Indus Chronicles

The industry trends change every few years. But post-pandemic, the changes have been sudden and also unexpected. Girish Johar, producer and eminent film business analyst, in an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, opened up on aspects like reduced ticket prices, dearth of cinemas, BOGO, losing credibility of reviews, etc, in simple layman terms.

From a trade perspective, can reduced ticket pricing serve as a viable strategy to drive footfall in theatres, or does it risk devaluing the big-screen experience? I am of the firm belief that if theatrical business flourishes, then everything in the ecosystem will benefit. The theatrical economics has to be right. Theatres have tied up with malls and are paying higher rentals. As a result, they need to earn by hiking up the rates of snacks and tickets. Meanwhile, the audience always has the option to catch the film on OTT. They are not ready to watch below-average content on higher ticket prices. Sadly, 90% of the content in today’s times is below average. They argue that why should they pay a bomb to watch such films? This further draws them away from the big screen. This probably can be resolved with reasonable ticket pricing and a regular flow of content. In 2018-19, it was the small and mid-sized films that flourished like Badhaai Ho, Andhandhun, Article 15, etc. These films were expected to collect in the range of Rs. 30-40 crores. But they ended up collecting Rs. 70 crores and in some cases, even more than Rs. 100 crores. Such movies need to be priced averagely. You can’t sell its tickets for Rs. 500. That can be charged for tent-pole films but then there are not more than 10 such films.

I always give the example of cricket. The slog overs do matter and in the case of cinema, these are the tentpole films. But it is the middle overs (that is, mid-sized films) which are crucial. This is when the players need to score 4s and 6s.

Will we ever see a day of Rs. 100 ticket pricing so that the moviegoing experience becomes affordable for the common man? It is possible. It has been implemented during Cinema Days though its effect has now diminished. Also, it should not be held blindly. It should be backed by content which will cater to the audience paying for discounted tickets. In my understanding, it is the regional economics which should derive such pricing. What is stopping such offers in specific regions for a specific day, like say Indore Cinema Day or Bhopal Cinema Day?

In the pre-pandemic era, the attitude of the moviegoer was different. They would turn up to watch any film every week as they were habituated. Now, moviegoers scan the film minutely before watching it. They ask, ‘Is it worth it? Aren’t the ticket rates too high? Will the film be out on OTT soon?’ We need to re-cultivate the habit of the audience of coming to the theatres.

As I said earlier, the more theatres benefit, the more the industry will flourish. More productions will be greenlit, more content will be made. Even allied industries like printing, F&B etc, will benefit. Direct commissioning of films on OTT will also increase.

Meanwhile, the cinemas need to understand that it's not a good idea to promote OTT platforms in cinemas. They might get 2x or 3x the rates for these ads. But when a patron buys a ticket for Rs. 500 or Rs. 1000 and sees an ad stating the OTT subscription is available for Rs. 99 or Rs. 199 per month, the theatres are simply hurting themselves.

From an industry-builder’s point of view: Do you believe stars and studios need to actively invest in cinema infrastructure in underserved regions to expand theatrical reach? There are certain places where there’s no theatre for miles. Whenever I visit Mahabaleshwar-Panchgani, I always wonder where its residents watch films on the big screen? The nearest cinema hall is in Wai, which is 30 kms away… We have seen Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan and John Abraham talking about it. If they or other prominent celebrities come on board with a particular chain and become its brand ambassadors, then nothing like it. It’ll be much better as they’ll understand the ecosystem of cinemas minutely and the taste of the audience. This will help them select and make films accordingly.

Bhai ko, behen ko… Dushman ko, Yaar ko… And of course, apne Pyaar ko… Kal Jawan dikhaaiyega! Chacha-Chachi, Phoopha-Phoophi, Maama-Maami… Yaani Poore Parivaar ko. Sab ke liye ek ke saath ek free ticket!!!

Toh kal se… Parivaar, yaar aur pyaar… Just Buy 1 ticket and get the… pic.twitter.com/Qr9gI4ihcO

— Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) September 27, 2023

With the rise of social media chatter and peer-led opinions, has the traditional influence of film critics and reviews on box office performance diminished? Also, there has been a growing chatter around box office credibility. Is the industry, in trying to create perception, risking long-term damage to its own credibility and sustainability? Yes. I believe that the audience is no longer taking reviews and box office numbers seriously. It has become a marketing tool. The more the industry uses these tactics, the more ineffective it becomes. A critic giving a dishonest review may take money and give a mild or positive review to a poorly made film. The audience will trust his review, go for the movie, get disappointed and wonder, ‘Isne toh bola acchi film hai?’. This way, you can fool the audience once or twice but after that, they’ll lose the trust. They now trust the reviews of a friend or a family member more than the actual critics. I saw that happening with Sitaare Zameen Par as well.

Meanwhile, the audience is bombarded with advance ticket numbers and news of the film collecting Rs. 100 crores. It might tempt the audience to watch the film. But when they go to the theatre and see that the audi is empty, and on top of that when the content is poor, they feel cheated. This promotional tool has gone on for years and now the audience laughs at it. It's also common to see fans of a particular actor posting how the show of a rival actor’s film was full or almost full on BookMyShow. But when they went to watch it, there were a handful of patrons inside.

