Indus Chronicles

Known for his unconventional cinema, Anurag Kashyap was one of the first filmmakers to explore the world of OTT with Netflix India’s first original web-series Sacred Games starring Saif Ali Khan and Nawazuddin Siddiqui. The filmmaker recently discussed the evolution of the platform wherein he asserted that the medium has undergone extensive changes and is on the verge of turning into TV. He explained that it is being controlled by algorithm which is preventing many creators from exploring and experimenting with their content.

In an interaction with Radio Nasha, Anurag Kashyap told, “I think we are past the golden time of OTT. Now OTT is starting to turn into TV. Long-format storytelling has always had potential but now it is not dictated by quality, it is dictated by algorithm. And that’s where the problem is.” He compared it with TV and added, “TRPs started deciding what kind of television should be made. When shows were being on Doordarshan, they had a certain quality. Until the time they need new subscribers, they will experiment with new things. When they have exhausted that, then it turns into TV. This is a cycle.”

Further, mentioning that he has been here for around 32 years, Anurag continued, “Now the same multiplexes will play the same film on four screens. They are not supporting the films they were initially doing. When the studios came in, they were also making new kind of films, but then they also started catering to the same formula.”

He opened up about the time he created Sacred Games with Vikramaditya Motwane and said, “Me and Vikram made the first Netflix India show and that kind of a sensibility and support, we will not get anymore. Because that sensibility has changed. People who have no experience in filmmaking are now running the department of shows. And they have come from television. So their sensibility is television. Any creative person will tell you that when you are dealing with them, sometimes it’s like hitting your head against a wall.”

“I don’t think that the kind of long format I want to make, I will get to make it. And they are also scared. Maximum City is one of the examples. An approved green lit show, that got dropped with no official communication. They only want to do what their algorithm dictates,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, currently, Anurag Kashyap will be seen as a grey character in the upcoming Disney+ Hotstar web-series Bad Cop featuring Gulshan Devaiah in a dual role along with an ensemble cast.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Gulshan Devaiah on working with Anurag Kashyap on Bad Cop: “We spent a lot of time talking about many things, which, in a career of 13 years, I never had the opportunity to do”

Farah Khan and Shah Rukh Khan continue to share one of the closest bonds in Bollywood. It is a known fact that the Bollywood megastar started off from scratch in his film career and recently opening up about their struggling days, Farah Khan reminisced about the memories associated with the Kundan Shah film Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa. She revealed that the movie makers did not have a high budget for the Shah Rukh Khan, Suchitra Krishnamoorthy, and Deepak Tijori starrer and hence they even went on to cast regular people from Goa.

In an extensive interaction with Radio Nasha, Farah Khan revealed, “The budget was very low. Shah Rukh was paid Rs 25,000 for that movie. I was the highest paid person on that movie, let me tell you. I was paid Rs 5,000 per song, and there were six songs. Just because of that, I was paid Rs 30,000. We couldn’t even afford an assistant.”  She continued, “That full song ‘Aana Mere Pyar Ko’, we cast regular people from Goa,” and added that because of they were regular people they did not understand the cues. She stated that SRK resolved the problem by pinching them as a cue to stand up and do their bit.

Further elaborating on their camaraderie, Farah also mentioned that she did not have a great impression of the megastar after she saw him in an interview.  “We started the shoot in 1991, and I was also new. We were in Goa, and I’d only read an interview of Shah Rukh in which he sounded very brash and arrogant. I was very scared. I remember what he was wearing and doing when we first met; Kundan Shah introduced us,” she recalled. However, their similarities led to a beautiful friendship between the two. “Sometimes, you instantly hit it off with somebody. You feel like you’re friends from school. That’s what it was like with Shah Rukh. We had the same interests, we’d read the same books, we had the same sense of humour,” she asserted.

Farah Khan made her directorial debut with Shah Rukh Khan as her leading man in Main Hoon Na in 2004. She went on to work with him in films like Om Shanti Om and Happy New Year.

Also Read: The Great Indian Kapil Show: When Farah Khan commented on Ed Sheeran songs saying, “Kya Maiyyat Ke Gaane Baja Raha Hai” at the party hosted for him

Actress Ssmilly Suri, best known for her debut role in the 2005 hit film Kalyug, has shed light on her decision to step away from acting after a brief stint in the industry. Ssmiley’s debut in Kalyug alongside Kunal Kemmu marked a significant moment as it was the first film for both lead actors. Directed by her brother Mohit Suri, the film also featured established stars like Emraan Hashmi and Amrita Singh. Notably, Mohit Suri and Ssmilly Suri are part of the Bhatt family, with Mahesh Bhatt and Mukesh Bhatt being their maternal uncles.

