Indus Chronicles

Shekhar Suman has essayed roles in diverse genres and yet, it’s his comic timing which got quite talked about and added to his following. His TV Show Movers & Shakers was very popular and the manner in which he roasted politicians and film industry personalities was quite lapped up. Last year, he revealed that he planned to revive Movers & Shakers as well as the other popular comic show, Dekh Bhai Dekh.

Bollywood Hungama spoke exclusively with Shekhar Suman a few weeks ago as part of promotions of his play Ek Mulaqat. When asked about the update on these shows, he said, “The plan is still on. There are many factors which we need to take into account like budget, etc. Sometimes, things don’t fall into place and sometimes they do. It started with Ek Mulaqat and the rest will follow.”

In Movers & Shakers, he used to fearlessly mention names of popular faces and then make fun of them. Is it difficult to make a show of that sort in today’s times? Shekhar Suman confessed, “Yes, it is difficult because the whole democratic structure has changed. I know that how the political landscape has overturned for various reasons. That’s a long story and will require another interview!”

He continued, “But I don’t think that the atmosphere is now conducive for people to talk. With the advent of social media, everyone starts trolling and everyone has an opinion. Then there’s these unknown people; you wonder who is navigating them and who’s managing them from the dark.”

Nevertheless, Shekhar Suman is optimistic, “I can still try. I haven’t given up hope and there’s still scope that we’ll be given a time and date to talk about it in a manner that is acceptable. The earlier Movers & Shakers was very hard-hitting. If you tone it down, then I am sure people are ready. I think Modi government or any government for that matter will be kind enough to take that kind of criticism. If the show is then accepted, it’ll prove once and for all which way we are headed. It’ll also perhaps indicate that things are fine and we were making a deal of everything.”

He continued, “However, I guess people have started using unparliamentary language and they also began abusing. It gave the government or people at the helm of affairs to react adversely. As a result, things are obviously not the same anymore. That’s why, people feel that they don’t have that freedom now. Nevertheless, I still feel I can do it.”

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Shekhar Suman reveals that his film with Parineeti Chopra, Adil Hussain, Amol Palekar titled Reporting Live; Shekhar also states, “If Utsav is remade, Adhyayan should be cast for my role”

This Diwali, it's not just Thama and Kartik Aaryan-Sreeleela’s untitled film that will clash in cinemas. In Maharashtra and certain other centres of the country, Punha Shivajiraje Bhosale will also try its luck. It is the spiritual sequel to the much loved 2009 film, Mi Shivajiraje Bhosale Boltoy; hence, it has generated tremendous excitement, more so after its massy teaser dropped online a few days ago. However, the film got into a controversy after a public notice was published by Everest Entertainment, which produced Mi Shivajiraje Bhosale Boltoy.

As per this notice published in Atul Mohan’s Complete Cinema magazine in the June 28 – July 5, 2025 issue, Everest Entertainment LLP, through their lawyers Bar & Brief Attorneys, informed the public and the film industry that Everest Entertainment is the co-producer and the sole, legal owner of all intellectual property rights related to Mi Shivajiraje Bhosale Boltoy. It also revealed that the ownership covers the world and lasts for 60 years. It further clarified that they are the absolute, beneficial and legal owners of the film’s intellectual property rights, script, music, negatives, etc.

Moreover, the public notice also said that Everest Entertainment has the exclusive rights to produce any sequel or prequel of Mi Shivajiraje Bhosale Boltoy. The notice specifically warned that no one else, including Mahesh Manjrekar, Rahul Sughand, Rahul Puranik, or any third party, has the authority to enter into deals or agreements related to the film’s rights. Any such unauthorized deals would be considered a violation of Everest’s legal ownership.

Additionally, the notice invited any person, company, or entity that believes they have a claim related to the rights of the film, whether by way of assignment, license, sale, pledge, mortgage, litigation, or any other manner, to submit their claim in writing, along with documentary proof, within 14 days from the date of publication of this notice. If no claim was made within this period, it stated that the claim would be treated as waived and that Everest would not be liable or responsible for it. It also stated that without proper documentary evidence, the claims would not be considered.

Bollywood Hungama contacted Mahesh Manjrekar more than once but he was unavailable for comment.

About Mi Shivajiraje Bhosale Boltoy and Punha Shivajiraje Bhosale

Mi Shivajiraje Bhosale Boltoy starred Sachin Khedekar in the role of Dinkar, a common man in the present day who is facing a tough time as a Maharashtrian in Mumbai. When the situation deteriorates and, in frustration, he expresses regret over being born a Maharashtrian, the spirit of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (played by Mahesh Manjrekar) is awakened. He meets Dinkar and blasts him for his thoughts. He guides him and what happens next forms the rest of the film.

Mi Shivajiraje Bhosale Boltoy also featured Priya Bapat, Siddharth Jadhav, Vineet Kumar Singh, Kamlesh Sawant, Reema Lagoo and others. It was the costliest Marathi film of the time and also an all-time grosser. It was released on April 3, 2009, the same day when the producers went on a strike triggered by a dispute with multiplex cinemas over profit-sharing. As a result, no other major film was released for the next two months. This and the extremely positive word of mouth gave Mi Shivajiraje Bhosale Boltoy a clean run.

Punha Shivajiraje Bhosale will feature Siddharth Bodke in the role of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Mahesh Manjrekar had written and backed the 2009 film. But he has not only written but also directed the spiritual sequel while Rahul Puranik and Rahul Sugandh are the producers. The other actors in the film are Sayaji Shinde, Treesha Thosar, Bhargav Jagtap, Vikram Gaikwad, Mangesh Desai and Shashank Shende.

