Indus Chronicles

India’s exhibition landscape is witnessing a groundbreaking moment as Excel Entertainment and Trigger Happy Studios’ upcoming war epic 120 Bahadur becomes the first film in the country to release across defence theatres nationwide. This landmark initiative, enabled through PictureTime’s mobile cinema network, ensures that a film honouring unparalleled courage will directly reach the brave hearts it pays tribute to.

The Farhan Akhtar-starrer is set to screen exclusively for the defence community in more than 800 cinema halls across India when it opens globally on November 21. The rollout, executed by PictureTime in collaboration with GenSync Brat Media, marks a major leap in accessibility, bringing high-quality cinematic experiences to soldiers and their families posted in remote and previously underserved regions.

Explaining the scale and impact of the initiative, Sushil Chaudhary, Founder-CEO of PictureTime, highlighted the long-standing gap in entertainment access for armed forces personnel. “There are 1.5 million active soldiers and over six million viewers. But only 30 percent of India’s 20-million strong veteran and family audience has access to defense cinemas. We aim to expand the ecosystem to additionally reach the underserved 70% and we begin with a bang with 120 Bahadur, a film we know will deeply resonate with the forces,” Chaudhary said.

Excel Entertainment CEO Vishal Ramchandani echoed this sentiment, emphasising the emotional significance of the film’s defence-first release. “120 Bahadur honours the courage and sacrifice of our armed forces. We feel truly privileged that the soldiers whose spirit the film celebrates will be watching it with their families. Our sincere thanks to PictureTime for facilitating this screening for those who serve the nation.”

Based on the heroic Battle of Rezang La, 120 Bahadur features a strong ensemble cast including Raashii Khanna, Sparsh Walia, Vivan Bhatena, Dhanveer Singh, Digvijay Pratap, Sahib Verma, Ankit Siwach, Devendra Ahirwar, Ashutosh Shukla, Brijesh Karanwal, Atul Singh, along with senior officers Ajinkya Deo and Eijaz Khan.

Directed by Razneesh ‘Razy’ Ghai and produced by Ritesh Sidhwani, Farhan Akhtar, and Amit Chandrra, 120 Bahadur releases in cinemas on November 21, 2025.

Also Read: 120 Bahadur to hold paid previews 3 DAYS before release; Excel Entertainment & Trigger Happy Studios announce historic nationwide screenings on Nov 18, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rajshri Productions

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

Balaji Telefilms

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

The Viral Fever (TVF)

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

Dashami Creations

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

Drishyam Films (and N2O Films)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

S S Rajamouli, M M Keeravani, Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, Prithviraj Sukumaran and others attended the grand Globetrotter event in Hyderabad. At this event, Rajamouli announced that his film Varanasi will be the first film of Indian cinema to be filmed in IMAX.

S S Rajamouli came on stage and explained that certain films, which are released in IMAX screens, are “blown up”. He said, “That is not true IMAX.” He also said that his films like Baahubali and RRR (2022) were in the 1:1.9 format. The 100 feet x 130 feet screen, the biggest ever, behind the blockbuster filmmaker, explained the difference between the aforementioned two formats. Then he showed a visual that covered the whole screen. Rajamouli said, “Our film (Varanasi) will be screened full screen. It is filmed for IMAX!”

He explained, “I'm so proud to say that we are introducing new technology to Telugu Cinema - Premium large-scale format. It is filmed for IMAX.” As expected, the crowd went into a frenzy. S S Rajamouli then asked his team, “Can I have the trailer in full-screen format?”

Sadly, there was a glitch. Rajamouli regretted the error and informed the crowd that 45 generators had been used to power up the screen. After some time, the announcement video was finally played in all its glory and got a roaring response.

Earlier in the day, Prithviraj Sukumaran said how he bagged the film, “The famous S S Rajamouli narration that my friend Prabhas told me so much about, started. 5 minutes into the narration, I was blown away. For the rest of the 3 hours, I heard it not as an actor listening to a narration pitch but more like a little boy who has laid his hands on the next edition of his favourite comic book! The scale, the vision, the ambition – everything was India’s greatest contemporary filmmaking, pushing his own limits to never-before-seen territory.”

