Indus Chronicles

2024’s biggest blockbuster, Pushpa 2 – The Rule, opened with superstar Allu Arjun’s character making a dramatic entry at a port in Japan, hidden inside a container. More than a year later, Allu is finally set to head to the Far East country, this time legally, as he will take part in promotions ahead of the film’s Japan release.

Earlier this month, it was reported that Pushpa 2 - The Rule will have a release in Japan on January 16, 2026, under the title of Pushpa Kunrin. Geek Pictures announced that it’ll release the film in the Asian country along with Shochiku. A special, vibrant poster of Pushpa Kunrin was also unveiled, featuring Allu Arjun in his trademark flamboyant avatar, sunglasses on, floral shirts out, and swagger dialled all the way up. The Japanese-version trailer was also dropped on YouTube the same day.

As expected, the fans of Allu Arjun are excited to learn about this special release of Pushpa 2 - The Rule in Japan. A fan happened to wonder on Twitter if the superstar will be heading to Japan for the promotional event before release and also if he can ask Allu’s manager, Sarath Chandra Naidu, about it. Interestingly, Sarath replied, “Yes, he is”. What was significant was that Sarath Chandra Naidu was not even tagged, but somehow stumbled upon this tweet and even answered the fan query.

Yes, he is. — Sarath Chandra Naidu (@imsarathchandra) December 12, 2025

Needless to say, Sarath’s reply was widely shared and retweeted and it added to the excitement. This would probably be the first ever visit for Allu Arjun in Japan.

Another interesting bit is that a 200-minute version of Pushpa 2 - The Rule was released in India and worldwide. A month later, after the film became a certified record grosser, the makers released a 20-minute-extended version. As per the details released by Geek Pictures, it is this extended version, of 222 minutes, which will be released in Japan.

Also Read: Allu Arjun stuns in new BTS of Thums Up commercial: here’s why fans are obsessed

Actress and global dance sensation Lauren Gottlieb has stepped into a new phase of her life, and she’s done it in the most heartfelt way. Moving into her new home in Mumbai, Lauren chose to mark this joyous milestone by performing a traditional Grah Pooja, grounding the moment in positivity, blessings, and spiritual grace.

Lauren’s relationship with India has always been special, a bond that goes far beyond her successful career in the entertainment industry. Over the years, she has embraced Indian values, traditions, and spirituality as her own. She was once given the loving nickname Foreign Ki Lauren, but India has claimed her and she has happily claimed India right back. Her commitment to honoring Indian culture isn’t symbolic, it’s deeply personal, lived, and celebrated through moments like these over a span of 13 beautiful years.

“I’ve built a life here in India, made memories, and now I’m building a home here once again. Performing a Grah Pooja was my way of inviting peace, gratitude, abundance, and good energy into my new home in Mumbai from day one. India has given me so much love, purpose, and belonging over the years, and incorporating these traditions into my life feels incredibly natural now. In this moment, I just feel incredibly grateful for my journey, for the beautiful people in India who have embraced me like family, and for building a home rooted in positivity and culture. I’m excited for everything this new beginning brings," shares Lauren.

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Lauren Gottlieb (@laurengottlieb)

From her unforgettable performances in ABCD and ABCD 2, to going from contestant to judge on Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, and countless hit music videos to proudly representing Indian cinema at global events, Lauren has consistently been a cultural bridge between India and the world at large. Her electrifying performance of 'Naatu Naatu' on the prestigious Oscars stage, merging both her roots in Bollywood and Hollywood, remains a moment of national pride, showcasing her love and dedication to India on one of the biggest stages ever.

This marks one of the most anticipated comebacks in recent memory. Our beloved dancing diva stepping back into her power, ready to take the world stage by storm once again.

Also Read: ‘Sajri’ girl Lauren Gottlieb feels India is home: “When I stepped foot in India, I went, ‘I’m home!’, I just connect with the people in India”

Google Trends’ 2025 ranking of the most-searched movies in India reveals a strong sweep by Hindi cinema. Titles like Saiyaara, War 2, Sanam Teri Kasam, Housefull 5, Mrs, and the animated epic Mahavatar Narsimha led the country’s search charts, signalling the continued influence of Bollywood across digital spaces. Yet despite this dominance at home, not a single Hindi film — or any Indian film — managed to enter Google’s global Top 10 searched movies list for the year.

In India, Hindi films clearly steered search curiosity. Saiyaara stood out as a top romantic musical and one of Mohit Suri’s most-talked-about releases. War 2, powered by Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR, held its position as one of the year’s most anticipated action spectacles. Sanam Teri Kasam resurfaced strongly thanks to the nostalgia around the 2016 original and renewed discussion ahead of its 2026 sequel.

