Indus Chronicles

Actor Arjun Rampal has officially married his longtime partner Gabriella Demetriades in Goa. The couple, who have been together since 2018, registered their marriage at the Sub-Registrar’s office in Mapusa, North Goa, in the presence of close friends.

According to PTI, Arjun and Gabriella completed the required marriage formalities at the office. The couple had earlier secured special permission from the Assistant Public Prosecutor of the local court to waive the mandatory 15-day waiting period between the first and second signatures required under Goa’s marriage laws.

Sub-Registrar Suraj Vernekar confirmed that the marriage was registered under Goa’s Uniform Civil Code. Arjun and Gabriella reportedly reached the office at around 4 pm and kept their appearance casual for the occasion.

The couple’s relationship began in 2018, following Arjun’s separation from his former wife, Mehr Jesia. They welcomed their first child, son Arik, in 2019, before making their relationship official through marriage. Four years later, they became parents to their second son, Ariv. In 2025, Arjun announced his engagement to Gabriella, six years after the two started dating.

Before their marriage, Arjun had spoken about his decision to stay unmarried despite sharing two children with Gabriella. During an appearance on Ranveer Allahbadia’s YouTube channel, the actor explained his perspective on marriage and the legal bond it creates.

Arjun said, “It’s not me, it’s not her. What is marriage? A piece of paper after all. I think we are already married and there is no doubt in my mind about that. But, sometimes what that piece of paper can also do is change you. Because it’s like you think it’s permanent, it’s a false notion in fact but you are just legally bound.”

He further explained, “It could change your attitude towards each other. I think that’s how we both feel. Whatever has happened between us was very organic. I don’t want to speak much about it because I don’t want to jinx it. I don’t think I need to justify this to anybody. For us, this is beautiful. You should keep experiencing it for as long as you can. In both our minds, we are married to each other. We are both pushing each other in the right direction and at the same time, we are boyfriend-girlfriend.”

Arjun had also clarified that his views did not mean he was against marriage. The couple has now formally registered their relationship, marking a new chapter in their journey together.

Also Read : Arjun Rampal marks silver jubilee of his Bollywood debut; expresses gratitude to Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan and more: “Lots of Pyar Ishq aur mohabbat to all”

Triptii Dimri recently spoke about fashion, confidence, glamour and her changing perspective on sensuality in a conversation with Luxurious. The actor shared her preferences while discussing the new Base X-E collection by Victoria’s Secret.

“I’m Trippi Dymri and I’m very excited to unveil the new base X-E collection by Victoria’s Secret,” she said while introducing the collection.

During a rapid-fire segment, Triptii revealed some of her personal style choices. When asked to choose between satin and lace, she picked lace. Faced with corset or an oversized blazer, she refused to choose just one and opted for both. She chose sneakers over heels and a push-up bra over a bralette. When asked to pick between red lipstick and no makeup, the actor went with red lipstick.

Triptii also opened up about the quality she naturally connects with among confidence, glamour and sensuality. For her, confidence stands above the rest.

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“I think I naturally gravitate towards confidence because I think confidence is something that cannot be borrowed. It’s something that comes from within and once you’re confident, the rest just follows,” she said.

The actor also reflected on how her understanding of being sexy has changed over the years. She recalled that while growing up, her idea was largely connected to appearance.

“I think growing up to me, it was all about the looks. I was very awake back then. Now it’s to me sexy as someone who’s self-assured, someone who knows their words, someone that values themselves and someone who has their own opinions,” she said.

Asked how she would style a piece from the collection outside the bedroom, Triptii picked a lace bodysuit. She said she would team it with high-waisted pants, heels and a sharp blazer, adding, “I think that would make it look killer.”

Sharing her pre-event confidence ritual, Triptii said she prefers to centre herself before entering a room full of people. “I like to centre myself before I walk into a room full of people. Because I think I need to feel connected to myself before I can connect to other people,” she said.

When asked what song would feature first on the soundtrack of her confidence, Triptii replied, “I think it would be... Love is the way.”

Also Read : Triptii Dimri fronts Victoria’s Secret ‘Very Sexy’ campaign as the collection launches in India

Rajkumar Santoshi directorial Batwara 1947, starring Sunny Deol in a Muslim character for the first time, has been receiving positive feedback from audiences who have watched the film. However, director Rajkumar Santoshi says he is surprised that the appreciation has not translated into stronger box office numbers. The filmmaker has now urged audiences to come to theatres, watch the film and then form their own opinion.

Speaking to a portal/publication, Santoshi said, “It is important that people come out and watch the film.” He went on to highlight the response from those who have already seen the Partition drama. “The people who have seen the film Batwara are liking it a lot.”

According to Santoshi, the film has also prompted viewers to reach out to the team. “They are appreciating it a lot. They are sending so many fan mails. They are getting so many bookings.” The filmmaker further described the emotional response from audiences emerging from theatres. “People are calling and appreciating it. And when people who have come out of the theatres are asked how it is – their eyes are tearful.”

Santoshi also revealed that some viewers have compared Batwara 1947 with Sunny Deol’s blockbuster Gadar, which remains one of the actor’s biggest commercial successes. He said, “Everyone is saying that ‘it is a bigger film than Gadar. It is a better film than Gadar’. Gadar is one of the biggest hits of Sunny's career.”

Despite the positive word of mouth, Santoshi expressed his surprise over the film’s box office performance. “They are appreciating it so much. But they are not showing the box office numbers. I am surprised about the people who are not coming.”