Despite the success of Kalyug, Ssmilly Suri's acting career did not take off as expected. Following a few appearances in other movies, she gradually faded from the mainstream Bollywood scene. In a recent interview with Siddharth Kannan, Ssmilly Suri revealed the reason behind her limited filmography. She claimed that being dropped from her cousin Pooja Bhatt's (Mahesh Bhatt's daughter) directorial debut film Holiday in 2006 significantly impacted her career trajectory.

The actress expressed mixed emotions about being dropped from Holiday. "I'm happy that I got dropped from the film because I got to do Kalyug which was a hit," she stated. However, she also acknowledged the emotional toll it took on her. "I was going through a lot of shame and depression as she used to write a lot about me in Mid-Day," she revealed.

Ssmilly Suri believes that following the success of Kalyug, her uncle Mahesh Bhatt was unable to offer her further acting opportunities due to pressure from his daughter Pooja Bhatt. "I feel after Kalyug, Bhatt Sahab couldn't offer me any films because he had to listen to his daughter, and I don't blame him," she said in the interview.

However, Ssmilly Suri is now making a comeback with the web series House Of Lies, which also stars veteran actor Sanjay Kapoor. 

Also Read: 15 Years Of Kalyug: Kunal Kemmu celebrates 15 years of his solo lead 

Shah Rukh Khan, the Bollywood superstar, arrived at the Rashtrapati Bhavan last evening in style for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's oath ceremony. He was joined by his manager, Pooja Dadlani.

Reliance Industries' chairman, Mukesh Ambani, and his son, Anant Ambani, were also seen. In a video, the actor, dressed in a navy blue pantsuit, looked stunning. He complemented his outfit with a pair of black sunglasses and his signature man bun.

Shah Rukh was also spotted warmly hugging Akshay Kumar, who also attended PM Modi's oath-taking event. He later greeted Gautam Adani, the chairman of the Adani Group. Kangana Ranaut, the BJP MP-elect from Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, who also attended the occasion.

In addition to Shah Rukh, many Bollywood celebs attended the event, including Dharmendra, Anil Kapoor, Vikrant Massey, Rajkumar Hirani, Anupam Kher, and Kailash Kher.

Earlier in the day, megastar Rajinikanth was seen leaving his Chennai abode for Delhi. Speaking with reporters at the airport, he said, “I am going to take part in the swearing-in ceremony… It is a very historic event… Assuming office for the third consecutive term is Narendra Modi’s big achievement, my hearty greetings to him. People have elected a robust opposition which is a healthy sign for democracy.”

Also Read : BREAKING: After Home Ministry nod, Shah Rukh Khan’s NGO Meer Foundation gets FCRA license; will now be able to receive foreign grants

Kamal Haasan fans are in for a treat as his much-awaited film Indian 2 will arrive in cinemas on July 12. The excitement for the film is tremendous as the earlier part, released in 1996, was a huge success and has strong recall value. It was one of the first South films to be dubbed in Hindi, which was titled Hindustani. This Hindi version, too, found a lot of takers. As a result, both Indian 2 and its Hindi dubbed version Hindustani 2 have chances to work big time. But this is not the only Kamal Haasan film to be released in this period. Kalki 2898 AD, which releases on June 28, also sees the veteran star in a crucial role. It has come to light that Kamal Haasan ensured that there was a significant gap between the two films.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Kamal Haasan is aware that both Indian 2 and Kalki 2898 AD are huge films and he was clear that both films shouldn’t come on the same day or a week apart. He got the producers of both the films together and asked them to make sure that there’s a window between the two films.”

The source continued, “Kalki 2898 AD was earlier supposed to hit screens on May 9. Due to the elections, the makers decided to push the release ahead. After toying with the idea of putting out the film on May 31, they finally settled for June 28. Indian 2 makers, meanwhile, were eying the June 14 slot initially and on May 19, they put all the speculations to rest by announcing that the sequel will release on July 12.”