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

The ailing iconic actor Dharmendra is back home after being hospitalized for an age-related illness. He is now slowly recovering.

The family is taking it one day at a time. A source from the family told this writer, “If God is willing, we will be celebrating two birthdays next month — Dharamji’s and Esha’s.”

While Dharamji turns 90 on December 8, his daughter Esha, who turned a year older on November 2, has postponed her birthday celebrations until her father’s recovery.

Speaking about Dharamji’s health, Hemaji says, “So far, he is okay. We are taking one day at a time.”

Also Read: Salman Khan praises Dharmendra as biggest inspiration during Dabangg tour: “He is my father…”

Bollywood’s beloved couple Rajkummar Rao and Patralekha marked their fourth wedding anniversary this year, with the happiest milestone of their lives. The duo announced the arrival of their first child, a baby girl, and shared the heartwarming news with their followers through a simple yet emotional text post on Instagram.

They wrote, “We are over the moon. God has blessed us with a baby girl. Blessed Parents – Patralekhaa and Rajkummar,” they wrote, while adding in the caption that this was “the greatest blessing God has given us on our 4th wedding anniversary”. The announcement instantly triggered an outpouring of love from the film fraternity. Vicky Kaushal, Sonam Kapoor Ahuja, Dia Mirza, Ali Fazal, Vaani Kapoor, Esha Gupta and Anil Kapoor were among the first to offer their warm wishes. Kriti Sanon and several others also joined in to congratulate the couple on this new chapter. Varun Dhawan, who recently embraced fatherhood himself, cheered them on with an enthusiastic message as he welcomed them to the “parents club,” a sentiment many fans echoed in the comments.

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Even before the excitement around the announcement settled, Rajkummar’s close friend Farah Khan enriched the celebration further by sharing unseen moments from the couple’s intimate baby shower. The filmmaker-choreographer posted a series of cheerful snapshots featuring Rajkummar and Patralekha twinning in vibrant yellow as they enjoyed the special day surrounded by close friends. The celebration was attended by Huma Qureshi, Saqib Saleem, Sonakshi Sinha and her husband Zaheer Iqbal, among others, keeping the gathering warm, personal and full of laughter.

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Farah’s post also offered a look at the beautifully curated décor and the theme of the bash, which had a bright, festive aesthetic. She even shared glimpses of the extensive food corner, including a tempting spread of chaat and street-style favourites that added a hearty, homely touch to the celebration. Captioning the photos with her trademark humour, she wrote, “The Baby is here!! Congratulations @patralekhaa n @rajkummar_rao .. enjoy this beautiful phase of life n remember for any baby advice.. main hoon na.. P.S – @iamhumaq luckily we just about did the baby shower in time.”

With the arrival of their little girl, Rajkummar Rao and Patralekha step into a new chapter filled with joy and countless firsts. Fans and well-wishers across social media continue to shower the couple with blessings as they embrace parenthood.

Also Read: Rajkummar Rao applauds Huma Qureshi’s performance Maharani 4: “You are killing it with all the amazing work”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yesterday, Bollywood Hungama was the first one to predict that Rizwan Sajan, the founder and chairman of Danube Group, would launch a tower named after Shah Rukh Khan at an event held in Mumbai on November 14. Our news break came true. SRK himself graced the occasion for the launch of the skyscraper, called Shahrukhz By Danube, and as expected, raised laughs and touched hearts with his quotes.

Rizwan Sajan revealed a thoughtful gesture of Shah Rukh, which won hearts, “Once, I was returning from Mumbai. Fortunately, Shah Rukh and Pooja Dadlani were on the same flight. We greeted each other. I was sitting right behind him on the Emirates flight. I called my wife, Sameera, and informed her about it. She's a huge fan of his. She asked me to talk to him. Unfortunately, she is not well. So, she told me, 'Please tell Shah Rukh that I love him and that he should pray for me'. I had reservations about intruding on their privacy. But she insisted.”