Also Read: Mahesh Manjrekar credits Maharashtra audience for Chhaava’s Rs 800 crore success; says, “Vicky Kaushal can never say that people came to see him”

Bollywood’s powerhouse siblings Huma Qureshi and Saqib Saleem have taken a giant leap in their careers — not in front of the camera, but behind it. On Friday, the duo announced their maiden project under their newly launched production house Saleem Siblings, titled Baby Do Die Do.

But here’s the twist: while the film’s teaser has been unveiled, it’s not available online just yet. Staying true to their love for the big screen, the pair revealed via Instagram that the teaser will only be shown in theatres for now — specifically, before Rajkummar Rao’s latest release Maalik, in which Huma Qureshi features in a dance number.

In the video post, Huma and Saqib expressed their excitement and said, “Since the film is made for the big screen, we wanted the first glimpse to be experienced the same way.” As for the digital release of the teaser, Saqib Saleem added that fans will have to wait just a little longer, though no date has been confirmed yet.

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The announcement comes just a day after the siblings introduced their banner Saleem Siblings with an emotionally charged note that quickly went viral among fans and industry insiders alike.

“We came to Mumbai with a suitcase full of dreams and a heart full of madness. No roadmap, no guarantees… Just this wild, stubborn belief that one day we will also get a chance to tell the kind of stories we grew up watching. Stories meant for the big screen.” “And somehow, between shared rickshaws, cramped auditions, and nights where all we had was each other’s faith we found our voice. One that was loud, messy, loving, and full of fight. Today, that voice becomes a reality. Tomorrow, it becomes a glimpse,” the note read.

It continued, “Saleem Siblings isn’t just a company. It’s the name of every silly childhood game, every heartbreak we turned into a scene, every dinner table fight that ended in a script. It’s our love letter to cinema, to where we come from, and where we still hope to go. We’re nervous. We’re excited. We’re ridiculously emotional. And we know we can’t do this without you – the ones who’ve believed in us, rooted for us, laughed with us, fought with us, and more than anything… watched us grow.”

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With Baby Do Die Do already making waves for its teaser strategy and heartfelt origin, audiences are eager to see what the Saleem Siblings bring to the silver screen.

Also Read: Huma Qureshi sets the screen on fire with ‘Dil Thaam Ke’ from Rajkummar Rao starrer Maalik, watch

In the first week of June 2025, Bollywood Hungama was the first one to report that Dinesh Vijan of Maddock Films is considering to push his upcoming romantic drama, Param Sundari, from July 25 to August 29. With July 25 approaching and no sign of the promotions of Param Sundari commencing, it became clear that the Sidharth Malhotra-Janhvi Kapoor film will not arrive in cinemas on its original release date. Yesterday, Maddock Films, in a unique manner, revealed that their film has indeed been pushed.

Maalik, starring Rajkummar Rao, released in cinemas on July 11 and two teasers were attached with its prints. One was that of Param Sundari. The asset was the same as the one that came in May except for the release date. Instead of ‘This July’, ‘This August’ was mentioned in the new teaser. The original teaser ends with the text ‘In cinemas, July 25’. The revised teaser’s slate simply mentions ‘In cinemas worldwide this August’.

This has raised questions about whether Param Sundari will be released on August 29 or some other date next month. A trade source told Bollywood Hungama, “August 29 seems like the likely date. If they had planned to release the film on August 1, there would have been some developments by now in terms of promotions and distribution deals. That hasn’t happened so far. It probably won’t arrive in cinemas on August 14 as the two biggies, War 2 and Coolie, have already taken over the coveted slot. And as it usually happens, it is not advisable to release a film a week before or after the clash of two biggies. This leaves August 29 as the apt date for Param Sundari. Nevertheless, let’s wait for the official announcement.”

Besides Param Sundari, the other teaser that moviegoers got a chance to see with Maalik is that of Baby Do Die Do. It is produced by Huma Qureshi and Saqib Saleem under the banner of Saleem Siblings. The one-minute teaser focuses on Huma’s character and describes her as ‘1st desi female assassin’. The film also stars Sikandar Kher and his voice can be heard. The asset ends with the lines ‘Badi story, badi screen pe, coming soon, baby!’

Yesterday, Huma Qureshi and Saqib Saleem took to Instagram to inform their followers that the teaser of Baby Do Die Do can be experienced only in cinemas for the time being. They also revealed that the first 5000 people who join their broadcast channel will exclusively get a chance to see it before it drops digitally.

Also Read: SCOOP: Dinesh Vijan contemplating pushing Param Sundari’s release; Ajay Devgn’s Son Of Sardaar 2 might be the only Hindi release on July 25

Aamir Khan is currently riding high on the critical and commercial success of his latest outing Sitaare Zameen Par, the spiritual successor to his iconic Taare Zameen Par (2007). He got talking about the film in an interview with us.

Aamir, when you converted the Spanish film Champions into an Indian Hindi film, why did you choose basketball? Because basketball is not such a popular game in India Yes, yes, you're right. Well, the original had basketball. That is one. So, we started with basketball. We did experiment with a couple of choices. We thought that because we are showing that it's a team of neurodivergent players. So, if the game is very complex, then usually neurodivergent people would not enter that space of that game. So, basketball is a game where you know, you have to bounce the ball and you have to put it in a basket. It's a fairly simple requirement. You know, in terms of what you're supposed to do. Now, we thought of one alternative, to be honest.

Football? No, not football, not football. Kabbaddi, because Kabbaddi is a very Indian game. Yeah, but Kabaddi, you know, they are, specially abled people. Playing Kabbaddi would have been a little difficult. The reason we did not go with Kabaddi finally, is because Kabbaddi is a body contact sport. And you see, a lot of them are averse to, you know, pushing and shoving and grabbing and pulling the leg and all that. It doesn't come naturally to them. It's a very rugged game. (With) body contact. Which is why we dropped that idea, just to tell you, since you asked. I mean, it's a, it's an unusual question to ask, you know. But we did first try and see if we can put in another game, which would connect better with Indians. But then we dropped all of that and stuck to basketball. Because of these reasons, you know, we said that, let it be the original. Yeah, Kabaddi would have made it more popular. Because everyone in India plays Kabaddi.

