Indus Chronicles

When Paul Thomas Anderson calls, you don’t ask questions—you just show up. That’s exactly how Benicio Del Toro describes his decision to join the director’s latest film, One Battle After Another. “Three letters. P T A,” Del Toro said in an exclusive conversation. “When Paul Thomas Anderson calls and says, ‘I got a script, and I got a part that I want you to play.’ Before I read it, I was in. Simple as that.”

Del Toro takes on the role of Sensei Sergio St. Carlos, a karate instructor whose life becomes entangled with that of Bob (Leonardo DiCaprio), a desperate father searching for his missing daughter, Willa. For Del Toro, the role offered the chance to play a character with both grit and grace.

“Sensei is a karate instructor of Willa, who is the daughter of Bob,” he explained. “And when the shit hits the fan and Willa disappears, Leo’s character comes to get help from Sensei to try and help him find her. Basically, Sensei helps Bob to get from point A to point C in his journey to reunite with his daughter. Sensei provides protection and transportation for Bob while at the same time juggling with his own situation. Allowing Bob and us to peep into Sensei’s world. One could say that for a moment, Sensei becomes Bob’s guardian angel. He sacrifices himself to allow Bob to continue his journey to find his daughter.”

Del Toro hinted that Sensei’s role in the narrative carries an almost spiritual weight, balancing between guide and protector. It’s a turn that’s bound to resonate with audiences, particularly because it shows the layers beneath the action-thriller surface.

For Del Toro, saying yes to Anderson wasn’t just about reuniting with an old friend in cinema but about joining a project that combines action, emotion, and moral complexity. “Sometimes a role isn’t just about fighting or surviving—it’s about what you’re willing to give up so someone else can,” Del Toro said. “That’s where the heart of Sensei lies.”

One Battle After Another releases on September 26, 2025.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Benicio Del Toro on teaming up with Leonardo DiCaprio in One Battle After Another; says, “If Hollywood was a university, we’re from the same class”

Bollywood actor, model, and fitness icon Malaika Arora has opened up about the many judgments she has faced throughout her life for her work, her appearance, and her personal life. In a candid conversation with Hindustan Times, she revealed how labels like “too bold” or “too outspoken” followed her career until she decided to refuse to live by others’ expectations.

Malaika said, “It was tough because people love to tell you what you should or shouldn’t be. I was judged for my career, my clothes, my relationships you name it. But the day I stopped explaining myself was the day I felt free. My biggest takeaway? The only narrative that matters is the one you write for yourself.”

She described how, for years, societal norms attempted to confine her from what she wore to who she associated with. But now, she claims, she wears those criticisms “like a crown.” As she puts it: “I’ve been called too bold, too outspoken, too everything. And honestly? I wear it like a crown now. If I’m “too much” for someone, they’re probably not enough for me.”

Malaika has translated her journey into her professional work as well. In her latest campaign with cosmetics brand HYUE, titled Own It, she said, “Whether in fashion, fitness, or just the choices I’ve made, I’ve never followed a formula. I’ve always believed that real confidence comes when you stop performing for the world and start living for yourself.”

She added, “It (the association) felt like they were telling my story through beauty. I’ve had to fight labels, opinions, and expectations all my life. So Own It isn’t just a tagline to me – it’s my lived reality.”

Yet, despite her public confidence, she admits she also faces periods of uncertainty. “Self-doubt is human—it never really disappears. There are days when I question myself, just like anyone else. But over the years, I’ve learned to meet those moments with kindness rather than criticism,” Malaika confesses. And she added, “Confidence, for me, isn’t about never doubting—it’s about moving forward with grace despite it.”

Also Read : Abhinav Kashyap reveals clash between Malaika Arora and Salman Khan over ‘Munni Badnaam Hui’ costumes: “They want their women covered up”

September 15 marked a special day for Akshay Kumar and Twinkle Khanna as their son, Aarav, celebrated his 23rd birthday. Both parents took to social media to share heartfelt notes, accompanied by the same candid picture of Akshay with Aarav.

Akshay, in his trademark humorous yet emotional style, wrote, “Happy 23rd, Aarav! When I was twenty three I was learning to beat up people on screen… it’s a strange feeling now to see you beat me everyday right from tech to fashion to arguments on the dinner table. Dekhte hi dekhte itna bada ho gaya hai yaar tu… you make me feel like a proud sidekick in my own story / Love you beta. Cheers to the best 23 years of my life because they’ve been with you.”

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Twinkle Khanna, known for her wit and writing flair, chose a reflective tone. She posted, “And he turns 23 / Though I have an undeniable compulsion to hold on to him, it would be wise to remember that children are like the air stored in our lungs, in our custody for just a moment before the next exhalation. This may not be an entirely correct analogy because unlike breaths we can’t keep popping babies in and out constantly, but you get the point right :) Here’s to the birthday boy. May he continue filling the world with his innate kindness.”

