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