – if they should retain what Sanju has shot or completely delete it and opt

Kiara Advani on working with Sidharth Malhotra again: "We would love to work together but…"

Kiara Advani made a memorable debut at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, where she attended the Women in Cinema Gala. During the event, she spoke to Film Companion about the possibility of reuniting with her husband, actor Sidharth Malhotra, in a future project. Their previous collaboration in the 2021 film Shershaah was highly praised, and fans have been eager to see them together on screen again. However, Kiara emphasized that any future project would need to be compelling for both. "We would love to work together, but it has to excite us equally," she stated. Reflecting on the success of Shershaah, Kiara in an interview with Film Companion acknowledged the special connection it created between her and Sidharth in the eyes of the audience. "I feel like Shershaah gave us a lot of love as a couple. So, there’s a certain excitement, and people want to see us together," she noted. Despite this, Kiara highlighted their individuality and commitment to their craft as actor

Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal's production Girls Will Be Girls to screen at Cannes Film Festival 2024

The directorial debut of Suchi Talati, Girls Will Be Girls, produced by Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal, is set to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival 2024. The film will be featured under the Cannes Écrans Juniors category, a selection dedicated to international feature films that appeal to young audiences aged thirteen and over, introducing them to diverse themes, cultures, and cinematic art. After its premiere at the SXSW Film Festival and making waves at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year by winning the Audience Award in the World Dramatic Entry category and the Special Jury Award for Lead Actress Preeti Panigrahi, Girls Will Be Girls is now poised for its Cannes debut. The film is scheduled to screen on May 22nd and 23rd at the Alexandre III Theatre and on May 24th at the Raimu Hall. Richa Chadha expressed her excitement: “We are thrilled to see 'Girls Will Be Girls' reach the Cannes Film Festival. This project is very close to our hearts, and the recognition it ha

Shoot for Ramayana starring Ranbir Kapoor, Yash, Sai Pallavi halted due to copyright infringement case; to resume in three weeks: Reports

The highly anticipated filming of Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana finally began earlier this year, albeit after facing a few hurdles. After a brief pause to rework the costumes, the production commenced at Film City in Mumbai. This followed a period of meticulous planning and adjustments, including a crucial phase of look tests with the updated outfits for the cast. Despite the change in production hands, with Madhu Mantena exiting the project, the film's journey hasn't been entirely smooth sailing. While Mantena's departure initially sparked rumours of a potential shift in direction, reports now suggest he has requested a halt in filming until he receives appropriate compensation. According to a report in Mid-day, an inside source said the shoot of Tiwari's mythological epic was indeed stalled due to a copyright infringement case. “Filming continued for a few days after the notice, but has been on hold since last week. The legalities need to be sorted out, and filming wi

It’s a boy! Yami Gautam and Aditya Dhar welcome first child; name him Vedavid

Actor Yami Gautam and her filmmaker husband, Aditya Dhar, have become parents to a baby boy! The couple took to Instagram on May 20 to announce the joyful news. In a heartfelt note, Yami and Aditya expressed their gratitude to the medical professionals at Surya Hospital, particularly Dr. Bhupender Awasthi and Dr. Ranjana Dhanu, for their expertise and care during this special time. They also shared their excitement about embarking on the journey of parenthood, expressing their hope for their son's bright future. “As we embark on this beautiful journey of parenthood, we eagerly anticipate the bright future that awaits our son. With every milestone he achieves, we are filled with the hope and belief that he will grow to become a beacon of pride for our entire family as well as our beloved nation,” read an excerpt of their post.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Aditya Dhar (@adityadharfilms) The couple received a wave of congratulations from fellow Bollywood cele

Anurag Kashyap ropes in Bobby Deol, Sanya Malhotra for hard-hitting thriller; Malayalam actor Joju George and Saba Azad join the cast: Report