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The posts instantly struck a chord with fans, who filled the comments section with warm wishes for Aarav. Many admired the heartfelt words, while others praised the bond the family shares.

The birthday celebrations came the same day Twinkle Khanna unveiled the trailer of her upcoming celebrity chat show, Two Much With Kajol and Twinkle, which will stream on Prime Video. Meanwhile, Akshay Kumar is busy on the professional front, promoting Jolly LLB 3. He recently wrapped the outdoor schedule of Haiwaan, his next collaboration with Priyadarshan, co-starring Saif Ali Khan.

Also Read: Akshay Kumar brings luxe fashion to Bigg Boss 19 in Rs 1.1 lakh velvet statement piece

Filmmaker Ajay Bahl’s Section 375 recently completed six years. The film starred Rahul Bhat in the role of a filmmaker accused of a sexual crime. On the film’s anniversary, he got talking to us about his experience of doing the film in an interview.

Ajay Bahl’s rare film on the MenToo movement in which you played a victim of a false sex offence case, is now 6

It’s hard to believe Section 375 completes six years. That film changed me, it made me dig deep into a very layered character and confront difficult truths about consent and power. Even today, people come up to me and say the film made them think, argue, even fight about right and wrong. That’s exactly what we wanted to do - start a conversation.

It is hard to believe the film actually got made

I will always be grateful to producer Kumar Mangat and director Ajay Bahl and the team for trusting me with such a bold story. For me, Section 375 wasn’t just a role, it was a responsibility, and I’m proud it continues to stay relevant.

Do you feel the MenToo movement got smothered by the MeToo movement?

I do feel that the #MenToo conversation never got the space it deserved. The moment anyone spoke about false accusations or misuse of laws, it was seen as undermining the larger cause of women’s safety, which was never the intention. For me, #MenToo was never about discrediting genuine survivors of assault. It was about acknowledging that justice should be fair to everyone, regardless of gender. There are real victims on both sides, women who face harassment, and men whose lives are destroyed by false accusations. Section 375 tried to show exactly that that the law can be misused, and that we must talk about both justice for survivors and safeguards for the innocent.

Where would you place Section 375 among your films?

If I had to place Section 375 in my career, I’d put it somewhere in the top. Rohan Khurana made me fearless. It taught me to embrace the grey and never shy away from uncomfortable stories.

Why are more such films not made?

Because we’re scared, scared of offending, scared of backlash, scared of losing box office numbers. Films like Section 375 are rare because they make people uncomfortable, and discomfort isn’t always good for business. But that’s exactly why such films matter. Cinema’s job, at its best, is to hold up a mirror and make us reflect. Good cinema should do more than just entertain; it should make us think. Section 375 proved that audiences are ready for uncomfortable truths. It’s the film industry that needs to catch up.

Also Read: Rahul Bhat hosts lavish Kashmiri dinner for The Wives team; director Madhur Bhandarkar attends

Bobby Deol has openly reflected on a period in his career when he felt that his choices had taken a toll on his progress and revealed he resorted to acting classes during the times when “he did not have any work”.

The actor, who received widespread acclaim for his performance in Animal, discussed these setbacks during an interview at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). He said, “Today, I have become more brave and fearless. I have moved away from what my image used to be. The web shows I acted in were very helpful in this regard. In between when I did not have any work, I took acting classes. I asked myself why did my career have a good start? That’s because people saw something in me. However, because of my wrong choices, my career suffered. I worked on regaining faith in myself as well as being disciplined. If you are disciplined, you can put more effort into your work without feeling the pressure.”

Deol also addressed typecasting: “In this industry, one tends to get typecast. It is tough to break that mould. OTT gave me that chance to come out of it. Playing an antagonist character and getting appreciation is something I had not imagined. However, every antagonist has to be different, be it my character in Aashram or Animal.”

Following Animal, Bobby has been active. He is set to feature in The B***ds of Bollywood, the directorial debut of Aryan Khan (son of Shah Rukh Khan), and in Bandar, an Anurag Kashyap film that had its world premiere at TIFF.

Originally launching his career as a lead in the 1995 romantic film Barsaat, Bobby Deol has since appeared in films like Soldier, Badal, Gupt, Race 3, Jhoom Barabar Jhoom, and Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan Saathiyo, among others.

Also Read : EXCLUSIVE: Suneel Darshan on replacing Akshay Kumar with Bobby Deol in Barsaat, “There was an incident after which…”

Filmmaker Danish Renzu’s Songs Of Paradise recently started streaming on Prime Video. The film is inspired from the life of Kashmir’s celebrated singer Raj Begum. Veteran actress Soni Razdan plays the elderly version of the character in the movie. She spoke about the film and her experience of shooting it in an interview with us.

