Indus Chronicles

Kareena Kapoor Khan recently sparked curiosity among fans after sharing a social media post featuring a helmet for Google Android, leaving many wondering what the actress was hinting at. Bollywood Hungama had uncovered the mystery behind the post, and now, Kareena made her first appearance as part of her association with Formula 1 at the Singapore Grand Prix.

Held earlier this week, the Singapore Grand Prix saw the Bollywood star make a stylish appearance at the racing event. Keeping her look casual yet chic, Kareena opted for a white tank tee paired with a colourful scarf that added a vibrant touch to her outfit. She kept her accessories minimal and completed the look with understated makeup and sunglasses, bringing a hint of glamour to her relaxed ensemble.

Kareena Kapoor Khan’s F1 appearance sparks fan reactions

Pictures of Kareena from the Singapore Grand Prix soon made their way onto social media, prompting fans to react to her latest appearance. While her association with Formula 1 caught attention, several users also expressed curiosity about which racing personalities she might meet during the event.

One fan drew a playful comparison to Pokémon while commenting on the actress’s apparent association with different teams. “demnn she collecting them teams like pokemon cards, pehle sauber now this huh,” the comment read.

Thank you for stopping by, Kareena 👋 #McLarenF1 | #SingaporeGP🇸🇬 | @Android https://t.co/UzkyaS1sSK

— McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team (@McLarenF1) October 9, 2026

Others joined the conversation by requesting pictures of Kareena with Formula 1 drivers, with Lando Norris emerging as a particular favourite among fans. Their reactions added to the buzz surrounding the actress’s appearance at the international racing event.

Kareena’s latest outing also comes amid growing crossover moments between Bollywood celebrities and the world of global motorsports, with Formula 1 events attracting attention beyond their core racing audience.

What’s next for Kareena Kapoor Khan?

On the professional front, Kareena Kapoor Khan was last seen in Daayra, directed by Meghna Gulzar and co-starring Prithviraj Sukumaran as the leading man. The project brought the actress together with the filmmaker for a crime drama.

Kareena is yet to officially announce her next film project. Meanwhile, her appearance at the Singapore Grand Prix has given fans a fresh glimpse of her activities beyond the big screen, with many now hoping to see more pictures from her Formula 1 outing, particularly alongside their favourite drivers.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Kareena Kapoor Khan’s mystery helmet post decoded! She has teamed up with F1 champion Lando Norris for a global collaboration, say sources

Imtiaz Ali attended the Celebrate Cinema 2026 festival at Whistling Woods International. Later, he interacted with the media along with Subhash Ghai and his daughter Meghna Ghai Puri. Imtiaz spoke about his affection for Subhash Ghai and shared an untold story about how the veteran filmmaker played a crucial role in ensuring that his debut film, Socha Na Tha (2005), got a theatrical release. The romantic comedy marked the debut of Abhay Deol and also starred Ayesha Takia. Imtiaz also raised laughs as he recalled an incident when Subhash Ghai was upset with him.

Imtiaz Ali began by saying, “I have shared a great bond with Subhash ji. But there was a time when he was very angry with me.” He initially hesitated to narrate the incident, but Subhash Ghai insisted, “Please tell them.”

Imtiaz Ali revealed, “My debut film, Socha Na Tha, was stuck for release. Due to some issues involving the producers, the film was not getting released. It was only today that I learned that Subhash ji’s wife (Mukta Ghai) was on the Examining Committee of the CBFC (Central Board of Film Certification). She saw the film during the censor screening and liked it a lot. She told Subhash ji to watch it. He arranged a screening and liked the film as well. Since the film wasn’t releasing, he bought it at a price higher than its actual value. He acquired the negative rights solely to ensure that the film got a theatrical release. I had never met Subhash Ghai, and yet he did this for me. This is how people show kindness in our industry.”

He continued, “Then he signed me for a film which couldn’t be made because of me. I told him, ‘Sorry sir, main film nahin kar paunga’. For some time, he was very angry with me. Later, he went to Mauritius, where I found a way to pacify him (smiles).”

Also Read: Saira Banu pays emotional tribute to Kathak Guru Roshan Kumari Ji; says, “I don’t want to say goodbye”

Amitabh Bachchan paid an emotional tribute to veteran actor Nana Patekar following his sudden demise, remembering him as an exceptional performer, a dear friend and a committed social worker. Reflecting on Patekar’s legacy, Bachchan highlighted the qualities that set him apart, including his fearlessness, simplicity and courage to speak his mind.

In his tribute, Bachchan said, “Deviyo aur sajjano, Nana Patekar ji ka achanak aaj subah swargwas ho gaya. Ek adwitiya kalakar, mitra, shubhchintak, aur ek utkrisht samaj sevak aaj hamare beech nahi rahe. Ye na keval Bharatiya film udyog ke liye, balki ek vyaktigat taur par, jinka bhi unke saath sampark hua, usne hum sabko stabdh kar diya hai. Unki bebaki, unki sadgi, aur sach ko sach kehne ka unka saahas, ye sari baatein unko sabse alag banati thi ((Ladies and gentlemen, Nana Patekar ji passed away suddenly this morning. An unparalleled artist, a friend, a well-wisher, and an exceptional social worker is no longer among us. This is not only a monumental loss for the Indian film industry, but also a deeply personal loss for everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. His sudden departure has left us all stunned. His fearlessness, his simplicity, and his courage to call the truth exactly as it was — these qualities made him truly different from everyone else).”

He went on to continue, “Kuch log hamare jeevan se chale jaate hain, lekin unki aawaz, unke paropkar, unki sikhai hui seekh hamare bhitar reh jaati hai. Nana unhi logon mein se ek the. Aapko, Nana, vyaktigat roop se mera naman. Aur aapki us kala ko pranam, jise aapne puri imandari se jeeya aur hum sabko samarpit kiya (Some people leave our lives, but their voice, their acts of compassion, and the lessons they have taught us remain within us. Nana was one of those rare people. Nana, I offer you my personal respects. And I salute the art that you lived with complete honesty and devoted wholeheartedly to all of us).”

Recalling Patekar’s appearance on Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 16, Bachchan also spoke about the actor’s commitment to humanitarian work. He remembered the special episode as a memorable evening, particularly because Patekar dedicated his prize money to a cause close to his heart.

Bachchan said, “Iss manch par hamare vishesh karyakram mein ek atithi ke roop mein unka aagman hua tha. Wo yaadgar shaam sada hamare saath rahegi. Unki baaton ne na keval hume prabhavit kiya, balki jis nek kaaj ke liye unhone jeeti hui dhanrashi ko samarpit kiya, wo unki samaj seva ka udaharan tha. Maharashtra ke un gaon mein jo varsha ke abhav se peedit the, unhone wahan ke kisanon ke saath sampark kiya aur vyakatigat roop se unki seva ki (He had come to this stage as a guest for our special episode. That memorable evening will always remain with us. His words not only touched and inspired us, but the noble cause to which he dedicated the prize money he had won was a powerful example of his commitment to social service. In the villages of Maharashtra that were suffering because of a lack of rainfall, he reached out to the farmers and personally extended his support and service to them).”

