Indus Chronicles

Sanjay Leela Bhansali, known for his grand cinematic vision and compelling storytelling, is set to take audiences on a journey of passion and resilience with his upcoming magnum opus, Love And War. The film, already generating significant buzz, stars Ranbir Kapoor, Vicky Kaushal, and Alia Bhatt in pivotal roles. Adding to the excitement, Orhan Awatramani, popularly known as Orry, has joined the ensemble cast, while Deepika Padukone is set to make a cameo appearance, marking her continued association with the filmmaker.

Orry, a socialite and budding actor, has bagged a significant role in the film. He will be portraying a homosexual character who shares a close bond with Alia Bhatt’s character, a cabaret dancer navigating the complexities of life and love during tumultuous times. Orry’s role is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the narrative, exploring themes of friendship, acceptance, and identity.

This marks a bold and exciting move for Orry as he steps into the limelight under the guidance of a visionary like Bhansali. Known for his meticulous attention to detail, Bhansali is sure to craft a layered and memorable character for Orry, making his debut one to watch out for. Interestingly, well placed industry sources reveal, “While currently Orry’s involvement in the project is being kept under wraps, he has already shot for his segment in Love And War. It is likely that the makers want him to be a surprise element that will appeal to the masses.”

Deepika Padukone, who has previously collaborated with Bhansali in blockbusters like Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela, Bajirao Mastani, and Padmaavat, will make a special appearance in Love And War. Deepika has often been hailed as Bhansali’s lucky charm, and her cameo in the film adds a touch of star power and nostalgia.

While details of her role remain under wraps, it is confirmed that she will appear alongside Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal, two of the film’s central figures. Her cameo is expected to add depth to the story, further enriching Bhansali’s already intricate narrative.

Set against the backdrop of a war-torn era, Love And War is a tale of intense emotions, showcasing Bhansali’s signature style of grandeur and storytelling finesse. Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal lead the cast, with Alia Bhatt playing a pivotal role as a cabaret dancer whose life intertwines with theirs in unexpected ways. The inclusion of Orry and Deepika Padukone further elevates the film’s appeal, promising a mix of drama, romance, and spectacular performances.

As anticipation builds for Love And War, the film promises to be a cinematic event that celebrates the complexities of love, the trials of war, and the resilience of the human spirit. Fans can’t wait to witness Bhansali’s magic on the big screen once again.

Also Read: Ranbir Kapoor expresses excitement to reunite with Sanjay Leela Bhansali for Love and War; says, “He is my godfather”

The big Christmas entertainer, Baby John, was released today in cinemas. The film had generated excitement not just due to its mass element, Varun Dhawan’s casting and Atlee’s association but also because of Salman Khan’s cameo. Its glimpse was shown briefly in the trailer and it added to the excitement.

It has come to light that the superstar’s special appearance is quite rocking and would be loved by fans. Salman Khan is lovingly called Bhai Jaan by fans and in Baby John, his character is named Agent Bhai Jaan! This tribute will surely be appreciated by his millions of admirers across the world.

This is the second cameo by Salman Khan in less than two months. He was also seen in a special appearance Singham Again. However, his appearance in this multi-starrer Diwali release hardly lasted for a few seconds and hence, fans were dejected. But in Baby John, fans would have no complaints. He has enough screen space and he’s seen doing not just action but also comedy.

In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Baby John producer Murad Khetani explained how Salman Khan came on board, “Atlee informed me about the requirement for a star for a cameo. He asked if Salman sir could come on board. I assured him that I’d talk to him. I met Salman bhai; we sat and started chatting. It took me an hour to gather the courage to ask him. Finally, I told him ‘Apni picture mein Varun ke saath ek din ka cameo shoot karna hai’. He replied, ‘Yes, done. Bata dena kab karna hai’. So, while it took me an hour to gather the courage to ask him, he took less than 10 seconds to give his nod! That’s how Salman bhai is; large-hearted and humble.”

Two days from now, on December 27, Salman Khan will celebrate his birthday. On this momentous occasion, the teaser of his much awaited film Sikandar will be unveiled digitally. Meanwhile, Baby John will be running in cinemas in which the star is shown in a massy avatar, albeit in a cameo. Hence, Salman fans are in for a treat in this final week of 2024.

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While Bollywood experienced its own fair share of successes this year, the love that Pushpa 2 – The Rule garnered has been record-breaking. The film, starring Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna, was the most anticipated movies of the year considering the tremendous success of the prequel. Taking success, fame, and box office figures several notches higher, the second instalment has received love from across the country and now the renowned production house Yash Raj Films has cheered for the film’s success.

YRF shares congratulatory note on social media

In a rare moment, Yash Raj Films has showcased love and support towards production house Mythri Movie Makers and the movie Pushpa 2 – The Rule as the film has created history at the box office. Applauding the entire team including the cast and crew, YRF shared a heartfelt congratulatory note on social media that read, “Records are meant to be broken and new ones push everyone towards excellence. Congratulations to the entire #Pushpa2TheRule team for rewriting history books. Fire nahi, Wildfire!!!!!”

