Indus Chronicles

Today, global Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh made history, delivering the largest Live Nation North America presale ever for a South Asian artist, moving over 130,000 tickets in just two days. The Aura World Tour North American dates mark a major step forward from Dosanjh’s record-breaking 2024 Dil-Luminati Tour, which became the largest North American tour by a Punjabi artist to date.

Promoted by Live Nation, the 15-date run kicks off Thursday, April 23, with a stadium performance at BC Place in Vancouver, before continuing across North America with stops in Dallas, Toronto, and more. The tour will also include two nights at Madison Square Garden in New York, with the second date added due to overwhelming demand, before concluding with a two-night run at Chase Centre in San Francisco on June 20 and 21.

Diljit’s Aura World Tour officially launched last year with multiple dates in Sydney and Melbourne in November, making history as the first Punjabi artist to headline and sell out stadiums across Australia, collectively drawing more than 90,000 fans.

In 2025, Diljit received an International Emmy Award nomination for Best Performance by an Actor for his acclaimed role in the Netflix film Amar Singh Chamkila, marking a significant moment for Indian representation on the global stage. That same year, VOGUEreaders named Diljit Best Dressed at the 2025 Met Gala, where he turned heads in a custom ivory Prabal Gurung sherwani and turban featuring meaningful cultural details. Most recently, J Balvin joined Diljit on a remix of his 2025 track 'Senorita.' DILJIT DOSANJH - AURA WORLD TOUR DATES: Thu, Apr 23 — Vancouver, BC — BC Place Thu, Apr 30 — Calgary, AB — Scotiabank Saddledome Sat, May 2 — Edmonton, AB — Rogers Place Thu, May 7 — Winnipeg, MB — Canada Life Centre Sun, May 10 — Rosemont, IL — Allstate Arena Wed, May 13 — Orlando, FL — Kia Center Sat, May 16 — Dallas, TX — American Airlines Center Wed, May 20 — Nashville, TN — Bridgestone Arena Fri, May 22 — Atlanta, GA — State Farm Arena Sun, May 24 — New York, NY — Madison Square Garden — SOLD OUT Mon, May 25 — New York, NY — Madison Square Garden — NEW SHOW ADDED Sun, May 31 — Toronto, ON — Rogers Centre — SOLD OUT Thu, Jun 18 — Los Angeles, CA — Crypto.com Arena Sat, Jun 20 — San Francisco, CA — Chase Center — SOLD OUT Sun, Jun 21 — San Francisco, CA — Chase Center — NEW SHOW ADDED

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Bhushan Kumar on backing Diljit Dosanjh in Border 2, “It was Anurag Singh’s call that for Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon’s character, he wanted only Diljit”

PVR INOX, one of India’s leading multiplex chains, has announced its ‘Valentine’s Special Showcase’, a curated re-release of 12 popular romantic films across Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam. The initiative aims to bring timeless love stories back to the big screen, offering both nostalgia for long-time viewers and discovery for younger audiences.

The line-up features a mix of Hindi blockbusters and regional classics, including Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Veer-Zaara, Mohabbatein, Saiyaara, Devdas, Sanam Teri Kasam and Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa.

The Tamil titles include Minnale, Mounam Pesiyadhe, Kadhalar Dhinam and Uyirullavarai Usha, while the Telugu romantic drama Love Story and the Malayalam hit Premam complete the pan-Indian selection. Shah Rukh Khan’s romance returns to theatres Several films in the showcase prominently feature Shah Rukh Khan, whose performances in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Veer-Zaara, Mohabbatein, and Devdas have played a defining role in shaping mainstream Hindi cinema’s portrayal of romance. From Raj and Simran’s cross-cultural love story to the poetic tragedy of Devdas, these films continue to resonate across generations.

While classics like Mohabbatein explored defiant young love and Veer-Zaara bridged borders through emotion, newer entries such as Saiyaara connected with younger audiences through contemporary storytelling and music-driven narratives. A celebration across generations Beyond Hindi cinema, the regional selections add depth to the showcase. Minnale, Mounam Pesiyadhe, and Kadhalar Dhinam are remembered for their music and youthful romance, while Uyirullavarai Usha remains an earlier example of Tamil cinema’s engagement with love stories. Premam brought a layered take on different phases of love, and Love Story struck a chord with its modern romantic arc.

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For millennials, the showcase offers a return to first dates and college memories. For Gen Z viewers, it presents an opportunity to experience these films in theatres, as they were originally intended.

Commenting on the initiative, Niharika Bijli, Lead Strategist, PVR INOX Limited, said, “This Valentine’s Day, we wanted to curate not just a line-up of films, but a spectrum of emotions. From the timeless romance of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge to the poetic intensity of Devdas, the tender nostalgia of Premam, and the new-age love stories like Saiyaara, our curation reflects how every generation experiences romance differently, while certain beats remain the same. Whether it’s first love, heartbreak, friendship, or forever, there’s a story for everyone to celebrate at PVR INOX.”