The director believes that Sunny Deol’s Muslim character could potentially be one of the reasons why some audiences are staying away from the film. “I wonder why are they not coming? Either they have heard that Sunny is doing a Muslim character. Sunny has played a Muslim in the film for the first time. So why are they not watching the film?”

Rajkumar Santoshi Calls Out Hate Against #Batwara1947 🔥🚨

Rajkumar Santoshi slammed those spreading hate and said some people are refusing to watch Batwara 1947 because #SunnyDeol plays a Muslim character.

He questioned: If #SpiderMan were named “Aslam Sheikh” and came from… pic.twitter.com/2SHfueMr01 — Rahul Gupta (@RahulGupta25376) August 21, 2026

Santoshi stressed that viewers should experience the film before making a judgement. “I want people to come and watch the film. After watching it, they are entitled for their opinion. They can criticize me. I will never feel bad. But they should come and watch the film. What is it? Do they think – ‘Sunny is doing a Muslim role. That is why we will not watch the film?’”

The filmmaker then used the example of the globally popular superhero Spider-Man to question whether a character’s name or geographical setting should influence the audience’s perception. “If tomorrow we come to know that Spiderman's name is Aslam Sheikh. And it was going to be in Pakistan. Then will they reject Spiderman?” He added, “It was such a big hit in India. Just because of the name and the region. Will Spiderman lose all his qualities? Will he not exist only in that case? What is this?” Santoshi concluded by praising Sunny Deol’s work in Batwara 1947. “Sunny has done a good role. Batwara is the best performance of his career.”

Batwara 1947 is a period drama co-written and directed by Rajkumar Santoshi and produced by Aamir Khan under the banner of Aamir Khan Productions. Set in Lahore against the backdrop of the 1947 Partition of British India and the division of Punjab, the film stars Sunny Deol, Preity Zinta, Shabana Azmi, Karan Deol, Ali Fazal, Abhimanyu Singh, Khushi Hajare, Kanikka Kapur, Waseem Rajput and Isha Sandhir. The film is based on Asghar Wajahat’s drama ‘Jis Lahore Nai Vekhya, O Jamya E Nai’ and released on August 14, 2026, coinciding with Pakistan’s Independence Day.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Batwara 1947 director Rajkumar Santoshi to host special screening for spiritual leaders; says, "This film does not divide people-it unites them"

Salman Khan and Sanjay Dutt have left a strong impression on 7 Dogs directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah. The filmmakers, known for directing the Bad Boys franchise, spoke about their experience of working with the Bollywood actors and praised their screen presence, instincts and understanding of action cinema.

Salman and Sanjay play important roles in 7 Dogs, an international action film featuring actors from Indian, Egyptian, Italian and American cinema. The film stars Ahmed Ezz and Karim Abdel Aziz in the lead roles, alongside Monica Bellucci and Giancarlo Esposito.

Adil El Arbi compares Salman Khan with Will Smith

Adil El Arbi said Salman’s impact became apparent as soon as the camera started rolling. Comparing his presence to that of Will Smith, with whom the directors worked on the Bad Boys franchise, Adil described Salman’s ability to elevate even simple scenes.

“There’s a lot of charisma. You get the same feeling when Will Smith is on set. It’s like, ‘Oh, that’s what a superstar looks like.’ From the moment you put the camera on him, something magical happens,” El Arbi told PTI in an interview.

He added that Salman quickly understands what a scene requires and then brings his own interpretation to it.

“He knows right away what the scene is. And he will do it perfectly. And then he will create, he will give you so much more. And that is like going to film school. You’re really witnessing cinema happening before your eyes,” he said.

Bilall Fallah also recalled noticing Salman’s spontaneous contributions while reviewing footage during editing. According to him, the actor would sometimes add elements, including one-liners, that the directors only noticed later.

“During editing, when I was looking at the takes, there was always something new that he put in that I didn’t even realise when I was on set. He just makes a scene memorable. Even if it’s just a short moment, he creates something that is pure cinema,” he added.

Sanjay Dutt also impresses the filmmakers

The directors also praised Sanjay Dutt, who plays Ranjeet, the Indian member of the Seven Dogs alliance responsible for distributing the fictional synthetic drug Pink Lady in India.

Adil said the team recently began watching Dutt’s two-part spy thriller Dhurandhar after noticing the attention surrounding its success.

“We started to watch the ‘Dhurandhar’ series, because everybody’s talking about what a huge success it is,” he said.

He further highlighted Dutt’s experience with action films and pointed to the scale and complexity of Bollywood action filmmaking.

“He’s (Sanjay) so experienced. And the action movies are so complex in Bollywood, and so elaborate, even more than Hollywood,” he said.

Bilall also spoke warmly about his time with Sanjay in Mumbai and said the actor introduced him to several authentic places in the city.

“He’s just like a brother. When I was in Mumbai with him, I just fell in love. He showed and took me to the authentic places, and I just fell in love. And I just want to keep on going back to India and just keep on making movies. And hopefully we can create a movie or series together. Sanjay is just unbelievably creative and is a real artist,” Bilall added.

Directors want to work with Shah Rukh Khan and Will Smith

Adil and Bilall also revealed their admiration for Shah Rukh Khan. Their first exposure to Indian cinema came through My Name Is Khan, which resonated with them because of its themes of identity and Islamophobia after the September 11 attacks.

“It was such an important movie, it was after 9-11. For us, being Moroccans, being Muslim in Europe, that story really resonated with us a lot,” Adil said.

Bilall expressed interest in collaborating with Shah Rukh Khan in the future.