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by sonytvofficial (@sonytvofficial)

The megastar concluded his message by extending his condolences on behalf of the show’s team, saying, “KBC parivaar ki aur se hardik shradhanjali (On behalf of the entire KBC family, our heartfelt tribute).”

Beyond his celebrated film career, Patekar was widely associated with social initiatives supporting drought-affected farmers and rural communities in Maharashtra. His work through the Naam Foundation, which he co-founded with Makarand Anaspure, became an important part of his public legacy.

About Nana Patekar’s demise

Nana Patekar, a Padma Shri recipient, passed away on October 8, 2026, at the age of 75. According to reports, he suffered a cardiac arrest at his residence in Dona Paula, Goa, and was declared dead at approximately 5:20 AM IST after efforts to revive him proved unsuccessful.

Also Read: Salman Khan postpones Mumbai event after the death of Khamoshi co-star Nana Patekar: Report

In 2025, a Hyderabad-based man approached the Consumer Court after claiming that he was made to watch 22 minutes of advertisements at a PVR INOX theatre when he went to see the Dhanush-Nagarjuna starrer Kubera. Last month, in September 2026, the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission-II, Hyderabad, held PVR INOX liable for deficiency in service and unfair trade practices and ordered the multiplex chain to pay Rs. 20,000 as compensation to the complainant and Rs. 5,000 towards litigation costs.

This was the second such case in which the multiplex chain was asked to compensate an aggrieved moviegoer over advertisements. Last year, a Bengaluru patron, upset over being made to watch nearly 25 minutes of commercials and trailers during a screening of Sam Bahadur, approached the Consumer Court. PVR INOX was subsequently ordered to pay Rs. 1 lakh in compensation and legal costs.

Advertisements in cinemas, before a film begins or during the interval, have been a common practice for decades, and moviegoers have largely accepted them. Certain brands have even relied heavily on the big screen for promotions. For instance, viewers in Mumbai would fondly remember the Gangar Opticians advertisement that was regularly shown in cinemas in the early 2000s. Its memorable presentation ensured that the brand enjoyed strong recall value among moviegoers. In recent times, the Lyra Leggings commercial featuring Janhvi Kapoor, along with its catchy theme song, has become firmly etched in the minds of moviegoers, thanks to its repeated screenings in theatres. Interestingly, the ad is rarely, if ever, seen on television, and audiences have largely come across it in cinemas. Those frequenting PVR INOX cinemas would also be familiar with an audiovisual presentation in which prominent brand owners and company officials explain how cinema advertising can have a significant impact on footfalls and sales.

However, while patrons may not mind watching advertisements, having become accustomed to them over the years, the problem arises when the commercials go on and on, testing their patience. Bollywood Hungama spoke exclusively with Sanjeev Kumar Bijli, Executive Director, PVR INOX Limited, about the healthy box office performance in September and the first week of October. Towards the end of our interaction, we asked him about the recent ruling concerning cinema advertisements and whether a middle ground could be reached, allowing advertisements to continue but within reasonable limits.

Sanjeev Kumar Bijli said, “We are always looking at that. We haven’t received that many complaints. We have also reduced our ad time from 15-18 minutes to 10 minutes, which we thought was a sweet spot and which we thought wasn’t compromising on the viewing experience. But of course, you can’t please everyone and this happened. But we are obviously keeping a close eye on it.”

He continued, “We haven’t come out with anything which is a carte blanche policy. But we are keeping a keen eye on it to see how we can reduce it. At the end of the day, we want to make sure that the moviegoing experience does not get compromised by anything. As of now, we have reached a sweet spot as far as ad time is concerned. Hopefully, that’ll be palatable and acceptable to everyone.”

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: PVR INOX’s Sanjeev Kumar Bijli celebrates Drishyam The Conclusion’s box office success: “Our weekend admissions stood at 30 lakhs, among the HIGHEST ever”; predicts BLOCKBUSTER run for Ramayana: “It has all the ingredients”

Veteran actor Nana Patekar was cremated at his Pune farmhouse on Thursday, October 8, following his sudden demise earlier that morning. The actor was accorded full state honours, as announced by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, in recognition of his contribution to Indian cinema and his social welfare initiatives. Fadnavis, along with Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, was also seen paying his respects to the late actor at Pune airport.

Although Nana Patekar passed away in Goa, his mortal remains were brought to Pune in accordance with his wishes. According to reports, the actor had expressed his desire to be cremated at his Donje farmhouse in Pune. His son, Malhar Patekar, performed the last rites and lit the funeral pyre in the presence of family members, friends and colleagues from the film industry.

Several prominent personalities attended the funeral to pay their final respects to the veteran actor. Among those present were Jackie Shroff, producer Sajid Nadiadwala and filmmaker Anil Sharma, along with other members of the entertainment fraternity. The gathering reflected the impact Patekar had made through his work over a career spanning several decades.

The Maharashtra government's decision to accord him a state funeral recognised not only his cinematic legacy but also his contributions to society through the Naam Foundation, which he co-founded with actor Makarand Anaspure to support drought-affected farmers and rural communities.

Nana Patekar's demise: What happened?

Nana Patekar, a Padma Shri recipient known for his acclaimed performances across Hindi and Marathi cinema, passed away at the age of 75 in the early hours of Thursday, October 8, 2026.

According to reports, the actor suffered a severe cardiac arrest at his residence in Dona Paula, Goa. He was found unresponsive early in the morning and rushed to Manipal Hospital, where medical personnel reportedly attempted cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for approximately 45 minutes. However, he could not be revived and was declared dead at around 5:20 AM IST. His son, Malhar Patekar, subsequently confirmed the news.

Known for his intense screen presence and memorable performances, Patekar leaves behind a significant body of work spanning multiple genres and languages. His passing has prompted tributes from colleagues, admirers and members of the film fraternity, as the industry remembers an actor whose contributions extended beyond the screen.

Also Read: Ajay Devgn mourns the death of Nana Patekar with a heartfelt note: “His presence was powerful, his performances unforgettable”

Veteran actor Nana Patekar passed away at the age of 75 on Thursday, October 8, following a severe cardiac arrest at his residence in Goa. The news of his demise has prompted tributes from across the film industry and beyond, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressing his condolences and remembering the actor’s contribution to Indian cinema.

Taking to X, PM Modi recalled Patekar’s distinctive screen presence and versatility as a performer. He highlighted the actor’s work across both Hindi and Marathi cinema, while also remembering his outspoken personality.

PM Modi wrote, “Few actors possessed the intensity, individuality and unmistakable presence that Shri Nana Patekar Ji had. He brought remarkable versatility and creativity to every role and gave us characters that will be remembered for generations.”

In his tribute, the Prime Minister also acknowledged Patekar’s reputation for expressing his views candidly. He wrote, “He was also admired for his frank and forthright views, never hesitating to express what he believed in.”