I don’t know, I have never played Kabaddi. Have you? Well, I have, you know, in school and all that, you know, it's like a national sport in many ways. It is considered a national sport. But anyway, basketball did bring in a sense of unusualness into the whole.

Was there a bond beyond the camera with these neuro-challenged heroes? I'm very close to all of them, all of the ten heroes, as you call them, are very close to me. I had a great working relationship with all ten of them. And I have to say that having worked for 35 years now, uh, I've worked up until now, typically I've worked with neurotypical actors. This was the first time I was working with ten neuro divergent actors. And I have to say the experience was mind blowing, mind blowing.

Why is that? Because you see, they don't have any ego. They don't come with any preconceived heart, pure heart. They come, they're joyful. They're happy to be on set. They're happy to be working on a film. Their energy is very infectious. I'm very close to all of them.

Also Read: Sitaare Zameen Par OTT rights not pre-sold – a new precedent or does it raise risk? Trade experts share their views: “We make such poor films that makers feel that it won’t run beyond 2 weeks. Hence, they are okay releasing it on OTT in 4 weeks; hum soch mein beimaan ho gaye”

The Indian Express Group and SCREEN on Wednesday announced the launch of SCREEN Academy, a not-for-profit initiative aimed at supporting and highlighting emerging talent in Indian cinema.

With an exciting and fast-growing list of diverse members including Cannes and Oscar winners, Guneet Monga, Payal Kapadia and Resul Pookutty, and veteran screenwriter Anjum Rajabali, the Academy, working with India’s top film institutes, will identify and empower the next generation of filmmakers through education, representation, and recognition.

Established with the generous support of Founding Patron Abhishek Lodha of the Lodha Foundation, SCREEN Academy will annually provide postgraduate fellowships to students nominated by their film schools, who demonstrate exceptional storytelling potential but lack the financial resources to pursue formal film education.

Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri Devendra Fadnavis said the timing and the location couldn’t be more relevant. “The film industry has an inseparable association with Mumbai. I am thrilled to learn of the inception of the not-for-profit Screen Academy by The Indian Express Group…I am certain that the Indian film industry will benefit immensely from the new filmmaking talent the academy aims to cultivate.”

Said Anant Goenka, Executive Director of The Indian Express Group, who steered the idea of the Academy: "SCREEN Academy represents a bold step toward institutionalising excellence in the entertainment and culture space. We will create an ecosystem that not only celebrates excellence but actively nurtures diverse and promising talent with both financial aid and access."

For Abhishek Lodha, the Academy’s work is key to India’s soft power and growth as a global leader in the  creative arts. "The Lodha Foundation is committed to supporting India’s progress to becoming a developed nation by 2047. Films and creative arts are a key strength of our nation and the SCREEN Academy will play an important role in furthering India’s progress to a global leader in this field. The Lodha Foundation is pleased to partner with the SCREEN Academy in this ambitious initiative.”

The SCREEN Academy Fellowships 2025 will cover full financial support for postgraduate studies at premier institutions, Film and Television Institute of India (Pune), Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (Kolkata), and Whistling Woods International (Mumbai). The Academy plans to expand its footprint across the country and add more film schools going forward.

Beyond funding, SCREEN Academy fellows will benefit from an unprecedented industry mentorship programme featuring India's top studios and most respected film professionals as Academy members. These industry leaders will provide masterclasses, internships, and ongoing professional guidance.

Said Dhiraj Singh, Director, Film and Television Institute of India: “ SCREEN is a very respected name in film journalism. FTII is very happy that a meaningful collaboration is taking shape. I am sure students and the industry will benefit greatly with this scholarship program.”

Samiran Dutta, Director in charge of the Satyajit Ray institute, said the fellowships will plug a vital gap. “We have talent from diverse and unknown parts of India, not only from urban metros, producing great ideas and fabulous stories. Understandably, some of our students find it difficult to negotiate the expenditure of film education. The SCREEN Academy fellowship will help in their quest to make great cinema”

“At Whistling Woods International, we believe that access to quality education can transform lives. This scholarship, in collaboration with the SCREEN Academy, ensures that financial constraints do not come in the way of creativity and ambition. It’s a partnership rooted in shared values — excellence, inclusivity, and a deep commitment to nurturing the storytellers of tomorrow,” said Meghna Ghai Puri, President Whistling Woods International

Selecting the fellows will be a panel headed by Anjum Rajabali, the veteran screenwriter and film academician. “This hugely generous initiative offers much-needed support to young people to avail of formal education in the craft, for which the film, TV, and the OTT sector will be grateful for having access to this talent pool. These scholarships will help in driving up the quality of writing and filmmaking here.”

Long before becoming a global icon with her impressive body of work in international cinema, Priyanka Chopra Jonas carved a niche for herself in Indian films through relentless hard work and dedication. Consistently delivering powerful performances, she won over audiences and made a significant mark at the box office.

One of her most celebrated roles came in Madhur Bhandarkar’s 2008 film Fashion, where she portrayed Meghna Mathur—a small-town girl who rises to fame in the modeling world. Her performance in the film was widely lauded, showcasing her versatility as an actor.

Seventeen years after its release, Priyanka recently looked back on the critically acclaimed film and her co-star Kangana Ranaut, speaking warmly about the experience.

In a recent conversation with Vogue, Priyanka Chopra Jonas reflected on her 2008 film Fashion, she said, “Fashion. This was 2008, around that time, and this is one of my first like female-led movies. I had been in movies for like 4 years or something, so I was really nervous about it, I worked on it for like 6 months. My co-actors are Mugdha Godse and Kangana Ranaut, two really prolific actors from India, and Kangana actually won a really prestigious award called the National Award with me for this movie. It was just a really life changing movie and I had 120 or 110 costume changes in the film, because it was like the life of this model. I remember that was really talked about, that I wore like 110 outfits in this movie, because it was Fashion.”