“It would be great to work with him. It would be awesome to make a movie with Will Smith and SRK,” Bilall said.

7 Dogs follows Interpol officer Khalid Al-Azzazi, played by Ahmed Ezz, as he joins forces with Ghali Abu Dawood, portrayed by Karim Abdel Aziz, to take down an international criminal network. Salman plays Johar, a former Interpol officer who becomes an ally to the central characters.

7 Dogs is set to release in Indian theatres in Hindi and English on August 21.

Also Read : Salman Khan talks about 7 Dogs; says, “It’s the kind of film you want to experience in a theatre

The controversy surrounding Deepika Padukone’s exit from Spirit has resurfaced after Pranay Reddy Vanga, brother of filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga, made fresh claims about the disagreements that led to the actress’ departure from the Prabhas-starrer. While reports about Deepika’s demand for an eight-hour workday had earlier become a major talking point, Pranay has now alleged that remuneration and profit-sharing were also part of the discussions.

In a recent interview with NTV, Pranay spoke about the circumstances surrounding Deepika’s exit. He said the discussions involved her remuneration, working hours and other aspects of the project. “The reason is the same as what was already mentioned. One was remuneration, the second was timing. Apart from that, there are some other reasons too,” he said.

According to Pranay, Sandeep had been in talks with Deepika for around one-and-a-half years and was keen to have her on board. He also suggested that her recent box-office success gave her greater leverage during negotiations. However, he said the final decision to move ahead with another actress was Sandeep’s.

#DeepikaPadukone asked for unreasonable Remuneration hike, her schedule was unprofessional & unfair to the rest of the team, and she wanted 10% of post release profit from #Spirit - #PranayReddyVanga

This led to Sandeep choosing #TriptiDimri 👀 #Prabhas‌ #SandeepReddyVanga pic.twitter.com/GnafTRUWXv — The Climax India (@TheClimaxIndia) August 20, 2026

Pranay further claimed that Deepika had asked for a share in the film’s profits. “She demanded 10 percent from the film’s profit. Soon after, everything went overboard. See, she can ask for anything. If we are willing to give, we can give. But the economics (budget) should also work out for us. We thought that it was not working. This is why we thought of other options. Once we started looking for other options, they started leaking everything.”

He also alleged that details discussed privately about the film’s story and Deepika’s character later became public. “We discussed the story and character with her. Things discussed internally should not be revealed but she leaked all of them. That is why we are disturbed,” he said.

Following Deepika’s exit, Triptii Dimri was announced as her replacement. The controversy intensified after reports about the film’s plot emerged online, prompting Sandeep to express his anger on X and accuse someone of disclosing details he had shared in confidence.

Also Read : Deepika Padukone to wrap first Raaka schedule before maternity break; set to return in January 2027: Report

Bollywood Hungama had reported last week about the screen-sharing issues faced during the release of Batwara 1947 and Awarapan 2. The issue has cropped up in the second week of these films as well.

A trade source told Bollywood Hungama, “PVR Inox Pictures, the distributors of Batwara 1947, have asked several single-screen cinemas to play one show of their film from tomorrow, August 21. However, the single-screen exhibitors are bewildered by this demand. Batwara 1947 has underperformed, more so at single screens. Moreover, Awarapan 2 continues to do huge business. The single screens wish to play all shows of Awarapan 2 to meet the demand. However, they won’t be able to cater to that demand fully due to the directive to allot shows to Batwara 1947.”

The source also said, “On the other hand, Awarapan 2’s distributor has put forth two conditions. One is that they want all shows in single screens. The theatres have no problem with this demand. However, they have also asked for all shows of Awarapan 2 until next Thursday, August 27. This demand has caused an issue as Toxic releases on Wednesday, August 26. That film also carries huge buzz and deserves sufficient showcasing.”

The source continued, “The single screens are in touch with the distributors of both films to find a solution. The issue is expected to be resolved in a few hours, after which the plans for the second week of Batwara 1947 and Awarapan 2 will commence.”

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Preeta Mathur of Jis Lahore Nahin Dekhya fame describes Batwara 1947 as a nice and engaging watch; but raises concerns over Shabana Azmi’s character dragged out: “This doesn’t give a good impression of Lahore”

Sonu Nigam has opened up about his legal battle with Bihar-based criminal lawyer Sonu Nigam Singh, whose social media account was allegedly mistaken for that of the singer. The dispute, which involved alleged misuse of the singer’s identity and personality rights, has now been settled following an amicable agreement between the two parties.

The Bombay High Court recently disposed of the commercial intellectual property suit after the singer and the lawyer reached a settlement. However, Sonu Nigam has said that he is not completely satisfied with the outcome and believes that cases involving digital impersonation and identity rights require stricter legal action.

Speaking about the issue, the singer said, “I quit X in 2017 but this person kept impersonating me. If I met President Droupadi Murmu, he would post a photo as if I am posting it. It is cruel to put someone’s name, reputation and life at risk.”

Nigam further claimed that the alleged impersonation had consequences for him and his family. “My family and I started receiving threats for posts this guy had made. He would post something and people would hurl abuses at me,” he said.

The singer said he was relieved that the court had issued a strict warning to the lawyer, but felt that the consequences should have been more severe. “Such people should be put in prison. He may have not murdered me physically but he harmed me and my reputation. Saste mein chhoot gaya bahut. Even the PM (@narendramodi) follows him thinking that is my account,” Nigam said.