Congratulations to the entire #Pushpa2TheRule team! @mythriofficial | @aryasukku | @alluarjun | @iamRashmika | #FahadhFaasil pic.twitter.com/BtUYeocfzk — Yash Raj Films (@yrf) December 23, 2024

Allu Arjun reacts to the note and says he is ‘humbled’ by their gesture

In response to this lovely gesture, actor Allu Arjun decided to respond to it and took to the social media platform X aka Twitter, and said, “Thank you … so graceful.  Humbled by your wishes. Thank you, I am touched. May this record soon be broken by a heart-melting #YRF film, and may we all collectively move towards excellence.”

Thank you … so graceful . Humbled by your wishes. Thank you , I am touched . May this record soon be broken by a heart-melting #YRF film , and may we all collectively move towards excellence. — Allu Arjun (@alluarjun) December 23, 2024

About Pushpa 2 – The Rule

Also starring Rashmika Mandanna as Pushpa’s wife Srivalli and Fahadh Faasil as the antagonist IPS officer Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat, the action entertainer traces the journey of a small-time sandalwood smuggler Pushparaj and his journey of becoming one of the most feared gangsters. The film released on December 5 in multiple languages including Hindi.

Also Read: Allu Arjun’s kids Arha and Ayaan forced to leave their residence after their Hyderabad home gets vandalized

Since Thursday, there have been reports that Pushpa 2 – The Rule’s distributor Anil Thadani and Baby John’s distributor PVR Inox Pictures are having a tussle over show-sharing. Yesterday, Bollywood Hungama reported that the advance booking of Baby John, starring Varun Dhawan, is yet to open in several cinemas as PVR has asked for 60% of the shows for their film and 40% of shows for Pushpa 2 – The Rule. Reportedly, the distributor of Pushpa 2 and even some exhibitors have reservations about this arrangement.

Bollywood Hungama exclusively spoke to Baby John’s producer Murad Khetani on Sunday evening (December 22) and he clarified these reports. He also assured that the advance booking for the film would begin across the country on Monday, December 23.

Murad Khetani began by saying, “There’s no issue. MovieMax, Miraj, Mukta etc. have also opened advances. There were some little things that needed to be taken care of, regarding programming. We need to go step-by-step and it takes time. Our distribution team has been working on it. Everything can’t be closed and arranged together.”

There were murmurs that PVR Inox had started the booking of both Baby John and Pushpa 2 – The Rule for December 25 while other chains were not allowed to do so, leading to a first-mover advantage for PVR and Inox cinemas.

On this, Murad Khetani clarified, “The other multiplexes follow the programming pattern of the national chains. That’s why PVR, Inox and Cinepolis opened first. PVR Inox is distributing the film. Other chains wanted to see what PVR Inox is asking for and are also implementing similar showcasing in their own theatres. This is the reason why PVR Inox opened the advances first. The idea was to convey to other multiplexes that ‘Look, we are also giving so many shows to Baby John. We’d want you to follow suit’. By doing so, they made it clear that they are not asking for many shows for Baby John while not doing the same in their multiplexes.”

He continued, “In other words, the intention was never for PVR Inox to open the advances so that they get the advantage over other multiplex chains.”

When asked about an update for show-sharing in the single screens, Murad Khetani replied, “We are working on it as we need to take a lot of factors into consideration, including the film’s run time. Some single screens are okay with show-sharing while some are not. By Monday, December 23, it’ll be sorted. We are being very reasonable. We are asking for 50-50 show sharing. And if some theatres play 5 shows a day, then we are asking for 3 shows.” He added, “By tomorrow (December 23) hopefully, Baby John’s advance will open all over India.”

What’s the screen count for Baby John? Murad Khetani informed us, “We are looking at releasing the film in approximately 3000 screens.” Will there be a paid preview for the film from the evening of December 24? He said, “There are no such plans.”

Also Read: Varun Dhawan makes SHOCKING claim: Baby John star reveals “wife of a powerful man” stalked him, broke into his house; says, “She thought I’d leave my family for her”

AP Dhillon, currently on his India tour, addressed the audience during his Chandigarh performance and made a surprising revelation about fellow singer Diljit Dosanjh. Dhillon thanked Diljit for a recent shout-out but added a twist, stating in Punjabi, “First unblock me on Instagram and then talk to me. I don’t want to talk about what marketing is happening, but first unblock me. I've been working for three years. Have you ever seen me in any controversy?”

The comment referred to Diljit’s acknowledgment of AP Dhillon and Karan Aujla during his Indore concert, where he had said, “Mere aur do bhaiyon ne tour shuru kiya hai Karan Aujla aur AP Dhillon nein, unke liye bhi best of luck (Two of my brothers, Karan Aujla and AP Dhillon, have started their tour; best of luck to them, too).”