As a clip from the interview went viral, social media was flooded with heartfelt messages from admirers longing for her return to Bollywood. One user commented, “i miss pc in bollywood ,” while another echoed the sentiment with, “laut aao PC!” A third wrote, “I see this and i suddenly miss watching her in Bollywood..” Another fan remarked, “Miss such actresses who could actually act,” one user added, “Kuch bhi kaho lekin this lady is something else. Apne khud ke dam pe, she has achieved milestones which nepo babies don’t even dare to dream.”

On the work front, Priyanka Chopra Jonas is set to return to Bollywood with the highly anticipated film SSMB29. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker SS Rajamouli, the project will see her star alongside Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu.

Also Read : Amul celebrates Priyanka Chopra as Heads of State premieres on Prime Video

The Brad Pitt-starrer F1: The Movie is running very successfully at the box office, particularly in the IMAX version. The racing saga has emerged as a grand cinematic experience and the experience of watching it in IMAX is something else, resulting in healthy sales in the special format even on the weekdays. Fans of the film were disappointed as the movie was going to have just a 2-week showcasing in IMAX. But now, it has come to light that F1: The Movie has got an extended run.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “F1: The Movie released on June 27 while Superman releases tomorrow, July 11. Hence, it was known from the beginning that the former would be available for just two weeks in the IMAX screens. It was also known that F1: The Movie would be lapped up in the IMAX version. Yet, the response to the film in the 33 IMAX screens in India took everyone by surprise. The film refuses to slow down despite inflated tickets. Even morning shows on weekdays are getting huge occupancy, which is a rarity.”

The source continued, “The collections made it clear that a lot of gas is left in the tank when it comes to F1: The Movie in IMAX. Meanwhile, fans have also been tweeting that the racing flick should continue in the format. But that was not possible due to Superman.”

The source then said, “This is when the studio, Warner Bros, came up with a solution. They have asked IMAX theatres to play an early morning show of F1: The Movie from July 11. Superman’s shows start at 9:00 am or 10:00 am in IMAX. These cinemas were asked to play F1: The Movie 3 ½ hours before the first show of Superman. This means that F1: The Movie might have a show at 6:00 am or even 5:00 am! But Warner has assured cinemas that they’ll get an audience for this film at these unearthly hours as there’s tremendous demand to see the movie in IMAX.”

A trade expert commented, “All theatres might not agree to this idea but most of them will and hence, F1: The Movie will continue in IMAX. From Week 2, F1: The Movie can maybe be played in the usual time slot, depending on how it trends in Week 3. Thankfully, both Superman and F1: The Movie are backed by Warner Bros and this will make it easier for shows to be accommodated.”

The IMAX continues to be a sought-after format, especially for big-budget grand films. However, the IMAX rules are such that they want to ensure that there are not too many IMAX releases at one time. Hence, Jurassic World: Rebirth, which was released between F1: The Movie and Superman, didn’t get a release in IMAX.

On the other hand, a war is brewing between War 2 and Coolie, both of which are all set to release on August 14. War 2 has taken over all the IMAX screens as per an exclusive deal. Last weekend, Bollywood Hungama reported the viral story on how Coolie’s makers inserted the IMAX logo despite no confirmation from IMAX that their film will be released in their screens. It yet again showed how the format has a prestige value and how makers deeply desire that their biggie gets screened in IMAX.

Also Read: Due to TREMENDOUS public demand, 2:00 am show of F1: The Movie in Eros IMAX Mumbai; 100+ shows of Jurassic World: Rebirth added on Saturday

Priyanka Chopra Jonas has once again melted hearts across the internet — this time with a powerful and deeply emotional message about her daughter, Malti Marie Chopra Jonas. The note appears to be a heartfelt tribute to her daughter Malti, whom Priyanka shares with husband Nick Jonas. The couple welcomed Malti via surrogacy in January 2022, and since then, the thrilled parents have often showcased how she has become the centre of their world.

Taking to her Instagram Stories, the global icon and mother-of-one shared a moving statement that quickly went viral, “My daughter walks with a fire I had to fight to find. She’s not my shadow. She is my legacy.”

This isn’t the first time Priyanka has publicly expressed her awe and love for Malti. During her recent appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where she was promoting her action-comedy Heads of State, she opened up about life with her daughter in the most heartwarming way.

“She’s precocious, she’s funny, she’s a little comedian. She knows she’s funny, so that’s even better. Yeah, she’s such a light of our lives right now,” Priyanka shared, her face lighting up while describing her toddler’s personality.

She also gave fans a peek into her family’s current routine. “Nick has been on Broadway for the last five years. We were in New York, hunkered down. I am filming a movie in India, so I fly back and forth from there. So we are based on the East Coast right now, and she’s going to school here. She has her little clique of friends, and her schedule’s even crazier than mine. There are so many classes. Kids do so much… She wants to socialise with other babies.”

Despite her demanding schedule, Priyanka clearly makes time to prioritise motherhood — and the emotional investment shows.

On the professional front, the actress was recently seen in Heads of State alongside John Cena and Idris Elba on Amazon Prime Video. She’s also gearing up for her next action-packed project, The Bluff, a fantasy swashbuckler drama. Back in India, she’s attached to the much-anticipated film SSMB29 with superstar Mahesh Babu and legendary director S.S. Rajamouli. Meanwhile, fans of the spy thriller Citadel can also look forward to Season 2, which is currently in development.

From Hollywood to motherhood, Priyanka Chopra Jonas continues to redefine what it means to be a global powerhouse — and a legacy builder.

