Indus Chronicles

Kareena Kapoor is set to explore a different side of her with Meghna Gulzar’s upcoming film Daayra. Ahead of the trailer release on August 31, Meghna has spoken about Kareena’s performance, describing it as an “entirely unseen facet” of the actor.

Daayra brings Kareena together with Malayalam actor Prithviraj Sukumaran. The two portray police officers who have contrasting approaches to their profession, justice and the situations they encounter. Their opposing personalities form a key part of the film’s narrative.

Sharing her thoughts on Kareena’s role, Meghna wrote in an Instagram note, “Daayra unveils an entirely unseen facet of the actor that is Kareena Kapoor. Kareena as Ajooni, is stoic, unreadable. She cracks open situations and people with a smile.”

Meghna also described how Prithviraj’s character Raman complements Ajooni. She wrote, “Prithviraj Sukumaran as Raman, is the hinge to Kareena's Ajooni. Seething with a caged rage. And almost never smiles. The two are the Ying and Yang of Daayra. And that's just one of the many dualities that Daayra navigates.”

The filmmaker said bringing together Kareena, who represents Hindi cinema, and Prithviraj, known for his work in Malayalam cinema, was a significant casting opportunity for her. “As a casting opportunity, it was a dream come true for me. To get two prolific actors from the Hindi and Malayalam film industry to face each other off,” she wrote.

Meghna Gulzar Explores the Grey Areas in Daayra

Inspired by several true events from different parts of India, Daayra does not focus on a single location. Instead, the film explores circumstances that can unfold across the country.

Meghna has previously explored morally complex situations in films such as Talvar, Raazi, Chhapaak and Sam Bahadur. She said her interest in such stories comes from her understanding that life cannot always be divided into simple categories.

“As a student of Sociology, I learned that our life and our society is not binary. It's not just black and white. There is a spectrum of grey that we exist in. In my journey as a filmmaker — through Talvar, Raazi, Chhapaak and Sam Bahadur, I have cherished exploring that very grey - within characters and within the world they, and we live in.”

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  A post shared by Meghna Gulzar (@meghnagulzar)

She added that Daayra takes this exploration a step further. “Daayra for me, not only explores that grey... It invades it... it attempts to dismantle it.”

At the heart of the story are Ajooni and Raman, two law enforcement officers who often find themselves on opposite sides of challenging situations. Meghna described Ajooni as “fiercely righteous” and Raman as “righteously fierce”.

“In it, the main protagonists — Kareena Kapoor Khan and Prithviraj Sukumaran are both officers of law enforcement; and yet, they often find themselves on opposite sides of a delicate line. Kareena's Ajooni is fiercely righteous. Prithviraj as Raman is righteously fierce.”

Daayra trailer is scheduled to release on August 31, giving audiences their first detailed glimpse at the central conflict and the performances. Directed by Meghna Gulzar, the film is co-written by her along with Yash Keswani and Sima Agarwal.

Backed by Junglee Pictures and Dr Jayantilal Gada’s Pen Studios, Daayra will be distributed by Pen Marudhar. The film is slated to arrive in theatres on September 18.

 Also Read : Meghna Gulzar cast nearly 90 theatre actors for Daayra; even one-scene roles underwent rigorous auditions

The box office can be highly unpredictable, as was recently demonstrated by the Chinese film Niu Lai. The animated venture released on August 5 and initially struggled to find an audience. But 10 days later, something extraordinary happened. Word spread on social media in China about its low-quality animation and unintentionally hilarious moments. As a result, from August 15, audiences began thronging cinemas, largely to laugh at the film’s absurd goings-on with their friends. Numerous videos have since gone viral showing moviegoers having a gala time, laughing out loud and even hooting at some of the film’s bizarre scenes.

In no time, Niu Lai entered the FOMO zone, with audiences feeling an increasing urgency to experience the film for themselves. As curiosity grew, the number of shows increased and so did its box office collections. At the same time, the film earned a degree of admiration after viewers learnt that it had been painstakingly made over five years by a mother-son duo, who were reportedly the only crew members. Another aspect that struck a chord was their decision not to use AI to enhance or fine-tune the animation. Ironically, several social media users later uploaded AI-enhanced versions of scenes to show how much better the animation could have looked. Yet, that only seemed to strengthen the appreciation for Niu Lai: despite its visibly low-quality animation, audiences respected the sheer human effort behind it, especially at a time when AI-generated art has become increasingly commonplace.

Clip from Movie Niulai. https://t.co/Y5jsAGpfV3 pic.twitter.com/0EbEfEFi3D — Record GBA (@RecordGBA) August 16, 2026

Nevertheless, one can safely say that 10% of the audience appreciated Niu Lai and even watched it on the big screen for these reasons. But largely, audiences entered the multiplex to laugh over the film’s content and animation.