Rizwan continued, “I asked Pooja to allow me to speak to Shah Rukh for 2 minutes. When the flight landed, Shah Rukh called me. I gave him my wife's message. Shah Rukh, being humble and so nice as always, asked me when I would reach home. I told him that I'll be home in half an hour. Meanwhile, my son Adel and Sameera were in London. I didn't tell her anything. Once I reached home, I put them on the line. Shah Rukh then came on a Zoom call with her. He spoke to her not just for 5 minutes but for more than 30 long minutes. He gave her solace and good luck. He told her, 'Sameera, you'll be fine'. He also prayed for her. Anybody else in his place would have prayed for my wife's recovery and moved on. But what Shah Rukh did touched the hearts of all of us.”

Rizwan added, “Once when I was in London, I had a dream at 6 in the morning that I was building this tower and that I named it after Shah Rukh. Sameera jumped at the idea. Adel, Sana and my marketing team were also quite excited. I then messaged Pooja and asked if it (making a tower named after Shah Rukh) was possible. After a few days, she said that it was possible. The next day, I was at Shah Rukh's house and we finalized the project.”

The host of the evening, Farah Khan, raised laughs as she quipped, “When Pooja says 'It’s possible', only then it's possible!”

Also Read: HISTORIC: Dubai Tower named after Shah Rukh Khan, Shahrukhz By Danube, launched; to have a statue of King Khan; SRK says, “Meri maa zinda hoti toh bahut khush hoti!”; adds, “Eid ke chand ki tarah main bahar kam aata hoon. Lekin jab aata hoon, tab kamaal aata hoon!”

The past week has been an emotionally turbulent one for the Deol family, as veteran actor Dharmendra’s hospitalisation sparked widespread concern — and eventually, controversy. After the 88-year-old star was admitted to Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital, a video recorded inside his room began circulating online, triggering outrage among fans and the film fraternity.

According to HT City, police have arrested the hospital staff member responsible for secretly recording and leaking the clip, acting under charges of invasion of privacy. The arrest was made on Thursday, signalling a serious response to what the family and many others deemed a deeply insensitive breach.

The video, which surfaced earlier this week, appeared to show Dharmendra surrounded by his family, including first wife Prakash Kaur. Several medical devices were attached to him, and the atmosphere in the room was visibly tense. Prakash Kaur was seen in tears while Sunny Deol attempted to comfort her. The private moment soon went viral on several social media platforms thus leading to the family taking legal action.

Dharmendra’s health had already been surrounded by speculation and misinformation, with several false reports suggesting a critical condition and even triggering premature death hoaxes. His children, Sunny Deol and Esha Deol, repeatedly urged fans not to pay attention to rumours, sharing reassurances and requesting calm. The wave of inaccurate updates also deeply distressed Hema Malini who criticised sections of the media for what she described as “insensitive coverage” during a vulnerable time for the family.

On Wednesday, more concrete information emerged when reports confirmed that Dharmendra had been discharged. The Deol family released a collective statement addressing fans and the press. “Mr. Dharmendra has been discharged from the hospital and will continue his recovery at home,” the note read. “We kindly request the media and the public to refrain from any further speculation and to respect his and the family's privacy during this time. We appreciate everyone's love, prayers, and good wishes for his continued recovery, good health, and long life. Please respect him because he loves you.”

With the arrest now made and Dharmendra recuperating at home, the family hopes the focus will return to his recovery rather than sensationalism. For fans across the country, the priority remains the beloved actor’s well-being — and the hope that he returns to good health soon.

Also Read: Dharmendra discharged from hospital; family requests for privacy

Ranbir Kapoor, who has long maintained an air of mystery around his social media presence, finally lifted the curtain during a recent event in Dubai, where he appeared alongside Alia Bhatt. When host Kris Fade posed the question he admits he has been bombarded with for over a decade — whether he is on Instagram — the actor responded with rare candour, mixed with his trademark humour.