The Valentine’s Special Showcase will be available across select PVR INOX cinemas, inviting audiences to revisit enduring love stories on the big screen.

Also Read: Valentine’s Day 2026: From Kriti Sanon to Shraddha Kapoor, 7 Bollywood divas who are turning up the heat in red

Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan has sold a duplex apartment in Mumbai’s Mahalaxmi area for Rs 14.5 crores, according to property registration documents accessed through Zapkey. The duplex is located on the 40th and 41st floors of Tower 4 (Strata) at Planet Godrej, a premium residential complex in central Mumbai. The transaction was registered on February 12, 2026.

The apartment, with a total carpet area of 2,249 sq ft, was sold at a rate of Rs 64,473 per sq ft. The deal includes three car parking spaces. Documents show that the buyers — Rishi Mandawat, a partner at Bain Capital Private Equity, and Smita Mehta — paid a stamp duty of Rs 89.76 lakhs for the transaction.

Mahalaxmi has emerged as a sought-after micro-market in recent years, witnessing steady activity in the luxury residential segment. Developments such as Planet Godrej have attracted high-net-worth individuals owing to their location and scale.

The sale comes at a time when Bachchan has been expanding his footprint beyond cinema. In January this year, he entered the real estate sector with a project in Gujarat’s GIFT City (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City), a planned global financial and IT services hub located between Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar. The land for the project was originally acquired years ago by his father, Amitabh Bachchan.

Abhishek Bachchan has entered into a profit-sharing agreement with producer and real estate entrepreneur Anand Pandit, whose firm is expanding into Gujarat for the first time through this collaboration.

Apart from films and real estate, Bachchan also co-owns the Jaipur Pink Panthers, a professional kabaddi team that competes in the Pro Kabaddi League.

On the professional front, the actor was last seen in Housefull 5. He also featured in the OTT release Kaalidhar Laapata on Zee5. He is currently attached to several upcoming projects, including Shah Rukh Khan’s next film King, directed by Siddharth Anand.

Also Read: Abhishek Bachchan fans embrace viral ‘Just a Boy’ AI trend; reimagine his iconic characters in style

A video claiming that pirated DVDs of the recently released Hindi film Dhurandhar are being openly sold in Pakistan for as little as Rs 16 has gone viral on social media, raising fresh concerns about film piracy and cross-border circulation of illegal copies.

The clip, widely shared online, shows a street vendor displaying stacks of DVDs allegedly containing the film. In the video, the seller can be heard saying the discs are available for “Rs 16,” drawing sharp reactions from viewers. The footage has since triggered debate among film trade observers and audiences over the scale and speed at which pirated versions surface after a theatrical release.

The video quickly gained traction across platforms, with many users expressing shock at how cheaply the film was being sold.

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Dhurandhar, starring Ranveer Singh and directed by Aditya Dhar, is currently trending at No. 1 on Netflix in multiple territories, including India, Pakistan, Bahrain, Oman and the UAE. The film has also charted strongly in regions where it did not receive theatrical clearance, ranking No. 7 in Saudi Arabia and No. 3 in Kuwait, while viewing data for Qatar remains unavailable. Its OTT performance contrasts with earlier theatrical challenges, as the film was banned across all six GCC countries over concerns related to its geopolitical themes. Centered on an undercover RAW agent, the film reportedly faced objections due to its portrayal of Pakistan, leading to denial of certification for cinema release in the region.

Also Read: Rupali Ganguly can’t stop praising brother Vijay Ganguly for his work on Ranveer Singh starrer Dhurandhar 2

Balaji Motion Pictures officially unveils Ragini 3, a gripping date-night horror that promises thrills, humour, and edge-of-your-seat entertainment. The film will be headlined by Tamannaah Bhatia, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Shashanka Ghosh, and will feature Junaid Khan opposite Tamannaah.

Marking an exciting new chapter, Ragini 3 brings together a dynamic team, with Shashanka Ghosh stepping in as Director, while Sahir Raza continues to be the creative force on the project. With this association, the scale of the film has risen to new heights, making it one of the most anticipated films in the genre. This project also marks another collaboration between Shashanka Ghosh and Balaji Motion Pictures, following their successful association on films like Veere Di Wedding and Freddy. With Ragini 3, the team aims to deliver a bold, fresh, and stylised Date Night Horror experience.

Tamannaah Bhatia, celebrated for her versatility and commanding screen presence across industries, takes on the lead role, bringing glamour, intensity, and intrigue to the narrative. She was always the one and only choice for the film. Joining her is Junaid Khan, who continues to impress with his unconventional choices and nuanced performances, making this a fresh and exciting new on-screen pairing.

Produced by Ekta Kapoor’s Balaji Motion Pictures, a division of Balaji Telefilms Ltd, Ragini 3 is already generating strong buzz. Further details about the project remain under wraps, but anticipation around this Date Night Horror continues to build.