Even Bollywood has produced films that were in the so-bad-that-its-so-good category. A few examples of such films are Gunda (1998), Jaani Dushman (2001), Deshdrohi (2008) etc. However, all these three films bombed at the box office. They found a life later on YouTube and then social media turned them into something else.

$1,000 TO $850,000 IN DAYS A Chinese animated movie went viral because people mocked how bad it looked - then paid to see it themselves.

It made just ~$1,000 in its first 10 days. Now it has passed ~$850,000.

- Made by a mother and son over 5 years - Meanwhile, The Odyssey has… https://t.co/XioapgadPu pic.twitter.com/ZZruBeubrm

— BuBBliK (@k1rallik) August 16, 2026

In other words, they came at a time when social media was non-existent. Niu Lai would have also sank without a trace had it been released in the 2000s. But it had a major advantage that it arrived at a time when social media is thriving. It is thanks to TikTok and other apps that netizens learned about the film and its substandard quality. It's on social media that these videos went viral and thus reached millions of people. In turn, it made viewers curious to check it out.

As a result, we believe that even Gunda, Jaani Dushman and Deshdrohi might have had a far more positive box office outcome had they been released in 2026. Gunda arrived in cinemas in 1998 and was largely dismissed as just another low-grade Mithun Chakraborty film of the kind he frequently did in that era. However, around 7-8 years later, it was rediscovered by a younger audience, who were amused by its bizarre characters, many of whom spoke in rhymes loaded with double entendres. Mithun Chakraborty, meanwhile, plays a coolie who, for some inexplicable reason, is seen at an airport rather than a railway station. One of the film’s most iconic scenes has Mithun taking cover behind a bicycle during a shootout, a hilariously futile attempt at protecting himself from bullets!

Jaani Dushman: Ek Anokhi Kahani, meanwhile, had huge names like Sunny Deol, Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Manisha Koirala, Aftab Shivdasani, Rambha, Sharad Kapoor etc. and it marked the debut of singh Sonu Nigam. Armaan Kohli was re-launched with this film, which was made by his father, Rajkumar Kohli. The film is a revenge drama of a snake-woman and is special effects heavy. However, the script and execution were poor and a few scenes, especially revolving around molestation, have received lot of criticism in today's times.

But the goings-on in the film are absolutely absurd. Moreover, to see reputed actors working in such a film adds to the amusement. The film also stars Rajat Bedi, whose dialogue ‘Sabki izzat karenge toh lootenge kiski’ has achieved iconic status in the world of memes.

Finally, Deshdrohi is written and produced by Kamaal Rashid Khan and he also stars in the lead. It stars respected names like Gracy Singh, Aman Verma, Hrishitaa Bhatt, Kader Khan, Mukesh Tiwari, Yashpal Sharma, Raza Murad etc. The execution is very poor, while the performance of the lead actor got a lot of ridicule. Bhojpuri star turned MP, Manoj Tiwari, has a supporting role and one of his scenes have become cult.

These films got a new lease of life only after they bombed in cinemas. Had they been released in today’s social media era, that might not have been the case. Much like Niu Lai, users on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) would likely have uploaded clips of some of their most outrageous and unintentionally funny sequences. These videos could have gone viral, making audiences curious enough to experience the films on the big screen.

In no time, social media might have been flooded with videos of viewers laughing and hooting when Mukesh Rishi in Gunda says, ‘Mera naam hai Bulla, rakhta hoon khullaaaaaa’, or when Kamaal Rashid Khan in Deshdrohi mouths the now-iconic line, ‘Arre kaunsa shooter? Kaisa shooter? Yeh toh apna dost Shekhar hai’, followed by his unintentionally comic reaction after being shot by his best friend. Several scenes from Jaani Dushman would likely have triggered similar reactions inside theatres.

Had Gunda, Jaani Dushman or Deshdrohi released in today’s peak social media era, it is not impossible to imagine them crossing the Rs. 100 crore mark and even emerging among the biggest hits of the year. Of course, the success would have come for all the wrong reasons. But as Niu Lai has shown, in the age of memes, virality and FOMO, even ridicule can translate into serious box office numbers.

Jackie Shroff is set to appear in The Great Grand Superhero, a family entertainer that explores the special relationship between children and their grandparents. The film had its world digital premiere on KidZ on ZEE5 on August 21, 2026, bringing a heartwarming story to young viewers and families.

In the film, Jackie Shroff plays a grandfather who becomes a superhero in the eyes of the children around him. The role allowed the actor to explore the emotional bond between grandparents and grandchildren while portraying a character who fulfils a child’s dream of seeing his grandfather as a real-life superhero.

Speaking about what attracted him to the film and his character with Filmfare, Shroff said, “Every child thinks of their father or grandfather as a superhero. To be able to portray that kind of warmth on screen gave me a very beautiful, soulful feeling. Being surrounded by so many children and playing their grandfather, while fulfilling their dream of seeing him as a superhero, felt really special. I don't think there can be anything greater than seeing a child have a dream and then watching that dream come true. That feeling was very special to me.”