It is good to see you back on screen in Songs Of Paradise. How did the director Danish Renzu convince you? Thank you. Danish discussed this film with me I think before he even wrote the script. Like most people who don’t live in Kashmir, I had not heard of Raj Begum the singer. I said I have to do this role even before I read a script. It just sounded very fascinating.

Did the film live up to your expectations? It has been an honour for me to be a part of this film and to hopefully bring Kashmiri music out of the closet and into the world.

Was it a responsibility portraying Kashmir’s first recorded female singer? Yes, I felt a huge sense of responsibility. As I had never met Raj Begum I had to imagine her character, but at the same time, make sure that I somehow remain true to the iconic figure that she was. Well, I hope I’ve done some small justice to her character.

This is not the first time you play a Kashmiri woman I have never lived in Kashmir, and I have no family there but somehow I have always felt a strong connection to Kashmir and the problems people face there. Strangely, it is work that has taken me back there time and again since I did Raazi in 2018. Danish Renzu has been hugely instrumental in that. We’ve done some beautiful music videos together, shot in Kashmir, about Kashmir.

How will Paradise Lost be Paradise Regained in Kashmir? There is only one way the lost paradise can be regained and that is that some agreement needs to be reached, so that terrorism comes to an end. Things had improved so much, but it’s a constant battle to keep the peace and to keep things humming along in the valley. I am not a politician or an expert on the subject, so I can’t really comment further. But when I visited recently and spoke to people, they were all heartbroken about that terrible incident (Pahalgam attacks). Tourism has come to a grinding halt. It is extremely sad.

Why are you not seen more often on screen? Honestly, it’s not like I am rejecting roles left right and centre. If you want to see me more often, then I guess people will have to offer me more work!

Also Read: Soni Razdan praises daughters Alia Bhatt and Shaheen Bhatt for their “sass and sharp wit” in playful post

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, who is currently filming his next project Battle of Galwan in Leh, paid a courtesy visit to the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, at Raj Niwas on Saturday, September 13.

The film, directed by Apoorva Lakhia, is based on the 2020 Galwan Valley conflict between the Indian and Chinese armed forces. Salman will be seen portraying Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu, who was among the brave officers leading Indian troops during the clash.

The Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh shared glimpses of the meeting on social media, writing on X (formerly Twitter): “Bollywood icon Salman Khan paid a courtesy visit to the Hon'ble Lt. Governor Shri @KavinderGupta at the Raj Niwas, #Leh.”

Bollywood icon Salman Khan paid a courtesy visit to the Hon’ble Lt. Governor Shri @KavinderGupta at the Raj Niwas, #Leh. pic.twitter.com/YByFcy8diS — Office of the Lt. Governor, Ladakh (@lg_ladakh) September 13, 2025

Dressed in a classic blue shirt and denim jeans, the actor looked dapper as he shared a warm interaction with the LG. During the meeting, Salman was also presented with a Thangka canvas painting — a traditional Buddhist art form depicting scenes from Buddha’s life. The two posed with the artwork, marking the cordial exchange at Raj Niwas.

Meanwhile, the shoot of Battle of Galwan continues in Leh, marking Salman’s swift return to work after his recent release Sikandar. Besides the film, Salman is also hosting Bigg Boss 19. However, with his ongoing schedule in Leh, the weekend episodes are being temporarily helmed by filmmaker Farah Khan.

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Also Read: Salman Khan extends ‘Best Wishes’ for Nishaanchi to Anurag Kashyap and team

After a successful 50-day theatrical run, Mohit Suri’s Saiyaara, starring debutants Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, arrived on Netflix on September 12, 2025. Just a day later, filmmaker Hansal Mehta took to social media to share his thoughts on the film, calling it a reminder of why Bollywood love stories once worked so beautifully.

In a candid note, Mehta wrote, “I don’t necessarily watch the kind of films I make. Or only the kind of films that people presume I would like. I am no cinema snob. That would make life so boring. So here go my thoughts on a film I watched really late last night — thanks to jet lag.”

Praising the film’s emotional depth, Mehta highlighted how Saiyaara struck the right balance with its storytelling elements: “Get the emotions right. Get the music right. Get the timing, the quantity. Get the lead pair right. Ahaan Pandey and Aneet Padda are just that — young, fresh, utterly watchable. You simply cannot look away. The real ‘a star is born’ unfolds here as you watch the young man stride gracefully and the lovely girl emote so effortlessly.”

Mehta also appreciated Suri’s treatment of Alzheimer’s in the narrative, describing it as more of a metaphor than a medical condition: “A device for conflict, drama, and memory. Suspension of disbelief at its best. The dialogues, the cinematography, the well-directed scenes are all cloaked in a rare emotional maturity. You care about these leads, you want them to find their way back.”