Comedy franchise Housefull 5 maintained high online attention because of its ensemble cast and franchise legacy, while Mrs, headlined by Sanya Malhotra, sparked conversations for its layered storytelling and digital premiere. Meanwhile, Mahavatar Narsimha made a major impact as the biggest Indian animated success of the year, further fuelling the Hindi-dominant search landscape.

Even with South Indian juggernauts like Kantara Chapter 1, Coolie, Marco, and Game Changer also appearing in the India region list, Hindi titles emerged as the strongest cluster — but the absence of any Indian movie from the global Top 10 points to a demographic difference in what drives worldwide search trends.

As Indian cinema continues to expand its footprint through star-driven blockbusters and high-engagement OTT titles, the 2025 search data highlights a key contrast: strong national popularity doesn’t always translate into global trending status. With several major Hindi films slated for 2026, the coming year will determine whether any homegrown title can finally break into the worldwide search charts.

Also Read: Sony MAX announces World TV Premiere of Saiyaara on December 20

Diljit Dosanjh has officially confirmed his second collaboration with filmmaker Imtiaz Ali through a behind-the-scenes vlog shared from his ongoing shoot in Punjab. Posted on Instagram on Thursday, the video gives fans a rare peek into his daily routine and subtly reveals that he and Imtiaz are reuniting after the massive success of Amar Singh Chamkila.

In the vlog, Diljit is seen beginning his day at 4:30 am, followed by a workout session. He then has breakfast consisting of fruits and protein before heading to the shoot with his team. The video captures him filming in front of a green screen and sharing warm interactions with Imtiaz Ali, confirming that the director is once again helming Diljit’s next, currently untitled, project. After wrapping up the shoot, Diljit returns to a scenic haveli where he is staying during the film’s production. This upcoming film marks the duo’s second association after the critically acclaimed Amar Singh Chamkila, based on the life of the iconic Punjabi musician. Parineeti Chopra starred as Amarjot, Chamkila’s wife. Known as the “Elvis of Punjab,” Chamkila was celebrated for his electrifying performances, bold lyrical style, and cultural impact. His tragic assassination alongside Amarjot in 1988 remains one of Punjabi music’s greatest losses.

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by DILJIT DOSANJH (@diljitdosanjh)

Amar Singh Chamkila earned two nominations at the International Emmy Awards Best Actor for Diljit Dosanjh and Best TV Movie/Mini-Series. Despite not winning, the recognition spotlighted Punjabi and Indian storytelling globally and reinforced the enduring influence of Chamkila’s music. Diljit will next be seen in Border 2, the highly awaited sequel to J.P. Dutta’s 1997 classic. Directed by Anurag Singh, the film features Varun Dhawan, Ahan Shetty, and Diljit in key roles, portraying brave soldiers safeguarding the nation. Produced by T-Series and J.P. Films, Border 2 is slated to release on January 23, 2026, promising large-scale action, emotional intensity, and a patriotic storyline for today’s audiences. Also Read : Team Dhurandhar pulls off a masterstroke: Diljit Dosanjh’s ‘Ez Ez’ launched with live performance at music launch

Ramesh Sippy’s Sholay returns in an enhanced 4K version titled Sholay – The Final Cut, releasing on December 12 across more than a thousand theatres in its fully restored form, literally. The controversial replacement in the trailer of “James Bond” with “Tatya Tope” has also been reversed.

Clarifying the issue, Neeraj Joshi, in charge of Marketing & Strategy, says, “It was ‘Tatya Tope’ in the original version, and then ‘James Bond’ came in to give the dialogue a more viewer-friendly thrust. Now in the version being released, it’s ‘James Bond’ again.”

The new edition of this timeless classic, piloted by director Ramesh Sippy’s nephew Shehzad Sippy, retains its legendary stature, with exquisite production values, dialogues that have become an intrinsic part of India’s pop culture, and performances that remain endlessly resplendent.

Three vital sequences have been added in this restored version, viz. a scene where a brave Sachin Pilgaonkar confronts the dreaded Gabbar. (In the original cut, Sachin’s character Ahmed was shown riding through the ravines and later discovered as a corpse on a horse.)  A moment featuring Thakur’s faithful aide Ramlal (Satyen Kappu) hammering nails into the sole of Thakur’s shoe. And, of course, the spectacular finale where Thakur (Sanjeev Kumar) stomps Gabbar with his spiked shoes.

This gruesome yet glorious climax now ends with a deeply emotional moment of shared grief between Thakur and Veeru never seen before.