Also Read: Tamannaah Bhatia’s Ragini MMS 3 put on hold as director Sahir Raza exits amid scheduling clash: Report

Actor Rajpal Yadav’s wife Radha Yadav has finally spoken about the actor’s ongoing debt and legal case. She shared that many people from the film industry have come forward to support Rajpal during this difficult time.

Rajpal Yadav, known for his comic roles in films like Hera Pheri and Bhool Bhulaiyaa, has been facing a long-running legal case linked to a loan taken years ago. Reports suggest that the loan was taken in 2010 for his film Ata Pata Laapata. Over time, the amount reportedly increased and the matter reached court. According to reports, Rajpal recently surrendered at Tihar Jail after a Delhi High Court order connected to a cheque bounce case.

Speaking to PTI, Radha Yadav thanked the industry for standing by her husband. She said, “Everybody has stood by him. The industry has been supportive, a big thank you to everyone who is coming out to help.” She also mentioned that the support has come from many well-known names. Singer Mika Singh has reportedly promised financial help as well. Mika was quoted saying he will support Rajpal and encouraged others to help too. Other celebrities who are also said to have extended support to Rajpal include Sonu Sood, Salman Khan, Ajay Devgn, and Varun Dhawan.

Rajpal’s manager Goldie Jain also spoke about the situation and said that while many people have offered help, the details are still being discussed. He said, “Many people are coming forward, but things are still being worked out.”

Rajpal Yadav has not yet made a detailed statement himself, but Radha’s comments show that the actor is receiving strong support from the entertainment industry as he continues to deal with the case.

Also Read: Rajpal Yadav debt case: Salman Khan, Ajay Devgn, David Dhawan, and others extend financial support

Janhvi Kapoor is gradually making inroads into the South. While she is being paid much more in Telugu cinema than what she gets in Bollywood, she is now trying to conquer the Tamil arena as well.

One hears Janhvi has inked a deal for a web series in Tamil with Netflix for an impressive fee (approximately Rs. 20 crores). The series, a female-oriented subject, is being directed by the popular Pa Ranjith, who directed Rajinikanth in the two back-to-back releases Kabali and Kaala.

For her latest Telugu outing Peddi, co-starring Ram Charan, Janhvi has been paid around Rs. 14 crores, which makes her the highest paid Telugu actress of all times.

How did this happen? It started with Devara in 2024 when she was offered the heroine’s part. Initially, Janhvi rejected the offer as she didn’t want to go regional, as it would impact her Hindi career.

It was her father producer Boney Kapoor who insisted she do the film… at an exorbitant price, which, to her surprise, the producers were willing to pay.

Also Read: Janhvi Kapoor reveals her new haircare obsession as Pantene unveils Miracle Rescue Bond Repair Conditioner

A Mumbai court has restrained YouTuber Ajey Nagar, popularly known as CarryMinati, along with talent manager Deepak Char and others, from publishing or circulating any defamatory content against filmmaker Karan Johar on social media platforms. The order was passed on February 9 by Principal Sessions Judge P.G. Bhonsale in the matter titled Karan Johar v. Ajey Nagar & Ors. The plea was filed by Johar through Apoorva Mehta, CEO of Dharma Productions, the banner owned by the filmmaker.

Allegations of defamatory and abusive content

In his plea, Johar claimed that the social media influencers had made defamatory statements about him in videos uploaded on YouTube. “The statements are so vulgar and abusive that they immediately needs to be taken down,” Johar’s plea stated. Counsel for Nagar argued before the court that the videos in question had already been taken down and that there was no surviving cause for Johar to approach the court.

However, Johar countered this submission, stating that although the original videos were deleted, they had already been viewed by “millions of people”. “Unknown persons are making reels of it and again circulating it in the social media,” Johar argued.

Court grants ad-interim injunction

After hearing the submissions, the court observed that prima facie it appeared that Nagar and Char had made defamatory statements and used vulgar language against Johar.

“These videos need to be taken down immediately. There should be injunction against all those who circulate and re-circulate these videos on the social media platform. This is fit case to pass ad-interim injunction orders against the defendants,” the Court held.

The court accordingly passed an order temporarily restraining content creators and others — including unnamed parties referred to as John Doe — from posting or circulating any further defamatory content against Johar until the filmmaker’s application for interim relief is finally heard.

Additionally, the court directed Meta Platforms to take down the video links flagged by Johar in the suit. The matter will now be heard further as the court considers Johar’s plea for interim relief.

Also Read: Karan Johar applauds Rani Mukerji as Mardaani 3 shows strong box office hold: “Rides on its own solid potential”

Veteran actor Prakash Raj has officially started shooting for the much-anticipated Hindi thriller Drishyam 3. The actor confirmed his participation through a social media post, while also addressing speculation surrounding the film’s casting after Akshaye Khanna’s reported exit from the project.

Taking to X, Prakash Raj shared an update from the sets and wrote: “Started shooting for this engaging franchise #Drishyam3 in Hindi. With a wonderful team and a scintillating role to play. I’m sure you will love it. (And yes, I’m not replacing anyone..)”