Clearing the air, Ranbir admitted that while he is not officially on Instagram, he does have a “Finsta,” a private, anonymous account, further explaining the reason for that to be, “You know, because there's such amazing people in the world who do such amazing inspiration stuff. So I do want to follow them”. He added, “Because I'm an actor, I didn't want to officially be on Instagram. Then I have a responsibility to really show myself off to the world. And I felt that I already have a medium which is acting and in movies. And that's enough for me to show myself to the world.”

His honesty was met with cheers, prompting Ranbir to lighten the moment further. “You see, I’ve answered this question so many times and I always have a different answer. It may not be the truth,” he joked. “But I have to come up with a different answer because otherwise I’d seem boring because it’s been 10 years and I’ve always been asked this question.”

In one of the most heartwarming takeaways, Ranbir revealed that he once made a reel with his daughter for his Finsta, though the clip remains unseen by the world. “Actually, in my Finsta account, I did make a reel with my daughter. But I have no followers, so it’s just for the effort,” he said.

Alia Bhatt then jumped in with a playful complaint of her own. “He wouldn’t even let me follow him,” she laughed. “He’s like, no, because if you follow me, everyone will follow me. So I’m like peeking into his phone. He’s got like all of two reels on his Finsta account that only he and maybe two people would see. Alright, well, we’ll work it out.”

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On the work front, Ranbir Kapoor has a packed slate ahead. He is gearing up for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love & War, co-starring Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal. He will also be seen in Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana, featuring Sai Pallavi, Yash and Sunny Deol. Additionally, the actor is reportedly associated with Dhoom 4 and is expected to return in the Animal sequel, Animal Park.

With this candid confession, Ranbir’s elusive online persona becomes even more intriguing — and fans may now be more curious than ever about what really goes on inside that secret Finsta.

Also Read: Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt’s chemistry shines in new luxury Ad for Damac Islands 2

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

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

Sanya Malhotra

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

Konkona Sen Sharma

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

Prajakta Koli

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

Tanya Maniktala

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

Shalini Pandey

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

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

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

Bollywood actor Arjun Kapoor took the stage at the FICCI Young Leaders Summit in Mumbai and delivered a candid and emotional talk on his struggles with obesity, mental health and the profound loss of his mother Mona Shourie Kapoor. He stressed the importance of normalising therapy and embracing vulnerability as a strength rather than a weakness.

Kapoor revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic was a turning point for him. “I started therapy after realising that I hadn’t taken care of myself for a decade.” He also reflected on the emotional storm of his mother’s death in 2012, saying, “I was mourning and celebrating at the same time. I became a star overnight, but I was only running away from my pain.”

On his weight battle, Kapoor shared, “Losing 50 kilos took me four years. It was as much a mental battle as a physical one. I was lucky to have my mother’s support, but many people don’t have that kind of emotional or financial backing. When you lose your backbone at 25, what can the world do to you?”

He urged younger people to value mental health and therapy. “There’s nothing wrong with being vulnerable,” Kapoor emphasised, adding that “the strongest people are those who can acknowledge their emotions.” He described therapy as a “safe outlet for expression, helping individuals feel empowered and sensible.”

In closing, he encouraged the audience to “wear their emotions with pride” and insisted that one “can be emotional and still be powerful.”

Kapoor’s comments come at a time when mental-health dialogue in Bollywood is growing more open, and his personal confession adds a strong voice to the discussion.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jaideep Ahlawat

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

Kajol

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

Manoj Bajpayee

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

Sunny Kaushal

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

Jyotika

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

Abhishek Banerjee

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

Zahan Kapoor

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

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

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

Siddhant Chaturvedi has impressed audiences ever since he made his film debut with Gully Boy (2019). Recently, he proved his worth yet again with Dhadak 2 (2025). Bollywood Hungama has learned that he has now bagged a film based on the legendary director, actor, producer and writer V Shantaram. The talented performer will play the lead role in this film, which has been titled Chitrapati V Shantaram.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “This will be Siddhant’s biggest film to date and also his most ambitious one. With his past work, he has made it clear that he has oodles of talent. This motivated the makers of Chitrapati V Shantaram to sign him for the lead role. The film is in pre-production right now and Siddhant is working very hard to get into the character.”