Also Read: Priyanka Chopra shares adorable playdate video of daughter Malti with Arpita Khan Sharma’s daughter Ayat

Ranveer Singh, Bollywood’s ever-energetic style icon, has just taken his love for flamboyance to a whole new (and greener) level. The actor has reportedly gifted himself the luxurious and powerful Hummer EV 3X, a high-end electric SUV that comes with a jaw-dropping on-road price tag of Rs. 4.57 crore.

If reports are to be believed, the Hummer EV 3X, which marks Ranveer’s first electric car, was delivered to the actor and his wife Deepika Padukone’s Mumbai residence earlier this week. Paparazzi videos of the massive SUV being rolled into the couple’s driveway have now gone viral, sparking fan frenzy and admiration across social media.

According to reports, while the ex-showroom price of the Hummer EV 3X is approximately Rs. 3.85 crore, the on-road price, including taxes and customisations, has bumped the total cost to around Rs. 4.57 crore. The delivery of this mean machine coincided with Ranveer’s birthday week, making it a grand personal celebration of sorts.

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The ‘power-packed machine’ Hummer EV 3X is no ordinary vehicle — it’s a beast packed with performance and innovation. With three motors powering it, the electric SUV delivers an EPA-estimated range of up to 312 miles on a full charge. What truly sets it apart is its best-in-class 830 horsepower and up to 11,500 lb-ft of torque, ensuring thrilling performance even in an eco-friendly format. Among its many advanced features is Super Cruise®, GM’s hands-free driver assistance technology, making the Hummer EV one of the most futuristic electric vehicles on Indian roads today.

On the professional front, Ranveer Singh is set to surprise fans with a darker, more intense role in Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar. The film features Ranveer in an anti-hero avatar and is slated to hit theatres on December 5. The movie also stars Sanjay Dutt, R Madhavan, Akshaye Khanna, and Arjun Rampal, promising a power-packed cinematic experience.

Whether it's on screen or off, Ranveer Singh continues to redefine extravagance and energy — now, with a side of electric torque.

Also Read: Arjun Rampal on Ranveer Singh’s fiery Dhurandhar look: “Ranveer is in top form…”

The 100th birth anniversary of one of the greatest film personalities ever, Guru Dutt, is celebrated on July 9. He died at the age of just 38 but the contribution he made to cinema has been unforgettable. No wonder that 60 years after his passing, he continues to be talked about and remembered. That’s not all. The biggest of our stars wants to play his role if a biopic on Guru Dutt is made.

On March 22, 2016, a journalist made a tweet that the Guru Dutt and Geeta Dutt story is “ripe for a sensitive biopic made by say Imtiaz Ali or Mani Ratnam”. He added, “And no one other than @iamsrk to play guru dutt. To portray anger, romance, devastation.”

Shah Rukh Khan replied to this tweet, “Absolutely. I should do it. And as u lovingly say my friend my face is like a beautiful poem…in black & white.”

Absolutely. I should do it. And as u lovingly say my friend my face is like a beautiful poem…in black & white. https://t.co/dQf7SgWwZt — Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) March 22, 2016

Less than a year later, during the promotions of his January 2017 release Raees, there were reports of SRK playing Sahir Ludhianvi in a biopic to be made by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. As per reports then, the film was to be called Gustakhiyan. Shah Rukh never commented on it but while speaking to Hindustan Times, he was asked, “You’ve never done a biopic. If you did, who would you like to play?.” He replied, “I’d love to essay Guru Dutt saab’s life”.

Aamir Khan in and as Guru Dutt – the shelved project and a hit magazine cover

On the other hand, fellow superstar Aamir Khan got a golden opportunity to be Guru Dutt, albeit for a photoshoot. He along with Katrina Kaif recreated the iconic Pyaasa (1957) pose of Guru Dutt and Waheeda Rehman. It led to rumours that both actors are remaking the classic tragic saga. But soon, it came to light that the photoshoot was conducted as part of CineBlitz Gold's coffee-table book named Love & Longing in Hindi Cinema, published to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the magazine.

At the event, Aamir Khan said, “I looked at the photograph (of Pyaasa) very closely and I tried to be in that headspace of the photograph and understand what I could feel from watching Guru Dutt ji in that moment.”

Karan Johar, who was present at the event stated, “Aamir portrays Guru Dutt so effortlessly. When I saw the image, I didn’t know it was a part of (a) book. I thought they were coming up with a film on the life of Guru Dutt, which I think is a brilliant idea!”

He added, “This is a superb shot, very reminiscent of (Guru Dutt), who I believe was the king of romance in Indian cinema. Every bit of Chaudhvin Ka Chand (1960), every frame of Pyaasa and every poignancy of Kaagaz Ke Phool (1959) resonates romance. So, I think this is a befitting portrayal of romance.”

V K Murthy, who worked as chief cinematographer on 8 of Guru Dutt’s films, said in a 2010 interview to Hindustan Times that only Aamir Khan can do justice to the role of Guru Dutt in his biopic. He remarked, “I don't get impressed by actors easily but Aamir is in a different league. Lagaan (2001) and Taare Zameen Par (2007) are classics of Indian cinema. Aamir does not follow the Bollywood formula and is very passionate about his work. He reminds me of Guru Dutt…I was very close to Guru Dutt and he was a man of depth. Only a perfectionist like Aamir can do justice to him.”

The project almost got made. Anurag Kashyap had written a script on Guru Dutt’s life and it was to be directed by Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, who now handles Film Heritage Foundation and restores old classics. The project also had the backing of Guru Dutt’s family. At one point, Guru Dutt’s Arun Dutt confessed that Aamir was approached and that he had asked for a script. Sadly, for unknown reasons, the project was shelved.

