Indus Chronicles

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"

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

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

Adil El Arbi compares Salman Khan with Will Smith

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sanjay Dutt also impresses the filmmakers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Directors want to work with Shah Rukh Khan and Will Smith

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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