The film also arrives at a time when audiences continue to look for stories that offer warmth and positivity. For Shroff, films that focus on family, hope and simple emotions can have a meaningful impact, especially during difficult times.

Explaining why such stories matter, the actor compared positivity in challenging circumstances to the importance of a lamp in darkness. He said, “In darkness, even a small lamp feels like a source of light. If you light a lamp in bright sunlight, its importance isn't really felt. But when there is darkness and you cannot see anything, even a small light becomes very valuable. I think that's what films like The Great Grand Superhero can do. When there is darkness around us, even a little bit of light, warmth and positivity can make a big difference.”

Also Read : Manish Saini on why Jackie Shroff was the perfect fit for The Great Grand Superhero; says, “He is like a child himself”

Everlite, the lightweight jewellery brand from Senco Gold & Diamonds, has appointed actor Wamiqa Gabbi as its first-ever national brand ambassador. The association marks a new phase in the brand’s growth as it looks to expand its retail footprint across India and strengthen its connection with younger, fashion-conscious consumers.

Everlite currently has a presence across six states and eight cities, with 17 stores across the country. The appointment of Gabbi is part of the brand’s wider expansion strategy, which focuses on building its identity and increasing awareness around lightweight jewellery as an option for everyday styling.

Gabbi’s contemporary fashion sense and individual style align with Everlite’s focus on younger consumers, particularly millennials and Gen Z. Her association with the brand comes as lightweight jewellery continues to gain relevance among consumers looking for pieces that can easily transition between different occasions.

Speaking about the partnership, Wamiqa Gabbi said, "I've always been drawn to jewellery that I can actually live in, pieces I can put on in the morning and forget I'm wearing, but that still make a look feel considered. That is what I love about Everlite. The designs have the detail and beauty of fine jewellery, but they feel incredibly easy and natural to wear. Whether I'm dressing up for an evening out or keeping it simple during the day, I like jewellery that moves with me rather than dictates the look. That sense of freedom is something I really connect with, and it's what makes being part of Everlite feel so natural," said Wamiqa Gabbi.

Joita Sen, Whole-Time Director & Head of Marketing and Design, Senco Gold & Diamonds, also spoke about the association. "Wamiqa represents the way jewellery is evolving today, more personal, more versatile and more effortless. She has a very distinct sense of style and the confidence to make every look her own, which makes her a natural fit for Everlite. She embodies the modern Everlite woman, someone who wants jewellery to be part of her everyday wardrobe, rather than something reserved only for special occasions. We are delighted to have her represent the brand as we take the lightweight jewellery conversation to a new generation."

Everlite offers jewellery in 9K, 14K and 18K gold, along with diamond pieces across earrings, rings, pendants, bracelets, bangles and more. The brand operates compact and strategically located stores, including transit-led outlets, to improve accessibility.

Backed by Senco Gold & Diamonds, which operates more than 198 showrooms across 17 states in India and two international showrooms in Dubai, Everlite aims to further expand its presence while catering to changing preferences around everyday jewellery.

Also Read : Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi starrer Prahaar – The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam to release on October 16

Kriti Sanon has found support from her sister Nupur Sanon after a recent GIVA jewellery advertisement featuring the actor sparked a debate on social media over traditional dressing and the idea of an ‘appropriate’ outfit for family occasions. The campaign, which features Kriti in a bralette-style blouse paired with a cape and a draped skirt, has drawn mixed reactions from netizens, particularly in the context of Rakshabandhan celebrations.

Now, Nupur has joined the conversation, extending her support to Kriti. Taking to her Instagram Stories, she questioned why another woman’s clothing choice should become a matter of concern for others. “Imagine being this bothered by what another woman chooses to wear. Respectfully EVOLVE!” Nupur wrote. She further added, “I'm the one she ties the rakhi to, and if I don't have a problem, why do you?”

Responding to the criticism, Kriti previously shared her perspective on the festival and the importance of its emotions and traditions over clothing choices. “The essence of festivals is not in the clothes you wear, it is in the emotions and meaning you hold for the traditions. Rakshabandhan is a bond of protection. My sister and I tie rakhi to each other. We know we can protect each other no less than a brother would have. We pray for each other's health, happiness & long life,” she said.

The debate also saw Kangana Ranaut express her disapproval of the commercial. While she did not name Kriti or GIVA directly, Kangana appeared to take aim at the styling of the advertisement and questioned the choice of outfit in the context of Rakshabandhan. “Why would you tie your brother a rakhi in your bikini/undergarments?” she wrote, while also describing the commercial as ‘creepy’ and questioning the styling choices featured in it.