Started shooting for this engaging franchise #Drishyam3 in hindi. With a wonderful team and a scintillating role to play . Im sure you will love it . ❤️❤️❤️( and yes im not replacing anyone..) 😛😛😛 — Prakash Raj (@prakashraaj) February 10, 2026

The post appeared to directly respond to ongoing assumptions that he might be stepping into a role earlier associated with Khanna. His clarification suggests that his character is a new addition rather than a replacement.

Notably, Bollywood Hungama was the first to report that Prakash Raj would be joining the cast of Drishyam 3, hours before the actor confirmed the development himself.

The third instalment of the franchise continues the story of Vijay Salgaonkar and his family, with Ajay Devgn expected to reprise his lead role. The earlier films were both commercial successes and built a strong following, raising expectations for the upcoming chapter. Recent clarification on Spirit rumours The development comes shortly after Prakash Raj addressed separate reports claiming that he had been dropped from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s upcoming film Spirit due to creative differences. The Prabhas and Triptii Dimri-starrer is currently in production and has been generating steady buzz since its announcement.

Earlier reports had suggested that Prakash Raj, who was initially announced as a key cast member, was removed from the project while the film was already being shot in Hyderabad. According to these claims, issues allegedly arose on set, leading to an unexpected casting change at that stage of production.

However, Prakash Raj strongly refuted these reports. Taking to his X handle (formerly Twitter), the actor wrote, “To all the toxic #Fakenews peddlers…. On #Spirit the movie. We have not even started shooting for my scenes, and you whatsup factories speculate stories. Grow up and have a life. #justasking.”

As Drishyam 3 moves forward in production and Spirit remains in active development, Prakash Raj has now publicly clarified his association with both projects, putting recent speculation on record.

Also Read: Prakash Raj slams National Film Awards: “When files and piles are getting awards! They don’t deserve Mammukka”

Actor Ranveer Singh has received a threat, prompting a police probe and heightened security at his Mumbai residence. According to a report by PTI, the actor was sent a threatening voice message, following which the authorities initiated an investigation.

Police sources confirmed that the Crime Branch is currently examining the voice note and attempting to trace the sender. A search operation has been launched as part of the inquiry.

In the wake of the threat, security arrangements at the residence shared by Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone have reportedly been strengthened. According to a letter circulating online and attributed to the society managing committee of the residential complex, six armed private security guards have been stationed at the premises along with one uniformed police personnel. The letter notes that such deployment was not in place earlier.

The society has raised concerns about the movement of armed guards through common areas, including the lobby, gymnasium and children’s play area. Residents have expressed discomfort and flagged safety concerns over the presence of weapons in shared spaces.

In a letter dated February 10 addressed to Dadar Police, the Society Managing Committee sought clarification on multiple points. These include whether the private security guards are carrying licensed firearms within the residential premises, whether Dadar Police Station has granted permission for such deployment, and details regarding the police personnel stationed at the flat — including the department responsible and the nature of the assignment.

While acknowledging and appreciating the police department’s prompt action in sending an officer to verify the security arrangements, the society has requested official clarification to address concerns among residents. Police officials have not yet disclosed further details about the content of the threatening message. The investigation remains ongoing.

Also Read: “Ranveer Singh is absolutely beautiful to watch on screen,” says ‘Shararat’ song fame Ayesha Khan

Filmmaker Karan Johar has opened up about a challenging experience early in his career, recalling how legendary choreographer Saroj Khan reacted to his involvement during the making of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ). In a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter India, Johar described the encounter as frightening and emotionally taxing, even though he ultimately acknowledged Saroj Khan’s talent.

Johar began his career in the film industry as a costume assistant on the 1995 romantic drama, working under Aditya Chopra and alongside designer Manish Malhotra. Years later, he reflected on the intensity he experienced on set, particularly during the filming of the song ‘Mehndi Laga Ke Rakhna.’

“At that time, the costume dada was my biggest ally… Manish would come in the morning, hand over the clothes, and leave. I was the costume assistant, and Pam aunty was deeply involved in the process,” Johar recalled, referring to Pamela Chopra’s hands-on role with costumes.

Trouble emerged when Saroj Khan requested additional red scarves for dancers mid-shoot. The team did not have enough fabric on hand, prompting Johar to suggest a workaround to Saroj’s assistant: “…it would look stylish if the dancers put one hand in their pocket and held the scarf in the other.”

However, when Saroj Khan learned of the idea she was not receptive. Johar said she “lost it,” demanding red satin cloth immediately or threatening not to shoot. He later described the ordeal vividly: “She caught hold of me — literally pushed me — and said, ‘Go wherever you have to. Go to Goregaon, bring the red cloth, or I will not shoot.’ I remember running on the streets of Goregaon with the costume dada, desperately looking for red satin cloth. I was scared for my life. I was traumatised. She was terrifying.”