Interestingly, Aamir was close to Guru Dutt's sister Lalita Lajmi, who was also filmmaker Kalpana Lajmi's mother. Lalita had even made an appearance in Aamir's Taare Zameen Par (2007) in the climax. Kalpana also planned a Guru Dutt biopic and she backed out of it when she heard of the Shivendra Singh Dungarpur project.

Kalpana Lajmi said, “My mother told me that Anurag Kashyap is scripting and Shivendra Singh is directing the film. They've informed my mother that it won't be fictional but a biopic on my uncle. My uncle's only living heir Arun Dutt has also given his nod to the project. So, we're all for it.”

Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan starrer King gears up for major European schedule in August: Report

Shanaya Kapoor, best friend of Ananya Panday and Suhana Khan, is stepping into the world of acting, following the path of her cousins Janhvi Kapoor and Khushi Kapoor. The young star is all set to debut in Bollywood with Santosh Singh’s forthcoming film Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan, where she stars opposite actor Vikrant Massey.

The film's trailer reveals that Vikrant portrays a visually impaired musician, while Shanaya takes on the role of a blindfolded theatre artist. While audiences await the full release to evaluate Shanaya’s performance, many viewers have already praised her on-screen chemistry with Vikrant. The buzz around their pairing has sparked curiosity: how did the two manage to strike such a compelling connection on screen?

In a recent conversation with Filmygyan, Shanaya Kapoor and Vikrant Massey reflected on the process of building comfort and trust while filming intimate scenes for their upcoming movie Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan.

Vikrant opened up about how their bond developed over time and stated, “We've spoken about this. I think it's the trust factor that was built over a point of time. It strikes me that we are both very alike as people. Besides the acting workshop, or you know, chaahe fir woh blind school ki baat ho ya fir you know the challenges as actors we faced, uske alawa when we got to know each other as people, especially during the scene when we opened up as Vikrant and Shanaya and not just as actors, I think that also brought us closer.”

Their shared experiences, both on and off set, seem to have played a significant role in helping them portray a natural and believable connection on screen.

Shanaya agreed as Vikrant further added, “We are very much alike as people, and I think woh jo trust factor humara tab ek doosre pe aaya, mere mann mein at least inke liye woh trust factor tab aaya when I realised that she and I are pretty alike as people and our world view is pretty similar and we are very hungry actors and we want to go out there and give our best. And the only way that can happen is by trusting each other and there's no other way because you have blindfolds on, I can't see anything, so let's empower each other and bring the best from each other.”

With the release of Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan just around the corner on July 11, anticipation is building among fans eager to see the fresh pairing of Shanaya Kapoor and Vikrant Massey on the big screen. The film’s unique premise—featuring Vikrant as a visually impaired musician and Shanaya as a blindfolded theatre artist—has already sparked interest, especially after the trailer showcased their undeniable chemistry.

Also Read : Ananya Panday pens heartfelt note for Shanaya Kapoor ahead of Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan release

Aamir Khan, whose most recent release Sitaare Zameen Par has cracked the success code, is now looking forward to his next screen appearance—this time, sharing the frame with none other than superstar Rajinikanth. Speaking for the first time about the project, Aamir reveals in an exclusive chat with this writer, “Mine is a cameo in a Tamil action thriller directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj. I can’t tell you much about my role, but I come in at a crucial point in the plot.”

On the experience of working alongside the Tamil cinema legend, Aamir adds, “It’s an important cameo—but it is still a cameo. When Lokesh approached me and I found out it was for Rajni Sir’s film, I jumped at it. I’m a huge fan of Rajni Sir. I really love him. The moment I heard it’s his film, I said yes—I’m in.”

Aamir also shared a nostalgic throwback to the early ‘90s, “I worked with Rajni Sir long back in a film called Aatank Hi Aatank. That was an attempt at remaking The Godfather… an attempt that didn’t quite succeed. That was around 30–32 years ago, right at the beginning of my career.”

Also Read: Aamir Khan honours Vishnu Vishal and Jwala Gutta by naming their newborn daughter Mira

The popular television series Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, created by Ekta Kapoor, became a cultural touchstone across generations. Known for being more than just a source of entertainment, the show resonated with audiences as a shared viewing experience. Now, 25 years later, a reboot featuring the return of characters Tulsi and Mihir has been announced, generating significant interest among longtime fans. Ahead of its official release, a leaked image of politician and actor Smriti Irani as Tulsi Virani has surfaced online, much to the excitement of netizens.

From 2000 to 2008, Smriti Irani was a prominent figure on Indian television. She won the Best Actor award five years in a row and was considered the highest-paid female television actor during that time. However, it was her role as Tulsi Virani, opposite Amar Upadhyay’s Mihir, that truly cemented her popularity. Her recently leaked first look from the upcoming reboot has stirred nostalgia among fans. In the image, Irani is seen in a maroon saree with a golden zari border, wearing a large red bindi, traditional jewellery, and her hair styled in a bun with a side parting and sindoor. “Smriti aka Tulsi looks gorgeous,” fans remarked, echoing widespread appreciation online.

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While some speculated whether the leaked image of Smriti Irani was AI-generated, the majority of social media users responded with enthusiasm and nostalgia. One fan commented, “Wow. Nostalgia. With Tulsi’s return, childhood just knocked again,” while another wrote, “Pyaari lag rahi hai Tulsi Mihir Virani so pretty.” A user remarked, “Aaj bhi waise he lagti hai jaise pehle lagti thi Sundar,” and another stated, “Once again she is back to rule in television industry.”

Meanwhile, some users compared the upcoming reboot to Anupamaa, currently one of the most popular shows on television. One comment read, “Tulsi aagyi matlab Anupama ka bura time shuru hogya ab,” while another suggested, “Anupama ko band karo aur iss show ko 10 pm dedo accha hoga.” A viewer even commented, “Replace Anupama plzzz.”

Viewers are now looking forward to the release of Amar Upadhyay’s first look as Mihir in the upcoming reboot.