What are your views on the Buy One Get One Ticket free offer, popularly called BOGO? Does it result in success at the box office for a film? It was a tool used to pull a section of the audience to cinemas, the one which was in two minds. The idea was that the greater number of people watch a film, the more they’ll talk about it and it’ll further attract an additional higher number of moviegoers to cinemas for that particular film. Again, this tool has also backfired. Now the perception is that ‘Film bakwaas hogi; isliye ek pe ek ticket de rahe hai’. Excessive use of anything, that is not in the right spirit, nullifies its USP.

To give you an example, there was a producer who asked the ticketing app to issue BOGO coupons worth Rs. 10 lakhs. Despite getting a free ticket for every ticket, the film failed to get enough audience and the coupons worth Rs. 10 lakhs didn’t even get fully consumed!

A film like Jawan implemented BOGO in its sixth week. Do you think that it makes sense to have the offer just weeks before its OTT premiere? It can tempt that section of the audience, which is waiting for its digital release, to catch the film in cinemas instead. Yes. By the fifth or sixth week, the film has already proved its mettle. It is at the end of its run. If that is when BOGO is implemented, it would be a fair strategy. Again, it depends on the content.

Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan visits sets of Aamir Khan starrer Sitaare Zameen Par, shares iconic moments with cast

Riteish Deshmukh’s portrayal of Sania in Apna Sapna Money Money, where he cross-dressed and adopted the persona of a woman, remains one of his most iconic comic roles. And now, it seems the actor is all set to revisit this memorable character in an upcoming film backed by veteran filmmaker Subhash Ghai.

On June 30, Ghai took to his social media handle to share a still of Riteish in his female avatar from the 2006 comedy. Alongside the image, he wrote, “She is our next heroine in our forthcoming film under Mukta Arts.” He further described him as “a classic beauty.” While the filmmaker has not disclosed additional details about the project, the post has already generated excitement among fans.

It’s worth noting that Apna Sapna Money Money isn’t the only film in which Riteish has played a female character. He also took on similar disguises in Humshakals, a Sajid Khan directorial co-starring Saif Ali Khan and Ram Kapoor.

SHE IS OUR NEXT HEROINE IN OUR FORTHCOMING FILM UNDER MUKTA ARTS ???? A Classic beauty ???? Can u guess the name of this BEAUTIFUL GIRL ? Please do write ????@muktaartsltd @muktaa2cinemas @whistling_woods pic.twitter.com/atNHlJSxJD — Subhash Ghai (@SubhashGhai1) June 30, 2025

For now, fans will have to wait for more updates, but the prospect of seeing Riteish return to his beloved comic timing and cross-dressing antics has certainly created a buzz.

On the professional front, Riteish was last seen in Raid 2, where he played the antagonist opposite Ajay Devgn. He also appeared in the fifth installment of the Housefull franchise. His upcoming slate includes several exciting projects, including Masti 4.

Additionally, Riteish is gearing up to direct his second film, Raja Shivaji, produced by Jio Studios and Mumbai Film Company. The historical action drama is slated for release on May 1, 2026, and will be released in six languages: Marathi, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam.

Also Read: Ajay Devgn and Riteish Deshmukh starrer Raid 2 to premiere on Netflix on June 26

Paresh Rawal was back in the news yesterday, May 29, when he said in a podcast that his issues with Hera Pheri 3 team have been resolved. In the same podcast, hosted by Himanshu Mehta, he also talked about what has gone wrong with Hindi cinema.

Paresh Rawal began by saying, “The choice of subject (is to blame). Also, OTT ne do saal logon ko maze karwaaye lockdown mein. It led to a change in the taste of the audience and the makers haven’t been able to understand the same. Janta bahut aage nikal gayi hai. Some commercial film might work in between but if you keep churning same kind of films, you are bound to fail miserably. I am not saying commercial films shouldn’t be made. But a lot of effort should go into making it. Yeh nahin ki thokampatti karo.”

He further said, “Also, the stardom now will be limited. It won’t go for a long time. Now, every Friday, the star changes.”

Paresh Rawal also slammed inflated ticket rates, “Down South, there’s a slab. The prices can’t be more than Rs. 160 or Rs. 200. If the rate goes beyond that slab, then the films won’t work. If the aam junta shuns your film and only the rich class endorses your films, then it’s wrong.”

He also criticized the recliner seats section in multiplexes, “You are supposed to watch a film while sitting. Let ke nahin dekhi jaati. You haven’t come to a spa, you have come to see a film! Also, waiters keep roaming around. We have to tell them ‘Hatt, hatt’. Arre it’s a film, not a wedding event. Because of all this gandagi – gold class et al – you don’t feel like going to cinemas.”

He further explained, “It’s okay to sit comfortably on a seat. But why sit (lying down) with a pillow? Aise hi baithna hai toh spa mein jao ya fir mujra dekhne jao (laughs)!”

Paresh Rawal continued while also touching upon the high prices of food and beverages, “If a middle-class family, comprising 5-6 members, go to watch a film, unke Rs. 5000-6000 toh yuh nikal jaate hai. Also, there’s no guarantee that the film will satisfy you. On top of that, the kids will of course ask for popcorn, soda and ice cream (which also adds to the expenditure).”