Sonu Nigam had filed the suit before the Bombay High Court in July last year, alleging violations of his personality rights and digital impersonation. The account in question was allegedly used to share politically charged and communally sensitive posts. Since Nigam had left X in 2017, the account was allegedly mistaken by some users for the singer’s official account.

While the legal dispute has now been resolved, Nigam’s comments highlight his concerns over the impact of social media impersonation on a public figure’s reputation and personal life.

Also Read : Sonu Nigam reveals he uses auto-tune in certain songs; says, “It can’t replace singers”

Actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut has responded sharply to Baba Ramdev after the yoga guru criticised her recent remarks about some young women and protesters. The exchange began after Kangana described certain sections of the younger generation as ‘generation gutter’, drawing criticism for the statement.

At a recent event, Baba Ramdev was reportedly asked about Kangana’s remarks. Questioning her background and upbringing, he criticised her comments and said they reflected a “corrupted mind”. Ramdev said, "What was her childhood like? What was her youth like? What were her past accomplishments like? I don't want to talk about such people. Calling the youth ‘generation gutter’ is a sign of a corrupted mind."

Kangana has now reacted to Ramdev’s comments through her Instagram Stories. Taking a dig at him, she wrote, “Baba ji don't day dream about my jawani or bedroom. One can only assume based on rumours and gossip. Atleast mujhe kabhi Supreme Court se fatkar nahi lagi for false/fraud efficacy claims (I never got scolded by the Supreme Court) based on hard facts not some gossip or assumptions.”

She further added, “So don't give me character lessons. Tumse toh bahut zyada behtar hai mera character (My character is far better than yours), no fraud detected here.”

Kangana’s reference to the Supreme Court relates to the 2024 misleading advertisements case involving Baba Ramdev and Patanjali managing director Acharya Balkrishna. The Supreme Court had summoned them after Patanjali was accused of violating an earlier order restricting advertisements that claimed to cure diseases and criticised modern medicine.

Ramdev subsequently issued an unconditional apology before the Supreme Court over the violation.

Kangana had earlier clarified that her ‘generation gutter’ remark was not directed at all young people or women. She said she was specifically referring to “some people or some women” while commenting on protests surrounding the NEET-UG paper leak at Jantar Mantar.

The latest exchange between Kangana and Ramdev has added another chapter to the controversy surrounding her remarks and the criticism they received.

Also Read : Kangana Ranaut visits Siddhivinayak and Mumba Devi temples in Mumbai, shares pictures

Ayesha Khan has sparked engagement rumours after sharing a series of dreamy pictures featuring a mystery man and a striking diamond ring. The actress, who recently gained attention for her appearance in the popular song ‘Shararat’ from Dhurandhar, left fans wondering whether she had secretly taken the next step in her personal life.

In the pictures, Ayesha has kept the identity of the mystery man under wraps, adding to the curiosity surrounding the post. The diamond ring visible in the photos further fuelled speculation that the actress may have got engaged. However, there appears to be another explanation behind the pictures.

Ayesha has not officially confirmed any engagement. Her caption, “A dream,” has only added to the mystery. The photographs appear to be connected to a jewellery brand photoshoot, suggesting that the ring may have been part of the campaign rather than an indication of a real-life engagement. For now, the actress has chosen to leave fans guessing about the true meaning behind the post.

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Ayesha Khan rose to wider popularity after featuring in Dhurandhar’s chartbuster song ‘Shararat’, alongside Krystle D’Souza. The song, set against the backdrop of a grand Karachi wedding, features the two actresses as wedding dancers.

In an earlier interview with Pinkvilla, Ayesha opened up about the demanding experience of filming the song. She said, “It was two days of shoot. It was so hectic, I was on my period during the shoot, and you know you’re not looking your best because you’re bloated and you’re not at your best. Kaash, I was at my best. It was so much of work for two days… We were running short on time. We were so tired, our bones were aching after dancing so much. I was feeling so overwhelmed, and it was also because I was on my period, so maybe my emotions were hitting me too much. So, I just couldn’t control and I just cried. It was Khushi ke aansu (tears of joy).”

‘Shararat’ was composed by Shashwat Sachdev and sung by Madhubanti Bagchi and Jasmine Sandlas, with choreography by Vijay Ganguly.

Also Read : Dhurandhar fame Ayesha Khan detained by Mumbai Police during student protest, shares video asking, “Just a simple why?”

Less than three months are left for the release of Ramayana and the excitement is tremendous thanks to its casting, subject and never-before-seen visuals. The film is produced by Namit Malhotra and not many are aware that he belongs to an illustrious film family.

As per a post by senior industry member Rajesh Vasani of Paras Publicity, Namit Malhotra is the son of producer Naresh Malhotra, who in turn was the son of ace cinematographer and National Film Award winner Mahendra Nath Malhotra. Rajesh Vasani wrote, “Having worked with the legendary B R Chopra, Naresh ji has also served as an assistant director to the acclaimed filmmaker Asit Sen, Naresh Malhotra developed a profound understanding of filmmaking from both the creative and business perspectives.”

He continued, “He later became actively involved with the renowned Mushir-Riaz banner and ventured into film production. Along with Rishi Kapoor and Bittu Anand, the son of celebrated writer Inder Raj Anand, brother of filmmaker Tinu Anand, and father of director Siddharth Anand, he co-produced films such as Duniya Meri Jeb Mein (1979) and Yeh Ishq Nahin Aasan (1984). While these films did not achieve the desired commercial success, history has often shown that setbacks are merely stepping stones to greater achievements.”