The contrasting reactions have since added another layer to the ongoing social media discussion around fashion, traditional occasions and individual choice. While Kriti has emphasised the emotional significance of Rakshabandhan, Nupur has defended her sister’s freedom to choose what she wears. Meanwhile, Kangana’s comments have further fuelled the conversation surrounding the campaign.

Also Read: Kriti Sanon hits back at outfit criticism over Raksha Bandhan Ad: “When will we stop telling women what to wear?”

For 40 days, The Odyssey had a historic performance at the 34 IMAX cinemas of India. The film performed strongly even in the normal theatres but in IMAX, the earnings were rock-solid even after the film entered its sixth week. Sadly, this unbelievable run will now come to a halt, thanks to the release of Toxic, starring Yash, on August 26.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Toxic is carrying tremendous buzz and moreover, it is an IMAX release. Hence, its distributors asked for all the IMAX shows. However, the performance of The Odyssey is at another level. Even after so many days and weeks, several shows across the country are going house-full. In fact, on Tuesday, August 25, the last day of the film in IMAX, the shows were running with huge occupancy. Of course, the discounted rates played a part. But when viewers are turning up in such large numbers on the 40th day, it is a feat.”

The source continued, “This proves that there’s a lot of gas left in the tank. Warner Bros, which distributed The Odyssey, asked for just one show in IMAX, considering the continued demand, from August 26. Sadly, the demand was not accepted as the distributors of Toxic were clear that they wanted all shows in IMAX.”

The silver lining is that the IMAX screen at Broadway Cinemas in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, has proved to be an exception. From August 26, it will continue to play two shows of The Odyssey, at 11:30 am and 11:00 pm. Toxic, meanwhile, will be showcased at 7:40 am, 3:10 pm and 7:05 pm.

The Odyssey box office performance in India

The Odyssey has collected around Rs. 184.23 crores in 40 days in India. Interestingly, its collections from IMAX alone stand at nearly Rs. 90-91 crores. In other words, nearly 50% of the film’s India collections have come from the IMAX format.

Out of its 40-day run so far, The Odyssey collected more than Rs. 1 crore on as many as 33 days. On August 25, the last day of its full-fledged IMAX run, the film collected Rs. 71 lakhs from IMAX alone, while its collections across all formats stood at around Rs. 83 lakhs. The occupancy across IMAX screens on August 25 was an impressive 43%.

An industry insider commented, “Had The Odyssey been allowed even one show on each IMAX screen, it had the potential to cross the Rs. 100 crore mark from IMAX alone. It would have been a record difficult to beat for years to come.”

The insider also revealed, “Maybe, after a week or two, The Odyssey may make a comeback in IMAX. In that case, it still has a shot at earning Rs. 100 crores. At the same time, once a film goes out of IMAX, there is always a risk of its momentum getting broken.”

The 40-day collections of The Odyssey

Week 1 - Rs. 85.65 cr

Week 2 - Rs. 45.67 cr

Week 3 - Rs. 24.15 cr

Week 4 - Rs. 15.65 cr

Week 5 - Rs. 7.74 cr

Week 6 [5 days] - Rs. 5.39 cr

The 40-day collections of The Odyssey in the IMAX format

Week 1 - Rs. 27.97 cr

Week 2 - Rs. 22.45 cr

Week 3 - Rs. 16.10 cr

Week 4 - Rs. 12.11 cr

Week 5 - Rs. 6.53 cr

Week 6 [5 days] - Rs. 5.11 cr

Nimrit Kaur Ahluwalia has opened up about a recent injury she suffered during a workout session. The actor reportedly injured herself while performing a deadlift and was subsequently required to take complete bed rest. Sharing an update on social media, Nimrit spoke about the experience and emphasised the need to prioritise recovery while training.

For Nimrit, who maintains an active fitness routine, the injury has meant temporarily stepping away from her regular workouts. However, the actor said she is viewing the break as an opportunity to allow her body to recover rather than treating it as a setback. She said, “This has honestly been one of the most painful experiences for me, and it has made me realise once again that no matter how strong or experienced you think you are, you can never take your body or a workout movement lightly. I injured myself while doing a deadlift, and it was serious enough that I had to take complete bed rest. For someone who loves being active and enjoys training, being forced to pause is not easy, but I have realised that sometimes you have to stop, rest and allow your body to recover. I don’t mind pausing right now because I know I am preparing myself for the battle that comes ahead. I will bounce back, but I also want to bounce back the right way.”

Nimrit also used the experience to underline the importance of paying attention to physical fatigue, sleep and nutrition while exercising. She urged those who train regularly to give recovery the same importance as their workouts. “I would genuinely urge everyone to be mindful whilst training & listening to your body. If your body feels fatigued, if you are under slept, if your nutrition isn’t proper; take active measures to fix it. Recovery is as important as training. And we often miss out on balancing between the two. I have had to acknowledge & learn this the hard way, you shouldn’t have to,” Nimrit added.