While he pointed out some shortcomings — including unconvincing secondary roles and an underdeveloped father–son track — Mehta emphasized that the heartfelt love story and Mohit Suri’s signature music lifted the film: “Yes, the secondary parts are unconvincing, the father–son relationship undercooked. But the heartfelt love story overwhelms it all. And the music! Mohit pours his soul into every note. You can feel it.”

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Concluding his review, Mehta lauded the film’s ability to evoke classic Bollywood emotions: “Love here comes with the spectacle, the fanfare, the teary eyes, the energy and yet, the hold, the pause. Nobody does it better than Mohit Suri. By the end, you’re not sure what exactly worked. But it did. Big time. You smile, you hum, you get misty-eyed, you relive young, vulnerable love. And really, what more does a love story need?”

For the unversed, Saiyaara was released in theatres on July 18, 2025, and turned out to be the second-highest-grossing Hindi film of 2025.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Anand Pandit analyses the surprise success of Saiyaara, “There were no interviews of the lead stars in the media, trailer received sensational reviews”; also opens up on the relevance of promotions in a specially authored article

Rana Daggubati is one of the producers of the upcoming Tamil period film Kaantha along with Dulquer Salmaan, who also plays the lead. The movie, currently in the post-production stage, is set to release later this year.

In an exclusive chat with Bollywood Hungama, Daggubati, while speaking about the film, was all praise for Dulquer. He said, “Dulquer and I have been friends for, maybe, two decades now. It’s amazing that we got to get together on Kaantha. It’s because of Selva (Selvamani Selvaraj), the filmmaker, that we found a story that was very honest and truthful. It captures the milieu of the 1950s very beautifully in a human story.”

Raggubati believes the film couldn’t have been made without Dulquer. “Still early on to tell but I think if it wasn’t Dulquer, I don’t know who else would have pulled this off,” he said.

Rana Daggubati is also excited as his SS Rajamouli directed magnum opus Baahubali will be releasing in theatres as a five-hour version of both the movies in the series on October 31. It is titled Baahubali: The Epic. “I think the beauty of Baahubali is the fact that it hasn’t dated even now,” he said. “It’s so relevant and cool. From the time we put out the teaser and trailers out, people got very excited, like it was a (new) release itself.”

On what one can expect from Baahubali: The Epic, Daggubati added, “This time in the theatres you will get to see a version that the audience has never seen before. It has two parts together, re-cut and re-mastered by Rajamouli. We got to see it, we were very excited for the audience to get a glimpse of it.”

Ever since the release and the subsequent success of both the Baabubali movies, Rana Daggubati and Prabhas have acquired the tag of ‘Baahubali actors’. When asked whether he is happy with such a tag, Daggubati said, “Well, anybody who is associated with Baahubali will be happy about it. I think Baahubali is something that even the audiences are happy if they are associated with watching it. So yes, it’s always a great honour.”

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Rana Daggubati on backing Sundance winner Sabar Bonda, “It was All We Imagine As Light that pushed us to take this film”

Debut filmmaker Anuparna Roy, winner of the Orizzonti Award for Best Director at the 82nd Venice Film Festival for her film Songs of Forgotten Trees, has defended her remarks on Palestine amid growing controversy, and revealed that noted filmmaker Anurag Kashyap had advised her against speaking on the subject.

Speaking to ANI, Roy said, “I meant whatever I said at the festival. It was said with the intention of pointing out the injustice around the world. If I support Palestine, if I am standing against injustice, it doesn't make me less Indian. People are thinking that I have spoken about it for the first time, but it's not that. I mentioned Palestine while receiving an award in Russia. This doesn't mean that I will not talk about the genocides or the violence in Nepal.”

She added, “I request everyone to celebrate the achievement and not 'politicise' it in such a manner. I don't represent anything.”

Roy also described being discouraged from making such remarks. “People are claiming that I made the comments under the influence of Anurag Kashyap, but I was strictly advised by my producers, my mentor, and Anurag Kashyap himself that I don't need to talk about it. I went beyond their advice and said it all. Now I understand why they asked me to avoid it. Things have been going completely against me. People are even calling me a traitor. But I am not angry at all. I made one film and I will make another one,” she said.

She added, “I will continue to speak against injustice. I believe such things should come into discussion, whether it is Kashmir, Murshidabad, or Gujarat.”

Regarding her acceptance speech at Venice, Roy stood firmly by her stance: “Every child deserves peace, freedom, liberation and Palestinians are no exception... It's a responsibility at the moment to stand by Palestine.... I might upset my country, but it doesn't matter to me anymore.”

Songs of Forgotten Trees was the only Indian film in Venice’s Orizzonti section, exploring the lives of two migrant women in Mumbai as they deal with loneliness, survival, and fleeting connections.