Also Read: BREAKING: Baburao returns; Paresh Rawal reveals that Hera Pheri 3 issue has been resolved

Despite their debut projects receiving lukewarm responses, star kids Rasha Thadani and Ibrahim Ali Khan continue to enjoy significant popularity on social media. Now, there’s an exciting update for their fans—if reports are to be believed, the two are all set to share screen space for the first time in an upcoming film.

According to a report by Mid-Day, a source close to the production revealed, “Ibrahim and Rasha have been doing reading sessions and workshops. The makers were clear that they didn’t want just a glamorous pair, but two actors who could tap into the awkward, exhilarating energy of first love. Rasha and Ibrahim clicked from their very first meeting.” The source further added, “While he debuted with a rom-com, Ibrahim will be seen in intense roles in Sarzameen and Diler, the latter featuring him as a marathoner. After those two outings, this film—with its coming-of-age arc—will showcase a softer and more relatable side of him.”

If confirmed, this project would mark Ibrahim’s second foray into the romantic genre. His debut film Naadanaiyaan, which was released directly on Netflix, was a romantic comedy. However, his performance received mixed to negative feedback, with critics pointing out issues with his expressions, dialogue delivery, and dubbing.

On the other hand, Rasha made her debut in the theatrical release Azaad, which also introduced Ajay Devgn’s nephew, Aaman Devgn. While the film didn’t fare well at the box office, Rasha’s performance was appreciated by audiences.

It will certainly be interesting to see Rasha and Ibrahim come together for a romantic drama. As of now, there has been no official confirmation or denial from the actors or the makers. Fans will have to wait for an official announcement.

Also Read: Ibrahim Ali Khan misses Sara Ali Khan in London, pens adorable poem in response to her post; watch

Over the weekend, the sudden death of actress and television personality Shefali Jariwala received widespread media attention. While the exact cause of her death remains unclear, condolences from her peers and fans continue to pour in online. Among those who expressed their grief was Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who shared her shock over the untimely passing of the Kaanta Laga star. For those unaware, Shefali made a cameo appearance in Priyanka’s film Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, which also starred Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar.

On June 29, Priyanka took to her Instagram Stories to share a portrait photo of Shefali, accompanied by a heartfelt caption: “So shook. She was too young. Sending condolences to Parag and the family.”

Shefali was rushed to the hospital from her residence in Andheri on June 27 after her health suddenly deteriorated. However, she was declared dead on arrival. As per reports, her post-mortem findings have ruled out any foul play, and an Accidental Death Report (ADR) has been filed. The investigation is ongoing to determine the precise cause of her death.

Shefali is survived by her husband, actor Parag Tyagi. A new statement from an Amboli police officer revealed, “The doctor informed us that they suspect the cause of death could be a dip in her blood pressure.”

Also Read: Varun Dhawan SLAMS insensitive media coverage following Shefali Jariwala’s death: “Why do you have to cover someone’s grief?”

Filmmaker Anil Sharma took a break from his patriotic action films and came up with an emotional family drama in the form of Apne. The film brought together Dharmendra with his two sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol for the first time while it also starred Katrina Kaif and Shilpa Shetty in pivotal roles.

Veteran legend Dharmendra went down memory lane on Apne as the film completed 18 years today.

He said, “Apne is a film I am extremely proud of. It brought me and my two sons together. (Director) Anil Sharma wrote a script that did justice to all three of our characters. I remember we felt like a family on and off screen while shooting Apne.”

Speaking about the film’s sequel, Dharmendra added, “We have asked Anil to write a sequel. And he is in the process of writing Apne 2.” The sequel will also star Sunny Deol’s elder son Karan Deol. He was launched in 2019 with the romantic drama Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas.

Also Read: Dharmendra opens up on his youthful spirit; says, “Many people call me old, but I am still young”

Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan has paid a heartfelt tribute to his son Abhishek Bachchan on the milestone of completing 25 years in the film industry, publicly bowing to him and showering praise.

A video montage recently surfaced featuring Abhishek in various iconic roles over the years. The caption accompanying it read, “Celebrating 25 years of @juniorbachchan, the man who mastered wit, timing, and that unbeatable comic swag. Here’s to the laughs that never missed!”

Reacting to the tribute, Amitabh wrote in a social media post, “Is Variety ko maine pranaam karta hoon, aur apne putra ki sarahna karta hoon. Jee haan, pita hoon main uska, aur mere liye mera putra Abhishek sarahna karne yogya hai …(I bow to this variety and I praise my son. Yes, I’m his father, and for me, my son Abhishek is worthy of praise).”

T 5425 - ek chap ke kuch hi dinon mein , release hone waali hai .. aur ek aur nayi film ki shuruaat ho gayi hai .. pehla din film 'KING' ki shooting ... My blessings Bhaiyu .. love and more ❤️ And one more film shooting is complete and ready and coming soon .. my prayers ever… — Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) June 28, 2025

The proud father went on to extend his blessings for Abhishek’s future projects, referencing multiple films in progress. In another post, Amitabh wrote, “Ek chap ke kuch hi dinon mein, release hone waali hai .. aur ek aur nayi film ki shuruaat ho gayi hai .. pehla din film KING ki shooting … My blessings Bhaiyu .. love and more. And one more film shooting is complete and ready and coming soon .. my prayers ever .”

On the work front, Abhishek made his cinematic debut in Refugee (2000). He gained critical acclaim and Filmfare Awards for early roles in Dhoom (2004), Yuva (2004), Sarkar (2005), and Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006).