Few actors possessed the intensity, individuality and unmistakable presence that Shri Nana Patekar Ji had. He brought remarkable versatility and creativity to every role and gave us characters that will be remembered for generations. He was also admired for his frank and forthright views, never hesitating to express what he believed in. Shri Nana Patekar’s contribution to Hindi and Marathi cinema was immense. His passing leaves a deep void. My condolences to his family, friends and countless admirers. Om Shanti.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 8, 2026

“His passing leaves a deep void” PM Modi further highlighted Patekar’s contribution to both Hindi and Marathi cinema and offered condolences to his family, friends and admirers.

“Shri Nana Patekar’s contribution to Hindi and Marathi cinema was immense. His passing leaves a deep void. My condolences to his family, friends and countless admirers. Om Shanti,” he wrote.

Patekar's death marks the loss of a veteran of Indian cinema, whose career spanned decades and included acclaimed work as an actor and filmmaker.

Also Read: Nana Patekar passes away at 75: Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, Prakash Raj and others mourn Welcome actor

Actor Shakti Kapoor and his daughter, actor Shraddha Kapoor, have leased a residential apartment in Mumbai’s Mahalaxmi area to Akshat Khetan for a monthly rent of Rs 2.5 lakhs. The details are based on the registered leave and licence agreement accessed by CRE Matrix. The 1,050 sq ft apartment is located on the third floor of Piramal Mahalaxmi South Tower. The agreement was registered on June 26, 2026, with the 36-month lease commencing on July 1, 2026. It will remain valid until June 30, 2029.

According to the agreement, the monthly rent has been fixed at Rs 2.5 lakhs for the first year of the lease. The rent will increase by 5% annually, taking it to Rs 2.625 lakhs per month during the second year. For the final 12 months, the monthly rent will rise further to approximately Rs 2.756 lakhs.

Across the entire three-year lease period, the total rental payment is estimated at around Rs 94.58 lakhs. Khetan has also paid an interest-free refundable security deposit of Rs 7.5 lakhs.

The agreement includes a 12-month lock-in period, during which neither the landlord nor the tenant can terminate the lease without facing the consequences outlined in the contract. The leased apartment measures 1,050 sq ft and is situated in Piramal Mahalaxmi South Tower, located on G B Sakpal Marg and San Guruji Marg in Mahalaxmi East, Mumbai.

The latest transaction is notable as it comes a little over a year after Shraddha Kapoor and Shakti Kapoor jointly purchased another apartment in the same tower. Shraddha Kapoor and Shakti Kapoor’s earlier purchase In January 2025, the father-daughter duo jointly purchased a 1,042.73 sq ft apartment in Piramal Mahalaxmi South Tower for Rs 6.24 crores.

The earlier property transaction was registered on January 13, 2025. The latest lease agreement involving another apartment in the same residential development adds to the family’s property activity in the Mahalaxmi area.

The new three-year lease will remain in effect until June 2029, with the rent increasing by 5% in each subsequent year as specified in the agreement.

Also Read: Shraddha Kapoor cracks up fans with her hilarious response on Stree 2 fan theory: “Kyunki mein Shakti Kapoor ki beti hoon”

Veteran actor Nana Patekar passed away at the age of 75 on Thursday, October 8, after suffering a severe cardiac arrest at his residence in Goa. He was declared dead at 5:30 AM. Doctors reportedly attempted to revive him through continuous CPR for around 45 minutes, but he could not be saved.

Following the news of his death, several members of the film industry took to social media to remember the acclaimed actor and filmmaker. From Akshay Kumar and Riteish Deshmukh to Prakash Raj, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Adil Hussain and Mukesh Chhabra, several artistes shared personal memories and paid tribute to Patekar. Akshay Kumar remembers Nana Patekar Akshay Kumar, who worked with Patekar in Welcome and more recently in Housefull 5, expressed his grief over the actor's passing. Remembering his distinctive screen presence, Akshay wrote, “Really saddened by the news of Nana ji’s passing.”

He added, “Nana ji was truly one of a kind. It’s hard to believe you’re gone. Thank you for all the memories. You will be missed more than words can say.”

Really saddened by the news of Nana ji’s passing. He was one of those rare actors who never needed to do too much to make you sit up and watch. That voice, that intensity, that honesty in every performance… he was completely his own. I feel fortunate that we got to work together in Welcome, and then again more recently in Housefull 5. There are so many memories from those sets that I’ll always hold close. Nana ji was truly one of a kind. It’s hard to believe you’re gone. Thank you for all the memories. You will be missed more than words can say. 🙏 — Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) October 8, 2026

Riteish Deshmukh calls it “the end of an era” Riteish Deshmukh shared an emotional tribute for Patekar, recalling both his performances and the personal moments they shared. The two actors worked together in Bluffmaster and Housefull 5. Riteish wrote, “Today, words have failed me; it's as if lightning has struck my heart. Nana is gone... This single sentence has left my mind numb, speechless.”

Remembering Patekar's versatility as an actor, Riteish added, “Sometimes the radiant hero on screen, sometimes the villain who sent shivers down the spine, or the mischievous humor behind a serious face, every shade came alive in your acting.”

Calling their association a source of personal fortune, he wrote, “Sharing the screen with you in Bluffmaster and Housefull 5 was my fortune.” Riteish concluded his note by describing Patekar's death as “the end of an era” and extended his condolences to the actor's family, loved ones and fans.

आज शब्द थिजले आहेत, काळजावर जणू वीज कोसळली आहे.
नाना गेले... या एका वाक्याने मन सुन्न, निःशब्द झाले आहे. तुम्ही अभिनयाचे आकाश होतात, ज्याला तुलनेची सीमा नव्हती.
तुमच्या अनोख्या शैलीने रसिकांच्या हृदयात तुम्ही अढळ घर केले. कधी पडद्यावरचा तेजस्वी नायक, कधी अंगावर शहारे आणणारा खलनायक, तर कधी गंभीर चेहऱ्यामागचा खट्याळ विनोद,
प्रत्येक रंग तुमच्या अभिनयात खुलून आला. पडद्यावर तुम्ही हीरो होतात, पण पडद्यामागे त्याहूनही मोठे.
तुमच्या संस्थेतून वाहत राहिली माणुसकीची निरंतर धारा. 'ब्लफमास्टर' आणि 'हाउसफुल ५' मध्ये तुमच्यासोबत पडदा वाटून घेतला, हे माझे भाग्य.
पण एका मराठी चित्रपटात तुमच्यासोबत काम करणे,
ही अपूर्ण ओढ आयुष्यभर उरी राहील. तुमचे बोल, तुमच्या गप्पा, पाठीवरची ती कौतुकाची थाप,
सोबत केलेले ते खळखळते हसू, ही माझी करी कमाई.

कुटुंबीयांना, आप्तेष्टांना आणि लाखो चाहत्यांना
माझी मनःपूर्वक सांत्वना. खरच आज एका युगाचा अस्त झाला आहे.

भावपूर्ण श्रद्धांजली. 🙏

— Riteish Deshmukh (@Riteishd) October 8, 2026

Prakash Raj remembers personal moments With Nana Prakash Raj also paid tribute to Patekar, recalling the conversations and time they spent together away from the camera. Sharing a photograph with the late actor, Prakash wrote, “miss you my dear Nana ji .. Will cherish the moments spent..conversations.. arguments.. the food you cooked.. knowledge you shared.”