The restoration took three years to complete, says Shehzad Sippy, “All credit goes to the original cast and crew for the masterpiece they created, as well as the Film Heritage Foundation for the amazing restoration job they’ve done. I am just happy we have been able to put out the makers’ original vision fifty years later and preserve this classic for future generations. I hope everyone gets to see this on the big screen for the first and hopefully not the last time.”

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Team of Sholay – The Final Cut lands in soup over 1,500-screen release claim; STRUGGLES to get 1,000 screens due to long length, HIGH rates & Dhurandhar wave

Kartik Aaryan sparked widespread speculation online after sharing a brief video featuring acclaimed Hollywood filmmaker Darren Aronofsky. Known for films such as Black Swan, Requiem for a Dream, The Wrestler, and the Academy Award–winning The Whale, Aronofsky’s appearance alongside the Bollywood actor immediately drew attention.

The buzz intensified when Aronofsky commented on Kartik’s post with, “Should we announce our collab here?” The light-hearted remark prompted curiosity about a potential project involving the two. While no official confirmation has been made, the exchange fuelled discussions about the possibility of a cross-industry collaboration.

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by KARTIK AARYAN (@kartikaaryan)

Kartik later posted an Instagram story describing the meeting and expressing his admiration, writing, “Black Swan, The Whale are some of my fav films and you are a legend my friend, it was lovely to have chai with you!! Can't wait for you know what.”

The interaction adds to Kartik Aaryan’s growing visibility outside India. In recent years, the actor has appeared at major international events and expanded his global outreach through endorsements and festival appearances. His meeting with Aronofsky has further contributed to the conversation around Indian performers taking on an increasingly prominent role in global entertainment.

Also Read: SCOOP: Trailer of Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri expected to be launched on December 15 in a GRAND event in the presence of Kartik Aaryan, Ananya Panday

The Bombay High Court has directed actor Shilpa Shetty and her husband, businessman Raj Kundra, to deposit Rs 60 crore or provide a continuous bank guarantee from a nationalised bank before it will consider lifting a Lookout Circular (LOC) restricting their foreign travel. This order came during a hearing on their urgent plea to visit London for Kundra's ailing father, who is undergoing serious medical treatment. The bench of Justices AS Gadkari and RR Bhonsale emphasised the need to demonstrate bona fides amid doubts about their return to India.

The LOC stems from a Rs 60.48 crore fraud complaint filed by Deepak Kothari, Director of UY Industries Pvt Ltd, alleging the couple induced him to invest in their now-defunct Best Deal TV Pvt Ltd between 2015 and 2023. Kothari claims the funds, provided as a loan with Shetty's personal guarantee, were misused amid heavy business losses, with no recovery despite repeated demands. The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Mumbai Police is investigating, having issued the LOC to ensure the couple's availability.​

Senior Advocate Abad Ponda, representing the couple, argued against depositing the full amount, suggesting surety or a reasonable alternative, and stressed the trip's medical urgency with a firm return commitment. The bench rejected partial measures, insisting on the entire sum via deposit or bank guarantee, and scheduled further instructions for next week. The couple denies criminality, calling the case malicious and aimed at extortion by tarnishing their reputation.

Best Deal TV, launched in 2015 with endorsements from Shetty and ex-partner Akshay Kumar, collapsed after burning Rs 100 crore in 18 months, fuelling allegations of fund diversion to personal expenses or linked entities. No arrests have occurred, but prior pleas for quashing the FIR or LOC relief were denied without repayment. The case highlights rising scrutiny on celebrity-backed ventures post-demonetisation business failures.

Also Read: Shilpa Shetty, Raj Kundra move Bombay HC seeking travel permission amid father’s health crisis in London

Actor Kritika Kamra has just made her relationship with one of India’s most loved cricket hosts and content producers, Gaurav Kapur, Instagram official. The actress shared a set of warm, candid pictures from a cosy breakfast date with Gaurav, subtly confirming their romance that fans had been speculating about for months on social media platforms.

Kritika kept the caption understated yet playful, writing only “breakfast with…”, a gentle nod to Gaurav Kapur’s massively popular show Breakfast with Champions. The long-format series, known for its intimate conversations with India’s biggest sporting icons, has made Gaurav one of the most recognisable names in cricket entertainment.

The couple, who have been going steady for the last few months, looked relaxed and happy in the photos, a rare glimpse into their otherwise private equation. With this post, Kritika has officially taken the relationship public.

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Kritika Kamra (@kkamra)

While neither of them has spoken openly about their relationship until now, the post marks a sweet new chapter for the two, confirming what many had sensed already.