Kalki 2898 AD also stars Prabhas, Deepika Padukone and Amitabh Bachchan. Directed by Nag Ashwin, it is an action entertainer set in the future. Last month, the makers held a grand event in Hyderabad where they introduced the fifth important character of the film – a robotic car named Bujji. On May 31, they released a two-episode animated series on Amazon Prime Video named Bujji & Bhairava, which serves as a prelude to Kalki 2898 AD.

Indian 2 aka Hindustani 2, meanwhile, Siddharth, Kajal Aggarwal and Rakul Preet Singh. A grand event was held last week in Chennai where the film’s audio was launched. Kamal’s daughter Shruti Haasan performed on her father’s hit songs and it was a highlight of the evening.

Also Read: Indian 2: “Every scene of Kamal Haasan would be a treat,” says director Shankar at audio launch

Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif made her first public appearance since sparking pregnancy rumours. She landed in Mumbai on Saturday night. She was reportedly in London, spending time with family and husband Vicky Kaushal.

In videos shared by paparazzi on Instagram, Katrina was seen making a stylish exit from the airport in an all-black outfit, consisting of a loose black tee, comfy black pants, and a cape. She completed her look with loose hair and sunglasses, smiling and waving for the cameras as she got into her car.

Rumours about Katrina's pregnancy spread after a video of her and Vicky appeared on social media. In the video taken from across the street, the pair looked to be walking together in London. Katrina's enormous cloak piqued fans' interest, with many guessing that the star is pregnant and has fled the country to avoid media scrutiny.

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Meanwhile, Katrina's representative agency, Raindrop, has stated that the pregnancy allegations are "unconfirmed". "Request all media houses to immediately stop this unconfirmed reporting and speculation," Katrina's agency stated in a statement.

On the work front, Katrina was last seen in Merry Christmas, which came out earlier this year. Farhan Akhtar will helm the actress's next film, Jee Le Zaraa. The film will also include Alia Bhatt and Priyanka Chopra. While the film was announced in 2021, it has been postponed for quite some time.

Also Read : EXCLUSIVE: Shekhar Suman points out Katrina Kaif for how far she has come: “She couldn’t stand, say her lines, or even dance”

Amitabh Bachchan has shared images with his son, Abhishek Bachchan, from their work together. Amitabh took to his blog on Saturday and shared a series of photos of himself seated on a couch in what seemed to be a recording studio while wearing headphones.

Abhishek Bachchan sat next to him on a chair, wearing headphones. Amitabh was dressed colourfully in the images, with red trousers and yellow shoes. Abhishek was spotted wearing a blue hoodie, jeans, and sneakers. Both of them were looking at each other in the photographs.

Amitabh shared the picture and wrote, “running again to work .. late ..but the absolute joy of working together with Abhishek .. many more may they follow .. with prayer and hope ..Love (red heart emoji).”

T 5035 - पिता पुत्र दोनों बैठे , एक जगह ही काम पे ; जल्द आवे पर्दे पर जोड़ी , इनके अद्भुत काम के ???? pic.twitter.com/WCLBPAXYBp — Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) June 8, 2024

He took to X (previously Twitter) to tweet and share a few images and wrote, "T 5035 - Peeta putra dono baithe, ek jagah hi kaam pe; jaldh aawe parde jodi, inke adhbhut kaam ke (laughing emoji)." This roughly translates to – both father and son are sitting, in the same place for work; soon the two should come on screen together for their amazing work.

Amitabh and Abhishek have appeared together in several films, including Bunty Aur Babli, Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, Sarkar, Sarkar Raj, and Paa. Amitabh is now shooting Vettaiyan, which also stars Rajinikanth. He'll also appear in Kalki 2898 AD alongside Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, and Kamal Haasan. The film opens in cinemas on June 27.

Abhishek's next appearance will be in Housefull 5. Akshay Kumar, Anil Kapoor, Nana Patekar, Riteish Deshmukh, and Chunky Pandey play pivotal parts in the film.

Also Read : Amitabh Bachchan to make spectacular cameo in Fakt Purusho Maate, Anand Pandit and Vaishal Shah’s Gujarati sequel

2023 was a special year in many ways. It began with a bang with the super-success of Pathaan. Superstar Shah Rukh Khan’s comeback vehicle became the first Bollywood film to enter the Rs. 500 crores club. One expected that no other film in 2023 will be able to repeat this feat. However, 3 more films crossed the Rs. 500 crore mark – Sunny Deol-starrer Gadar 2, Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Jawan and Ranbir Kapoor-starrer Animal. This year hasn’t been as great as 2023 and once again, everyone’s wondering if any film will achieve the numbers made by the aforementioned films.