He further thanked Patekar for being part of his journey, writing, “thank you for coming into my life’s journey.”

💔💔💔 miss you my dear Nana ji .. Will cherish the moments spent..conversations.. arguments.. the food you cooked.. knowledge you shared . thank you for coming into my life’s journey. 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿 RIP #NanaPatekar https://t.co/ijbPzxZk6s — Prakash Raj (@prakashraaj) October 8, 2026

Neil Nitin Mukesh calls him a “true legend” Neil Nitin Mukesh mourned the loss of Patekar and remembered his contribution to Indian cinema. He wrote, “Deeply saddened by the loss of Nana Patekar Ji. An actor par excellence who carved a niche entirely his own.” Neil also highlighted Patekar's influence beyond his performances, saying that his legacy included inspiring aspiring actors to develop their own identity.

“A true legend of Indian cinema. Your legacy will live on sir. Om shanti,” he added.

Deeply saddened by the loss of Nana Patekar Ji. An actor par excellence who carved a niche entirely his own. His power-packed performances will be remembered forever, but so will the way he inspired and gave wings to countless aspiring actors to find their own identity.

A true legend of Indian cinema. Your legacy will live on sir. Om shanti 🙏🕊️

— Neil Nitin Mukesh (@NeilNMukesh) October 8, 2026

Adil Hussain says he is “speechless” Actor Adil Hussain expressed disbelief after learning about Patekar's death. “I cannot believe that Nana Patekar jee has passed!.. Woke up by a phone call giving me this News... Speechless,” he wrote.

Remembering the veteran actor as an inspiration, Adil added, “Your work has inspired many people including me. God bless your soul... rest in peace.”

I cannot believe that Nana Patekar jee has passed!.. Woke up by a phone call giving me this News... Speechless. Dearest Nana jee I will remember you with great fondness... Your work has inspired many people including me. God bless your soul... rest in peace. — Adil hussain (@_AdilHussain) October 8, 2026

Mukesh Chhabra reacts to Nana Patekar’s death Casting director Mukesh Chhabra also reacted to the news, describing it as difficult to believe. “I am just shocked. This is unbelievable. Rest in peace, Nana Bhai,” Chhabra wrote.

I am just shocked. This is unbelievable. Rest in peace, Nana Bhai. 💔 https://t.co/tqZ7JPD2M7 — Mukesh Chhabra CSA (@CastingChhabra) October 8, 2026

More reactions from members of the film industry are expected as tributes continue to pour in following Nana Patekar's death.

Also Read: Nana Patekar passes away at 75 after severe cardiac arrest at Goa residence

Veteran actor Nana Patekar has passed away at the age of 75 after suffering a severe cardiac arrest at his residence in Goa. He was declared dead at 5:20 AM on Thursday, October 8. Doctors attempted to revive the actor through continuous CPR for around 45 minutes, but he could not be saved.

Dr. Shekhar Salkar, Chief of the Oncology Department at Manipal Hospital, confirmed the news and said that a medico-legal case (MLC) has been registered. Further details regarding the circumstances of his death are expected following the post-mortem examination.

“Veteran actor Nana Patekar passed away at 5:20 AM today after suffering a severe cardiac arrest at his residence. Despite 45 minutes of continuous CPR, he could not be revived. A medico-legal case (MLC) has been registered, and a post-mortem will be conducted,” Dr. Shekhar Salkar said. Nana Patekar’s journey in cinema Nana Patekar began his film career with the 1978 film Gaman. While his early years in cinema were gradual, he went on to establish himself as one of the most distinctive actors in Hindi and Marathi cinema.

His performances in films such as Salaam Bombay! and Parinda brought him wider recognition. Salaam Bombay!, directed by Mira Nair, was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. In Parinda, Patekar played a gangster, a performance that earned him the National Film Award and Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor.

The making of Parinda was also physically demanding for the actor. He suffered serious burns while filming a real-fire sequence and spent months recovering in hospital. Earlier, he had also been stabbed during the shooting of Salaam Bombay!.

Patekar later moved behind the camera with Prahaar: The Final Attack, which he directed and starred in. For the 1991 film, he underwent training with the Territorial Army.

Patekar remained active on screen in the years leading up to his death. His most recent released film was Subedaar, the Amazon Prime Video action drama starring Anil Kapoor. The film premiered on March 5, 2026, with Patekar making a special appearance as Lance Naik Nana Waghmare.

Before that, he had a substantial theatrical role in Vishal Bhardwaj’s O’Romeo, which released on February 13, 2026. He played Ismail Khan, the chief of the Mumbai Intelligence Bureau, in the film starring Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Nana Patekar’s The Confession Of Mary set for Toronto International Film Festival Premiere

Karan Wahi has finally given fans what they have been asking for, a glimpse into his life beyond the screen. Fresh off his third stint on Khatron Ke Khiladi, the actor recently took fans along on a new adventure, making his first-ever visit to Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) and documenting the experience in a new vlog.

During his interaction with the paparazzi, Karan was jokingly asked why he was at the airport when he could be flying out in a helicopter, a cheeky reference to his recent Khatron Ke Khiladi stint. Karan quipped, “Move on Khatron, I have moved on,” before getting on with his different kind of adventure.

He took his fans through the entire airport experience, showing them what happens post celebrities get papped. From exploring the airport’s architecture and installations to discovering its food, retail and leisure offerings, Karan found enough reasons to keep him occupied before the flight.

Welcomed by the Pranaam team on arrival, Karan explored the airport, including the Experience Centre, where the striking art, scale and design caught his attention. He also checked out the range of restaurants and outlets, and mentioned that some of the options were hard to find elsewhere in the city.

But the highlight of the visit was when he headed to the airport lounge and discovered something rather unexpected — mini-golf, a first-of-its-kind offering at an Indian airport. After testing out his golfing skills and unwinding at the lounge, Karan made his way to the boarding gate.

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Karan Wahi (@karanwahi)

What began as Karan’s first visit to NMIA turned into a full-fledged experience of exploring, eating, and shopping, giving his fans a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the actor’s travel routine and delivering the vlog they had been waiting for.

Also Read: Orry gives a peek inside Avinash Mishra’s Khatron Ke Khiladi 15 victory party with Shagun Sharma, Karan Wahi and others!

The Delhi High Court has sought a response from Salman Khan in connection with an application filed by filmmaker Amit Jani, who has sought a stay on proceedings in the actor’s civil suit concerning the proposed film Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legacy. The matter was heard before Justice Anup Jairam Bhambhani, with Jani’s counsel arguing that the reliefs sought by Khan in the present proceedings substantially overlap with those in an earlier suit that is already pending adjudication before the High Court.