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Diljit’s Response: “Mere Pange Sarkaaran Naal” Diljit Dosanjh wasted no time addressing AP Dhillon’s remarks. Taking to Instagram Stories, Diljit shared a screenshot of AP Dhillon’s Instagram page, showing that the singer’s posts were visible. The move implied AP Dhillon was never blocked. Diljit captioned the screenshot, “I never blocked you. Mere pange sarkaaran naal ho sakde aa....kalaakaran naal ni (My issues could be with the government…not with the artists).”

Diljit Promotes Unity Among Independent Artists During his Indore concert, Diljit spoke about the importance of unity in the independent music scene. He remarked, “Yeh independent music ka time shuru hai. Musibate toh ayengi. Jab koi revolution aata hai toh musibat aati hai. Hum apna kam karte jayenge (The time for independent music has started. Problems will arise. When there is a revolution, problems will arise. We will keep working).”

Diljit Dosanjh’s Dil-Luminati India Tour kicked off on October 26 in New Delhi and will conclude on December 29 in Guwahati. Most recently, he performed in Mumbai on December 19. Meanwhile, AP Dhillon’s India tour has also garnered attention, adding momentum to the country's rising wave of independent music.

Also Read: Diljit Dosanjh REACTS to advisory for Mumbai concert, recites Sagar Manthan’s story: “People will bother and interrupt, but never let that disturb you”

The last big Bollywood film of 2024, Baby John, will be released in a few days and it has managed to generate excitement due to the casting, mass appeal and association of Atlee. The makers managed to complete the censor process in time and Bollywood Hungama, in this exclusive article, will focus on its cut list.

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) awarded Baby John a U/A certificate. However, the Examining Committee (EC) asked for certain modifications. The duration of the opening disclaimer was increased and the makers were asked to add a line, 'The title of the film, Baby John, bears no connection or resemblance to any political figure or entity'. Then, a voiceover and text were added stating that the performance of the child artists has been as per the existing guidelines. A consent letter was also submitted to the CBFC.

The EC censored two dialogues in the film. At one place, 'Phule' was muted in a dialogue which referred to Mahatma Jyotiba Phule. In another scene, Lal Bahadur Shastri was replaced by another word; the replacement term is unspecified in the cut list.

The CBFC asked the makers for four visual modifications. The scene where a character kicks a 'kalash' (pot) was modified. The visuals of characters being set on fire were reduced by 50%. Thirdly, the visual of a character tapping cigarette buds on another character's face was modified. Lastly, a close shot of a gunshot was also modified.

That's not all. The CBFC members asked the makers to submit an AWBI (Animal Welfare Board of India) certificate and factual sources to the statistical data on rape mentioned by a character in the film.

Once these changes were made, Baby John was passed by the CBFC on December 16. The length of the film, as mentioned on the censor certificate, is 164.01 minutes. In other words, the run time of Baby John is 2 hours 44 minutes and 1 second.

Starring Varun Dhawan, Jackie Shroff, Keerthy Suresh and Wamiqa Gabbi, Baby John releases in cinemas on December 25.

Also Read: Varun Dhawan is all praises for Jackie Shroff in Baby John; says, “This will be Jackie Shroff 3.0 in the film”

Television and film actor Ram Kapoor, known for his versatile performances, has left fans stunned with his recent weight transformation. The 51-year-old actor shared pictures on social media on Thursday, revealing a remarkable fitness journey that had been kept under wraps. Kapoor, who was last seen in Yudhra, had been on a hiatus from social media, making his return all the more striking.

Fans Applaud Ram Kapoor’s Weight Loss Journey Taking to Instagram, Kapoor posted a photo alongside his wife, Gautami Kapoor, showcasing his slimmed-down physique. Captioning one of the posts, he wrote, “Hi guys, sorry for the slightly long absence from Insta was working on myself quite extensively.” The post quickly garnered attention, with fans and fellow actors celebrating his achievement.

Actor Karan Wahi reacted to the post with heart emojis, while fans expressed their amazement in the comments. One fan remarked, “What a drastic change, but I liked your Bade Achhe Lagte Hain version.” Another wrote, “My childhood crush just got sexy again.”

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Mixed Reactions to Kapoor’s Transformation While many applauded Ram Kapoor’s dedication, others fondly reminisced about his “golu-molu” avatar from his iconic television show Bade Achhe Lagte Hain. A fan commented, “Unbelievable transformation Sir, but that Golu Molu Ram Kapoor from Bade Achhe Lagte Hain – we will definitely miss that look.”

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Some fans also highlighted Kapoor’s acting legacy, noting memorable performances in projects like Monsoon Wedding. One user commented, “You were my and my sister’s childhood crush, and honestly, you still amaze us with your acting skills.”

Also Read: Ram Kapoor says gender equality isn’t crucial in Entertainment industry: “The dynamic has been chosen by the audience”

Veteran filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra has officially confirmed that the much-awaited sequels to his iconic films 3 Idiots and Munna Bhai are currently in the works. While promoting his latest release Zero Se Start, Chopra shed light on the development status of these films and provided insights into his creative approach.