His 2024 film I Want to Talk, directed by Shoojit Sircar, won praise for his portrayal of cancer survivor Arjun Sen.

Abhishek is set to star in  Kaalidhar Laapata, slated for ZEE5 release. Additionally, the shooting of King is underway, and another film is in post-production, both strongly endorsed by Amitabh’s blessings.

Also Read : 1 year of Kalki 2898 AD: Inside the world of the Prabhas starrer – The making of India’s most ambitious sci-fi film

Ramesh Sippy's 1975 all-time hit Sholay had its world premiere in Italy, on Friday, in the restored, uncut version at the prestigious Il Cinema Ritrovato Festival in Bologna. The screening, which celebrates the classic film's 50th anniversary, took place on June 27, 2025 at the open-air Piazza Maggiore.

Speaking on the occasion, Sholay’s veteran director Ramesh Sippy said, “Did I ever think Sholay would come so far? Not at all! I remember when we were making it we were confident we were making a good film. But a film that would shatter all records and will go on to be regarded as the one of the greatest films of all times? No, we never expected that.”

He remembers Sholay was declared a flop on release. “The reviews were negative. There was no audience. But it picked up (at the boxoffice) in the second week,” he said.

Ramesh Sippy, who made other noteworthy films such as Andaz, Shakti and Shaan, refuses to acknowledge Sholay as his favourite film. “I put in an equal amount of effort in making my other films. If they didn’t turn out to be Sholay, it doesn’t mean they were films made with less concentration. Blockbusters, like disasters, are not planned,” he said.

Asked to name one favourite character in Sholay, Ramesh Sippy replied, “Gabbar Singh, of course. He is everyone’s favourite. Everyone, including Amitabh Bachchan, wanted to play him.”

Also Read: Sholay’s 50th anniversary celebration at Raj Mandir Jaipur: Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Princess Diya Kumari hails Ramesh Sippy, Sooraj Barjatya: “NO Hollywood film can match Sholay or Hum Aapke Hain Koun”

Readers may recall that television couple Puja Banerjee and Kunal Verma were recently accused of serious charges by Bengali film producer Shyam Sunder Dey, who alleged that they kidnapped him in Goa and extorted Rs 23 lakh. Now, a couple of weeks after the news broke online, the couple has finally broken their silence.

Puja recently took to her social media handle to share a note addressing the situation. “Going through the toughest time of our lives. To those who are standing by us — we will be forever grateful. And to those who believe in the lies spread against us — God bless them too. I believe in God, and you know, GOD IS WATCHING,” her note read.

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Puja Banerjee (@banerjeepuja)

While many of her followers expressed support, some remained confused and concerned about the unfolding situation.

For context, earlier this month, Shyam Sunder Dey spoke to the Times of India, claiming that he met Puja in Goa and was later taken to a villa, where he was held against his will. He alleged, “I stayed at the villa from June 1 to June 4. I wasn’t allowed to leave. Every day, I tried to reason with Puja and Kunal. I reminded them that we were like family and pleaded with them to stop. But all I faced were threats.”

According to Dey, he managed to use a spare phone to send his location to his wife. He also secretly recorded a video in the bathroom and forwarded it to her. Following this, his wife contacted the police, and based on her complaint, he was rescued from the Goa villa on June 4.

Puja, Kunal, and their associate Piyush Kothari have since been booked under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including charges related to abduction, extortion, criminal intimidation, and wrongful confinement.

In a Facebook post, Dey’s wife Malabika further alleged that Puja and Kunal had threatened to frame the filmmaker in a false drug case if he didn’t pay them. She claimed that the couple forced him to transfer Rs 23 lakh out of the Rs 64 lakh they had allegedly demanded.

Also Read: Telly couple Kunal Verma and Puja Banerjee open up about financial scam by trusted friend; say, “We have to start from zero, and we won’t give up”

Ever since the trailer of Sardaar Ji 3 was released, Diljit Dosanjh has remained in the headlines. While some are calling for a ban on the actor-singer, others are empathizing with the producers, citing their lack of control over the recent conflict. Now, renowned writer and lyricist Javed Akhtar has weighed in on the controversy surrounding the release of Sardaar Ji 3.

Speaking at NDTV’s Creators Manch, Akhtar said, “Ab kya karein bechara. The movie was shot earlier. Usko pata toh nahin tha ki aisa hoga. Ismein Pakistani aadmi ka paisa toh nahin doobega, Hindustani ka paisa doobega. Toh phir kya faayda? (Translation: “What can he do now? The film was shot earlier. He didn’t know this would happen. No Pakistani money is at stake, only Indian money is. So what’s the point of halting it?)”

For the uninitiated, both the film and Diljit are facing backlash over the casting of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in an Indian production. The criticism intensified after the Pahalgam terror attack, which was followed by India’s counter-operation, Operation Sindoor. Hania Aamir was among several Pakistani artists who publicly criticized the operation, further fuelling outrage.

He further added, “Usko pehle pata hota yeh hone wala hai, toh woh thodi na leta Pakistani actress. I think the government and the censor board should look at the situation with a little sympathy. And say that don’t do this again, but since you made this film before, release it. But it should not happen again.”