The actor is currently focusing on rest and recuperation as she works towards returning to her fitness routine. Rather than rushing her comeback, Nimrit has indicated that she intends to give herself the time required to recover properly.

Her latest update also highlights a more measured approach to fitness, with the actor acknowledging that pushing physical limits needs to be balanced with adequate rest and recovery. For now, Nimrit Kaur Ahluwalia is taking a pause before preparing to resume her training and other professional commitments.

Also Read: Nimrit Kaur Ahluwalia recalls shooting Ab Hoga Hisaab in Punjab: “It truly felt like a homecoming”

Harshvardhan Rane has been enjoying a renewed wave of popularity following the success and continued love for Sanam Teri Kasam, while Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat further strengthened his image among audiences as a romantic leading man. However, the actor is now keen to explore a different side of his screen persona with upcoming projects such as Force 3, co-starring John Abraham, and Ram Gopal Varma’s Police Company.

In the latter, Harshvardhan is expected to portray Daya Nayak, the real-life cop known for his career in the Mumbai Police. Speaking to News18 about his choice of projects, the actor made it clear that he does not want to be confined to one particular genre. “I don’t want to be stereotyped as just a romantic hero. I’m doing Force 3 and Police Company where I get to do action,” he said.

Harshvardhan, who has previously spoken about being a fan of Ram Gopal Varma, has also opened up about his experience of working with the filmmaker. When asked about RGV’s reputation as a taskmaster, the actor said that his own experience has been quite different. “I didn’t feel so. I’ve been shooting with him for over a week now. He has been very nice to me. So, if someone asks me if he’s a taskmaster, I won’t be able to relate to that word. Let me put it this way… If you love geniuses, you won’t consider sir a taskmaster,” Harshvardan shared.

The actor went on to explain why he is drawn to Ram Gopal Varma’s unconventional approach to filmmaking and the creative freedom that comes with it. “If you’re sitting with a real artist, you aren’t supposed to have a structure. You’ve to be okay with a free-flowing work environment. I’m okay with such people. I love such people. I feel such a pull towards his creative juices. He’s someone who follows great grammar and then unfollows it immediately. I love that kind of creative pull and push. I love tension, I love undercurrents,” he added.

Addressing RGV’s often-discussed social media presence, Harshvardhan continued, “I’m not on Twitter. Luckily, I haven’t been exposed to that side of sir even though I often hear people talk about it. All I can say is that I love what sir thinks about the grammar of filmmaking. I’ll always keep that in my heart. I can’t write a book on it. It can’t be defined.”

With Force 3 also promising to be a feast for action lovers along with Police Company, Harshvardhan Rane appears ready to step away from being labelled solely as a romantic hero and explore more action-driven characters.

Also Read: SCOOP: Police Company shoot halted for 2 hours on Day 1 after FWICE intervention over RGV’s pending dues

Fans have been eagerly awaiting updates on Brahmastra 2 ever since Brahmastra Part One: Shiva arrived in theatres in 2022. Directed by Ayan Mukerji, the first installment featured Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt in the lead, alongside Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Nagarjuna and Mouni Roy in pivotal roles. The film introduced audiences to the Astraverse and ended with several questions surrounding the characters and the larger story.

Speculation about the sequel has continued, particularly following the post-credit sequence of the first film. The scene appeared to tease Deepika Padukone’s character, although her face was blurred. She was shown holding a child, prompting several theories about how her character could fit into the next chapter. Deepika was subsequently expected to play a significant role in Brahmastra 2.

Amid the continued buzz around the much-awaited sequel, we hear that actress Aneet Padda has also been approached for a role in the film. The actress, who gained wider attention following Saiyaara last year, has emerged as one of the young actors attracting interest in the industry.

Aneet is currently working on Shakti Shalini. According to sources, she has been approached for a crucial role opposite Ranbir Kapoor in Brahmastra 2. However, discussions are still underway and her casting has not been officially confirmed.

A source tells us, “Aneet has been approached for an important role in Brahmastra 2. The conversations are currently underway, but nothing has been finalised yet. It is a very different space from what audiences have seen her do so far, which makes the possibility of her joining the franchise interesting.”

If Aneet eventually comes on board, her inclusion could bring another new dimension to the ensemble of Brahmastra 2. Her potential pairing with Ranbir would also mark an interesting addition to the franchise.

Meanwhile, there is also a development concerning Deepika Padukone. According to the latest information, Deepika’s team has denied reports of her involvement in the sequel and stated that the actress is not a part of Brahmastra 2. This adds another layer of uncertainty around the film’s casting as fans continue to wait for official announcements.