Also Read: Kritika Kamra celebrates the power of female-crafted storytelling as she leads Anusha Rizvi’s The Great Shamsuddin Family: “A privilege to be centered in a woman’s story”

The battle over the late industrialist Sunjay Kapur’s Will, has already become one of the most closely watched legal disputes considering its connection to Sunjay’s children with actress Karisma Kapoor, Samaira and Kiaan. It has further intensified in the Delhi High Court as new arguments cast doubt on the credibility of Priya Kapur’s defence.

Senior advocate Mahesh Jethmalani, representing Samaira and Kiaan, dismantled Priya Kapur’s long-standing claim that her 2023 exit from Automotive India Pvt Ltd (AIPL) was a consensual “position swap” with Sunjay. Instead, he described her removal on 31 May 2023 as a direct fallout of marital discord—arguing that corporate filings reveal she neither became Managing Director of Raghuvanshi Investment Pvt Ltd (RIPL) nor held any role in the company.

According to Jethmalani, “Priya was never made the MD of RIPL… She was removed from AIPL,” countering her assertions of a smooth corporate restructuring. The absence of any parallel appointment, he said, undermines her narrative of a stable blended family and seamless transition—an especially relevant point given her repeated references to cordial ties with Karisma Kapoor’s children.

What followed Sunjay’s death in June 2023 is now under even sharper scrutiny. Records presented in court show Priya Kapur was appointed as a director of AIPL a day after his passing, and reinstated herself as Managing Director within a week. Jethmalani argued this reflected not continuity, but opportunism: “She was not in control when Sunjay was alive. She sought control only after his passing.”

The corporate timeline, the plaintiffs argue, aligns too conveniently with the sudden appearance of a contested Will—a document central to determining the legal rights of Sunjay’s heirs, including Karisma’s children.

Complicating matters further is the conduct of the named executor Shradha Suri Marwah, who, according to submissions, neither pursued probate nor took charge of Sunjay’s assets as required. Jethmalani contended that an executor cannot selectively enforce parts of a Will. The court was also told that Shradha claimed to have “deleted” a crucial email attachment containing the alleged Will—despite the email itself being produced in court.

“You cannot delete the attachment without deleting the email,” Jethmalani argued, highlighting what he described as an “impossible explanation” and pointing to the suspicious disappearance of a supporting document that appeared in an earlier email but not in the final version.

With the matter listed again for December 22, the court will continue to examine inconsistencies around Priya’s corporate role, post-death actions, and the missing attachment—issues that now lie at the heart of a dispute carrying significant implications for Sunjay Kapur’s children, his legacy, and the businesses he once helmed.

Also Read: Karisma Kapoor renews Rs 66 lakhs Bandra apartment lease amid battle over Sunjay Kapur’s Rs 30,000-crores estate: Report

Singer Sonu Nigam has reportedly leased out a premium commercial property near Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) for a total rental value of Rs 12.61 crores over a five-year period, as per property registration documents reviewed by Square Yards. The development has not been officially confirmed by the singer or his representatives.

According to the documents, the leased office space is located at Trade Centre BKC in Santacruz East and measures approximately 4,257 sq ft. The property has been taken on lease by Pattni Hospitality, the company behind the Downtown 29 café and bar brand, which has a presence in Mumbai’s hospitality circuit.

The lease agreement was registered on December 2, 2025. As per the registration details, stamp duty of Rs 3.27 lakhs and a registration fee of Rs 1,000 were paid for the transaction. The deal also includes a security deposit of Rs 90 lakhs.

The rental arrangement reportedly begins at Rs 19 lakhs per month for the first year. From the second year onwards, the agreement includes a 5.26 per cent escalation, taking the monthly rent to around Rs 20 lakh in Year 2, with proportionate increases continuing over the remaining lease term.

Trade Centre BKC is among the prominent commercial developments in the Santacruz East–BKC belt, an area that has seen sustained demand from corporate offices, financial institutions, and hospitality brands due to its proximity to Mumbai’s financial district.

Also Read: Sonu Nigam delivers 3-hour power-packed set at Satrangi Re Hyderabad; extends concert after fans demand more

Rajkumar Hirani’s blockbuster film 3 Idiots, starring Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor, R. Madhavan, and Sharman Joshi, first released in 2009. Even after 15 years, the film continues to be celebrated for its humor, memorable performances, and strong social message, making it relevant for audiences across generations. Now, fans of the iconic movie have a reason to rejoice as the story is set to return with a sequel.

According to a report by Pinkvilla, the script for 3 Idiots 2 has been finalized by Rajkumar Hirani, and the project is slated to go on floors in 2026. The sequel will bring back the original star cast, including Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, R. Madhavan, and Sharman Joshi, promising to recreate the magic that made the first film a cult classic.