Trade veteran Taran Adarsh told Bollywood Hungama that it’s too early to make any conclusion. He said, “It’s too early. A lot of times people say ‘Yeh film kaise chalegi’ or ‘yeh film ka kya hoga’. But surprises do happen. Let me give you an example. A premiere was held in 1991 at Gaiety-Galaxy. It featured a new actor, a new heroine, a new director and a new producer. The father’s hero was a friend of mine. It was released alongside Lamhe (1991).”

When asked if he was referring to Ajay Devgn’s debut film, Phool Aur Kaante (1991), he replied, “Yes. When I attended its premiere, people were already discussing at the venue, ‘Lamhe ke saath kaun aata hai?’. After all, it was Yash Chopra’s next after Chandni (1989) and starred Anil Kapoor and Sridevi. But look what happened with Phool Aur Kaante. One Friday changes everything.”

He continued, “Hence, one should never predict ‘Yeh film 100 crore karegi’ or ‘Yeh film 500 crore nahin karegi’. Did anyone expect Pathaan to cross the Rs. 500 crore mark? Did anyone predict that Jawan will open better than Pathaan? Did we imagine Animal doing such humongous business? Hence, the box office can be so unpredictable.”

Also Read: EXPLOSIVE: Taran Adarsh ATTACKS the Buy One Get One Offer scheme: “I am strictly against it. Kya aapne film free mein banayi hai ki aap usko free mein dikha rahe ho?”

Apart from being a fine actress, Shilpa Shetty is also known for being a fitness enthusiast, who has been an inspiration to many. Whether she’s turning workouts into family fun or infusing cultural elements into her routine, Shilpa proves that staying fit can be an enjoyable and dynamic journey.

Here are 5 times she showed us that fitness can be both effective and entertaining:

Squats with a Twist

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Shilpa Shetty breaks the monotony of traditional Squats by opting for a cuter alternative – using her daughter as weights! The joy on both their faces proves that fitness can be a delightful mother-daughter bonding activity.

Indian Classical Dance Workout

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Shilpa Shetty infuses her workout routine with a touch of culture by incorporating Indian Classical Dance moves. This not only strengthens her core but also showcases how fitness can be an enjoyable exploration of one's heritage.

Family Fitness Fun

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Shilpa Shetty emphasizes the importance of family bonding through fitness in this video. Despite her son's failed attempt to join in, the heartwarming moment of bringing her children together for a workout makes it a memorable and enjoyable experience.

Fun Mobility Workout

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Shilpa Shetty serves up some unique motivation with quick and easy mobility workouts that require minimal time and effort. Her humorous commentary, including the revelation that women find these exercises easier than men, adds an entertaining twist to the educational aspect of the video.

Quirky and Fun Fitness

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Shilpa Shetty's fitness journey is not only about sweating it out but also embracing her quirky side. In this video, her infectious enthusiasm and playful demeanor make every workout seem effortless and enjoyable, inspiring viewers to join in on the fun.

Shilpa Shetty’s journey inspires us all to embrace health and happiness with a smile. Here's to many more joyful fitness adventures!

Also Read: Shilpa Shetty wraps up KD – The Devil, film marks her return to Kannada cinema

One of the biggest films of 2024, Singham Again, is all set to release in the second half of the year and the excitement for it is tremendous. It has an enviable star cast, comprising Ajay Devgn, Akshay Kumar, Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Tiger Shroff. Moreover, it is directed by Rohit Shetty, who’s also a crowd-puller.

Bollywood Hungama exclusively spoke to trade veteran Taran Adarsh about the various films which are about to be released in 2024. When asked about Singham Again, he opined, “Rohit Shetty is a massy director. I didn’t like his previous film, Cirkus (2022). But one failure can’t take away the fact that he has contributed so much to the masala film genre. If he gets it right, then he can deliver a film chhapar phaad ke.”

He remarked, “Rohit Shetty right now is a wounded lion. He’ll bounce back. Aur jab sher zakhmi hota hai, toh zyada khatarnaak hota hai! That’s because he has the fire to prove his worth yet again.”