Writing Underway for 2 Idiots and Munna Bhai 3 Speaking in an interview with Dainik Bhaskar, Chopra revealed that he is dedicating significant time to crafting the scripts for 2 Idiots and Munna Bhai 3. “I am writing both 2 Idiots and Munna Bhai 3. On top of that, I am trying to make a film for kids. The film’s title hasn’t been decided yet. I am also writing a horror comedy, and it is very interesting. First, we will write for 1-2 years, and then it should be made. I think the possibility of 2 Idiots and Munna Bhai 3 is there soon,” Chopra stated. A Commitment to Quality Over Quick Gains Chopra’s approach to filmmaking is deeply rooted in his commitment to delivering quality cinema. Reflecting on his philosophy, he shared, “I could have made 2-3 sequels of Munna Bhai and 3 Idiots. Bahut maal kama leta main (I could have earned loads of money), bought a big car and a big house. But if those weren’t good films, I wouldn’t have enjoyed talking about them because I would know that I compromised my conscience just to mint money.” Zero Se Start: A Look Into Chopra’s Creative Journey Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s latest endeavor, Zero Se Start, offers an intimate behind-the-scenes look at the making of his critically acclaimed film 12th Fail. The documentary debuted at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa and hit theaters on December 13.

12th Fail, Chopra’s last theatrical release, became a sleeper hit. Featuring Vikrant Massey and Medha Shankar, the film was based on Anurag Pathak’s book and chronicled the inspiring story of IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma and IRS officer Shraddha Joshi.

Also Read: Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s Zero Se Restart sets new benchmark in Hindi cinema, distilled from 18,947 minutes of footage

Godrej Professional, a leading professional hair brand offering hair colour and hair care from the house of Godrej Consumer Products Ltd (GCPL), announced Bollywood star Sharvari as its first-ever brand ambassador. The reveal took place at the grand finale of Godrej Professional Spotlight, a platform celebrating hairstylists on a national stage.

Known for her standout performances in films like Munjya, Maharaj and Vedaa, Sharvari perfectly reflects the brand’s commitment to style, confidence, and empowerment. Her fashion-forward persona and values align seamlessly with Godrej Professional, making her the ideal face of the brand. Sharvari dazzled as the showstopper unveiling 2025’s trending hair colour and styling looks in a stunning showcase which was curated by Godrej Professional's dynamic trio: Yianni Tsapatori, Creative Director – Hair; Shailesh Moolya, National Technical Head; and Najeeb-Ur-Rehman, Technical Ambassador.

Commenting on the development, Abhinav Grandhi, General Manager, Godrej Consumer Products Limited (GCPL), said, “We are excited to have Sharvari as the very first brand ambassador for Godrej Professional. Being a fashion & lifestyle icon, Sharvari has millions who look up to her for her impeccable sense of style and grace. Her association with Godrej Professional comes at a time as we are growing and continuing to expand our footprint in the hair and beauty industry.”

Expressing her excitement about the association, Sharvari said, “It’s an honour to be the first-ever brand ambassador for Godrej Professional. Godrej has been a trusted name amongst Indian households for over 120 years and has truly revolutionized the hair colour category in the country. They’re known for their innovative and high-quality hair colour range such as Dimension & Colourplay. Hair has always been a defining part of my style—whether I am embodying a character on screen or turning heads on the red carpet. When approached to represent Godrej Professional, I was thrilled as it resonates with my personal style."

Alongside the unveiling of its brand ambassador, Godrej Professional announced the winners of Spotlight, a platform celebrating hairstylists' creativity on a national stage. Monica Bahl, CEO, Beauty & Wellness Sector Skill Council (B&WSSC), emphasized the initiative’s impact, stating, “Godrej Professional Spotlight is a shining example of how skill development and industry collaboration can drive growth and recognition for hairstylists across India. By partnering with Godrej Professional, we are elevating Indian talent to global standards and creating opportunities that inspire the next generation of salon professionals.”

At the Spotlight event, attended by over 300 hair stylists, Kapil Sharma, Founder of Kapil’s Salon, delivered an inspiring talk on thriving in the beauty, wellness, and grooming industry. Adding to the glamour, renowned actor Karanvir Bohra hosted the event, making it a memorable celebration of talent and creativity.

Also Read: Sharvari serves Monday Motivation with slick basketball moves; says, “Monday : 0 – Sharvari : 1”

Veteran actor Mukesh Khanna has reacted to actress Sonakshi Sinha’s recent remarks criticizing his comments about her upbringing. The debate stems from Khanna’s criticism of Sonakshi’s inability to answer a Ramayana-related question on Kaun Banega Crorepati 11 (KBC 11) in 2019.

Mukesh Khanna Clarifies Intent In a statement, Khanna stated he was “surprised” it took Sonakshi nearly four years to respond to his comments. “I knew I was antagonising her by taking her name from that incident,” Khanna admitted, adding, “But I had no malicious intention to malign her or her father, who is my senior, and I have a very cordial relationship with him.”

Khanna further clarified that his remarks were meant as a general observation about today’s youth, whom he believes are overly reliant on Google and Wikipedia. "We have a huge and vast knowledge preserved in our culture, Sanskriti and history which every youth of today should know. And not only know but also feel proud about it. That’s all," he concluded.