Also Read : Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda reflect on the first anniversary of Saiyaara: “We never knew Saiyaara would reach so many people”

Anupam Kher recently met Kannada star Yash and shared glimpses of their meeting on social media. Kher also penned a heartfelt note appreciating Yash’s journey in Indian cinema, particularly his work in KGF: Chapter 1 and KGF: Chapter 2. He praised not only Yash’s performance as Rocky but also his personality and approach towards cinema and life.

Sharing pictures with Yash, Kher wrote, “MEETING YASH WAS A TOTAL JOY! It was a great joy to meet the phenomenon called Yash! I have loved his journey in KGF: Chapter 1 and KGF: Chapter 2. He didn't just play Rocky! He gave the character a soul, a swagger and an unforgettable place in Indian cinema.”

Kher further said that his interaction with Yash gave him an opportunity to see a different side of the actor. Beyond his strong screen presence, he found Yash to be grounded and thoughtful. Recalling their conversation at a studio, Kher wrote, “Behind that powerful screen presence, I discovered a warm, grounded and thoughtful human being. We met at a studio and spoke about cinema, life, parents, families, dreams and the journeys that shape us,”

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  A post shared by Anupam Kher (@anupampkher)

The veteran actor also spoke about how interactions with younger performers continue to motivate him. He said, “Whenever I meet talented younger actors who are passionate and hungry to create something extraordinary, I feel energised. Their fire inspires me to work harder, explore deeper and give my very best. Perhaps that is the beauty of cinema!”

Kher noted that while actors may belong to different generations, their aspirations can still be similar. “We may belong to different generations, but our dreams speak the same language,” he said.

He also wished Yash success for his upcoming film Toxic, writing, “My dearest Yash, may your forthcoming film #Toxic create its own magic and receive tremendous love and success. Keep inspiring, keep conquering. Lots of love and good luck, my friend!”

Toxic is a gangster action drama directed by Geetu Mohandas. The film features Yash alongside Nayanthara, Kiara Advani, Huma Qureshi, Tara Sutaria and Rukmini Vasanth.

Also Read : Anupam Kher opens up on over 40 years of his acting legacy; says, “I want people to remember that he was a good human being”

After Singham Again (2024), blockbuster filmmaker Rohit Shetty began working on a gritty action entertainer based on the life of decorated police officer Rakesh Maria. In January this year, Bollywood Hungama was the first one to reveal that the film has been titled Maria IPS. Now we bring to you another interesting piece of information about this film.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “John Abraham will be seen in a never-before-seen avatar in the film. Maria IPS spans nearly 40 years in the life of Rakesh Maria, tracing his journey from his 20s to his 60s. For the portions featuring Maria in his 20s and 30s, John bulked up and put on muscle to look the part. For the scenes where the character is in his late 50s and 60s, the actor underwent another physical transformation, losing weight to sport a leaner and fitter look.”

The source further said, “John Abraham has never undergone this kind of physical transformation for a film before. Audiences will get to see him across different stages of Rakesh Maria’s life, and his transformation is sure to take them by surprise.”

The shoot of Maria IPS began in July 2025, with the first schedule taking place at Ellora Studios near Mumbai, where a police station set was erected. During the two-week schedule, John Abraham and Rohit Shetty filmed several dramatic police station scenes and high-intensity interrogation sequences.

In February, we reported that portions of Maria IPS were also shot at various Western Railway premises. Vineet Abhishek, Chief Public Relations Officer, Western Railway (WR), exclusively told Bollywood Hungama, “John Abraham shot at the WR Headquarters in Churchgate, Lower Parel railway station and Mumbai Central railway station for Maria IPS.”

Also Read: SCOOP: John Abraham reunites with The Diplomat director Shivam Nair for two-hero action thriller

Filmmaker Rajkumar Santoshi has spoken about his shelved film based on the Battle of Saragarhi and alleged that Karan Johar and Akshay Kumar’s Kesari affected the prospects of his project. Santoshi claimed that his film, which featured Randeep Hooda in the lead, was already being made when Kesari was announced and eventually released on the same historical subject.

Talking about his vision for the project, Santoshi said he wanted to make an authentic and realistic film. “We wanted to make an honest and real film. We had an audition, real Sardars. The people who had not touched the blood had auditioned them. We had them ready. We had a shoot in the 20 days, in Ganga Nagar, in Rajasthan.”

Santoshi also praised Randeep Hooda for his dedication to the role and his transformation for the film. He said, “Randeep Hooda is a great actor, a great man. He had completely become a Sardar after growing a beard.”

The filmmaker then addressed the making of Kesari, which starred Akshay Kumar and was produced by Karan Johar. Santoshi said he felt the makers should have approached him before making a film on the same subject, especially since his project was already in production.

He said, “In the industry, they have made Kesari. Karan Johar and Akshay Kumar made it. At least, they should have asked us. The industry is one family.”