Also Read : Anuparna Roy becomes first-time director to win Orizzonti award at Venice for songs of Forgotten Trees

When two fashion-forward stars step out in the same designer outfit, comparisons are inevitable. This time, Malavika Mohanan and Alia Bhatt found themselves in a friendly fashion face-off, both opting for a striking Gucci look that blends structure with understated glamour.

Malavika Mohanan’s Take Malavika made a confident statement in the all-Gucci ensemble. She styled the brown fitted jersey shirt with wide-leg trousers in a slightly lighter shade, cinched neatly with a leather belt. What set her look apart was the choice of accessories—golden earrings, an oxidized choker, a chunky bracelet, and a maroon purse that added depth to the earthy palette. With her hair pulled back into a messy low ponytail, she struck a fine balance between polished elegance and effortless ease.

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Alia Bhatt’s Interpretation Alia, on the other hand, wore the same outfit for a magazine shoot and gave it a fresh editorial spin. She paired the brown shirt and linen trousers with a standout golden chain choker cascading down to her waist. A pop of contrast came through her yellow Gucci purse, complemented by maroon-brown stilettos. With her hair styled in soft, tousled waves and a nude, dewy makeup look, Alia’s version leaned into youthful charm and magazine-ready appeal.

Style Showdown Both actresses stayed true to their personal style while honoring the outfit’s sophistication. Malavika’s approach felt more event-ready and grounded, while Alia’s leaned into high-fashion drama with playful touches. Neither look outshines the other completely—they simply highlight the versatility of the ensemble.

Also Read: Malavika Mohanan on working with Mohanlal in Hridayapoorvam; says, “I love that my character Haritha is so well etched out”

During his recent stay in India, global pop icon Ed Sheeran made headlines with a striking comparison between Shah Rukh Khan’s blockbuster Om Shanti Om and the cult classic Star Wars. Speaking with Zane Lowe on his YouTube channel, Sheeran said that encountering Om Shanti Om for the first time was like “introducing Star Wars to someone… They just go like, ‘What the f*** is this?’”

Sheeran’s visit to India was in connection with the filming of his track ‘Sapphire’ alongside Bollywood singer Arijit Singh. Reflecting on his travels, he remarked: “What was interesting about doing the whole India tour was that the only reason we were there was to shoot the music video. We thought that we needed to go all over the country and shoot a little bit everywhere. I love that every hundred miles, the culture, language, food, fashion, rhythms, and all of it changed.”

On the subject of Indian cinema, Sheeran recalled being introduced to Om Shanti Om. He said, “It's a wealth of discovery of movies, and someone going like, ‘Oh, have you seen this movie? Have you seen Om Shanti Om?’ It's like a really big Shah Rukh Khan movie, and it has amazing songs and dances in it. This is a weird analogy, but it is almost like introducing Star Wars to someone for the first time, and they just go like, ‘What the f*** is this?’ There are superstars in the same country singing in different languages.”

He called his stay in India and his work with Arijit Singh “the most incredible days of my musical journey,” as he was seen wandering through local streets, riding in autos, and even giving surprise performances in Hyderabad.

Om Shanti Om, directed by Farah Khan and released in 2007, was a major milestone in Bollywood: it marked Deepika Padukone’s debut opposite Shah Rukh Khan and is celebrated for its spectacle, music, and dance.

Also Read : Is Ed Sheeran making his Bollywood singing debut in Shah Rukh Khan’s King? Here’s what we know!

Actor-turned-presenter Mandira Bedi has opened up about the difficult beginning to her stint as a host during the 2003 Cricket World Cup, saying that despite a rocky first week, she managed to turn public opinion around by changing her approach on live TV. The account appeared in an Indian Express report summarising Bedi’s conversation on Sanjeev Datta’s Personality School YouTube channel.

Mandira said, “Cricket was career changing for me,” revealed she was spotted after screen tests and selected from among many hopefuls. “My first reaction was yes when they asked me to host the World Cup, but a lot came after that. They were screen-testing 1000 other women.” She remembered how intimidating it was to sit beside legendary ex-cricketers and face live television for the first time.

She reflected on her first experience of hosting the World Cup, describing it as highly challenging. Sharing the stage with legendary former cricketers, she admitted, “No matter how much you prepare for that moment, you’re never truly prepared for it.”

Reflecting on that opening week, Bedi admitted, “The beginning was disastrous. I had a lot of baggage in my head, thinking this is cricket, it is the highest rated content on Indian television. And words once spoken on live TV cannot be taken back. I had a lot of nervous energy and I messed up a few times. After every show, I would put my head down and would cry.”

She said channel executives intervened to calm her and reshape expectations. “Eventually, they had a little intervention, and they told me that you have what it takes, but there is something that is holding you back, just go and have fun. They told me you are not a commentator or an analyst, so just go and ask whatever you want, nothing is off the table,” she revealed.