During the hearing, Jani’s legal team contended that Khan has effectively initiated parallel litigation concerning the same subject matter. On that basis, counsel argued that proceedings in the subsequent suit should remain stayed until the earlier matter is finally decided. Representing Salman Khan, Senior Advocate Ravi Prakash undertook to place the actor’s formal counter-affidavit on record in response to the application. The court also sought clarity on the precise basis of the relief being pursued by Khan. Explaining the background, Prakash submitted that the actor had initially approached the court seeking protection of his personality and publicity rights. The proceedings resulted in interim protection being granted to Khan in December 2025. According to Khan’s counsel, following the interim order, the filmmakers released promotional material and gave interviews to the media that allegedly drew direct parallels between the film and aspects of the actor’s life, including the widely known 1998 blackbuck poaching case in Rajasthan. Khan’s legal team argued that the alleged depiction was sufficiently identifiable with the actor’s persona and could cause significant reputational harm. The actor subsequently sought the court’s intervention to prevent the circulation of promotional and publicity material connected to the film and to restrain its proposed release. The dispute escalated further in July 2026, when the Delhi High Court directed the removal of the film’s initial digital teaser and certain promotional posts from social media. The court also directed the filmmakers not to use Salman Khan’s name, likeness or identifiable characteristics without his consent. The proceedings later turned towards the question of the film’s proposed distribution and release. During those hearings, Jani’s side submitted that Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legacy was neither complete nor submitted to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for theatrical certification at that stage. The filmmaker’s side also maintained that an official trailer for the film had not yet been released or circulated. The possibility of a direct-to-digital release also came into consideration during the proceedings. While the film’s theatrical status and certification position were raised before the court, the bench also considered Khan’s apprehensions regarding the possibility of the film or related promotional material being disseminated directly through digital platforms, including an OTT release. Amit Jani’s side has continued to oppose the reliefs sought by Salman Khan, maintaining its position against the actor’s requests for injunctions. The latest hearing, therefore, focused on the procedural objection raised by the filmmaker regarding the overlap between the present proceedings and the earlier matter pending before the High Court. Justice Anup Jairam Bhambhani has now directed Salman Khan’s counsel to place the actor’s detailed response on record. The matter has been listed for a further comprehensive hearing on December 16, 2026. The proceedings concern the competing legal claims surrounding Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legacy, with the court yet to adjudicate the substantive issues raised in the latest application. Also Read: Bigg Boss 20: Salman Khan urges censorship on social media, raises concern over AI deepfakes; says, “I am going to take this up very seriously”

Kriti Sanon has revisited the controversy surrounding her GIVA jewellery advertisement, recalling how the campaign’s fashion choices became the subject of intense television debates. During her appearance on Season 6 of Kareena Kapoor Khan’s What Women Want, the actress reflected on the scrutiny female celebrities often face over their clothing and admitted that she was surprised by the scale of the discussion around her outfit.

The conversation touched upon moral policing and the disproportionate attention often directed towards women in the public eye. Recalling the aftermath of the GIVA campaign, Sanon said, “I couldn’t believe… when my choli had become like a six-person panel discussion on prime-time news.” Kareena immediately acknowledged her sentiment, responding, “I know.”

The controversy dates back to GIVA’s Raksha Bandhan campaign featuring Sanon. The actress was seen in a contemporary Indo-western ensemble comprising a white bralette-style choli, a sheer cape and an embroidered skirt. The campaign featured festive celebrations, including Sanon tying a rakhi on a pet dog, but the styling became a talking point on social media.

The advertisement faced criticism from sections of social media, with the outfit being questioned in the context of a festive family setting. The controversy subsequently found its way into television discussions, with the debate extending beyond the advertisement to questions around clothing, culture and representation.

Actor-politician Kangana Ranaut also reacted to the campaign at the time, criticising Sanon’s outfit and comparing the top to a “bikini”. Following the backlash, GIVA issued a public apology and withdrew the campaign from its television and digital platforms.

Sanon had responded to the criticism at the time, questioning the focus on women’s clothing and arguing that fashion and cultural identity should not be reduced to what a woman wears. She wrote, “Also, when will we stop telling women what to wear?? Ethnic fashion has evolved over the years, but still a woman's respect for her culture is measured with just her clothes!! Culture & Traditions are in her heart, not in her neckline!”

The actress’ latest comments on What Women Want bring the episode back into focus, particularly the extent to which a fashion choice can become a larger public debate when a celebrity is at the centre of it. Her recollection also underlines the scrutiny that female actors can face over their appearance, even when the conversation begins with a commercial campaign.

Also Read: Kriti Sanon says, “I also want to play a superwoman”; reveals she wants to explore female superhero roles

JioHotstar has expanded its international presence with its entry into the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The move follows its launch in the UK, Canada and Singapore, adding another key market with a large South Asian audience to the platform’s growing global footprint. Through an exclusive partnership with STARZPLAY, JioHotstar will be available as a dedicated streaming destination on the STARZPLAY app and website.

The partnership combines JioHotstar’s content library with STARZPLAY’s regional reach and understanding of audiences in the MENA market. Viewers will have access to new JioHotstar Originals alongside their India releases, with content available with audio tracks in up to 10 languages. The offering will also include television content from JioStar TV channels, films and reality franchises.

Among the content available to audiences will be the upcoming season of Koffee with Karan and the ongoing season of Bigg Boss across six languages. The library will feature content in Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Bangla and other languages, along with a substantial Malayalam catalogue aimed at serving the region’s Malayali audience.

The JioHotstar offering will be available through STARZPLAY’s PLUS plan at AED 34.99 per month. The MAX plan, priced at AED 49.99 per month, will combine the complete JioHotstar entertainment offering with STARZPLAY’s sports portfolio, including major sporting events and cricket.

Commenting on JioHotstar’s expansion into the Middle East, Amit Malhotra, Head – International Business, JioStar, said, “The strong early response to JioHotstar across the UK, Canada and Singapore has reinforced our belief in the global opportunity for Indian entertainment. As we build JioHotstar into a truly global streaming platform, MENA is a crucial next market, with one of the world’s largest South Asian diaspora communities and a deep appetite for entertainment across languages. Our partnership with STARZPLAY allows us to enter the region with scale and bring audiences the breadth of JioHotstar, from new originals and daily television to blockbuster films and iconic reality franchises. This is an important step in taking Indian stories, talent and cultural moments to audiences around the world.”

Speaking about the partnership, Maaz Sheikh, CEO of STARZPLAY, said, “The next phase of streaming growth in MENA will be shaped by platforms that bring the right brands together and make the viewing experience more valuable. Audiences should not have to navigate an increasingly fragmented market to find the entertainment that matters to them. Bringing JioHotstar to STARZPLAY is a strategic investment in that future, combining the strength of India’s storytelling with our understanding of this region and the audiences we serve.”

“Cricket has given STARZPLAY a strong and lasting relationship with South Asian audiences across the region. JioHotstar allows us to extend that relationship beyond the match and into the entertainment households return to every day. Our ambition is to make STARZPLAY the destination where every member of the family finds something they value,” Maaz added.

To mark the MENA launch, the Burj Khalifa was illuminated as part of a launch celebration. JioHotstar’s Big Bang was projected onto the world’s tallest building in a display of colour and light, bringing together JioHotstar and STARZPLAY to mark the platform’s arrival in the region.

JioHotstar continues to explore features such as AI-powered personalisation, conversational discovery, interactive entertainment and in-app commerce. With its expansion into MENA, the platform now has an international presence spanning Europe, North America, Asia and the Middle East, with its approach tailored to the audiences in each market.