Despite the fear he felt at the time, Johar balanced his account by acknowledging Saroj Khan’s skill and contribution to Indian cinema. “She was scary, but she was the best. She didn’t like me at all. She was just unhappy with me,” he said, underlining the creative intensity she brought to her work.

Johar also shared a lighter memory from the same production involving his tendency to give unsolicited costume suggestions. During the filming of ‘Tujhe Dekha Toh Yeh Jaana Sanam,’ he playfully dressed the lead actors in dungarees — an idea Saroj Khan reacted to with surprise. “She looked at them and said, ‘‘Yeh baba baby banke kyun aaye hain?’’ I answered back… She’d be like, ‘Yeh kyun bolta rehta hai?’ because I was always giving my two cents,” he said with a laugh.

Also Read: Karan Johar, Vicky Kaushal, Ananya Panday and others attend day 2 of the 100-year celebration event of RSS in Mumbai

A financial dispute has emerged between Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh and Don 3 producers Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani’s Excel Entertainment following Singh’s reported exit from the much-anticipated action thriller. The production house is seeking compensation of Rs 40 crores for alleged losses incurred after the actor stepped away from the project.

The conflict has taken an industry spotlight not over box office performance, but over costs associated with pre-production. Sources cited in a report by Variety India indicate that Excel Entertainment claims it invested heavily in early stages of development — including scheduling, location planning and hiring crew — based on Ranveer Singh’s commitment to play the lead role.

Ranveer Singh is said to strongly contest the demand. According to the report, he argues he should not be held financially responsible for leaving the project. “Ranveer claims he left the project because he wasn’t happy with the script. He kept asking for changes to be made and didn’t like what the final draft read,” the report quoted, while noting that Excel maintained pre-production moved ahead only after Singh had given his approval.

The report further stated that several heads of departments were released from their roles and asked to seek alternative work, a move the production house attributes to the financial setback. This element of the dispute underscores the broader impact such disagreements can have on film crews and production timelines.

A two-hour meeting between representatives of Ranveer Singh and Excel was held last Friday to resolve differences, but sources told reporters that no agreement was reached. With tensions persisting, the Producers Guild of India (PGI) has stepped in to mediate between the parties in hopes of finding common ground and preventing further escalation.

Neither Ranveer Singh nor Excel Entertainment has issued an official statement on the matter as of this writing. The dispute comes at a time when Singh is preparing for the release of Dhurandhar: Part 2, while Excel still evaluates its slate following delays to Don 3.

Also Read: Suniel Shetty praises Aditya Dhar and Ranveer Singh after watching Dhurandhar; calls it ‘mind-blowing film’

The controversy around the upcoming Netflix film Ghooskhor Pandat, produced by Neeraj Pandey and starring Manoj Bajpayee, grew more intense this week after the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) formally objected to its title and urged the makers to withdraw it, warning of significant industry action if the demand is not met.

The dispute began soon after the film’s announcement and teaser release, with many viewers and various organisations criticising the title Ghooskhor Pandat as offensive and potentially derogatory toward a specific community. The title combines ghooskhor — a colloquial Hindi term for someone who takes bribes — with Pandat, commonly associated with the Brahmin community. Critics argued that this linkage could perpetuate stereotypes and hurt sentiments. FWICE’s Objection and Warning FWICE, a body representing workers, technicians and artists across more than three dozen affiliated associations, sent a letter to producers’ bodies and major OTT platforms, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Zee5 and SonyLIV. The organisation, according to a PTI report, stated: “FWICE and all its affiliated associations strongly object to the use of this title, as it appears to single out and target a particular community and its traditional means of livelihood in a derogatory and offensive manner.”

The letter added, “Such a title has the potential to hurt sentiments, provoke misunderstanding, and disturb social harmony… We therefore appeal to all producer bodies to refrain from allowing the registration or continuation of film titles that are provocative in nature and capable of creating unrest among Indians.” The federation emphasised that the film industry, as a platform of influence, has a responsibility to avoid promoting disrespect or division.

FWICE also warned that if the title is not withdrawn promptly, it may advise its associations and members to distance themselves from any project associated with the film’s production house. This could translate into a boycott of technicians and crew working on future films by the same producers. Government, Legal and Public Reaction to Ghooskhor Pandat The controversy crossed into legal and political arenas. In Lucknow, an FIR was lodged against the film’s creators for allegedly hurting caste sentiments, and a writ petition has been filed in the Delhi High Court seeking a stay on the film’s release on grounds that the title is “communally offensive.”

Political organisations and leaders have also joined the criticism. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) labelled the title as “offensive” and has urged appropriate measures against the film. Amid the backlash, authorities reportedly directed Netflix India to remove the teaser and related promotional content from official channels.

Responding to the uproar, Neeraj Pandey issued a statement acknowledging that the title had “hurt” some viewers and announced that all promotional material for the project would be taken down for the moment. He clarified: “Our film is a fictional cop drama… the term ‘Pandat’ is used simply as a colloquial name for a character. The story focuses on an individual’s actions and choices and does not comment on or represent any caste, religion or community.”