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap is back with a vengeance. It was reported last month that he's gearing up for a gritty, hard-hitting thriller featuring Bobby Deol in the lead role. The project, currently untitled, has begun filming in Mumbai, and will also see Sanya Malhotra in the lead role along with Joju George and Saba Azad. According to a report in Peeping Moon, Sanya Malhotra, who previously shared screen space with Deol in Shah Rukh Khan's production Love Hostel, reunites with him for this Anurag Kashyap directorial. Joining the ensemble cast for the first time in Hindi cinema is renowned Malayalam actor Joju George. This marks his foray into Bollywood. Completing the trio of new additions is Saba Azad, who garnered much praise for her role in the hit Sony LIV series Rocket Boys. All three actors, Malhotra, George, and Azad, will play pivotal roles alongside Bobby Deol, with their characters intricately woven into the plot. While the exact details of the story remain tightly

Kamal Haasan’s Indian 2 to CLASH with Akshay Kumar’s Sarfira and John Abraham’s Vedaa

The months of April and May have been quite dry for the film industry as very few films caught the attention of the moviegoers. But from May-end, the season of movies will commence with a bang. In July, an interesting clash will take place at the box office between Akshay Kumar, Kamal Haasan and Scarlett Johansson. Yesterday, the makers of Indian 2 announced that their much-awaited film will be released in cinemas on July 12. Along with the release date, the producers dropped a stunning poster of the Kamal Haasan starrer and also announced that the first single will be out on May 22. Indian 2 will have a multi-language release. Besides Kamal Haasan, it also stars S J Suryah, Kajal Aggarwal, Siddharth and Rakul Preet Singh and is directed by Shankar. The first part was released in Hindi as Hindustani. Taking a leaf out of it, the sequel's Hindi version is called Hindustani 2. It has music by Anirudh Ravichander. With Indian 2 releasing on July 12, it’ll clash with Sarfira, starri

EXCLUSIVE: Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Heeramandi to get season 2 on Netflix? Director weighs in on the possibility of renewal

Indian filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, known for his visually stunning and emotionally charged historical epics, has recently shed light on his creative process behind the highly talked about series Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar. Bhansali, whose dedication extends beyond box office success, prioritizes crafting immersive experiences for his audience. This series marked his first for a streaming platform and did get mixed reactions for its historical accuracy. In a recent interview with Bollywood Hungama, Bhansali discussed his vision for Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar. He also talked about the series getting mixed reactions and whether it will be renewed for a season 2. Bhansali said, “First of all, thank you for loving season one. But season two happens or not happens, happens with Netflix announcing it if they want to go ahead with it. They are the producers and they're the best producers ever I have worked with in 30 years. I keep telling them as I've done some good karma

EXCLUSIVE: Sanjay Leela Bhansali on maintaining friendship with Salman Khan despite Inshallah fallout: “After one month, he called me and I called him and we talked”

Indian filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, known for his visually stunning and emotionally charged historical epics, has recently shed light on his creative process behind the highly talked about series Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar. Bhansali, whose dedication extends beyond box office success, prioritizes crafting immersive experiences for his audience. This series marked his first for a streaming platform and did get mixed reactions for its historical accuracy. In a recent interview with Bollywood Hungama, Bhansali discussed his vision for Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, set against the backdrop of a bygone era. He also talked about working with several stars over the years, however, he remains friends with only a few of them. Bhansali mentioned that he loves his actors a lot but one star who keeps a check on him is Salman Khan. When asked whether he likes to stay friends with his actors, Bhansali said, “I love my actors. I see that with actors, your relationship with them should not

EXCLUSIVE: Sanjay Leela Bhansali addresses glorification of courtesans; historical accuracy of Heeramandi: “My work is not supposed to be seen as if rooted in reality”

Indian filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, known for his visually stunning and emotionally charged historical epics, has recently shed light on his creative process behind the highly talked about series Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar. Bhansali, whose dedication extends beyond box office success, prioritizes crafting immersive experiences for his audience. This series marked his first for a streaming platform and did get mixed reactions for its historical accuracy. In a recent interview with Bollywood Hungama, Bhansali discussed his vision for Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, set against the backdrop of a bygone era.  While the narrative unfolds within a historical context, Bhansali emphasized that the series is driven by his artistic imagination. He aspires to create a world that resonates with viewers on a deeper level, even if the specific details deviate slightly from historical records. When asked what fascinates him about depicting stories of courtesans, Bhansali said, “These women