Akhtar’s remarks come at a time when Diljit Dosanjh is under increasing scrutiny. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) recently sent a letter to filmmaker Imtiaz Ali, urging him to cut ties with the singer-actor. Imtiaz is working with Diljit on an upcoming untitled film, which is set for a Baisakhi 2026 release.

Amid the ongoing controversy, there were also reports suggesting that Diljit had been dropped from Border 2. However, these reports were later denied. As of now, Diljit Dosanjh has not publicly addressed the situation.

It’s worth noting that, due to rising Indo-Pak tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack, the makers of Sardaar Ji 3 opted for an overseas-only release. The film was released internationally on June 27, 2025, skipping its domestic release entirely.

Also Read: Mika Singh urges Diljit Dosanjh to apologise over Hania Aamir’s casting in Sardaar Ji 3: “He must apologise and remove all the objectionable scenes from the movie”

Shefali Jariwala, best known for her appearance in the iconic music video ‘Kaanta Laga’, passed away on June 27, 2025, at the age of 42.

According to news agency ANI, "Mumbai Police received information about this at 1 a.m. Her body has been sent to Cooper Hospital for postmortem. The cause of death is not yet clear." However, the All Indian Cine Workers Association has claimed that Shefali Jariwala died due to a heart attack. Fans will have to wait for an official confirmation from the authorities or her husband, actor Parag Tyagi.

Shefali Jariwala is no longer with us. Gone too soon at just 42 due to a sudden heart attack. It’s hard to believe she’s gone. May her soul rest in peace, and may God give strength to her family during this heartbreaking time.#RIPShefaliJariwala #GoneTooSoon #RestInPeace… pic.twitter.com/ZUnI3WlETr

— All Indian Cine Workers Association (@AICWAOfficial) June 28, 2025

For those unfamiliar, Shefali rose to fame with her dance performance in 'Kaanta Laga.' Following the song’s success, she went on to participate in several reality shows, including Nach Baliye 5, Nach Baliye 7 (alongside Parag Tyagi), and Bigg Boss 13. Shefali had a strong social media presence, with 3.3 million followers on Instagram and 135k on X (formerly Twitter).

Notably, her last tweet was a heartfelt tribute to the late actor and her ex-boyfriend, Sidharth Shukla. The post, shared on September 2, 2024, featured a photo of the two hugging inside the Bigg Boss 13 house, accompanied by the caption: “Thinking of you today mere dost.”

Thinking of you today mere dost @sidharth_shukla ❤️ pic.twitter.com/sZNv6Ft1hG — Shefali Jariwala (@shefalijariwala) September 2, 2024

The news of Shefali’s sudden passing has shocked the film and television industry. Colleagues, co-stars, and friends took to social media to express their grief. Bigg Boss fame Aly Goni wrote on X, “Shocked and saddened to hear about Shefali Jariwala’s sudden demise. Life is so unpredictable. Rest in peace.”

Yeh Hai Mohabbatein actress Divyanka Tripathi shared, “It’s unbelievable. We are shocked and sad for the family.”

Singer Mika Singh also mourned her loss, writing, “I’m deeply shocked, saddened, and feeling a heavy heart… Our beloved star and my dearest friend @shefalijariwala has left us. Still can’t believe it. You will always be remembered for your grace, smile, and spirit. Om Shanti.”

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Kaanta Laga girl Shefali Jariwala REACTS to paparazzi shooting her backside; says, “I have never felt disrespected by them”

Bollywood superstar Kareena Kapoor Khan recently offered an intimate glimpse into her life as a working mother—and the small tensions brewing at home. In a candid chat with Vicky Kaushal, she revealed how her career commitments have begun to test her sons’ patience, especially after her husband’s sudden absence due to filming.

In a conversation hosted by The Hollywood Reporter India, Vicky asked Kareena how her children handle her being away for shoots.

“It gets tough. This year, Saif went out and shot for two films, so they were used to Mumma being home. Now, if I go to shoot—like for a couple of days, when I’m shooting for ads, 10–15 days a month—they’re constantly irritated. They’re always like, ‘Where is Amma?’,” Kareena said.

Clearly, the kids had grown accustomed to Mumma’s presence. When Kareena had a similar workload—advertising commitments that pulled her away for extended stretches—Taimur and Jeh struggled to understand her absence. It’s a relatable scenario for many working families, albeit with a Bollywood twist.

Kareena then shed light on how her husband, actor Saif Ali Khan, has become the fun parent in her stead, “They love it when Saif is there, because Saif is such a lovely father, and he is a hands-on father. Also, they get extra TV time when he is around. My elder one loves to play guitar and drums with Saif. When I am not around, they always get extra TV time. The father always spoils them; otherwise, I am always like ‘Go to bed’,” she added.

Kareena doesn’t sugarcoat it—she’s the bedtime enforcer, while Saif plays dad the kids adore. More screen time, more play, fewer sleep reminders—a contrast that Taimur and Jeh clearly prefer on days when Mumma is absent.

Despite occasional toddler tantrums, Kareena’s commitment to both career and family remains unwavering. Her transparency reinforces that even Bollywood’s brightest faces pause when family calls—and sometimes miss their mum.

Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan got married in 2012. Fondly known as ‘Saifeena’ by their fans, the couple first crossed paths while working on the film Tashan in 2008, and their bond quickly turned romantic. They became parents to their first son, Taimur Ali Khan, in 2016, followed by the birth of their second son, Jehangir Ali Khan (Jeh), in 2021.