Manoj Bajpayee also addressed the controversy on his official social media, writing: “I respect the emotions and concerns people have shared, and I take them seriously… For me, this was about portraying a flawed individual and his journey of self-realisation. This was not meant to be a statement about any community.”

Beyond FWICE, the Film Makers Combine (FMC) — another industry body — has objected to the title on procedural grounds, noting that Ghooskhor Pandat had not been formally approved under standard title registration processes. The organisation has cautioned the production and Netflix against using an unauthorized title.

Also Read: After Neeraj Pandey, Manoj Bajpayee addresses backlash over Ghooskhor Pandat title: “Not meant to be a statement about any community”

Actor Vikrant Massey addressed widespread rumours surrounding his alleged role in Ramayana, a two-part film directed by Nitesh Tiwari, and reports that he was replaced by Raghav Juyal. The speculation began earlier this week, triggering reactions across social media and entertainment outlets.

In a post shared on his Instagram Stories, Massey firmly denied being part of the project. “Ok. To put the rumours to rest. I never was a part of Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayan,” he wrote, reflecting on the coverage that suggested he had lost a role in the film. “The many media portals reporting about my supposed ‘replacement’ should’ve done the requisite background check. Disappointing. Nonetheless, wishing everyone a part of the movie all the very best. Love.”

The actor later deleted the post from his Instagram Story, though no explanation was given for its removal.

The controversy stemmed from a report by Variety India mentioning that Raghav Juyal had been cast as Meghanad (also called Indrajit) — the eldest son of Ravana and a key warrior in the Ramayana narrative — for Ramayana: Part 2. The same report indicated that the role was once linked to Massey before the filmmakers made a different casting choice. The publication quoted a source saying, “The role was initially supposed to be played by Vikrant Massey, but things apparently didn't work out. Raghav was subsequently approached, and he immediately came on board.”

Despite the buzz, Massey made it clear he had no official involvement with the project at any stage. The deleted clarification post was his way of countering the growing speculation.

Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana is being produced as a two-part cinematic adaptation of the ancient Indian epic and is expected to be among the biggest live-action films in Indian cinema. Ranbir Kapoor headlines as Lord Ram, while Sai Pallavi plays Goddess Sita. Yash embodies Ravana, with Sunny Deol as Hanuman and Ravie Dubey as Lakshman. The ensemble cast also includes several other prominent actors in key roles.

The first part of Ramayana is scheduled for a Diwali 2026 release, while the second installment is expected around Diwali 2027.

Also Read: Musafir Café on Netflix: Vikrant Massey, Vedika Pinto and Mahima Makwana lead a soulful love story

Earlier in the day, Bollywood Hungama announced that the much-awaited film, Battle Of Galwan, might not be able to make it on April 17, as scheduled. The news went viral as soon as it went live. We now bring to you another exciting update – the new release date of the Salman Khan-starrer.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Battle Of Galwan has indeed been postponed and it’ll now release on August 14, 2026. Salman Khan and the makers are of the opinion that it would be a better date since India’s Independence Day falls on August 15. The patriotic sentiment will be at an all-time high and Battle Of Galwan would be an ideal flick to watch in this period.”

The source further said, “The makers are expected to shortly announce the new release date of Battle Of Galwan officially.”

Earlier, Bollywood Hungama, in its article, carried a quote from a source who explained the reason for the delay, “The shoot is not yet over and the reshoot is taking more time than expected. From Monday, February 9, a one-week schedule will commence in the Golden Tobacco Factory in Mumbai. After this schedule gets over, a few more days of shooting are left and by February-end, it’ll be a wrap.”

The source further said, “Director Apoorva Lakhia will begin editing the reshot portions. And that’s not all. As per the rules, Battle Of Galwan needs to be shown to the Ministry of Defence and this process might also take time. Due to these two reasons, the makers feel that they would not be able to meet the April 17 deadline. Salman Khan is clear that such a special, patriotic film needs to be nurtured well. He has told the team of the film that they should not rush through the process and take their time in ensuring that the final product looks appealing, compelling and cinematic.”

Interestingly, Battle Of Galwan will now clash with Kartik Aaryan-starrer Naagzilla.

Also Read: Salman Khan back on Battle Of Galwan sets for 15-day additional shoot and patchwork; action scene added

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) completed 100 years in 2025. As part of its centenary celebrations, a grand two-day event is being held at a sprawling auditorium in Mumbai. The first day of the event took place on Saturday, February 7, with several prominent personalities from various fields in attendance. The Bollywood film fraternity was not far behind and many celebs attended the first day of the event like superstars Salman Khan and Ranbir Kapoor, filmmakers Mohit Suri, Subhash Ghai, Nitesh Tiwari, Mahaveer Jain, Om Raut, Vikram Malhotra, lyricist Prasoon Joshi and others.