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Sonakshi’s Strong Response

Sonakshi Sinha, in turn, criticized Khanna’s repeated reference to the KBC 11 incident in public forums. Addressing him through a note shared on Instagram Stories, she wrote, “Dear Sir, Mukesh Khanna ji... I recently read a statement you made saying it’s my father’s fault I did not answer a question about the Ramayana correctly... Firstly, let me remind you there were two women on the hot seat that day who did not know the answer to the same question, but you choose to keep taking my name.”

Sonakshi also pointed out that her lapse was momentary and unrelated to her upbringing. “I blanked out on the show... I respectfully request you to forget the incident that you keep on touching upon in public to be back in the news,” she wrote.

Background on the KBC 11 Incident

The controversy dates back to 2019 when Sonakshi Sinha, appearing on KBC 11, was unable to answer a question about Ramayana. Mukesh Khanna later commented on the incident, saying, “It’s not Sonakshi’s fault; it’s her father’s fault. Why did you not tell your kids? Why did you let them be so modern?”

Also Read: Sonakshi Sinha CALLS OUT Mukesh Khanna for “Distasteful statements” over Shatrughan Sinha’s upbringing: “Stop bringing up the same incident time and again to be back in the news”

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the shortlist of 15 films for the Best International Feature Film category at the 2025 Oscars on Tuesday. While global favorites such as Emilia Perez and From Ground Zero secured spots, India’s official entry, Laapataa Ladies, was conspicuously absent. The exclusion of the Aamir Khan-produced Hindi film, directed by Kiran Rao, has reignited debates on India’s Oscars strategy.

Backlash Over Film Federation of India’s Selection The decision to send Laapataa Ladies as India’s official entry had sparked controversy earlier this year, with many arguing that Payal Kapadia’s Cannes-winning All We Imagine As Light was a stronger contender. Following the failure of Laapataa Ladies to make the shortlist, criticism of the Film Federation of India (FFI) has intensified.

One social media user expressed frustration, writing, "FFI snubbed AWIAL, destroying our chances to be on the list. The Film Federation of India requires a full revamp." Another added, "A shattering humiliation for India. If the only measure of success is to make choices that make you competitive, they have utterly failed."

Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies received critical acclaim for its portrayal of two brides interchanged in rural India during the 1990s. The cast featured newcomers Sparsh Srivastava, Pratibha Ranta, and Nitanshi Goel alongside seasoned actors Ravi Kishen and Chhaya Kadam.

On the other hand, All We Imagine As Light, an exploration of Mumbai’s working class, has consistently been a presence at international awards shows. It won the Grand Prize at Cannes and was nominated for the Golden Globes and Critics’ Choice Awards.

While Laapataa Ladies failed to advance, there was some good news for Indian cinema. Santosh, a UK-based Hindi film by Sandhya Suri, featuring Indian actors Shahana Goswami and Sunita Rajwar, made it to the Oscars shortlist as the UK’s official entry.

Also Read: Laapataa Ladies actor Pratibha Ranta hopes for Oscars shortlist on her birthday: “It would be the biggest gift”

Sonakshi Sinha has strongly criticized veteran actor Mukesh Khanna for his recent comments blaming her father, Shatrughan Sinha, for her lack of knowledge about the Ramayana. The actress, taking to her Instagram Stories, expressed disappointment at Khanna’s repeated reference to her inability to answer a question about the Hindu epic on Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) in 2019.

Sonakshi SLAMS Mukesh Khanna: “Distasteful Statements” Addressing Mukesh Khanna directly, Sonakshi wrote, "Dear Sir, Mukesh Khanna ji... I recently read a statement you made saying that it’s my father’s fault I did not answer a question about the Ramayana correctly on a show I attended many, many years back." She noted that another contestant also struggled with the same question but questioned why Khanna keeps singling her out.

Sonakshi further accused the Shaktimaan star of using the incident for publicity at her and her family’s expense. “Stop bringing up the same incident time and again to be back in the news,” she added. Sonakshi Defends Her Father Responding to Khanna’s remarks, Sonakshi highlighted the values imparted by her father, Shatrughan Sinha. "The next time you decide to say anything about the values my father has instilled in me, please remember it’s because of those values that I have only said what I said, very respectfully,” she wrote.

Sonakshi reminded Khanna about the lessons of forgiveness taught in the Ramayana itself, adding, “If Lord Ram can forgive Manthara, Kaikeyi, and even Ravan after the great battle, surely you can let go of this extremely small thing.”

Revisiting the 2019 Incident In 2019, Sonakshi Sinha appeared on KBC 11, where she was asked about whom Hanuman brought Sanjeevani booti for in the Ramayana. She failed to provide the correct answer, sparking criticism and memes on social media. In an interview with Siddharth Kannan, Mukesh Khanna recently reignited the debate, blaming her father for her lack of knowledge. He stated, “It’s not Sonakshi’s fault; it’s her father’s fault. Why did you not teach your kids?”