On the work front, Kareena Kapoor is set to team up with Malayalam star Prithviraj Sukumaran for the first time in Daayra. The film, directed by Meghna Gulzar, will tackle intense themes of crime and justice while shedding light on pressing and disturbing social issues. Currently in pre-production, the project is co-written by Meghna Gulzar, Yash Keswani, and Sima Agarwal.

Also Read : Kareena Kapoor Khan calls Vicky Kaushal ‘The best actor of this generation’; praises his bold film choices

The mythological-horror film Maa was released today, June 27, and it has caught attention due to the genre, trailer, concept and association of Kajol. The film begins with the mention of Sujoy Ghosh and his director-daughter Diya Annapurna Ghosh under ‘Special Thanks’. It's sure to make a lot of people curious about the same as Sujoy is not associated with the project in any capacity.

This writer, too, was very curious and reached out exclusively to Sujoy Ghosh to understand the reason behind his and Diya’s mention. Sujoy, who is currently in London, explained, “My daughter Diya held the rights to the title ‘Maa’. She wanted to make a film with that title. One day, Ajay called me and expressed the desire to have the title for his film. I asked Diya about it. She agreed to part with the title. Her script is still under development and it’ll take time before her film can go on floors. On the other hand, Ajay and his team were all set to roll. Hence, we decided to live and let live (smiles).”

He added, “We’ll now think of some other title for our film.”

Sujoy Ghosh also revealed, “Diya is a fan of Ajay Devgn. We are also his fans. Diya was bowled over by the fact that Ajay Devgn asked her for the title rights. It was a true fan moment for her (laughs).”

Maa is backed by Jio Studios and Devgn Films and is directed by Vishal Furia. It also stars Ronit Roy, Kherin Sharma, Indraneil Sengupta and Dibyendu Bhattacharya in leading roles.

Diya Annapurna Ghosh, meanwhile, debuted as a director with the Zee5 flick Bob Biswas (2021) starring Abhishek Bachchan and Chitrangda Singh. It was a spin-off to the 2012 acclaimed thriller, Kahaani, which was incidentally directed by Sujoy Ghosh.

As for Sujoy Ghosh, he last directed Jaane Jaan (2023), starring Kareena Kapoor Khan, Vijay Varma and Jaideep Ahlawat. It dropped directly on Netflix and was one of the most-viewed films on the streaming giant that year.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: No cuts, no ‘A’ rating – Kajol-starrer Maa is a RARE horror film to be awarded with a U/A certificate

Actor Ajay Devgn paid tribute to his late father Veeru Devgn on his birth anniversary. On Wednesday, he shared a black-and-white photo on Instagram, writing, “You recognised the hero in me long before the world did. Happy Birthday, dad. I miss you always.”

Kajol also paid a heartfelt tribute to Veeru Devgn. She posted a black-and-white photo of the late action director with the caption, “Thinking of you on this special day.”

Netizens flooded the comments section with love and admiration. One user wrote, “Amazing pic… Ajay sir.” Another fan commented, “Legend Action Guru Ji.”

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn)

Veeru Devgn was a renowned action director in the film industry, having worked on over 200 films, including Lal Baadshah, Mr Natwarlal, Phool Aur Kaante, and many others. In 1999, he made his directorial debut with Hindustan Ki Kasam, which featured Ajay Devgn, Amitabh Bachchan, and Manisha Koirala in lead roles.

After struggling with breathing issues and multiple health complications for an extended period, the veteran action director passed away on the morning of May 27, 2019, at his Mumbai residence.

On the work front, Ajay Devgn recently announced the release date of Son of Sardar 2, describing it as “a return of Sardaar.”

The first instalment of Son of Sardaar, directed by Ashwani Dhir, starred Ajay Devgn alongside Sonakshi Sinha. The story followed Jassi, a man who returns to his ancestral village in Punjab and finds himself caught in the middle of a long-standing family feud.

Ajay Devgn was last seen in Raid 2, which hit theatres on May 1. In the film, he shared screen space with Riteish Deshmukh.

Produced by Bhushan Kumar, Kumar Mangat Pathak, Abhishek Pathak, and Krishan Kumar, the sequel was directed by Raj Kumar Gupta. The film continues the narrative of the 2018 crime thriller, known for its intense portrayal of tax raids and corruption. Vaani Kapoor and Rajat Kapoor are also part of the film.

Ajay Devgn’s 2018 film Raid featured Saurabh Shukla and Ileana D'Cruz alongside him. Inspired by a real-life income tax raid from the 1980s, the film saw Ileana portraying Ajay's wife.

Also Read : Kajol shares the secret to her married life with Ajay Devgn: “It is partial deafness and selective amnesia”

Kajol, celebrated for her sharp wit and enduring charm, recently shared a playful yet meaningful perspective on maintaining a strong marriage. In a new interview, the Kuch Kuch Hota Hai actress revealed her personal secret to a lasting and happy relationship with her husband, actor Ajay Devgn.

In an interview with Mashable India, Kajol opened up about the amusing contrast in her relationship with husband Ajay Devgn—while he prefers to stay quiet, she enjoys talking. When asked how they manage their differences, she humorously replied, “Oh, I say that quite often—the secret to a happy marriage is partial deafness and selective amnesia.”