The second day of the event was also star-studded. While Ranbir attended the first day of the event, his Love & War co-star Vicky Kaushal made his presence felt on day 2. Karan Johar and Ananya Panday were also present and they were joined by veteran actor Jackie Shroff, the evergreen Raveena Tandon and Shilpa Shetty, music composer Pritam Chakraborty, singer Adnan Sami, television star Rupali Ganguly, Marathi actor Subodh Bhave, talented performer Viineet Kumar Siingh, and filmmakers Nitesh Tiwari, Madhur Bhandarkar, Mahesh Manjrekar, Aanand, L Rai, Amar Kaushik, Amit Sharma, Ramesh Taurani, Anand Pandit, Arunabh Kumar and others.

On the film front, Ananya Panday and Karan Johar are gearing up for their romantic flick, Chand Mera Dil. It also stars Lakshya of Kill (2024) and The Ba***ds Of Bollywood (2025) fame and is directed by Vivek Soni, whose Netflix original Aap Jaisa Koi (2025), starring R Madhavan and Fatima Sana Shaikh, received rave reviews.

Ananya Panday and Karan Johar’s last film together, Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri (2025), was released in cinemas on Christmas. It recently premiered on Amazon Prime Video on rent. Meanwhile, Ananya is currently working on the second season of Call Me Bae. Incidentally, the slice-of-life show is also backed by Karan Johar.

Besides Call Me Bae Season 2 and Chand Mera Dil, Karan Johar is also gearing up for the Konkona Sen Sharma-Pratibha Ranta Netflix film Accused, Kartik Aaryan-starrer Naagzilla, Ayushmann Khurrana-Sara Ali Khan untitled flick, a thriller with Aditya Roy Kapur etc.

Also Read: Salman Khan, Ranbir Kapoor and others attend the 100-year celebration event of RSS in Mumbai

Bollywood actor Ishaan Khatter has reportedly made a significant real estate investment in Mumbai, purchasing a luxury apartment in the city’s upscale Pali Hill neighbourhood for Rs. 29.37 crore. The transaction details have emerged through property registration documents accessed by real estate data platform CRE Matrix.

According to the documents, Ishaan has acquired the apartment at Navroz Apartments, located in Bandra’s Pali Hill, under the Navroze Premises Co-operative Society. The high-end residence boasts a carpet area of 2,989.05 square feet, making it a spacious addition to the actor’s property portfolio. The seller of the apartment has been identified as Kapil M. Mahtani, and the transaction was officially registered on February 5, 2026.

The paperwork further reveals that the actor paid approximately Rs. 1.76 crore in stamp duty for the deal. In addition to the apartment, the purchase also includes four dedicated parking spaces, a valuable asset in one of Mumbai’s most sought-after residential zones. As of now, Ishaan Khatter has not issued any official statement confirming or commenting on the property purchase.

Pali Hill, situated in Bandra, continues to remain one of Mumbai’s most prestigious and exclusive residential areas. Known for its prime location and accessibility, the locality has long been home to several prominent Bollywood personalities and high-net-worth celebrities such as Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Dilip Kumar, Jackie Shroff, and Sanjay Dutt, among others, own properties in and around the Pali Hill area, further underlining its elite status.

The reported purchase comes at a time when Ishaan Khatter is enjoying a notable phase in his career. The actor received widespread appreciation for his performance in Homebound, co-starring Vishal Jethwa and marking a reunion with his debut co-star Janhvi Kapoor. Produced by Dharma Productions and Neeraj Ghaywan, the film gained international attention and even entered the Oscars nomination race, bringing global visibility to the project.

Closer home, Ishaan also connected with Indian audiences through the Netflix series The Royals, where he featured alongside Bhumi Pednekar, Sakshi Tanwar, and Zeenat Aman. With strong critical and audience reception to his recent work, the actor’s reported investment in a prime Mumbai property appears to reflect both professional stability and long-term planning.

Also Read: Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa react to Homebound losing the Oscar race in heartfelt Instagram posts

Bollywood Hungama has been at the forefront in providing timely updates about Battle Of Galwan. We are now back with another news, which might disappoint those who have been waiting to catch the Salman Khan-starrer on the big screen. As per latest developments, the superstar and the makers of the film are toying with the idea of delaying the release.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Battle Of Galwan is scheduled to be released on April 17. But the shoot is not yet over and the reshoot is taking more time than expected. From Monday, February 9, a one-week schedule will commence in the Golden Tobacco Factory in Mumbai. After this schedule gets over, a few more days of shooting are left and by February-end, it’ll be a wrap.”

The source further said, “Director Apoorva Lakhia will begin editing the reshot portions. And that’s not all. As per the rules, Battle Of Galwan needs to be shown to the Ministry of Defence and this process might also take time. Due to these two reasons, the makers feel that they would not be able to meet the April 17 deadline. Salman Khan is clear that such a special, patriotic film needs to be nurtured well. He has told the team of the film that they should not rush through the process and take their time in ensuring that the final product looks appealing, compelling and cinematic.”