Santoshi further claimed that the release of Kesari affected his film’s prospects with OTT and satellite platforms. According to him, people from these platforms who had been discussing his project backed out because they preferred to work with a major producer and a major star.

He explained, “When they made Kesari, the OTT and satellite and digital people, whom we were talking to, backed out. Because Akshay Kumar is a very big star and Karan Johar is a very big producer. They knew that they would make a film quickly and release it, so our business would not work.”

Santoshi alleged that this eventually left his project stuck despite having already completed 20 days of shooting. “So, my picture, it got stuck. After 20 days of shooting, the picture was shut down,” he said.

His remarks shed light on the challenges faced by filmmakers when two projects based on the same historical event are developed simultaneously, particularly when one involves a major Bollywood star and a leading production house.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Sunny Deol and Rajkumar Santoshi set to reunite after Batwara 1947, exploring Ghatak sequel

Aditya Seal and his wife, actor Anushka Ranjan, have stepped into parenthood with double the joy. The couple has welcomed twin baby girls and shared the news with their fans on social media. Along with announcing the arrival of their daughters, Anushka and Aditya also revealed their names, making the occasion even more special for their followers.

The twins were born on August 23, 2026. The couple introduced their daughters as Vira Ranjan Seal and Mahi Ranjan Seal through an adorable announcement card featuring illustrations of two little girls. Aditya also shared a heartfelt note on Instagram, expressing his happiness and gratitude as the family begins this new chapter. "My sunshines are here to brighten our lives. Our hearts are full of love and gratitude. Vira ♾️ Mahi #TeamGirl."

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The couple had announced Anushka’s pregnancy earlier this year through a series of maternity photographs. In May 2026, Anushka spoke to HT City about sharing the news and explained why they had waited before making the announcement. She said, “We are a little late in sharing the news as the baby is set to arrive in September. We wanted to give ourselves some time, hence the delay. Also, it has been an overwhelming moment for us to share the news with all. I was more nervous than ever, even announcing my wedding was easier than this, but now I am at peace and relaxed, as people’s response and the way our friends reacted is so emotional for us.”

Anushka and Aditya first met on June 26, 2017, at an event organized by Anushka’s NGO, Beti. Their friendship eventually developed into a relationship, and after dating for a few years, the couple got married in Mumbai in November 2021. Nearly five years into their marriage, they have now welcomed their twin daughters, Vira and Mahi.

Aditya Seal and his wife, actor Anushka Ranjan, have stepped into parenthood with double the joy. The couple has welcomed twin baby girls and shared the news with their fans on social media. Along with announcing the arrival of their daughters, Anushka and Aditya also revealed their names, making the occasion even more special for their followers.

The twins were born on August 23, 2026. The couple introduced their daughters as Vira Ranjan Seal and Mahi Ranjan Seal through an adorable announcement card featuring illustrations of two little girls. Aditya also shared a heartfelt note on Instagram, expressing his happiness and gratitude as the family begins this new chapter. "My sunshines are here to brighten our lives. Our hearts are full of love and gratitude. Vira ♾️ Mahi #TeamGirl."

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The couple had announced Anushka’s pregnancy earlier this year through a series of maternity photographs. In May 2026, Anushka spoke to HT City about sharing the news and explained why they had waited before making the announcement. She said, “We are a little late in sharing the news as the baby is set to arrive in September. We wanted to give ourselves some time, hence the delay. Also, it has been an overwhelming moment for us to share the news with all. I was more nervous than ever, even announcing my wedding was easier than this, but now I am at peace and relaxed, as people’s response and the way our friends reacted is so emotional for us.”

Anushka and Aditya first met on June 26, 2017, at an event organized by Anushka’s NGO, Beti. Their friendship eventually developed into a relationship, and after dating for a few years, the couple got married in Mumbai in November 2021. Nearly five years into their marriage, they have now welcomed their twin daughters, Vira and Mahi.

Arijit Singh’s decision to step away from film playback singing has been one of the biggest developments of 2026. In a conversation with Komal Nahta, Shaan opened up about Arijit’s decision and revealed that he, too, had once contemplated quitting playback singing.

When asked about the decision of Arijit Singh, Shaan said, “It's not like he's hung his boots. He's singing and I think he's doing a lot of playback (singing). Aisi baat nahin hai.”

Why did he quit singing then? Shaan thought for a few seconds and then replied, “Only he can answer that question (laughs). However, he has recorded many songs that are yet to be released. So, in the next two years, you'll get to hear a lot of Arijit Singh.”

He also added, “You never know, he can change his mind. Pathar ki lakeer pe thodi kisi ne likh diya hai.”

Shaan then confessed that even he went through a similar dilemma, “I was about 33-34. It was a time when I had sung all kinds of songs. I had also won 2-3 big awards. Also, I am quite inclined towards social work. Ab aaye hai toh society ke liye kuch karna chahiye. However, because of my work, I didn't have time for it. And I used to feel that you are just rolling from one thing to another.”