Kajol went on to explain with a laugh, “Kuch cheezein bhoolni bohot zaruri hai, aur kuch cheezein na sunni bohot zaruri hai.”

In the same interview, Kajol also revealed Ajay Devgn’s hidden culinary talent. She shared that Ajay is one of the best cooks she’s come across. “Unki khaasiyat hai, vo kisi bhi cheez ko ek baar taste karte hai, he would know how to make it exactly the same,” she said, adding, “He would never tell you his secret ingredients for his recipes.”

Kajol and Ajay Devgn have been married for over two decades. Their first meeting took place on the sets of Hulchul in 1995. After dating for nearly four years, the couple tied the knot in 1999. Over the years, they’ve managed to juggle thriving film careers while raising their two children—Nysa, born in 2003, and Yug, born in 2010. The duo has also shared the screen in nine films, including hits like Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha, Ishq, Dil Kya Kare, Raju Chacha, and U, Me Aur Hum.

Also Read : Kajol recalls feeling isolated on Ishq sets: “Aamir was very friendly with the director and so was Juhi”

Paresh Rawal played a key role in the Hera Pheri series, and his departure from the upcoming third installment surprised many fans. Actress Sonakshi Sinha shared a similar sentiment, expressing that she couldn't picture Hera Pheri without the veteran actor.

In an interview with IANS, Sonakshi Sinha shared, “I can't imagine Hera Pheri 3 without Paresh Rawal.” She also emphasized that his presence was essential to maintaining the essence and appeal of the beloved comedy series.

Sonakshi, who is set to appear next in the supernatural thriller Nikita Roy, spoke about her “fantastic” experience working with Paresh Rawal on the film. She said, “I think it was such an honour for me to share screen space with an actor of his calibre. And, you know, in terms of his body of work and how amazing he is, it was an amazing experience for me.”

Kussh S Sinha, the director of Nikita Roy and Sonakshi Sinha's brother, also spoke highly of Paresh Rawal, offering nothing but praise for the veteran actor.

In an interview with ETimes, Kussh S Sinha expressed his gratitude for having Paresh Rawal join Nikita Roy, saying, “I feel extremely fortunate that we just had to have two meetings with him and he was on board. That gave me confidence when he came on board.”

He further praised the veteran actor, adding, “He is spoilt for choice. Because Paresh ji is such a capable actor, any director would want to work with him. 99 percent of the industry would want to work with Paresh Rawal ji.”

As per reports, Paresh Rawal exited Hera Pheri 3 due to creative differences and financial issues. However, in May, he dismissed these claims through a post on X.

In his statement, Paresh Rawal clarified, “I wish to put it on record that my decision to step away from Hera Pheri 3 was not due to creative differences. I reiterate that there are no creative disagreements with the filmmaker. I hold immense love, respect, and faith in Mr Priyadarshan, the film director.”

Meanwhile, Nikita Roy, starring Sonakshi Sinha, also features Arjun Rampal in a significant role. The film is scheduled for a theatrical release on June 27.

Also Read : Sonakshi Sinha reflects on Salman Khan’s unexpected role in her love story with Zaheer Iqbal: “It was because of him that we met”

Emraan Hashmi, who was diagnosed with dengue on May 28 while filming his upcoming pan-Indian film They Call Him OG, has recovered and is back on set. He has resumed shooting in Mumbai.

Emraan Hashmi shared, “I am back in action, and it feels good! I took some time off to recover from dengue, but now I am fully recovered and back on set. A big thank you to everyone for all the love and thoughtful messages! I am excited to get back to the hustle and bring something exciting to the screen soon.”

It is worth mentioning here that Bollywood Hungama was the first publication to report on Emraan's health. A well-placed industry source told us, "Emraan Hashmi was shooting for OG in Aarey Colony, Goregaon, Mumbai. That’s where he contracted the disease. He was not feeling well and had dengue-like symptoms. On the recommendation of the doctors, he got his tests done. The test confirmed that he is suffering from dengue."

Speaking of the project, OG will mark Emraan Hashmi’s debut in Telugu cinema. The film also stars Pawan Kalyan in the leading role, along with Priyanka Mohan as the female lead. Meanwhile, Emraan will essay the role of the antagonist. OG is all set to release in cinemas worldwide on September 25. It is produced by DVV Entertainment of RRR (2022) fame and directed by Sujeeth of Saaho (2019) fame.

Also Read: Emraan Hashmi to begin shooting Awarapan 2 in July after two-year script refinement; says the film “picked up over time through the internet, YouTube, and Torrent”

Cricket and cinema hold a special place in the hearts of Indians, and when the two worlds collide, the excitement among fans is palpable. After successful biopics on Indian cricketers like MS Dhoni and Kapil Dev, audiences have been eagerly awaiting the Sourav Ganguly biopic. Now, it appears the wait is finally over.

In a recent conversation with NDTV, Rajkummar Rao officially confirmed that he will be playing the role of former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly in the much-anticipated biopic. “Now that Dada has already said it, let me also make it official — yes, I am playing him in his biopic,” Rao said. “I am nervous... It's a huge responsibility, but it's going to be a lot of fun,” he added.