Also Read : Bigg Boss 20 teaser out: Salman Khan drops cryptic Karan Arjun hint ahead of September 6 premiere

Producer Prakash Mahobiya has opened up about the theatrical performance of Mahakavya Shri Ramayan Katha, alleging that the mythological drama faced negative marketing and online campaigns that affected its reach. In an interview with India Today, Mahobiya claimed that the film did not get an adequate opportunity to reach audiences and suggested that an upcoming big-budget film based on the same epic may have influenced the online narrative. However, he stopped short of naming any project or filmmaker and said he could not confirm the information.

Speaking about the film’s reception, Mahobiya said, “It was negative marketing throughout. We never got a chance to reach our audience. The ones who watched our film really enjoyed it. But if they never got to see it, how will they even have an opinion?”

The producer further claimed that he had been told about efforts involving digital creators to discourage audiences from watching the film. He said, “From what we have been told, there are other movies on the same subject coming in, the big-budget film. As far as we know, a lot of negative marketing opportunities have been given to YouTubers, influencers and other people. They are spreading wrong information and asking people not to watch our film,” before adding, “I don’t know for sure, but that’s what we are being told.”

His comments come amid considerable attention around Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana, the upcoming two-part adaptation produced by Namit Malhotra. The film stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Raavan and is among the most closely watched upcoming Indian film projects. Mahobiya’s remarks, however, do not establish any connection between Ramayana and the alleged online campaigns against his film.

Mahobiya also admitted that marketing a film was a learning experience for him as a first-time producer. He said, “I have made a film for the first time, and I am new to this industry. I have no idea how to market a film after making it. We are not afraid of the loss, but we are disappointed that not many people managed to watch it. And hence, we want to release the film again.”

Maintaining that Mahakavya Shri Ramayan Katha offers a distinct interpretation, he added, “There is a lot of difference between your film and the other film that will arrive soon. But we are confident that, given a chance, people would have liked our film too.”

Directed by Abhishek Singh, Mahakavya Shri Ramayan Katha released in cinemas on September 25, 2026. The film stars Dev Sharma as Lord Ram, Anjali Arora as Goddess Sita, Sheel Verma as Laxman and Rajniesh Duggall in a pivotal role.

Following its theatrical run, the makers are now exploring the possibility of re-releasing the film in cinemas to give it another opportunity to reach audiences.

Also Read: Anjali Arora gives her take on the ongoing Ranbir Kapoor – prasad controversy; says, “Prasad is God’s blessing, it doesn’t increase weight”

By the end of July, international films had amassed Rs. 1,424 crores at the Indian box office, putting 2026 within striking distance of the all-time annual record of Rs. 1,595 crores set in 2019. Leading the charge was Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which emerged as the highest-grossing international film ever in India. The strong momentum continued through August, with international cinema commanding a 15% share of the Indian box office, up from 10% in 2025. The overall Indian box office, too, has been witnessing consistent growth. The cumulative gross box office of all films released in India stood at Rs. 11,833 crores in 2024 and rose to Rs. 13,395 crores in 2025. With 2026 delivering strong results across languages, genres and budgets, Ashish Misra, Head of Commercialisation, Cinepolis India, believes it would not be a surprise if the cumulative box office crosses the Rs. 15,000 crore mark for the first time.

In an exclusive conversation with Bollywood Hungama, Ashish Misra spoke about Hollywood’s impressive resurgence, expectations from Ramayana, the packed final quarter of 2026 and why the year could turn out to be a historic one for the Indian film industry.

How do you view Hollywood's performance so far this year? Not just biggies but even smaller films like Obsession worked big time… Hollywood has bounced back after facing a few barriers. The strikes in 2023 delayed the production and release of several films, and that had a trickle-down effect on box office performance as well. But this year, we have witnessed renewed interest, with films across multiple genres performing well.

Historically, horror has been a promising genre for Hollywood films in India. We have seen that with The Conjuring universe, the Evil Dead series, etc. Hence, Obsession performing well was not a surprise, especially because the film had incredibly positive word of mouth not just in India but globally. Today, in a connected world, when people start praising a movie, we see that sentiment translating into the Indian box office as well. That’s what happened with Obsession.

Meanwhile, Michael also did well. Project Hail Mary caught the imagination of Indian audiences because of its visuals and subject. And now, Spider-Man: Brand New Day has become the biggest Hollywood film ever in India. It is part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which tends to perform very well in the country. Its performance has further increased our expectations from Avengers: Doomsday.

Hence, December looks very promising from an exhibitor’s point of view. Besides Avengers: Doomsday, we also have Dune: Part Three and Jumanji: Open World. Overall, 2026 is shaping up to be a very strong year for the industry.

Besides Avengers: Doomsday, Dune: Part Three and Jumanji: Open World, Shah Rukh Khan’s King also releases around the same time. Will it be a challenge to divide shows among these four anticipated films? When it comes to programming, it’s ultimately about demand. The idea is to allot more shows to the films that audiences want to watch. To give you an example, Toxic and Hanuman Ansh were playing in cinemas at the same time. Toxic was expected to be a huge grosser, while Hanuman Ansh, despite having released three weeks earlier, was gradually gaining momentum around the same time. Our programming accordingly evolved based on what the audiences were demanding.

What are your hopes from Ramayana? All of us Indians have grown up being mesmerized by the story of the Ramayana. Its theme of good versus evil resonates with audiences across the country. Hence, our expectations from Ramayana are very high.

It is mounted on such a massive scale that we believe it has the potential to become the biggest film the Indian film industry has ever seen. And it’s not just about India. The film also has the ability to take Indian culture and heritage to audiences across the world.

Any final thoughts? 2026 looks set to be the best-ever year for the Indian film industry. It will probably be the first time that the box office in India crosses the Rs. 15,000 crores mark. What is particularly encouraging is that the contribution is not coming from just a handful of blockbusters; a lot of small and medium-budget films are also doing very well. That’s one trend that has given us a lot of confidence.

Also Read: Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama: Ramayana makers unveil BTS glimpse on actor’s birthday

Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has weighed in on the deepfake controversy involving Janhvi Kapoor and the song ‘Chuttamalle’, and the celebrity reaction that followed. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), he shared his views on how the matter has been handled.

Varma wrote, "The only thing all the celebrities succeeded in, is to publicise and thereby make crores and crores of people see the objectionable link.. The smart thing would have been to concentrate on catching the perpetrator and publicise that.. Instead what they did is to tweet and bring enormous attention to the victim's identity and the offensive content which is also a crime."

The only thing all the celebrities succeeded in , is to publicise and thereby make crores and crores of people see the objectionable link ..The smart thing would have been to concentrate on catching the perpetrator and publicise that ..Instead what they did is to tweet and bring enormous attention to the victim’s identity and the offensive content which is also a crime — Ram Gopal Varma (@RGVzoomin) October 4, 2026

In another tweet, he added, "When you can't WIN , you should JOIN …. . If you fight A I , it will ERASE you out of EXISTENCE." In essence, Varma's view is that a call for action against those spreading the AI-generated version would have been a better approach than a wave of public condemnation.