After that talk, Bedi changed tack on air. “Post that intervention with tears streaking on my face, I went on air and I smiled through it all. That was half the job done. I smiled and asked cheeky questions. I made people laugh and everything changed after that.”

She added, “The first week was a disaster, but it was a long tournament, so I took time to change people’s minds. All the talk that was coming about ‘how dumb she is, not one word that she speaks is sensible’, it changed to ‘what a delight it is to have her on the panel, she makes the panel more fun.’ A lot of people’s minds got changed during that period of a few weeks.”

Also Read : Mandira Bedi likely to return in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi reboot after 25 years: Report

Filmmaker Hansal Mehta’s web series Gandhi was recently screened at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) to a standing ovation. The show, which is produced by Applause Entertainment, sees Pratik Gandhi play Mahatma Gandhi. The actor spoke about the experience in an interview with us.

Your series Gandhi was screened at the Toronto International Film Festival to a standing ovation which is not a common occurrence at this festival Well it’s a lifetime experience for me. My heart is full of gratitude and satisfaction. It’s the biggest project of my career till now. Lots of firsts attached to this one. My wife Bhamini and I are working on screen together for the first time. That’s a long awaited dream come true for us.

It is also the first series to be shown at the TIFF. Normally they screen feature films It is a first ever made in India, made by Indians on Gandhi. I am sure the world has not seen this Gandhi ever before. It’s about Mohan we don’t know much about. We screened only the first two episodes at TIFF. We got a standing ovation and that was extremely overwhelming. I am happy that the world will explore Bhamini’s talent through her impactful and compelling performance as Kasturba. Can’t wait to show the series to my audience in India.

Do you see this as your international launch? Yes, I would like to believe so. Going by the response we have got in Toronto, I can only see the impact of the series spreading.

Also Read: “Historic and Humbling”: Hansal Mehta reacts to Gandhi becoming first Indian series at TIFF primetime

Komal Nahta is back with a new season of his podcast, Game Changers: The Producer Series. This edition will feature producers sharing insights about their journeys.

The next guest on the series is actor Aamir Khan. In his conversation with Komal Nahta, he shared that he never planned on becoming a producer, as his father’s struggles in the field had once discouraged him from pursuing it.

Aamir revealed how he was happy being an actor and never wanted to become a producer, “Mujhe lagta hai jab maine apne father ka career dekha first-hand jab main chhota tha, toh mujhe realise hua mujhe producer kabhi nahi banna hai. Kyunki sabse zyada mehnat aapki hoti hai, risk aap le rahe ho, paise aap laga rahe ho aur sirf aap gaaliyaan kha rahe ho. Plus, a lot of times aapke saath team kabhi cooperate nahi karti, toh meri father ki film 8 saal lagi thi locket banane mein. Toh yeh sab dekhke mujhe laga yaar hum ab actor ban gaye hai, gaadi bhi chal gayi hai, Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak hit hogyi hai. Mujhe producer banne ki kya zaroorat hai. Mein jab film karunga mujhe paise mil jaayenge, I'll be happy. Aur mein apne producer ko tang bhi nahi karta hoon, toh I am happy.”

He further added, “Aur maine interviews bhi diye, agar aap mere early interviews padhenge, toh log mujhe puchte the, ki aap kabhi produce karenge toh mein kehta tha kabhi nahi, aur kuch bhi kar lunga, mein direct toh definitely karunga, act toh kar hi raha hoon par produce mein kabhi life mein nahi karunga. Yeh, mere categorical statements hai, aise categorical statements kabhi nahi karne chahiye.”

With Game Changers Podcast: The Producer Series, Komal Nahta brings insightful conversations with some of Indian cinema’s most notable producers. Episodes are available on the YouTube channel, Game Changer: The Series.

Also Read : 30 years of Rangeela: Ram Gopal Varma on not working with AR Rahman after Rangeela and Daud, “You need a lot of patience to work with him”

AR Rahman created the soundtrack for the Oscar-winning 2008 film Slumdog Millionaire. Its iconic song ‘Jai Ho’ brought him two Academy Awards—for Best Original Score and Best Original Song—along with several other accolades. Surprisingly, Rahman nearly turned down the project after his agent advised against it. In a recent interview, the composer shared that his then-manager worried he might lose his job, as director Danny Boyle was known for rejecting people’s work. Despite the concern, Rahman chose to follow his instincts, and the songs ultimately gained global recognition and acclaim.

Speaking with Suchitra Tyagi at TIFF 2025, Rahman shared that his agent feared he might be fired due to director Danny Boyle’s reputation for discarding contributors. “Actually, what happened was my agent at that time said, ‘Don’t do this because you might get fired’. I said, ‘Okay, nobody will know that I got fired if I don’t tell it out’. So, I scored the movie and Danny was amazing. You have all the system around which confuses you. So, I went ahead with it and the result was great. It was actually a leap of faith and courage. Sometimes, people confuse you but you have to think what you have to do, what is right.’”