Naresh Malhotra then got the opportunity to produce the much-remembered Amitabh Bachchan-starrer Shahenshah (1988). As per the post, “The film emerged as a blockbuster, restoring confidence and momentum to the team. Shri Naresh Malhotra would thereafter be widely recognized as the producer of this iconic Amitabh Bachchan starrer, a film that remains a milestone in Indian cinema.”

Interestingly, Naresh Malhotra worked from modest office operating out of a building garage in Santacruz, Mumbai. It was given on rent by producer-director Naresh Kumar Tuli, brother of Rajendra Kumar aka Jubilee Kumar. Rajesh Vasani said, “Always ahead of the curve, Naresh Malhotra ventured into post-production and, together with filmmaker Rahul Rawail and associates, established a dubbing studio at Pali Hill, Bandra. Close friends of Rishi Kapoor, they were among the early visionaries who recognized the immense potential of professional post-production services in India.”

Then, in 1997, Namit Malhotra founded Prime Focus from the same garage in Mumbai, “carrying forward the family’s cinematic legacy while embracing the future through technology and innovation.”

The Facebook post reveals, “He was supported by a dedicated team, including professionals such as Anshul Doshi, who would later play a significant role in the company’s international expansion, Prime Focus steadily broadened its horizons beyond India. What began as a modest post-production venture evolved into India’s first listed visual entertainment services company and eventually one of the world’s most respected integrated media services groups. The acquisition and integration of DNEG transformed the enterprise into a global leader in visual effects, animation, and creative technology, contributing to multiple Academy Award-winning productions and some of the most celebrated films in the world. Today, Prime Focus and DNEG stand as symbols of Indian excellence on the global stage.”

He continued, “And now, Namit Malhotra’s dream has come full circle. From a garage in Mumbai to spearheading one of the most ambitious cinematic spectacles ever attempted in Indian filmmaking Ramayana, his journey embodies the belief that imagination, determination, and perseverance can transform the impossible into reality.”

Also Read: Ramayana English trailer: Namit Malhotra DECODES DNEG’s AI-powered lip-sync technology!

Kartik Aaryan has suffered a serious knee injury while shooting an intense action sequence for his upcoming untitled film with filmmaker Kabir Khan. The actor reportedly sustained the injury during the final phase of the shoot, which was scheduled to wrap after two more days of filming.

According to India Today, Kartik had been undergoing rigorous training with action coaches ahead of the demanding sequences. During one of the action scenes, he injured his knee and was subsequently rushed to a hospital in the town for medical attention.

A source close to the production told India Today, “Kartik has now been admitted to Fortis Raheja Hospital and is under medical care. The doctors will perform his knee surgery in a day, after which he will have to rest for a few days. He should then be able to resume his work commitments.”

Following the surgery, Kartik is expected to take a short break to recover. He will reportedly resume work on Anurag Basu’s untitled project once he is fit to return to the sets.

The injury comes at a busy phase in Kartik’s professional career. The actor recently received the National Film Award for Best Actor for his performance in Chandu Champion. He has also ventured into film production with Dopamine Studios and is collaborating with Kabir Khan on the upcoming project. The film marks Kartik’s second association with Khan after Chandu Champion.

Apart from the Kabir Khan directorial, Kartik has several projects lined up. He will next be seen in Naagzilla, a fantasy-comedy-adventure film directed by Mrighdeep Singh Lamba. The actor is also part of Captain India, which remains among his upcoming projects.

For now, Kartik is expected to prioritise his recovery following the knee injury and surgery before returning to his packed work schedule.

Also Read : Kartik Aaryan launches Dopamine Studios, joins Kabir Khan’s sports drama as producer

Filmmaker Zoya Akhtar has confirmed that work on a sequel to the 2011 hit Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara is underway. The update comes as the film marks 15 years since its release and follows renewed excitement among fans after Hrithik Roshan, Abhay Deol and Farhan Akhtar reunited for a 2025 advertisement for Yas Island.

The trio’s reunion in the campaign brought back memories of their much-loved characters Arjun, Kabir and Imran. The commercial sparked speculation that the actors could be returning for Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara 2, with several fans even assuming that the advertisement was connected to an upcoming sequel.

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter at the Monsoon Film Festival, Zoya addressed the possibility of revisiting the characters and confirmed that discussions are taking place. “We are on it,” she said. However, the filmmaker made it clear that the project is still being developed and that there is no certainty about what shape it will eventually take.

“We don’t know what will happen and what won’t… if we will get to a place where it feels correct, in catching up with these characters today. But it will be nice,” Zoya added.

She also recalled the strong reaction to the 2025 advertisement featuring Hrithik, Abhay and Farhan. “People thought it was a trailer,” she said. According to Zoya, fans initially celebrated the reunion, only to express their disappointment when they realised it was not a film teaser. “First, they were like, ‘YEAH!’ But then I got abused in my DMs saying, ‘This was not funny.'”

Zoya also responded to criticism that her films often focus on the “angst of posh people.” She said the criticism does not bother her and maintained that filmmakers should be able to tell stories about different kinds of people.

“It still comes up, but it does not bother me now,” she said. “These are stories and, as a filmmaker, I get to tell stories of all kinds of people.”

Released in 2011, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara starred Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar, Abhay Deol, Katrina Kaif, Kalki Koechlin and Naseeruddin Shah. Shot across Spain, India and the United Kingdom, the film was reportedly made on a budget of Rs 45 crores and earned around Rs 153 crores worldwide.