While Hirani had been toying with the idea of a sequel for a long time, he decided to revisit it only recently after his Dadasaheb Phalke biopic went on hold. “He dedicated time to expand the 3 Idiots sequel into a full-fledged screenplay. Hirani always had a seed of an idea for 3 Idiots 2, but he wanted it to be perfect and something that would stand up to the legacy of the original," an insider revealed.

The report also mentions that Aamir Khan and Rajkumar Hirani have temporarily shelved the Dadasaheb Phalke biopic as they aren’t satisfied with the script.

While details of 3 Idiots 2’s storyline are still under wraps, it is expected to follow the original characters fifteen years later, exploring their journeys with a mix of humor, emotion, and life lessons. The announcement has already created massive excitement among fans, who are eager to witness the reunion of Rancho, Farhan, Raju, and Pia. With Hirani at the helm, the sequel is expected to honor the legacy of the original while adding fresh humor and emotional depth.

Also Read : Aamir Khan gets candid on finding love with Gauri Spratt at 60: “She brings a lot of calm, she brings a lot of steadiness”

Dhurandhar is all over the internet and it has become a big talking point thanks to its real-life references, performances, certain moments and of course the music. A day after its release on December 5, the song ‘FA9LA’, featuring Akshaye Khanna’s character Rehman Dacait, making a dramatic entry at a celebration in Balochistan, has gone viral. The song is very catchy and there’s no way an active social media user hasn’t seen its videos and Reels. In an interview with Mid-Day, choreographer Vijay Ganguly shared some interesting trivia about working on the track.

Vijay Ganguly began by saying that the dance was done spontaneously by Akshaye Khanna. He said, “Originally, he was supposed to enter, walk through the dancers, and sit on the throne. Seeing the scene’s mood and the dancers’ performance, the fantastic actor that Akshaye is, he said he would dance a bit when he walks in. None of us knew what he was going to do. Akshaye entered the scene, took it from that point, and spontaneously performed.”

Director Aditya Dhar has recreated Balochistan, Pakistan, in the union territory of Ladakh. The breathtaking place is notorious for high-altitude sickness, and sadly, Akshaye Khanna fell victim to it. As a result, the dashing and talented actor had to carry an oxygen mask and an oxygen cylinder.

Vijay Ganguly stated, “Akshaye would carry a small oxygen cylinder with him. When we were shooting this song, his oxygen level had dropped. So, after every shot, he would put the oxygen mask on. He did the sequence unflinchingly, and then went home.”

Vijay Ganguly also told Mid-Day that he had worked in Chhaava (2025), which also starred Akshaye Khanna. He stated, “Akshaye didn’t have any dancing to do in Chhaava. When he is on set, there is not much interaction outside of work. He is completely immersed in his character, thinking and trying to see what more he can do to enhance his scene.”

Also Read: Dhurandhar Trailer Out: Akshaye Khanna’s savage new look dominates the buzz

Hema Malini is preparing to host a special prayer meeting in New Delhi in remembrance of her late husband, legendary actor Dharmendra. The gathering will be held with the support of her daughters Esha Deol and Ahana Deol, as well as sons-in-law Bharat Takhtani and Vaibhav Vohra. As per NDTV sources, the prayer meet is scheduled for December 11, 2025 (Thursday), between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM at the Dr Ambedkar International Centre, Janpath, New Delhi.

This Delhi gathering follows the first prayer meet organised by the Deol family on November 27 at Taj Lands End, Mumbai. The memorial event witnessed a significant turnout from the film fraternity. At the venue entrance, Dharmendra’s sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, along with other family members, greeted guests with folded hands as they arrived to honour the late veteran. The tribute ended with a heartfelt musical performance by Sonu Nigam, who sang some of Dharmendra’s most loved songs including ‘Aa Ja Jaane Wale,’ ‘Rahe Na Rahe Hum,’ ‘Aaj Mausam Bada Beimaan Hai,’ and ‘Apne Toh Apne Hote Hain.’

Several well-known Bollywood celebrities attended the Mumbai prayer meet, such as Salman Khan, Aishwarya Rai, Abhishek Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Jackie Shroff, Tiger Shroff, Vidya Balan, Aryan Khan, Vivek Oberoi, Suresh Oberoi, among many others.

In addition to the public tribute, a number of close acquaintances visited Hema Malini privately at her Mumbai residence to offer condolences. Those who met her personally included Mahima Chaudhry, Fardeen Khan, and Sunita Ahuja along with her son Yashvardhan.

Ahead of the upcoming Delhi service, Hema Malini also organised a Gita Paath at her home in Dharmendra’s memory. Meanwhile, Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol marked Dharmendra’s 90th birthday on December 8 by celebrating with fans at the family home.