In a move that highlights both caution and creativity, the composer kept his work under wraps from his own team. “I did it in secret. The team thought it was a documentary or something like that.” Rahman said, noting how the project ultimately catapulted him onto the international stage. “It brought in a bigger international audience for me. In life, you get certain projects which are very blessed.”

When asked if he is difficult to satisfy, the music composer responded, “To please myself? Yes. I torture myself. I am not seeking validation. My validation which I seek is within myself. If I do something under my level, I feel guilty. I don’t sleep for many nights.”

He added, “Sometimes, I have sleepless nights for a month, thinking about why I did something and how I should have done better. Even with mixing or anything else. I have trained a lot of people now, so that even if I miss anything, they do the last checkup. The problem with life is that the more you evolve, the more guilty you feel, the more you want to go deep in within your work.”

Slumdog Millionaire went on to become a defining milestone in Rahman’s career, with its iconic track ‘Jai Ho’ earning him Academy Awards for both Best Original Score and Best Original Song. The episode stands as a powerful testament to the importance of trusting one’s creative judgment, even in the face of doubt.

Also Read : Nora Fatehi sizzles in ‘Tamancha’; A.R. Rahman and Sunidhi Chauhan drop explosive track from Ufff Yeh Siyapaa

You were so much fun to watch in Ram Gopal Varma’s Darling. It’s one of the films where I had the most fun playing a negative role — especially taking revenge, but in a slightly humorous way.

How did you and Ramu get together? Working with Ram Gopal Varmaji back then was an absolute treat. He observed me very closely in our first meeting and, surprisingly, picked up on certain mannerisms of mine. He then made me use those in the character. He let me be, and that helped bring out a powerful performance. I remember one particularly tough monologue — it just flowed naturally, without feeling forced.

It couldn’t be easy playing a ghost. Ramuji allowed me to be completely free in front of the camera — no body language coaching, no workshops, just pure spontaneity. That’s exactly how I like to work. Thank God there were no workshops back then, because for some of us, they can kill that spark of spontaneity.

How did Fardeen Khan and you get along? (Laughs) Poor Fardeen got a lot of whacks from me in this film! I remember apologising to him after every shot because my character had to be so mean to him. In reality, though, he’s one of my closest buddies. We had a great time shooting together. And I loved the song Tadap Tadap. Though Isha [Koppikar] and I had very little screen time together, she was an absolute sweetheart on set. Honestly, I just had a blast doing such a role. I also remember your review from back then, where you praised me a lot — it’s still special.

Do you believe in ghosts? Hahaha… I believe in angels!

This September, Star Gold will present the World TV Premiere of Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh on Saturday, September 13, at 8 PM. Inspired by true events and based on the book The Case That Shook the Empire by Raghu Palat and Pushpa Palat, the film revisits a pivotal yet lesser-known chapter of India’s freedom movement. It highlights the courtroom battle led by barrister C. Sankaran Nair, who boldly challenged the British Crown to reveal the truth behind the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

Directed by debutant Karan Singh Tyagi, who himself has been a lawyer by profession and produced by Dharma Productions, the film combines gripping drama with historical depth. Akshay Kumar leads the cast as C. Sankaran Nair, a man whose moral reckoning led him to challenge the might of the British Empire. He is joined by R. Madhavan and Ananya Panday in pivotal roles that add intensity and emotional depth to this courtroom battle.

Commenting on the World TV Premiere, a JioStar Spokesperson said, “Star Gold has consistently been at the forefront of bringing landmark premieres to TV, and Kesari Chapter 2 is another proud addition to this slate. With stirring performances and a gripping narrative, this premiere is a doorway to an extraordinary tale of courage and sacrifice, inspired by the events of Jallianwala Bagh.”

Talking about the premiere Akshay Kumar shared, “Playing C. Sankaran Nair has been one of the most fulfilling roles of my career. His story is a testament to the fact that courage isn't just on the battlefield it's also found in the fight for truth and justice. I'm very happy that this Untold story of Jallianwala Bagh will now reach homes across the country and millions of people will know the truth behind the massacre when Kesari Chapter 2 premieres on Star Gold on 13th September at 8 PM.”

Madhavan commented, “Neville McKinley was a complex and challenging character to portray. His story is one of internal conflict, and it was a privilege to be a part of this powerful narrative. I’m excited for audience across the country to witness this courtroom battle and to know the truth of Jallianwala Bagh that most of us were unaware of. Watch it all unfold in the World TV Premiere of Kesari Chapter 2 on September 13, at 8 PM, only on Star Gold.”