Also Read : Zoya Akhtar’s Turtle Walker to release on Animal Planet as part of India: Epic Wild Stories documentary anthology

Alia Bhatt recently treated fans to a glimpse of some previously unseen moments from a family vacation with her husband Ranbir Kapoor and their daughter Raha. The actor shared a series of pictures on Instagram on Monday, offering followers a look at their private family time as well as a few candid moments of herself.

Along with the eight-picture carousel, Alia kept her caption short and wrote, "good old days, cuddles and all". Her post featured a mix of family photographs, holiday snapshots and solo pictures from what appears to be a vacation taken some time ago.

The first picture shows Alia, Ranbir and Raha together on a boat as they take in the sea view. The family is photographed from behind, with Raha sitting between her parents. Ranbir can be seen wearing a cap, with one arm stretched behind Alia as they enjoy the moment together.

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Another picture captures a sweet mother-daughter moment. Alia is seen cuddling Raha with her eyes closed, while the little girl's hand is visible near her mother's face. The intimate photograph offers a glimpse into the actor's time with her daughter away from the public eye.

The carousel also features several solo pictures of Alia. In one mirror selfie, she is seen wearing a white bikini top paired with a lace cover-up, with her hair tied back. Another photograph shows her posing in oversized black sunglasses with her hair left open. In the final frame, Alia appears to be enjoying some food while continuing to wear the statement sunglasses.

Alia did not disclose the location of the holiday or specify when the photographs were taken. However, her caption referring to the "good old days" indicates that the pictures are from an earlier trip and had remained in her camera roll.

Alia and Ranbir tied the knot in April 2022 after dating for several years. The couple welcomed their daughter Raha in November 2022.

Also Read : Alia Bhatt reveals her go-to room dining orders: “I really like hotel sandwiches. They come with French fries…”

Emraan Hashmi’s latest release, Awarapan 2, has achieved a major milestone at the box office, crossing the Rs 100 crores mark in its opening weekend. The success has also prompted a heartfelt message from the actor’s wife, Parveen Hashmi, who reflected on his 23-year journey in the film industry and the dedication that has kept him going through highs and lows.

Taking to Instagram, Parveen described the achievement as the result of years of patience, hard work and faith. She wrote, “It has taken Emi 23 years to get here today... 23 years of patience, dedication, faith, surrender, countless blessings and prayers!!” She recalled how Emraan experienced both successful and disappointing Fridays during his career but never allowed setbacks to stop him from moving ahead.

Parveen also spoke about the actor’s commitment to his work and his ability to remain grounded despite the success. She wrote, “I have watched him put his heart and soul into all his projects.” Referring to the popular line, “Akha Bollywood ek taraf aur Emraan Hashmi ek taraf (reference to The Bads of Bollywood)”, she said the statement resonates with the actor’s fans and people in the industry.

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Sharing a glimpse into Emraan’s routine, Parveen revealed that his preparation involved studying scripts, learning dialogues, including some in Telugu, rehearsing scenes, maintaining his diet and exercising regularly. She said, “I’ve seen what goes on behind the scenes every single day...” According to her, nothing could disrupt his routine, “not even on holidays!!”

Parveen, who described herself as one of Emraan’s biggest critics, said she felt particularly proud of him following the response to Awarapan 2. She concluded her note by encouraging people to stay focused, disciplined and committed to their dreams.

The sequel’s success is significant considering the performance of the 2007 original. Awarapan earned around Rs 13 crores during its theatrical run but later developed a loyal following and became a cult favourite. Awarapan 2 surpassed the original film’s lifetime collection on its first day itself.

Produced by Vishesh Bhatt and directed by Nitin Kakkar, Awarapan 2 brings Emraan back as Shivam Pandit, alongside Disha Patani and Shabana Azmi. The cast also includes Puran Gabbi, Anirudh Rawal, Surendar Vicky, Vijayant Kohli and Atul Kumar.

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Priyanka Chopra Jonas had a playful way of wishing her brother-in-law Joe Jonas on his birthday. The actor shared a candid picture with the singer and actor on her Instagram Stories, turning the family celebration into a light-hearted social media moment.

In the photograph, Priyanka appeared to be in the middle of a conversation with Joe, while he could be seen laughing. Adding to the humour of the candid moment, Priyanka wrote, “FYI, it was not supposed to be funny, joejonas. Happiest birthday bro.” Her caption suggested that the conversation captured in the picture was not intended to be amusing, making the photograph even more entertaining.

Joe's brothers also shared glimpses of his birthday celebrations. Nick Jonas posted a series of quirky pictures from the Pokémon-themed party. The celebrations featured the Jonas Brothers, Priyanka and other family members posing and enjoying themselves amid Poké Ball balloons and Pokémon cards. A specially designed Pokémon card featuring Joe was also part of the decorations.

Nick wished his brother with a Pokémon-inspired message, writing, “Gotta catch 'em all. We love you joejonas happy birthday brother.”

Kevin Jonas also joined the celebrations online, sharing moments from the birthday bash. Alongside the pictures, he wrote, “Epic celebration for an epic brother. We love you joejonas”, followed by a red heart emoji.

Priyanka and Nick tied the knot in December 2018 at Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur in ceremonies that followed Hindu and Christian traditions. The couple later welcomed their daughter, Malti Marie Chopra Jonas, through surrogacy on January 15, 2022.

On the work front, Priyanka is set to star in S.S. Rajamouli's Varanasi, alongside Mahesh Babu. She will portray Mandakini, a fierce historian who joins Mahesh Babu's character Rudhra on a global mission to save the holy city of Varanasi from an asteroid named Shambhavi.