The source continued, “Though Salman Khan and Apoorva Lakhia are seriously considering postponing the Battle Of Galwan, they are yet to take the final call. Salman bhai is unpredictable; he might still get the film out on April 17 despite the circumstances, but the chances seem remote. A clearer picture is expected to emerge in a few days from now.”

Besides Salman Khan, Battle Of Galwan also stars Chitrangda Singh. Salman plays the role of Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu in this film, which is based on a chapter in the book ‘India’s Most Fearless 3’ (2022), authored by Shiv Aroor and Rahul Singh. The film is inspired by the events of June 15, 2020, when Indian and Chinese soldiers clashed in the Galwan Valley during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Also Read: Salman Khan BREAKS SILENCE on trolls over Battle of Galwan teaser expression: “Ye Colonel ka look hai”

A year after Mrs sparked widespread conversation for its sharp social commentary, producer Harman Baweja and director Arati Kadav are set to reunite for a new project. The announcement comes as the film completes one year since its release, reaffirming the creative partnership that delivered one of the most discussed Hindi films of recent times.

Marking the milestone, both Harman Baweja and Arati Kadav took to Instagram to share the news of their next collaboration. The timing of the announcement, coinciding with the anniversary of Mrs, has added to the anticipation surrounding their reunion. While details of the new project remain under wraps, the development signals a continuation of the creative synergy that defined their previous collaboration.

Mrs, directed by Arati Kadav and headlined by Sanya Malhotra, was a Hindi adaptation of the Malayalam cult classic The Great Indian Kitchen, reimagined through a North Indian cultural lens. By weaving in familiar social rituals and domestic dynamics, the film examined gender roles and the gradual erosion of a woman’s individuality within marriage. Its restrained narrative approach and refusal to rely on sensationalism were widely appreciated by critics and audiences alike.

The film also marked a significant chapter for Baweja Studios. Beyond producing the project, Harman Baweja was closely involved in shaping its creative vision and co-writing the film. Mrs went on to earn critical acclaim, with Sanya Malhotra’s performance receiving multiple awards and recognition across platforms.

Speaking about the reunion, Harman Baweja said, “Mrs. was one of those rare films that stays with you long after it’s made not just because of the response it received, but because of the honesty with which it was created. Working with Arati reminded me how powerful cinema can be when everyone involved is aligned in intent and sensitivity. Over the last year, as the film found its audience and its recognition, it only strengthened my belief that this is the kind of storytelling I want to keep backing. Coming together again feels less like a reunion and more like a natural next step in a creative journey we deeply trust, This next project is born from that very faith, and I’m looking forward to once again push boundaries together.”

Echoing similar thoughts, Arati Kadav shared, “Making Mrs. was an emotionally demanding but deeply fulfilling experience, and a lot of that credit goes to the space Harman and Baweja Studios created for me as a filmmaker. There was complete faith, patience, and a willingness to listen qualities that are rare and invaluable. Over time, that trust has only grown stronger. Returning to collaborate again doesn’t feel like starting something new; it feels like continuing a conversation that began with honesty, care, and a shared belief in telling stories that matter.”

The reunion also comes at a strong phase for Baweja Studios. Harman Baweja’s recent project Haq has been gaining attention, while the studio has a packed slate ahead that includes Dil Ka Darwaza Kholo Na Darling, Captain India, Boy From Andaman, and several other upcoming titles.

As anticipation builds around their next collaboration, industry watchers will be keen to see how Harman Baweja and Arati Kadav build on the creative foundation established with Mrs.

Also Read: Photos: Anupam Kher, Raju Singh, Karan Razdan, Harman Baweja and others grace the Rajni 2.0 press conference

The Varanasi team’s widely circulated interview with Screen Rant features a rather awkward moment. When the interviewer asks Priyanka Chopra about her Telugu debut in Varanasi, the actor says she cannot remember when she last did a Telugu film.

Mahesh Babu quickly steps in to add, “This is her first Telugu film.”

But that is not entirely accurate. Priyanka Chopra had, in fact, featured in the Telugu version of the Amitabh Bachchan classic Zanjeer in 2013. Titled Thoofan, the Ram Charan starrer had Priyanka playing his love interest in what was admittedly a small role.

At the time, Chopra had expressed considerable gratitude to the makers of Thoofan, as opportunities in Bollywood were scarce for her then.

A senior member of the Thoofan team views her current statement as a case of selective amnesia. “When we signed her for Thoofan, nobody in the Hindi film industry was willing to sign her. We ourselves felt the role was not substantial enough for a future global star like her. But she was eager and did the role happily. Now she seems to have forgotten her Telugu debut altogether,” the team member says.

Sources suggest that the Varanasi team is keen to position the film as Priyanka Chopra’s Telugu debut. But should that come at the cost of factual accuracy?

Also Read: Priyanka Chopra Jonas reveals her ONLY request for Varanasi was to dance: “Poor Mahesh Babu had to do it too”