Also Read : Hema Malini pens heartfelt note remembering Dharmendra on his birth anniversary: “The joyful memories of our life together can never be erased”

The new version of the all-time classic Sholay re-releases on December 12. Titled Sholay –  The Final Cut, it’ll resurrect the neo-classic’s original ending, which has never been shown in movie theatres in the 50 years of the film’s existence.

What has shocked and caused widespread outrage is that one of the many iconic dialogues in Sholay has been altered in the new version. By whose permission? Nobody knows.

Certainly not director Ramesh Sippy or the film’s co-writer Javed Akhtar, who was livid when informed about the altered catchline in Sholay – The Final Cut.

In the said dialogue Basanti (Hema Malini) says, “Bade nishaanchi lagte ho (you seem quite a sharpshooter)” to Veeru (Dharmendra). In reply, Jai (Amitabh Bachchan) jokes, “Haan, James Bond ke pote hain yeh”.

In the trailer of Sholay – The Final Cut, Jai’s dialogue is “Haan, Tatya Tope ke pote hain yeh”!

Fumed Javed saab, “I was not aware of this! You mean to say, they have replaced James Bond with Tatya Tope? What does this mean? And this is just one dialogue. They might have similarly changed other famous lines. The audience won’t accept this.”

Javed saab also wonders by whose consent this change has taken. “Have they spoken to the director (Ramesh Sippy)?”

I informed Javed Saab that no one has spoken to Ramesh Sippy.

“They have certainly not spoken to me or to Salim saab (Khan). We are the writers of those lines that are recited even today by fans of Sholay. In fact, the dialogues of Sholay were so popular that the music company Polydor (now Universal Music) had to release an album of dialogues which sold more than the songs album. No, you can’t tamper with this.”

Also Read: SHOCKING: ‘James Bond’ replaced with ‘Tatya Tope’ in a crucial dialogue; has the team behind Sholay – The Final Cut TAMPERED with the classic?

Ananya Panday has officially been announced as the Global Ambassador for American Eagle marking yet another major milestone in her growing brand journey. After fronting campaigns for some of the world’s biggest names, from luxury houses like Chanel to now one of the most loved denim and lifestyle brands - American Eagle. Ananya continues to stay at the centre of global conversations. Her easy, relatable energy and Gen Z flair make her a natural fit for brands that want to speak directly to the new-age consumer.

Sharing her experience, Ananya Panday said, “Being part of this global campaign feels like a day pulled straight from my off-screen life – easy fits, nothing fussy, and jeans that actually move with me. American Eagle gets that balance of comfort and style so right, and that’s why these pieces feel like my everyday wardrobe.”

It’s exactly this effortless charm that makes brands gravitate toward her. Whether it’s luxury, beauty, lifestyle or now global denim brand, Ananya has quickly become one of the industry’s most dependable and widely loved brand faces.

With every new partnership, she’s proving that her appeal goes beyond stardom — it’s her honesty, her comfort-first approach and her youthful confidence that make her a favourite for both Indian and international brands. One global ambassadorship after another, Ananya Panday is clearly on a continuous rise and there seems to be no slowing down.

Also Read: Kartik Aaryan praises Ananya Panday in Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri: “She’s talented, she keeps working hard on herself”

Ahaan Panday signed as the first ever Brand Ambassador of Harley-Davidson stamping the Gen Z star’s impact on pop culture globally with Saiyaara!

Harley-Davidson, the legendary name in motorcycling and synonymous to biking culture globally, has announced Ahaan Panday as the first ever Brand Ambassador that stamps the Saiyaara star’s impact on pop culture globally! It also marks the brand’s strategic focus towards engaging the next generation of riders across the world.

Recognized as India’s breakthrough Gen Z star as Saiyaara delivered 580 crores at the global box office, Ahaan Panday has rapidly become a cultural force whose influence crosses borders as he appeals to India and South Asian youth worldwide.

A source reveals more about how this landmark deal was struck by Ahaan’s management agency and why YRF Talent planned this to be the first massive endorsement announcement for Ahaan.

A top industry insider who structures deals in celebrity brand endorsement space informed Bollywood Hungama, “Ahaan represents a fearless, future-ready global youth culture of India. His energy and authenticity align seamlessly with Harley-Davidson’s ethos of freedom on one’s own terms. YRF is positioning Ahaan to be the heir apparent in Bollywood. So, the decision is to be selective but iconic for Ahaan with brand endorsements. They wanted everyone to notice Ahaan to be peerless after Saiyaara’s success, and Harley-Davidson is simply in an entirely different league of brands. They never had a brand ambassador, so we can see how the strategy is crystal clear - Ahaan won’t walk the road that others walk on and will not do the routine brands that others have signed. He will only do things that stand out and stand apart.”