Also Read: Sonakshi Sinha shares heartfelt birthday post for husband Zaheer Iqbal: “I’m the happiest you were born” 

Globally celebrated Tabla virtuoso Zakir Hussain passed away on Monday at the age of 73 in San Francisco. His family confirmed his demise in an official statement, citing idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis as the cause of death. Hussain's exceptional contribution to Indian classical music and his role as a cultural ambassador have left an indelible mark on the global music community.

Hussain is survived by his wife, Antonia Minnecola, his daughters Anisa Qureshi and Isabella Qureshi, their families, his brothers Taufiq and Fazal Qureshi, and his sister Khurshid Aulia. Health Struggles and Family’s Statement On Sunday, reports surfaced regarding the musician's deteriorating health, with flautist Rakesh Chaurasia revealing that Hussain had been admitted to a San Francisco hospital’s ICU with heart-related complications. However, premature reports of his passing were dismissed by his publicist, who had requested prayers for Hussain’s recovery.

In an official statement released on Monday, Hussain’s family confirmed the unfortunate news, saying: “His prolific work as a teacher, mentor, and educator has left an indelible mark on countless musicians. He hoped to inspire the next generation to go further. He leaves behind an unparalleled legacy as a cultural ambassador and one of the greatest musicians of all time.”

The family also requested privacy during this difficult time.

Also Read: Grammy winners Zakir Hussain, Béla Fleck, Edgar Meyer and Rakesh Chaurasia announce As We Speak India Tour in January 2025

Sandeep Reddy Vanga is preparing for his next ambitious project, titled Spirit. The film stars Prabhas in the lead role as a cop. This high-budget action film is set to go on floors in early 2025, with a planned release in 2026. Pre-production work is already underway, and the team is finalizing its star-studded cast.

According to a recent report by Pinkvilla, Sandeep Reddy Vanga is in discussions with Mrunal Thakur to play the female lead opposite Prabhas. A source revealed to Pinkvilla, “Spirit is the most ambitious and awaited film of Indian cinema, and the makers are going all out to have the best and most talented actors of world cinema on board the film. While Prabhas is locked to play the role of a cop, the conversations are in progress with Mrunal Thakur, Saif Ali Khan, and Kareena Kapoor with the latter two for the negative turn.”

Having said that, it is worth mentioning here that, a couple of months ago, Bollywood Hungama was the first one to report about Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan being considered as the movie’s antagonists. A New Approach to Cop-Based Films Spirit is expected to break the mold of traditional cop dramas in Indian cinema. The story is described as a “never-before-seen template for a commercial Indian film,” blending characters with good, bad, and grey shades—a hallmark of Vanga’s storytelling.

The source further stated, “Every character has a purpose, and it’s among the most ambitious films for Sandeep Reddy Vanga.” With such an innovative narrative, Spirit aims to redefine how Bollywood approaches the cop genre. What’s Next for Sandeep Reddy Vanga? While Spirit is scheduled for a 2026 release, Vanga’s plans extend beyond the Prabhas starrer. After completing Spirit, he will move forward with his upcoming project Animal Park, featuring Ranbir Kapoor.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Bhushan Kumar confirms Ranbir Kapoor starrer Animal Park shoot to begin after Prabhas’ Spirit: “We will have a six-month gap…”

Telugu superstar Allu Arjun broke his silence on Saturday morning after being released from jail in connection with the stampede incident at a Hyderabad theatre screening Pushpa 2. The tragedy, which occurred earlier this month, claimed the life of a woman and left her son critically injured. Arjun had been arrested on Friday after returning from the success meet of Pushpa 2 in Delhi.

Actor Expresses Condolences and Vows Support Accompanied by his father Allu Aravind and father-in-law Kancharla Chandrasekhar Reddy, Allu Arjun exited the jail through the back gate and addressed the media. In his first statement since the arrest, he said:

“I would like to first thank everybody for their immense love and support. I thank my fans. I am well; there is nothing to worry. I am a law-abiding citizen, I respect the law, I will cooperate with them, and do the needful. I would like to give my condolences to the family. It is very unfortunate—we went to watch a movie, and due to an unfortunate incident, we lost a person. It was totally out of my personal control.”

He further added, “I have been going to watch my films for the last 20 years; I have been there 30 times. I will be there to support the family in whatever possible way. I know we can never cover the loss, but I will be doing what I can. I thank everyone for the support.”

VIDEO | "I would like to first thank everybody for their immense love and support. I thank my fans. I am well, there is nothing to worry. I am a law abiding citizen, I respect the law, I will cooperate with them, and do the needful. I would like to give my condolences to the… pic.twitter.com/SQjJAdeVGm — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 14, 2024

Legal Battle and Controversy Allu Arjun’s lawyer, Ashok Reddy, described the arrest as “illegal detention,” alleging that jail authorities delayed his release despite receiving the Telangana High Court’s interim bail order on Friday.