When you can’t WIN , you should JOIN …. . If you fight A I , it will ERASE you out of EXISTENCE 😔 — Ram Gopal Varma (@RGVzoomin) October 5, 2026

For the past few days, Janhvi has been at the centre of a social media storm after a deepfake AI video depicting the actress in an inappropriate manner, made from the ‘Chuttamalle’ song, began circulating on the platform. The actress penned a long note on Monday, 5 October, condemning the act and expressing her disappointment over such cybercrimes.

Janhvi has received strong support from her fans and followers. Her Devara co-star Jr NTR, with whom she featured in the ‘Chuttamalle’ song, also took to the platform to post a scathing message. He was followed by several big names from the South industry, including megastar Chiranjeevi.

The episode has brought two approaches into focus. One, reflected in the reaction of Janhvi and her supporters, is to publicly condemn deepfake abuse and stand with the victim. The other, voiced by Varma, is to prioritise tracking down and acting against the perpetrator while avoiding further spread of the content. Both positions come from the shared concern that AI misuse is a serious problem, though they differ on how best to respond.

Also Read: Janhvi Kapoor condemns morphed AI video from Devara Part 1 song ‘Chuttamalle’: “Consent, choice and respect for a woman’s body should be basic”

Janhvi Kapoor has spoken out against the circulation of a morphed AI-generated video featuring her from the Devara Part 1 song ‘Chuttumalle’. The incident has sparked widespread concern on social media, with the actress once again becoming a victim of digital manipulation. Janhvi, who has previously spoken about being targeted by deepfake technology, took to Instagram to condemn the misuse of technology and the violation of women’s consent.

In a detailed note, Janhvi highlighted how the objectification of women through manipulated digital content has become an increasingly serious concern. She wrote, “The criminal misuse of technology to objectify women and circulate fictionalised content without consent is deeply violating, bordering on sexual assault. Almost every woman in my industry has faced some version of this, and women everywhere are increasingly being subjected to it,” her note read and continued, “Consent, choice and respect for a woman's body should be among the most basic notions of humanity. Yet somehow, they continue to be treated as complicated. They are not.”

Janhvi further explained that consent cannot be assumed or taken for granted under any circumstances. Drawing an analogy, she wrote, “It is surprising that it still seems too nuanced for some people to understand that even if a woman says yes five days in a row and no on the sixth, that no must be respected. If she happens to wear a miniskirt, it does not give anyone permission to put a camera up her skirt, capture violating angles or visually exploit her body. What a woman is comfortable with, where she draws the line and what she chooses to do with her body are decisions that belong exclusively to her. This is basic.”

The actress also placed the incident within the larger conversation around women’s safety, saying that the threat of violation has now extended into the digital space. “This goes far beyond the ai videos I have dealt with over the last few days, or anything I have personally experienced throughout my career. It is about the larger reality of being a woman, the gaze, the judgement, the constant negotiation for safety, and the feeling that our boundaries somehow remain open to interpretation. That threat has now expanded into the digital sphere, when we have not even adequately addressed the very real, physical fear that continues to disrupt the lives of women every day,” she said.

Janhvi also stressed that the responsibility cannot solely be placed on women to protect themselves - “The answer cannot simply be to "protect your daughter." we also need to undo the conditioning that makes people believe they are entitled to violate somebody else's boundaries in the first place. And part of that change will come from exemplary men with the moral compass and the spine to say clearly what is right and what is wrong.”

The actress thanked her Devara co-star NTR Jr., along with Chiranjeevi, Vijay Deverakonda and Khushbu Sundar, for speaking up against the incident and supporting her. She expressed, “I am deeply touched by NTR sir for taking such a strong stand and condemning this violation. Thank you, sir. When someone whom millions look up to speaks up about something that may not directly concern him, it makes a difference to every woman who has experienced some degree of this behaviour.” “Thank you also to Chiranjeevi sir, Vijay and Khushbu ma'am for amplifying that sentiment and calling for action against this mentality and these immoral practices,” she added.

She concluded by urging people to reconsider the attitude towards women’s boundaries and choice, “I hope everything unfolding around us right now forces those who participate in any form of harassment to introspect. Is it really too much for a woman to ask to simply be treated and seen as a human being? Her body. Her image. Her boundaries. Her choice.”

Also Read: All about this effortless beauty avatar of Janhvi Kapoor: Actress keeps it understated with concealer, pink blush and nude lips

On September 23, the nominations for the 54th International Emmy Awards were announced and, in a significant achievement for India, the SonyLIV series Real Kashmir Football Club bagged a nomination in the Best Drama Series category. The recognition came as a pleasant surprise for the team, who are understandably on cloud nine. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Simaab Hashmi, the lead writer and an executive producer of Real Kashmir Football Club, spoke about the making of the show, its portrayal of Kashmir, the unexpected Emmy honour, the possibility of Season 2 and a lot more.

Congratulations on the Emmy nomination. This is huge… Thank you so much. We are still in disbelief. Everytime someone calls me and congratulates me, it takes me a second to process that yes, our show has indeed made it to the Emmys! It’s not something you imagine will happen. Someone said that it is TV ka Oscars (laughs).

How did you get associated with the show as a writer and executive producer? I came across a newspaper article about the football club. I was amazed to learn there’s a football team in Kashmir. What further added to my surprise was that a Kashmiri Pandit and a Kashmiri Muslim came together to start this team. It sounded too good to be true. I asked myself, ‘How did this happen and how come nobody knows about it?’. I met a writer friend and told him that we should do something about this story. Meanwhile, I also met a common friend, who eventually become a producer on the show – Vishakha Singh. She also essayed the role of Manav Kaul’s wife. She was completely sold by the idea. We didn’t know whether it would be made into a film or a series, but we definitely wanted to work on it. She asked me to call the owners and get the rights.

I called them, but by then, bahut logon ka call chala gaya tha unko. As you know, Bollywood is always looking for the next great story, right? So, they told me, ‘This person called me, that person called me’. They also said, ‘We are busy. Come and talk to us’. I told Vishakha that we should head to Srinagar. The next day, we were there. We told the owners that we had landed and they couldn’t believe it. I told them, ‘Aapne hi bola tha ki aa jaao’! This was the person whose character was eventually played by Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub bhai. We met him and got a first-hand experience of Kashmiri hospitality. He also introduced me to the Pandit owner, the late Sandeep Chattoo, who is no longer with us.

Then, we kept going back and spent months there. We have heard so many stories about Kashmir that are told from an outsider’s perspective. We were clear that until we understood what the people were really like, we shouldn’t make this series. We would stay in people’s homes because they were so warm and inviting.

Later, we met Kilian Kerwin, the seasoned producer of Delhi Crime. He loved the subject and immediately said, ‘We are making the show’. We met a lot of platforms, but since this was a very different story, we would often be told, ‘Kashmir ki story toh yeh nahin lag rahi hai’. My response was, ‘Exactly! That’s why it should be made. It’s not a regular tale of Kashmir’. It’s a story of hope, contrary to the dark tales that we have usually seen set in the Valley. Thankfully, Kilian believed in the idea and decided to put money into it. So, we made the show without having a platform on board.