The source further said, “V Shantaram’s contribution to the Indian film industry is immense and with this film, the younger generation will learn about it. Chitrapati V Shantaram will throw light on how this man, born in abject poverty in Kolhapur, learned filmmaking under Baburao Painter in Pune, and then left an unforgettable mark in the Hindi film industry with movies like Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje (1955), Do Aankhen Barah Haath (1957), etc. This film will also educate viewers that he was a trendsetter - he was the first one to cast women, the first one to sell film music rights and the first filmmaker to attempt a colour film. His films, made at Prabhat Studios, won praise at Cannes, Venice and Berlin Film Festivals and was also honoured with a Golden Globe in the year 1959. Not many are aware that Charlie Chaplin had praised V Shantaram's work and also about his rivalry with Bombay's (present-day Mumbai) elite filmmakers. Hence, the biopic will not just be enlightening but also entertaining and dramatic.”

Also Read: Aamir Khan and Rajkumar Hirani’s Dadasaheb Phalke Biopic shelved due to script issues

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

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

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

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  A post shared by Anshula Kapoor (@anshulakapoor)

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

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  A post shared by Arjun Kapoor (@arjunkapoor)

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

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  A post shared by Sanjay Kapoor (@sanjaykapoor2500)

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  A post shared by anilskapoor (@anilskapoor)

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

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

Shefali Shah’s portrayal of DCP—now DIG—Vartika Chaturvedi has long been one of the strongest pillars of Delhi Crime, a series that has earned global acclaim and remains India’s only International Emmy Award-winning show. With Season 3 gearing up for release, anticipation is at an all-time high, and Shefali’s recent fan interaction has further fuelled excitement around the upcoming chapter.

During an Instagram Q&A, a fan asked her about the most fulfilling moment she has experienced while playing Vartika. Shefali responded with characteristic honesty, saying the “love and respect” she continues to receive from viewers means the most to her, adding that being addressed as “Madam Sir” has become a cherished sentiment over the years. Her response underlines the emotional bond she shares with audiences—a connection strengthened since Delhi Crime first debuted.

The much-awaited Season 3 trailer released earlier this month, offering a glimpse into what is being described as the show’s most expansive narrative yet. Moving beyond Delhi, the new season widens its world across Assam, Rohtak, and several other regions as the investigation stretches across state lines. Produced by Golden Karavan and SK Global Entertainment, and directed by Tanuj Chopra, the series also brings together a compelling ensemble cast including Rasika Dugal, Rajesh Tailang, Huma Qureshi, Sayani Gupta, Mita Vashisht, Anshumaan Pushkar, and Kelly Dorji.

At the heart of the story is DIG Vartika Chaturvedi, who begins probing a string of unexplained disappearances. As she and her team dig deeper, they uncover a chilling pattern pointing to systemic rot fuelled by fear, corruption, and silence. The investigation eventually reveals one recurring name across multiple cities—Badi Didi, played by Huma Qureshi. Described as ruthless, strategic, and perpetually ahead of the system, she emerges as the silent architect of a far-reaching criminal network.

What follows is an intense psychological standoff between two formidable women, each driven by conviction and unwilling to back down. With Shefali Shah bringing her trademark depth, restraint, and empathy to Vartika, the new season promises a gripping clash of ideologies as much as a crime thriller.

As Delhi Crime 3 prepares to return, Shefali’s reflections highlight why Vartika Chaturvedi remains one of the most respected and beloved characters in Indian storytelling—steadfast, human, and unafraid to confront the truth.

Also Read: Shefali Shah slams “unfair” work hours in film industry; questions why overtime and actor delays are normalised