The source says, “The germ of this collaboration came when the teams noted the spike in interest for Harley-Davidson as soon as the film released. Social media was filled with conversations about how Ahaan matched the aura and legacy of Harley-Davidson. Some informers tell us that there was a massive surge in interest at the showrooms of Harley-Davidson with people wanting to buy the bike or create content with it during Saiyaara campaign and film’s post release as it became a historic blockbuster.”

The source further says, “Harley-Davidson decided to do something they had never done for India - get a face for the brand! One should recognise

how huge this is and what it signals to the industry about Ahaan! Basically what Harley-Davidson is saying is that they have finally found a face that fits into the brand’s legacy and feel will have a lasting impact that transcends decades. In short, they are saying Ahaan will be the next superstar of this country. Everyone should take notice of this power move by Harley-Davidson. Ahaan’s exclusivity and soaring fandom has been given a hat-tip by this iconic brand and we expect many such global giants to sign him on soon.”

In a landscape where everyone is saying that Bollywood is undergoing a generational change, Ahaan stands out as someone ushering in a new era, a new dawn of stardom with Saiyaara.

Industry, media and audiences see him as a face of the future - not tied to legacy, but aligned with how Gen Z visualises its own icons who make it big themselves with their sheer talent. To millions of young Indians, Ahaan symbolises ambition with relatability, success built from authenticity.

“Ahaan’s next brand announcements are expected to happen in January and February after the Christmas holidays. There are more global campaigns that will be dropped and these brands want to announce him as the face after the clutter Christmas and New Year holidays,” the trade source informs.

Also Read: Ahaan Panday signs his first brand; becomes the brand ambassador for Harley-Davidson India

It’s been more than two months since the release of The Ba***ds Of Bollywood and it continues to be talked about. It was Aryan Khan’s debut vehicle, and he impressed one and all not just with its storytelling but also with its humour and subtle Bollywood references. He recently gave an interview to GQ India, where he shared a very fascinating trivia.

The GQ Interview India revealed that Aryan Khan can mimic really well. On this, Aryan said, “Fun fact, in the show, when Salman Khan says, ‘What party? Bullshit party,’ that’s actually me!”

Besides Shah Rukh Khan, The Ba***ds Of Bollywood had cameos by several other stars including his father, superstar Shah Rukh Khan. The others who make a special appearance are Karan Johar, Ranveer Singh, Siddhant Chaturvedi, Disha Patani, Orry, Shanaya Kapoor, Ibrahim Ali Khan, Rajkummar Rao, Sara Ali Khan, Aamir Khan, S S Rajamouli, Badshah and Ranbir Kapoor. Emraan Hashmi had an extended special appearance and that also became a rage. The actors with the prominent screen presence in The Ba***ds Of Bollywood were Lakshya, Bobby, Sahher Bambba, Anya Singh, Raghav Juyal, Mona Singh, Vijayant Kohli, Manish Chaudhari, Rajat Bedi, and Gautami Kapoor, among others.

On his father, SRK, Aryan Khan stated, “He’s the easiest person to work with. He knows exactly what to do, how to do it. And when he’s on set, everyone else behaves exceptionally well.”

At the recently concluded Bollywood Hungama OTT Fest and India Entertainment Awards, The Ba***ds Of Bollywood won 5 awards – Aryan Khan for Best Director [Original Series], Raghav Juyal for Breakthrough Performer of the Year, Anya Singh for Best Supporting Actor – Female [Original Series] and Rajat Bedi for Best Supporting Actor – Male [Original Series].

To celebrate his victory, Aryan took to his Instagram Stories and re-shared a post originally shared by Red Chillies Entertainment. The image featured his award-winning title card with his portrait, showcasing the golden laurel for “Best Director (Original Series).” Expressing gratitude, Aryan wrote, “Thank you! @realbollywoodhungama”, acknowledging the honour with humility and pride. His story—featuring the award poster—instantly began circulating among fans and entertainment pages, further amplifying the buzz around his big win.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: From Shah Rukh Khan’s guidance to Bobby Deol’s advice, Anya Singh reveals heartwarming side of shooting Aaryan Khan’s The Ba***ds of Bollywood

In a move that signals both star-making ambition and smart brand synergy, Harley-Davidson India has officially signed Saiyaara breakout Ahaan Panday as the new face of the iconic motorcycle brand. The announcement came with the launch of the Harley-Davidson X440 T, a refreshed, muscular variant of the already popular X440 and with it, the arrival of a new youth icon for the Harley tribe.