Kilian brought in Mahesh Mathai, the legendary ad filmmaker, as the director. He became the captain of the ship and guided us throughout. Once the show was completed, SonyLIV came on board. They were great partners; Danish Khan, Saugata Mukherjee and the whole team were very excited about the show. The rest is history, especially after what has happened with the Emmy nomination.

Were Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub and Manav Kaul the original choices for the roles of Sohail Meer and Shirish Kemmu? They were the only two choices. Nowadays, we hear that ‘Yeh banda famous hai. Iske kaafi Instagram followers hain. Isko cast kar lo’. But that’s not how we functioned. Manav Kaul is a Kashmiri himself. When we met him, we instantly realized that he would be apt. The same applied to Zeeshan. Both actors are great; it was surprising that they had never worked together.

They were very collaborative. We would make up scenes on the set. Mahesh sir was so nice and liberal that he would tell us, ‘You boys just figure it out’! Me, Manav bhai and Zeeshan would then sit in the van and be like ‘Iss scene ko aise karte hai’. So, we did tweak some of the scenes.

Can you give us an example of a scene which was improvised on the set? After the wedding takes place on the football ground, there’s a confrontation scene between Manav bhai and Zeeshan about the future of the club. That scene was very different initially. We had doubts about whether it was working or not. While the production team was setting up the scene, Zeeshan, Manav bhai, Kilian and I sat together and created a new version of it. Then, Mahesh sir came in and added his magic sprinkle on top of it.

How did the people of Kashmir react to the show? I can’t tell you the number of people who have reached out. Even while we were making the show and doing our research, everyone was so happy that we were telling a story about the football club. After the show was released, several local personalities, including RJs, reached out to me on Instagram or somehow got my number and messaged me, ‘Thank you, Simaab, for showing us how we actually are’! Some even remarked, ‘The normal day-to-day life that we have has never been represented on celluloid’.

From the start, my idea was that mujhe Kashmiri ke kitchen ki kahaani jaanni hai. Their lives are just like ours, and the same goes for their joys and troubles. Of course, they have larger problems as well, but I wanted to depict the human experience of a Kashmiri. The best way I can put it is that Kashmiris felt represented.

I met so many women there who are working, running businesses and leading their families. We have rarely seen that represented in popular culture. Even though our show is about a men’s football team, each and every female character was very important. Some of them were even leading certain tracks in the show.

For the first time in my life, I heard Kashmiri abuses, thanks to your show… (Laughs) We used to hang out with a lot of Kashmiri boys. We noticed that while talking among themselves, they would use choicy words! I would ask them what they meant. They would say, ‘Yeh so-and-so Hindi gaali ka Kashmiri equivalent hain’! I would note everything down. Adhir Bhat, who is also a Kashmiri, wrote the dialogues and helped us figure out the correct words to use.

How many days did it take to shoot Real Kashmir Football Club? I know it feels like a very long show, but we finished the shoot in record time – just 55 days! And this was despite all the football sequences, which involved so many different angles, setups and cameras. One thing I learnt was that shooting football is like shooting action!

Will there be a Season 2? After all, the show ends by informing viewers that Real Kashmir Football Club had another round of success two years after the events shown in the first season, in 2018… There are a lot of stories about the club that remain untold. Our show came out last December and suddenly, people are now texting and calling me to say, ‘This is such a good show’. So, I am hoping that the Emmy honour may lead us to a second season. We have plenty of stories left to tell.

I remember once I randomly told Sandeep Chattoo, ‘Sir, this is such a fairy tale story’. He replied, ‘Let me correct you that this is not a fairy tale story. Fairy tales come to an end, while Real Kashmir is forever’. So, we hope to tell more stories from Kashmir.

Mona Singh has begun shooting for her next film in the UK, continuing a busy year that has seen the actor take on multiple roles across different projects. After appearing in six distinct roles in 2026, Singh has now started work on another feature film.

The actor took to social media to share a glimpse from the film’s picturesque shooting location in the Cotswolds. Along with the post, Mona expressed her excitement about being part of the project and hinted at its unconventional approach to filmmaking. She captioned the post: "This project/movie feels special and unprecedented , its because we have thrown out the old rule book. #actorslife #cotswold #makingmovies #instamood #oct2026".

Her note suggests that the upcoming film will take a different approach to storytelling, moving away from conventional narrative formats. While details about the project are currently under wraps, her post offers a glimpse into the creative process behind the film.

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Mona Singh (@monajsingh)

As per reports, the film is directed by Vikas Bahl and features an ensemble cast of Indian and international actors, musicians and performers. The story is reportedly set in Britain in the early 1990s and explores the period when the UK Punjabi music movement was beginning to take shape.

The film is set against a time when a generation growing up between cultures was finding its voice through music and performance. The narrative reportedly traces this period through garages, backrooms, pirate radio stations and underground gigs, reflecting the emergence of a cultural movement that would go on to shape the experiences of a generation.

With production now underway in the Cotswolds, further details about the cast, storyline and release plans are awaited.

Also Read : EXCLUSIVE: Vikas Bahl’s next stars Jimmy Shergill, Siddhant Chaturvedi, Mona Singh, Alizeh Agnihotri; based on the explosive rise of Punjabi music in 90s UK

Ramesh Taurani and Kumar Taurani spoke to Komal Nahta about their journey and experience of working on the music of some important films in their career. Ramesh Taurani also spoke of an embarrassing experience involving Suniel Shetty ad the beginning their journey.

Ramesh Taurani revealed, “I bought music rights of two films from Firoz Nadiadwala – Ram Shastra (1995) and one more film starring Anil Kapoor. Anil’s film was never made and we adjusted the money in Ram Shastra. After I paid him for the music rights of his two films, he announced three more films the next day. One film starred Suniel Shetty and he had just arrived in the industry. Firoz Nadiadwala asked me to acquire the music rights of those three films as well. I told him, ‘I don’t want’. When he asked the reason, I replied, ‘Kyunki aapki picture mein hero toh Suniel Shetty hai’. This happened in 1990 or 1991. We were new; we didn’t know that we couldn’t talk in this way.”

Ramesh raised laughs as he said, “One hour later, I got a call from Jatin Rajguru, the secretary of Suniel Shetty. He said, ‘Suniel wants to meet you’. I asked them to come to our office. He came in an hour and told me, ‘Sir, aap aisa mat bolo ki Suniel Shetty ki picture nahin lenge’. I confessed that I did say that but also assured him that I would buy the rights of his next two films. Those two films were Raghuveer (1995) and Takkar (1995). We were also involved in the music sittings. Takkar’s song ‘Aankhon Mein Base Ho Tum’ is popular even today.”

Ramesh Taurani remarked, “It was a lesson that taught us ki industry mein kya nahin bolna chahiye!”

Also Read: Ramesh Taurani reveals how his Rs. 5 lakh cheque helped Salman Khan get paid and kickstarted Patthar Ke Phool – a film that was NEVER supposed to be made