“They received an order copy from the High Court, but despite that, they didn’t release him,” Reddy stated. “This is an illegal detention. We will take legal action. As of now, he has been released.”

Arjun had been remanded to 14-day judicial custody by a lower court, but the Telangana High Court granted him interim bail, citing his right to liberty. The court also noted, “He couldn’t be detained just because he’s an actor… he cannot be held like this.” Background of the Incident The stampede occurred on December 4 at Hyderabad’s Sandhya Theatre during an unscheduled visit by Allu Arjun. The actor’s surprise appearance reportedly caused chaos as no prior intimation was given to the police or the theatre management. The theatre owner, general manager, and security manager were arrested days later for inadequate crowd control measures.

The victim’s husband filed a complaint, leading to charges against Arjun, his security team, and the theatre management. Authorities emphasized the lack of additional provisions for managing the crowd, which ultimately resulted in the tragic loss of life.

Also Read: Allu Arjun walks free after spending a night in jail in Hyderabad stampede case

Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar, known for his dedication to performing his stunts, injured his eye while filming for Housefull 5. The incident occurred on the film’s set in Mumbai when a flying object hit the actor. Despite the injury, Akshay remains determined to complete the project.

Mishap on the Sets of Housefull 5

According to a report by Hindustan Times, the accident occurred during a stunt sequence. An ophthalmologist was immediately called to the set to examine the actor. The report stated, “An object came flying in Akshay's eye while he was doing a stunt. An ophthalmologist was called on the set immediately, who bandaged the eye and asked him to take some rest, while the shoot resumed with the other actors. However, even with the injury, Akshay is determined to join the shoot back soon because the film is in the final stages of the shoot, and he doesn't want it to get delayed.”

Housefull 5: A Landmark in Indian Cinema

Directed by Tarun Mansukhani, Housefull 5 is set to release in theatres on June 6, 2025. The film, produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, marks a significant milestone as the first Indian cinema franchise to have five installments. The ensemble cast includes Abhishek Bachchan, Jacqueline Fernandez, Sanjay Dutt, Jackie Shroff, Riteish Deshmukh, Fardeen Khan, Sonam Bajwa, Nargis Fakhri, Chitrangda Singh, Nana Patekar, Chunky Panday, Dino Morea, and Johnny Lever.

Upcoming Projects of Akshay Kumar

Beyond Housefull 5, Akshay Kumar is also gearing up for his much-anticipated horror-comedy, Bhooth Bangla. The film reunites him with veteran director Priyadarshan and is slated for release on April 2, 2026.

Also Read: Barroz trailer launch: Mohanlal BREAKS silence on Akshay Kumar-starrer remakes of his classics; also says “Akshay is a 100% professional actor. I am not that professional”

Filmmaker Sajid Nadiadwala is set to launch Harnaaz Sandhu, after previously launching the careers of Tiger Shroff, Kriti Sanon, and Ahan Shetty. On December 12th, 2021, Sandhu won the Miss Universe crown, and today, on the same date, Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment announced her Bollywood debut with Baaghi 4.

Known for her charisma and elegance on the global stage, Harnaaz’s debut has already generated immense excitement among fans and industry insiders.

Under Nadiadwala’s banner, Harnaaz will make her debut alongside Tiger Shroff in the much-anticipated sequel, which has generated significant buzz. Known for her title as Miss Universe 2021, Harnaaz’s shift from pageantry to acting showcases her versatility and marks the beginning of a promising career in Indian cinema.

From #MissUniverse to the #BaaghiUniverse! Presenting our new #NGETalent, the lady Rebel in #Baaghi4 - @HarnaazKaur ♥️???? #SajidNadiadwala’s #Baaghi4 Directed by @NimmaAHarsha

Releasing in cinemas on 5th Sept 2025 @iTIGERSHROFF @duttsanjay #SonamBajwa @rajatsaroraa… pic.twitter.com/ELG57C7NEC — Nadiadwala Grandson (@NGEMovies) December 12, 2024

As she steps into the film industry, the excitement around her debut is palpable, with fans eager to see how her elegance, confidence, and public persona translate to the big screen. This film is expected to be a key milestone in her journey, setting the stage for her future in Bollywood.

Directed by A Harsha, Baaghi 4 also stars Sonam Bajwa and Sanjay Dutt.

A Sajid Nadiadwala franchise, under Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment banner, Baaghi 4 is set to release on 5th September 2025.

Also Read : Karan Johar, Juhi Chawla and Harnaaz Sandhu come forward to support Global Peace Anthem by Mahaveer Jain

Days after comedian and actor Sunil Pal claimed that he was kidnapped, actor Mushtaq Khan’s business partner Shivam Yadav has shared that the actor too was kidnapped on November 20. He claimed that Khan was invited to be a part of an awards show in Meerut. He said that once he landed in Delhi, he was taken in a car supposedly to Meerut for the show. However, he was taken somewhere near Bijnor and that’s how he realized that he was kidnapped. Dubey also claimed that Khan didn’t suspect anything initially because he was paid in advance to attend the show and was also provided with flight tickets.