Also Read : Ram Kapoor faces backlash over Smriti Irani comments in recent interview; netizens react sharply

Tamil actor Vishnu Vishal and badminton champion Jwala Gutta, who welcomed their baby girl on April 22 after four years of marriage, recently held an emotional naming ceremony for their daughter. The couple finally revealed her name, and it was none other than Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan who had the honor of naming the child.

Sharing touching pictures from the ceremony on social media, Jwala Gutta expressed her gratitude and happiness, writing, “Our ‘Mira’! Couldn’t have asked for more!! This journey would have been impossible without u Aamir!! We love you. P.S Thank you for the beautiful and a thoughtful name!!!!”

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Vishnu captioned, “Introducing our MIRA…A big hug to #AamirKhan sir for coming all the way to hyderabad to name our baby. MIRA represents unconditional love and peace. The journey with Aamir sir to this point has been a magical one…”

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The ceremony was marked by warmth and love as close friends and family gathered to celebrate the joyous occasion. Aamir Khan’s involvement in naming the child added a special touch to the event, highlighting the strong bond between the actor and the couple.

Vishnu and Jwala tied the knot in April 2021 in an intimate ceremony held in Hyderabad. They had been in a relationship for almost two years before getting married. Vishnu is an actor, while Jwala is a prominent badminton player.

On the work front, Vishnu Vishal was last seen in Lal Salaam, directed by Aishwarya Rajinikanth. The film included a star-studded cast featuring Rajinikanth, Vikranth, Senthil, and KS Ravikumar, with Vishnu playing a significant role. He is now gearing up for the release of Oho Enthan Baby, set to hit cinemas on July 11. In addition, Vishnu has several upcoming projects, including Irandu Vaanam, Mohandas, and Aaryan.

Also Read : SHOCKING: Did Coolie makers violate IMAX guidelines by using its logo in Aamir Khan’s poster?

Actor Raashii Khanna shared that she has been struggling with travel anxiety after the Air India incident involving the London-bound flight AI171 in Ahmedabad, which has raised concerns about air travel safety. She admitted that recent news reports have intensified her fears, causing her to feel increasingly uneasy while flying.

On Sunday, Raashii posted a series of photos from the airport on Instagram as she got ready to board a flight. She opened up about her ongoing struggle with travel anxiety.

Raashii wrote, “There’s so much unrest in the world… Every flight feels heavier now, not just because of the skies, but because of the headlines we carry with us.”

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She added, “Travel used to be escape. Lately, it feels like holding your breath. Anyone else feeling this travel anxiety too?”

Right after Raashii posted the pictures on Instagram, her social media followers began flooding the comments section with their reactions.

One follower commented, “May Lord Bholenath give you strength from within to face different hurdles in life, including anxiety, as always, everywhere you go! Har Har Mahadev,” while another wrote, “Please do not get worried or anxious @raashiikhanna. Your good karma, Lord Shiv ji whom you pray to, and prayers from your well-wishers—like your family, friends, and me—are always with you! Jai Bholenath.” One person commented, “Why are you feeling stressed yaar? Everything is fine.”

On June 12, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner carrying 242 passengers and crew from Ahmedabad to London crashed into a medical college hostel in Meghaninagar shortly after takeoff. The tragedy resulted in 241 deaths, including 169 Indians, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian. Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, seated in 11A, was the sole survivor with minor injuries. Of the 242 people onboard, only one survived, while the overall death toll reached 260, including those who died on the ground.

Also Read : Raashii Khanna shares BTS glimpses from ongoing shoots: “Stories still becoming”

Ishaan Khatter, the son of actors Neelima Azeem and Rajesh Khattar, may have connections to the film industry, but his early life was modest and away from fame. In a recent interview with Mid-Day, Ishaan shared insights into his childhood, mentioning that he lived in rented houses and had moved 17 times by the time he was 16.

In a conversation, Ishaan, who is Shahid Kapoor’s half-brother, reflected on his childhood in Mumbai. When asked about his early setbacks in life, Ishaan replied, “I failed in school.”

Reflecting on his school years, Ishaan said, “All my schooling was in Juhu. I was in Jamnabai for 10 years. Then I went to a school called Billabong High. For two years I tried to make sense of life as I was used to my friends. I had studied in one school till 8th grade. I always moved homes as we lived in rented houses. It was what people called the Bombay struggling lifestyle. By the time I was 16, I had lived in 17 houses. So, I was changing more houses than my age.”

He further shared, “When I changed school, the one social set I was used to had shifted. I was also making my peace with that... Then I started dancing. I told my mom that when I left Jamnabai in 8th grade, my academics started falling.”

Ishaan's latest appearance was in the Netflix series The Royals, where he starred alongside Bhumi Pednekar. Directed by Priyanka Ghose and Nupur Asthana, the romantic comedy follows the story of a royal family dealing with financial troubles in contemporary India. The cast also includes Nora Fatehi, Zeenat Aman, Vihaan Samat, and Sakshi Tanwar, among others. The show received a mixed response.

Ishaan also drew attention when his film Homebound was showcased at the Cannes Film Festival. The movie, which also stars Janhvi Kapoor and Vishal Jethwa, had its world premiere in the Un Certain Regard section and reportedly received a 9-minute standing ovation. Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, Homebound is backed by Karan Johar.

Also Read : Shahid Kapoor drops hilarious bro-trip video with Ishaan Khatter from Bristol

Actor R Madhavan recently took to social media to praise Priyanka Chopra for her performance in the newly released action-comedy Heads of State. Sharing his thoughts via Instagram Stories, Madhavan lauded Chopra for continuing to break barriers and making Indian audiences proud on the global stage.

In his post, Madhavan wrote, “So proud of you for breaking new grounds and doing all that we dream of. What a wonderful job in the film and you held your own so well… your victory feels personal @priyankachopra.”