Also Read : Priyanka Chopra Jonas unveils Sridevi’s biography ‘Empress’ on late actress’ birth anniversary

Veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty has reacted to being left out of this year’s Kolkata Film Festival, taking a sarcastic dig at the organisers while comparing the situation with the invitation he received from the Moscow Film Festival. The actor’s comments came during his recent visit to Kolkata for a meeting related to the birth centenary celebrations of Bengali cinema icon Uttam Kumar.

Speaking to the media on Friday, Mithun confirmed that he was not invited to the Kolkata Film Festival. “I wasn't invited to the film festival,” he said. The actor then pointed out that he had received an invitation from the Moscow Film Festival and was preparing to attend the event there.

“I am going to Moscow now; perhaps they will invite me. They are inviting me to the Moscow Film Festival. Yet, here in Bengal, I wasn't invited,” Mithun said.

Mithun appeared to take the situation in a lighter but pointed manner, suggesting that his comparatively limited number of Bengali film appearances might have been a reason for his exclusion. He said, “Main bahut chota artiste hoon, shayad isliye nahi bulaya (I am a very minor artiste. Maybe that's why they didn't invite me).”

The actor’s remarks come at a time when Bengal is observing the centenary of Uttam Kumar, one of the most recognised figures in Bengali cinema. Born Arun Kumar Chatterjee, Uttam Kumar made his mark in Bengali films and also worked as an actor, director and producer in Hindi cinema. His career gained momentum after early setbacks, with films such as Basu Paribar and Sharey Chuattor helping establish him as a major star. His pairing with Suchitra Sen remains one of the most remembered screen partnerships in Bengali cinema.

Meanwhile, Mithun continues to remain active across film industries. He is set to make a cameo in Rajinikanth-led Jailer 2, which is scheduled for release in 2027. His latest comments have once again brought attention to his absence from the Kolkata Film Festival and his contrasting invitation from Moscow.

Also Read : Dev Adhikari visits Mithun Chakraborty in hospital after the latter’s surgery: “You have always been like a father figure to me”

Saif Ali Khan celebrates his 56th birthday today, and his wife, actress Kareena Kapoor Khan, took to her social media account to pen a sweet birthday note for him. The actress shared a series of pictures of him, along with a tongue-in-cheek reveal that all the photos were approved by him.

"Happy Birthday to my forever ride or die. How boring would life be without you… This Insta post pictures are all approved by him… loves it when I post his pictures," her post read.

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On the work front, Saif Ali Khan will be seen in Haiwaan. Set to release on 11th September, the film is directed by Priyadarshan, marking Saif's first movie with the filmmaker, and also stars Akshay Kumar.

Also Read: Priyadarshan reveals his experience of working with Saif Ali Khan on Haiwaan, calls him, “Too committed”

Headlined by Ranveer Singh, Pralay the ambitious new end-of-the-world action thriller, has officially gone on floors in Mumbai, marking the commencement of filming on one of the most keenly-awaited films.

The film marks Ranveer Singh’s next major motion picture release following Dhurandhar and Dhurandhar The Revenge, which emerged as the highest-grossing film of all time. With Pralay, the actor once again ventures into an unexplored cinematic landscape that is new and disruptive. Ranveer not only headlines the film but also serves as a producer, taking on a story that demands both physical intensity and emotional conviction.

For Ananya Birla, Pralay, a Birla Studios production, reflects her ambition to push the landscape of cinema as a creative catalyst who is looking to collaborate with the modern game-changers in India. For Hansal Mehta and Sahil Saigal’s True Story Films, it reflects a belief in creating disruption through content.

Pralay stars Lokah breakout actress Kalyani Priyadarshan in a pivotal role, further bringing together an exciting new generation of talent.

Bringing together an ensemble of creative and technical talent from India and around the world, Pralay is directed by Jai Mehta, whose work on Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story, which he co-directed with Hansal Mehta, and Lootere has earned widespread acclaim. The film plunges audiences into a relentless odyssey, unfolding against the terrifying possibility of an end-of-the-world catastrophe.

Set against the unmistakable pulse and landscape of Mumbai, Pralay is an original story that seeks to marry breathtaking spectacle with a deeply human emotional core. At its heart is a journey of survival, courage and the instinct to fight for what matters most when the world as you know it begins to collapse.

The film is being shot at live locations in and around Mumbai, as the makers embrace the physicality and unpredictability of real-world environments. This approach brings heightened scale, texture and realism to a world on the brink of annihilation.

Pralay had been in highly technical and intensive pre-production for several months. It’s unprecedented mounting has already earned it the distinction of being one of the most talked about and highly anticipated projects coming out of Indian cinema in current times.

Also Read: Farhan Akhtar takes a dig at Ranveer Singh over Don 3 exit? says “It was a month away from filming, which seems to be a pattern nowadays”

Shaan had a conversation with Komal Nahta about playback singing, his beginnings and a lot more. Shaan began his career as an indipop singer and then graduated to playback singing for movies. Pyaar Mein Kabhi Kabhi (1999) was his first film followed by Dillagi (1999). A year later, he sang 'Tune Mujhe Pehchana Nahin' for Raju Chacha (2000). Shaan opened up about his experience while recording the number.

Shaan began by saying, "Singers at that time were divided into two - those who were influenced by Mohammed Rafi and those who were influenced by Kishore Kumar. When I came, there was no precedent of a pop singer, at least for male singers. In female singers, Alisha Chinai and Nazia Hasan had made a mark and had introduced new style of singing."