Shivam Yadav told India Today digital, “Mushtaq sir and his family were completely shaken over what happened with him. However, he was always sure that he would file an FIR after he composed himself. Yesterday, I went to Bijnor and filed an official FIR. We have proof of the flight ticket, the bank accounts and even CCTV footage near the airport. He also recognises the neigbhourhood, even the house where he was kept. I think the police team will surely get the culprits soon.”

Yadav also claimed that the kidnappers tortured him for 12 hours and demanded Rs. 1 crore from him. They later were able to get Rs. 2 lakh from his and his son’s account. Yadav said that early in the morning Khan heard the azaan and realized that a mosque is nearby. He ran away to the mosque where he sought help from some people and returned home with the help of police.

Mushtaq Khan is best known for starring in Anees Bazmee’s iconic comedy Welcome and the recent blockbuster Stree 2.

Recently, Sunil Pal also claimed to have been kidnapped and released after he paid Rs. 7.5 lakh to the kidnappers. As Khan’s incident is similar to that of Pal, Yadav was asked if he thinks this is a new syndicate to kidnap celebrities. He said, “We had no clue about the case. After Mushtaq sir returned, we spoke about the incident with a few of our close friends. When Sunil's case was highlighted in the media, they informed us about the same. It is shocking that two public figures from the industry had to go through a similar ordeal. We hope there is awareness and protection in the future for everyone.”

The report also said that Khan will speak to the media in a few days.

Also Read: SHOCKING! Sunil Pal claims he was kidnapped and paid Rs 7.5 lakhs ransom

Popular singer Sonu Nigam recently took to social media to address a disheartening incident during a concert in Rajasthan. The event, Rising Rajasthan, witnessed the singer sharing a heartfelt plea directed at politicians, including Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, for their behavior during the show.

Sonu Nigam’s Video Criticizes Politicians After the event, Sonu Nigam posted an Instagram video highlighting the issue. He criticized the Rajasthan CM and other politicians for leaving the concert midway, calling it disrespectful to artists and the goddess of knowledge and arts, Maa Saraswati.

In the video, Sonu said, “At the concert, many politicians, including CM sahab, the sports minister, and the youth minister, were present. During the show, I witnessed CM sahab and other people get up midway and leave. After them, other delegates also left. So, it is my humble request to politicians that if you won’t respect artists, then who will?”

Accompanying the video, the singer wrote in his caption, “A humble request to all the respected politicians of India, kindly don’t attend any performance of any artiste if you have to abruptly leave midway. This is disrespectful to art, artists, and Maa Saraswati.”

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Sonu Nigam (@sonunigamofficial)

An Emotional Appeal to Respect Art Sonu Nigam’s video didn’t just highlight the actions of the Rajasthan CM but also served as a broader appeal to all politicians. He continued in his message, saying, “Agar aapko uthne jana ho to aya mat karo ya show shuru hone se pehle chale jaya karo” (If you need to leave, don’t come, or leave before the show starts).

His words struck a chord with fans and art enthusiasts, many of whom expressed their agreement in the comments section. Fans React to Sonu Nigam’s Stand Fans poured in their support for the singer’s stance, applauding his polite yet firm tone. One user commented, “Very rightly said, sir. Arreee Sonu ji, aap phir se Jaipur aaye hain, ek choti mulaqat ki guzarish hai aapse.” Another added, “This was so very important to bring to light... Absolutely not right to do so.”

One fan lauded the singer’s courage, saying, “Taking a stand politely, humbly, and to the point. This, amongst the many other things, is why I love you!” Another wrote, “Very well said, sir. I always respect your honesty and courage. Thanks for bringing this to light.”

Sanjay Dutt has joined the cast of Sajid Nadiadwala’s much-awaited Baaghi 4.

The makers have released the gripping first look poster of Sanjay Dutt from Baaghi 4 in a fierce avatar.

Dutt is shown seated on a throne, bloodied and holding a lifeless woman in his arms, with the tagline “Every Aashiq Is A Villain.”

Sanjay Dutt’s rugged persona and commanding screen presence make him an exciting addition to the Baaghi universe.

#Sikandar March mein aane vali hai uska kuch de nhi rahe hai .. Aur ye sir dard Sep mein aane vala hai ye de rahe hai KONSI GAALI DE YE @NGEMovies vale ko???? https://t.co/nh2Jan1ICv

— salmantiger9362 (@salmantiger9362) December 9, 2024

Baaghi 4 will have raw action with the direction of A Harsha .

The Baaghi franchise, led by Tiger Shroff, is known for its action sequences and engaging plots. Sajid Nadiadwala has reportedly given Dutt a significant role to raise the stakes in this fourth installment.

With Housefull 5 already under production, Nadiadwala and Dutt have collaborated back-back-back to deliver two mass entertainers with completely different genres.

Prestented by Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, Baaghi 4 is produced by Sajid Nadiadwala and is directed by A Harsha. Baaghi 4 will release on 5th September 2025.

Also Read : Housefull 5 enters final schedule with grand ensemble cast reveal