Priyanka Chopra responded warmly by reposting his story on her own Instagram handle, adding, “Thank you my friend. Really appreciate your words of encouragement,” along with folded hands and red heart emojis.

In Heads of State, Chopra plays Noel Bisset, a British MI6 agent who finds herself in the middle of a high-stakes mission. The film stars John Cena as U.S. President Will Derringer and Idris Elba as British Prime Minister Sam Clark — two powerful leaders forced to put aside their differences in order to prevent a global catastrophe. The film, directed by Ilya Naishuller, has garnered attention for its action-packed sequences and high-profile international cast.

Priyanka’s performance has been well-received, with fans and fellow actors alike praising her confident portrayal of the sharp and commanding intelligence officer. Madhavan’s words of appreciation come as a heartfelt nod from one contemporary to another — both known for their versatile acting careers and pan-Indian appeal.

Meanwhile, R Madhavan is gearing up for the release of his upcoming romantic comedy Aap Jaisa Koi, co-starring Fatima Sana Shaikh. The film, directed by Vivek Soni, will begin streaming on Netflix from July 11. Madhavan plays Shrirenu, a reserved Sanskrit teacher, opposite Shaikh’s Madhu, a free-spirited French instructor, in a light-hearted story about unlikely companionship.

Also Read: Aap Jaisa Koi trailer launch: R Madhavan makes a confession: “I addressed a girl as PYT as a compliment; I realized later that I objectified her; people of my age fear that hum kisi ko offend na kar dein”

Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan and his family have suffered a significant legal setback after the Madhya Pradesh High Court set aside a 25-year-old order that upheld their claim to ancestral property worth an estimated Rs 15,000 crores. The court has now ordered a fresh trial in the decades-old inheritance dispute involving the former royal family of Bhopal.

The property in question traces back to the princely state of Bhopal and was inherited by Saif Ali Khan, his mother Sharmila Tagore, and his sisters Soha and Saba Ali Khan, following the death of Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, former Indian cricket captain and Nawab of Pataudi. Court Sets Aside 2000 Decree A Bhopal district court had ruled in 2000 that the Pataudi family was the rightful heirs to the estate, based on the succession of Saif’s grandmother, Sajida Sultan, the daughter of the last ruling Nawab of Bhopal, Hamidullah Khan. However, in a new development, Justice Sanjay Dwivedi of the Madhya Pradesh High Court overturned the trial court’s decision, citing reliance on a precedent that the Supreme Court has since overruled.

“I am of the opinion that the trial court, without considering other aspects of the matter, had dismissed the suits, that too relying upon the judgment which has already been overruled by the Supreme Court,” Justice Dwivedi stated in the order. “Thus, in my opinion, the impugned judgment and decree deserve to be and are hereby set aside.”

The High Court directed the trial court to re-examine the matter from scratch and permitted all parties to present fresh evidence in light of recent legal developments. The fresh trial is to be conducted expeditiously, ideally within one year. Background of the Dispute The legal battle stems from the inheritance of the personal property of Nawab Hamidullah Khan, the last ruling Nawab of Bhopal, who had three daughters: Abida, Sajida, and Rabia. Sajida Sultan, who married Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi, was declared the heir to the estate after her sister Abida migrated to Pakistan. The succession was formalised in 1962 when the Government of India issued a certificate naming Sajida as the sole inheritor.

Sajida’s son, Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, inherited the property, which was eventually passed down to Saif, Soha, and Saba. However, other heirs of the Nawab — including Begum Suraiya Rashid and Nawab Mehr Taj Sajida Sultan — challenged the inheritance, arguing that the partition of Nawab Hamidullah’s property was unfair and did not comply with Muslim Personal Law.

Their suit, initially dismissed in 2000, has now been revived by the High Court.

The order also referred to the 1949 Instrument of Accession through which the princely state of Bhopal merged with the Union of India. As per the agreement, the Nawab retained rights to personal properties, and succession was to follow the Bhopal Succession to the Throne Act, 1947.

Also Read: Saif Ali Khan and Akshay Kumar starrer upcoming thriller with Priyadarshan titled ‘Haiwaan’

Actress Kajol has opened up about being caught in the middle of one of Bollywood’s most high-profile box office clashes: the 2012 standoff between her husband Ajay Devgn’s Son of Sardaar and Yash Raj Films’ Jab Tak Hai Jaan. The actress, who shares strong personal and professional ties with both parties, revealed that the situation left her feeling conflicted and helpless.

In a recent interview with Lallantop, Kajol reflected on the emotional complexity of the moment. “Fights are always difficult, especially when they remain unresolved for some time. At that point, when you have a situation like that in front of you, both parties were standing for themselves. As somebody who was connected to both sides, I felt helpless,” she said.

“You have to wait for time to pass so that the feelings subside. So that things can become ok again,” she added, suggesting that time has since healed some of the wounds caused by the clash.

Kajol also offered a broader reflection on change and its inevitability, saying, “Change is change, it is neither good nor bad. It is written somewhere that change is eternal. It is the only thing which is constant.”

The controversy dates back to Diwali 2012, when Ajay Devgn’s production house clashed with Yash Raj Films over screen allocation. Devgn’s team had approached the Competition Commission of India (CCI), accusing YRF of monopolistic practices. The complaint alleged that YRF had used its dominant position in the industry to secure a disproportionate number of screens for Jab Tak Hai Jaan, directed by the late Yash Chopra, leaving Son of Sardaar with limited exhibition space.

Kajol, who is currently seen in Vishal Furia’s Maa, which failed to make a mark at the box office, will next be seen in the upcoming film Sarzameen. The project also stars Ibrahim Ali Khan and actor Prithviraj Sukumaran.

Also Read: 28 Years of Gupt: Rajiv Rai on casting, Kajol-Manisha dynamics and the twist that shocked a generation