For Ahaan Panday, who has been riding a wave of attention since his debut in Mohit Suri’s Saiyaara, this marks a major milestone: his first-ever brand endorsement. And it’s a big one. Harley-Davidson, synonymous with freedom, rebellion and a cult-like following, doesn’t often place such early bets on emerging talent. But industry insiders say the pairing makes perfect sense.

The bike boasts upgraded suspension, an enhanced riding stance, new colour palettes, and subtle design tweaks aimed at younger urban riders. Harley-Davidson India executives described the model as a bridge between legacy and modernity a theme mirroring Ahaan’s own positioning in Bollywood.

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Harley-Davidson India (@harleydavidson_india)

The collaboration also hints at Ahaan’s emerging public persona: someone who’s unafraid to sit at the intersection of performance and style. For Harley-Davidson, signing a fresh face rather than an established superstar signals its continued push to stay culturally current and deepen its presence among India’s rapidly expanding young rider community. The brand has been recalibrating its India strategy over the past few years.

With Ahaan stepping in as ambassador, expect a new wave of campaigns across digital and experiential platforms, including content-driven storytelling, lifestyle-led imagery and possible riding collaborations tied to the Saiyaara actor’s personal journey.

For now, the message is clear: Ahaan Panday is shifting gears not just in cinema, but in India’s brand landscape. And Harley-Davidson has found a fresh, market-ready rider to take the X440 T into the next chapter of its India story.

Also Read: Ahaan Panday finally breaks silence on rumoured romance with Aneet Padda: “She’s not my girlfriend”

The Multiplex Association of India (MAI) has issued a strong statement expressing “deep concern” over Netflix’s proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, calling the development a potential setback for India’s theatrical landscape. The industry body, which represents multiplex chains across the country, cautioned that the merger could disrupt the supply of major studio films to cinemas — a key driver for footfalls, revenues and industry stability.

On December 5, Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery announced a landmark agreement valued at an enterprise price of $82.7 billion, marking one of the biggest entertainment mergers to date. The deal, expected to close after the separation of WBD’s Global Networks division in Q3 2026, would bring Warner Bros.’ storied film studios, HBO and HBO Max under Netflix’s umbrella. While Netflix has stated it will maintain Warner Bros.’ theatrical operations, MAI believes the streaming platform’s historical approach to cinema releases raises red flags.

Kamal Gianchandani, President of MAI, underscored the gravity of the situation in a detailed statement. “The Indian theatrical market thrives on choice, scale, and cultural diversity. Warner Bros. has historically been a key partner to Indian cinemas, contributing consistently to our release calendar with successful global and local titles,” he said.

Highlighting the extensive economic footprint of cinemas, Gianchandani added, “Cinemas in India are more than entertainment venues. They are cultural hubs and significant economic contributors. They support millions of livelihoods across production, distribution, exhibition, F&B, and ancillary services.”

MAI stressed that Netflix’s long-standing preference for limited theatrical releases could severely affect the flow of studio content to cinemas. “Netflix has consistently made it clear through its limited and highly restrictive approach to theatrical releases that it does not believe in the cinema-first model,” the statement read.

“If this acquisition proceeds, the risk is two-fold — a meaningful reduction in high-quality content for cinemas, and the potential for shortened or non-existent theatrical windows. This would inevitably impact revenues, limit consumer choice, and weaken the broader ecosystem of film production, distribution, and exhibition in India,” Gianchandani warned.

The association further stated that a consolidation of this scale “warrants careful scrutiny,” adding that it will continue to present its concerns to regulatory authorities in India and abroad.

As the Netflix–Warner Bros. deal continues to generate worldwide debate, MAI’s strong stance highlights the growing tension between streaming-first strategies and the traditional theatrical business — a conflict that could reshape how audiences in India experience global cinema in the years ahead.

Also Read: Netflix set to acquire Warner Bros. in groundbreaking $82.7 billion deal

Next month, NTR Jr will be shooting rigorous action sequences almost through all of December at Ramoji Film City. These sequences are said to be far riskier and more heart-in-the-mouth than anything the superstar has attempted in any of his previous action films.

This time, NTR is using no body double. A source close to the development reveals, “Tarak is very clear that the days of body doubles are over. Even Salman Khan, who has relied on duplicates for most of his stunts so far, is doing his own stunts in his new film. Every superstar is Tom Cruising now—and so is NTR.”

The plan is to shoot these stunt blocks for Prashanth Neel’s film (rumoured to be titled Dragon) for three weeks of night schedules throughout December. However, the timeline may get extended by another week depending on progress.

Interestingly, NTR has reportedly not informed his wife and children about the hazardous stunt work he will be undertaking next month.

Also Read: NTRNeel: Prashanth Neel, Jr NTR film enters its most intense shooting phase yet as extensive night schedules begin this December