Speculations around the casting had been circulating for a while, with names like Ranbir Kapoor and Ayushmann Khurrana also being considered. However, Ganguly himself seemed to have endorsed Rao recently, giving a strong indication of the actor’s selection.

Just a few days ago, in an interaction with PTI, Ganguly had spoken about the film’s progress. “It's going well. It will be released next December. Shooting starts in January. The pre-production, story writing, and scripting take a lot of time. Shooting doesn't take that much time — it's about three months — and then the post-production takes time,” the former cricketer said.

Rajkummar Rao’s casting comes fresh off the heels of his recent appearance in Mr. & Mrs. Mahi, a fictional sports drama centred around cricket. Currently, he is busy promoting his upcoming film Maalik, which is slated for theatrical release on July 11.

Also Read: Rajkummar Rao grows his beard for 80 days for Maalik, fans can’t get enough

After a fantastic last week for Bollywood thanks to the Aamir Khan-starrer Sitaare Zameen Par, the trade and industry now gears up for another exciting film, Maa. The trailer of the film caught attention due to the casting of Kajol, the horror genre, and the subject. The only concern was that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) might ask for several cuts and even after doing so, they might award an ‘A’ certificate to the film. But with this film, the CBFC has given a pleasant surprise to one and all.

As per the cut list, the CBFC has passed the film without a single audio or visual cut. A source told Bollywood Hungama, “With CBFC, one can never know. In Sitaare Zameen Par, the members asked for Michael Jackson to be replaced by ‘lovebirds’ and ‘Business Woman’ was changed to ‘Business Person’. That and the insistence on adding a quote from the Prime Minister led to a storm. Hence, the fear was that when a clean film like Sitaare Zameen Par gets such cuts, what would happen to Maa which is a horror flick.”

The source continued, “However, the CBFC’s Examining Committee didn’t cut a single shot, though a few scenes are disturbing. And that’s not all. They also allowed the film to have a U/A 16+ rating. This means that the under-18 crowd can also view this film.”

This is a rarity because most horror or supernatural films are given an ‘A’ certificate like Chhorii 2 (2025), 1920: Horrors Of The Heart (2023), Bhoot: Part One – The Haunted Ship (2020), Amavas (2019), Ghost (2019), Tumbbad (2018) etc. The only other supernatural Hindi film of recent times which didn’t get an adults-only certificate was Shaitaan (2024); like Maa, it was also backed by Devgn Films and Jio Studios. Horror comedies, meanwhile, are passed with a U/A certificate though.

Coming back to Maa, the CBFC, however, simply asked the makers to increase the disclaimer length up to readable time and also asked them to add about "anti-girl child and human sacrifice" details. Lastly, as per the rules in force since 2021, the makers were told to mention the title of the film in Hindi as well.

Once these changes were made, the censor certificate was handed to the makers of Maa on June 20. The length of the film, as mentioned on the censor certificate, is 135.35 minutes, that is, 2 hours 15 minutes and 35 seconds.

Maa releases in cinemas on June 27.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Jitin Gulati shares his excitement about being part of Kajol starrer Maa; says, “It was an easy yes”

Punjabi singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh, who made a notable debut at the Met Gala 2025, has opened up about his experience at the global fashion spectacle and shared a heartwarming anecdote involving Bollywood icon Priyanka Chopra Jonas. Dosanjh, who is among the few Indian entertainers to have walked the prestigious Met Gala red carpet, took to social media shortly after the event to share behind-the-scenes glimpses. But in a recent interview with BBC Asian Network, the Chamkila actor reflected on his emotional moment with Priyanka Chopra at the venue.

“Thanks to Priyanka Chopra,” Diljit recalled. “Main jab gaya toh voh vahan thi already and Priyanka also came to me and said, ‘Diljit main idhar hi bethi hun, tereko kisi bhi cheez ki zarurat ho just say PC and main jaldi se aajaungi.’ Aur mera tabhi mann bhar aaya tha.” (Translation: “When I arrived, she was already there. She came to me and said, ‘Diljit, I’m sitting right here. If you need anything, just say PC and I’ll be there immediately.’ That filled my heart.”)

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by DILJIT DOSANJH (@diljitdosanjh)

Dosanjh, who admitted to feeling slightly out of place at such a high-profile global event, also shared another meaningful encounter. “When I went to my table, there was another Sardar boy who helped me a lot. I didn’t know anyone there. I hadn’t been to any parties before. But he came to my table and served me everything. He was actually serving food there,” the actor said, visibly moved.

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by DILJIT DOSANJH (@diljitdosanjh)

Sardaar Ji 3 Release Update Amid Backlash On the professional front, Diljit is awaiting the release of Sardaar Ji 3, a Punjabi horror-comedy slated to premiere on June 27. However, the film has been surrounded by controversy due to the casting of Pakistani actress Hania Aamir. In light of recent geopolitical tensions, including the Pahalgam terror attack, the filmmakers have decided not to release the film in India. Instead, it will be released exclusively in overseas markets.

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by DILJIT DOSANJH (@diljitdosanjh)

Despite this decision, the makers and Dosanjh himself have come under fire from a section of netizens and film industry representatives, with calls to boycott the film due to its collaboration with a Pakistani artist.

Also Read: Ashoke Pandit calls for boycott of Diljit Dosanjh over Sardaar Ji 3 collaboration with Pakistani actress Hania Aamir