Shaan continued, “Arijit at least did selective work. He reached the peak quickly and then he would work only for the top songs. As for me, I used to leave my house in the morning and I used to sing for all kinds of films – A-grade, B-grade and C-grade! My contemporaries like K K and Sonu Nigam used to tell me, 'Don't sing all kinds of songs. Keep your standard, bro'. But my point was that koi pyaar se bulata tha toh main naa kaise karoon? Moreover, my father (Manas Mukherjee) was also from this industry. So, his colleagues and the children of those colleagues used to request me to do playback singing. Turning them down was difficult. So, I would do those songs. I got a lot of blessings from them.”

He then stated, “When I used to return home, my wife would ask, 'Sunao aaj kya gaaya?'. I would say, 'Yaad nahin aa raha hai'. Usko shaque hone lagta tha! So that was the time when I would wonder what I was doing.”

Also Read: Shaan reveals wife Radhika told him to NEVER act again: "Give it to me in writing; you're a very bad actor… dal roti ke vaande ho jaayenge"

The teaser of Gunmaaster G9, starring Emraan Hashmi, Genelia Deshmukh and Aparshakti Khurana, is set to premiere theatrically ahead of the screening of Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-ups, offering audiences an early glimpse of the much-awaited action-romance.

While Gunmaaster G9 is slated for a worldwide theatrical release on November 27, 2026, the makers are kickstarting the film’s promotional campaign well in advance with a dedicated theatrical teaser premiere.

Rather than being attached to the print of Toxic, the teaser will be screened separately ahead of the film, giving Gunmaaster G9 a distinct theatrical showcase. With Toxic expected to draw substantial audiences, the move is poised to give the teaser an expansive reach while creating early curiosity around Emraan Hashmi’s next.

The film also marks a notable creative reunion. Soham Rockstar Entertainment and Deepak Mukut bring together Emraan Hashmi, Himesh Reshammiya and director Aditya Datt once again, following their collaboration on the 2005 musical blockbuster. Mukut is also reuniting with Himesh Reshammiya following the success of Sanam Teri Kasam.

Positioned as an action-romance, Gunmaaster G9 arrives at an interesting juncture in Emraan Hashmi’s career, following the strong response to Awarapan 2. The announcement of its release date had already generated considerable interest among the actor’s fans, and the theatrical unveiling of the teaser is expected to build further momentum around the film.

Starring Emraan Hashmi, Genelia Deshmukh, Aparshakti Khurana and introducing Abhishek Singh, Gunmaaster G9 is produced by Deepak Mukut, Hunar Mukut and Sangeeta Ahir and presented by Soham Rockstar Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. Directed by Aditya Datt, the film is slated for a worldwide theatrical release on November 27, 2026.

Gunmaaster G9 is a SRE Studio LLP production.

Also Read: Gunmaaster G9 director Aditya Datt reveals Aparshakti Khurana was his first choice to play the villain; says, “He has never played an out-and-out commercial and crazy-ass villain”

Shaan began his career with Indipop songs and also appeared in their music videos before making a successful transition to playback singing in films. However, not many are aware that the singer has also acted in a few films and a web series. In a conversation with Komal Nahta, Shaan opened up about his acting career and raised laughs.

Shaan said, “Only I think I am a good actor! The one person whose opinion matters to me the most is my wife (Radhika Mukherjee). And she feels that I am a very terrible actor. And I’ll tell you a story. When she was my fiancée, I had acted in a film called Daman (2001). I had gone for its dubbing. I returned and I thought that she’ll have newfound respect for me. I thought that she’ll think ‘Yeh singer toh hai hi. Ab hero bhi banne waala hai’!”

Shaan continued, “However, she told me that to give it to her in writing that I should never act again in my life! I told her, ‘Don’t be so insecure. It’s not like I’ll have an affair with someone once I turn an actor’. She replied, ‘You’re going too far. You sing and people have accepted you for it. But if you act, then sab khatam. Dal roti ke vaande ho jaayenge. You’re a very bad actor’ (laughs).”

Shaan then stated, “Since then, I decided to quit acting. Uske baad bhi maine yeh galti ki hai ek-aadh baar. But now I feel that I should revive my acting career (smiles).”

Daman also starred Raveena Tandon, Raima Sen, Sanjay Suri and Sayaji Shinde and it was directed by the late Kalpana Lajmi.

Later, Shaan also worked in Balwinder Singh Famous Ho Gaya (2014), co-starring Mika Singh. He was recently seen in a special appearance in the Karisma Kapoor-fronted web series, Brown.

Also Read: Shaan buys Rs 48 crores Palmera home, highlights Mumbai’s luxury housing boom

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rajkumar Santoshi Calls Out Hate Against #Batwara1947 🔥🚨

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

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

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

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

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

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