Ananya Panday expressed, “Playing Dilreet Gill has been an absolute honour for me. She represents the fearless youth who believed in truth above all else. Being part of a film that captures such an important moment in our country’s history has been truly special, and I hope viewers, especially the youth, feel the same pride and inspiration I did while bringing Dilreet’s character to life. I’m really looking forward to audiences across the country joining us for the World TV Premiere on Star Gold on September 13 at 8 PM.”

Karan Johar stated, “Producing Kesari Chapter 2 has been a journey of immense pride for Dharma Productions. The story of C. Sankaran Nair is a powerful testament to the fight for truth, and we were committed to bringing this pivotal moment in our history to the screen with the grandeur and authenticity it deserves. We can't wait for everyone across the country to watch the World TV Premiere on Star Gold on September 13, at 8 PM.”

Director Karan Singh Tyagi added, “Reading about C. Sankaran Nair's unwavering fight to expose the truth of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre deeply moved me as a filmmaker. This wasn't just a historical event; it was a pivotal, yet largely untold, chapter of our nation's past that fuelled our fight for freedom and justice. My purpose with this film was to illuminate the incredible courage of a man who, armed with nothing but his convictions and the law, challenged the might of the British Empire. I'm truly eager for audiences to witness his story in Kesari Chapter 2, premiering on Star Gold on September 13 at 8 PM.”

Also Read : Akshay Kumar joins Ganesh Visarjan beach cleanliness drive with CM Devendra Fadnavis – fans call him the ‘real hero’

Filmmaker Vikram Bhatt is in mourning following the passing of his mother, Varsha Bhatt, who passed away on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at the age of 74. She had been battling a prolonged illness and “was in pain for the last few months,” as Vikram stated in an emotional Instagram post.

In his heartfelt note, Vikram began, “My mother Varsha Bhatt, passed away on the morning of 6th September 2025. She was in pain for the last few months and I am certain she is in a better place now.”

He elaborated on his emotional journey, writing: “Grief is cyclic in nature. At first it is so continuous that it almost seems like a never ending sob that is stuck in your chest – unwilling to let go of it's grasp on you. And then slowly a break in the sob – a moment of respite as the drudgery of life takes over, only to return more fiercely than before. I know, the time between grief and drudgery will increase, and as they say – time will heal all wounds – but that time is not here for me as yet. I wonder if it will come at all.”

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  A post shared by Vikram Bhatt (@thevikrambhatt)

He also took a moment to express gratitude and share a prayer: “My gratitude to all who shared the pain with me. And here is my prayer for her as she finds a place with the source. त्वमेव माता च पिता त्वमेव,/त्वमेव बन्धुश्च सखा त्वमेव।/त्वमेव विद्या द्रविणं त्वमेव,/त्वमेव सर्वं मम देव देव॥ If you chance upon this post. Do say a prayer for her because this is her prayer meeting. Om Shanti.”

Varsha Bhatt was married to renowned cinematographer Pravin Bhatt. Their son Vikram began his career as an assistant to director Mukul Anand on Kanoon Kya Karega, eventually rising to prominence with notable films such as Ghulam, Raaz, 1920, and Haunted – 3D.

Also Read : Vikram Bhatt returns to horror as Haunted 3D teaser unveils a chilling new chapter

Ananya Panday revealed that choosing celebrated designer Gauri Khan to style her new Mumbai home was driven by heartfelt sentiment. In an interview with NIF Global, recalling their long-standing bond, Ananya described Gauri as “almost been a second mother to me,” explaining, “Honestly, for me, it was a sentimental decision to have Gauri Khan do my house because I have grown up around her and she has almost been a second mother to me. She knew me, really me. She was like, if I was doing this for Suhana [Khan, her daughter], then I would have done something very similar.”

She further emphasized how Gauri balanced familiarity with respect. “What I liked about Gauri ma'am was that even though she had known me since I was a kid, she still took me seriously. She saw that this is my first house and I would want to do it in a way… so she never put too many of her opinions or decisions… she left it open to me. Everything was like a question or conversation… ‘Is this something you would like?’ ‘Do you want to try this?’  Interior design is such a personal thing... it is also someone's home where they will be spending every single day. So understanding the person's personality is very important.”

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  A post shared by Ananya ???? (@ananyapanday)

Expressing gratitude on Instagram, Ananya wrote: “My first home... my dream home…thank you @gaurikhan... no one could have understood exactly what I wanted better than you... and made it so so so special for me... you’re the best, love you!!!”

On the work front, Ananya will be seen in Tu Meri Main Tera, Main Tera Tu Meri, co-starring Kartik Aaryan and produced by Dharma Productions, is scheduled to hit theatres on February 13, 2026.

Also Read : Ananya Panday opens up on body positivity; says, “Being kind to your body is most important”