He added, "There was an advantage as I had a unique take because of my indipop singing. But very early, I learned an important lesson about playback singing. I realized that playback singing for films is different."

He revealed, "I had bagged a song in a big film, Raju Chacha. It was written by Anand Bakshi sahab and he came for auditions. He asked me to sing one line. I sang 'Deewana Hoon Main, Deewana Nahin'. He asked me the meaning of the line. I said, 'It means that I am mad for you but mentally I am not crazy'. He liked my answer and replied, ‘Haan, samaj ke gaoge toh maza aayega’!."

Shaan then said, "I thought I had to sing in pop style. So, I started singing that way. This is when Lalit Pandit saab asked me, 'Kya kar rahe ho tum?'. He explained to me, 'You are not singing for yourself. You won't be there in the video. Video mein Ajay Devgn hai. Woh koi pop singer nahin hai ki woh aise gaayega. Seedhe seedhe notes ko gaao mehsoos karke'!"

Also Read: Sonakshi Sinha talks about working with her brother Kussh S Sinha in Nikita Roy: “His biggest strength is his clarity, his vision”

The much-awaited Batwara 1947 was finally released in cinemas yesterday, August 14. The Sunny Deol-starrer is adapted from the acclaimed and long-running play Jis Lahore Nahin Dekhya. While the core plot of the film remains faithful to the play, the makers have introduced several changes and additions to make the narrative more cinematic and elaborate. In this special Bollywood Hungama feature, we take a look at 10 key differences between Batwara 1947 and Jis Lahore Nahin Dekhya. Warning: The following article contains spoilers and reveals important plot points from Batwara 1947.

1. To begin with, Sikandar Mirza (Sunny Deol) and his family migrate to Lahore from Lucknow in Jis Lahore Nahin Dekhya. In Batwara 1947, the family is settled in Meerut before the Partition riots force them to leave their home overnight and flee to Pakistan.

2. In the play, Sikandar, his wife Hamida, son Javed and daughter Tanno manage to escape from Lucknow together and reach Lahore safely. The film adds a major dramatic track wherein Javed (Karan Deol) gets separated from Sikandar, Hamida (Preity G Zinta) and Tanno (Khhushi Hajare) amid the chaos, at Meerut railway station. He is finally reunited with his family several months later.

3. In Jis Lahore Nahin Dekhya, the Mirza family is allotted the haveli, seemingly without much difficulty, after spending months in a refugee camp. Batwara 1947, however, goes into considerable detail about how Sikandar manages to secure the house.

He repeatedly visits the custodian's office seeking accommodation and is approached by a tout, who tells him that he will have to bribe the concerned officer if he wants a house quickly. An enraged Sikandar confronts the officer for exploiting refugees at such a vulnerable time. Habib Anwar (Ali Fazal), who happens to be present at the office, is moved by Sikandar’s plight and transfers the haveli allotted to him to Sikandar and his family.

The sequence is an effective addition as it explains how Sikandar and his family end up getting a sprawling 22-room haveli at a time when lakhs of displaced families are struggling for shelter.

4. Habib Anwar is a shayar who works at a radio station, and the film also explores his love life. In the play, however, the poet is named Nasir Fazli and neither has a romantic interest nor a stable job.

5. Javed’s character is also considerably expanded in the film. In the play, he has a lovely relationship with his father. In Batwara 1947, apart from being separated from Sikandar during the riots, Javed falls in love with Nishat (Kanikka Kapur), who happens to be the sister of antagonist Yakub (Abhimanyu Singh).

6. In Jis Lahore Nahin Dekhya, Yakub is essentially a local ruffian who intimidates the Mirza family. Batwara 1947 turns him into a much more menacing antagonist. He wields greater influence and also harbours political ambitions.

7. The play largely restricts Yakub’s hostility towards Sikandar to threats and intimidation. In the film, his actions are far more aggressive. He threatens landlords against renting premises to Sikandar for his factory and even takes the dispute to local religious leaders. This eventually results in Sikandar and Yakub being summoned to the Town Hall, adding another layer to their confrontation.

8. One of the most significant sequences in Batwara 1947 is when Yakub’s men storm the haveli, forcibly throw Mai (Shabana Azmi) out and assault her. Simultaneously, they set Sikandar’s factory on fire.

Sikandar is initially occupied with trying to douse the blaze. The moment he learns that Mai has been attacked, he abandons everything and rushes to save her. The entire sequence is not present in the play at all.

9. In both versions, Mai refuses to leave the haveli because she continues to wait for her son Ratan to return. Ratan, his wife and daughter have been missing ever since the riots began. Jis Lahore Nahin Dekhya never conclusively reveals whether the three are alive or dead. Batwara 1947, on the other hand, provides closure to this track through an important sequence which reveals that Ratan (Khaled Siddiqui), his wife (Rukhsar Rehman) and their daughter were killed by rioters.

10. Sikandar and his family gradually develop a deep bond with Mai in both the play and the film. However, the play does not have the Mirza family preparing meals for her, as Mai takes care of her own food.

Batwara 1947 adds a touching scene in which Hamida, having grown extremely fond of Mai, offers to cook for her. Mai initially hesitates because of their different food habits. Hamida assures her that she will prepare vegetarian food separately for Mai, using different utensils. She even promises to cook Mai’s food first before preparing meals for the rest of the family.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Kanikka Kapur recalls Aamir Khan’s reaction during Batwara 1947 audition: “Who’s this girl? She’s good, she’s good!”; reveals, “My grandfather still gets nightmares about Partition”