Taran Adarsh is happy that Singham Again’s clash with Pushpa 2 is averted on Independence Day, “The best thing that has happened is that they are not clashing with Pushpa 2. It’s good they are coming on a different date. And if they come on a solo date, then nothing like it.”

On the star cast, Taran said, “Rohit Shetty teaming up with Ajay Devgn and also the star cast he has assembled is something to watch out for. And Ajay as Bajirao Singham is something else.”

When asked if it’ll have the biggest opening for a Hindi film this year, Taran stated, “Yes, I am very hopeful. Rohit just needs to get it right, in terms of content. Otherwise, he has got the biggest names. And he himself is a star director. Also, Singham is a huge brand. Hence, I hope it opens with a bang and delivers big numbers.”

Also Read: Singham Again shoot footage LEAKED: Ajay Devgn faces off against Jackie Shroff in action-packed schedule in Srinagar, photos and videos go viral

Trade veteran Taran Adarsh spoke exclusively with Bollywood Hungama about his views on the first five months of 2024, what the rest of the year looks like and a lot more.

How were the first five months of 2024? I won’t say it’s a bad year. 2024 has been good enough, as we have had moderate successes. There were mid-range and low-cost films that left a mark. Comparisons with last year will happen since 2023 started with a bang with Pathaan. The second half, meanwhile, had Gadar 2, Jawan, and Animal etc. But in the first half, it was clearly Pathaan that brought so much euphoria, confidence and positivity back.

In 2024, the major problem was that both the big Eid releases – Bade Miyan Chote Miyan and Maidaan – met with a disastrous fate. That’s the reason why the industry was taken aback completely. Hits and flops are of course a part and parcel of the industry. But what shocked the industry is that these films didn’t open to the desired numbers on a holiday. One can’t even argue that ‘Eid kal hai. Isliye aaj pre-Eid pe opening nahin lagi’. If any actor gives an excuse like that, please don’t believe it! Both the films were released on the Eid holiday and yet, they were disasters.

One didn’t expect Maidaan to fare so poorly. But then it’s not the kind of film that should have come on Eid. It’s a day when people want to celebrate. They don’t want to watch a serious subject on a festival.

As far as Bade Miyan Chote Miyan is concerned, it was a terrible film and it had to flop. Its debacle doesn’t come as a surprise.

Several films performed well this year… Yes. There was Article 370. Then there was a very lovely film, Laapataa Ladies, which did not get its due, but it did quite well in its space. I fell in love with that film, as it’s beautiful. It did not really get those numbers but in that space, it was decent. Srikanth has also done well.

Fighter is an average film as far as the numbers are concerned. But if you look at the expectations, it was an underperformer. After all, it featured Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone with Siddharth Anand as the director. Moreover, it was Sidharth’s next after War (2019) and Pathaan.

Crew also did very well and so Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya. The music was the hero of these films. Now the songs in Instagram reels are dominated by Heeramandi. But before that, it was the songs of Crew and prior to it, Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya’s songs were most popular. Its makers, however, implemented the buy-one-get-one ticket-free offer. I don’t agree with it. Aap logon ko bigaad rahe hai. I have been totally against it from day 1 itself. But ab kya kaarein. Sabki apni soch hoti hai.

Nevertheless, it’s a good sign that films have worked. But one can’t expect Rs. 400 or Rs. 500 crores grosser at the very start of a year. Lekin picture abhi baaki hai. The next 6 months would decide which are the films jo aasmaan pe baithegi ya zameen pe giregi!

Jio Studios had three back-to-back releases. While Article 370 and Shaitaan were commercially successful, Laapataa Ladies is also seen as a success due to unanimous acclaim, superb trending in cinemas and huge viewership on Netflix… Jio Studios gets distinction marks. For them, to see this kind of numbers is so good. Kisi bhi producer ki film chalein toh khushi hoti hai. When films work, more projects get greenlit and made. There was a time until the 90s when mahurats used to be held and it used to be attended by members of the film fraternity. My father had made Harishchandra Taramati (1970) and I remember going on its set as a five-year-old kid. This is my first visit to a film set in my life and for the mahurat, the entire industry was present. This used to happen for every mahurat because people used to celebrate the launch of a film. They were not there to have samosa or peda. This was how the industry was. Now, we celebrate failures more than successes.

Hence, agar koi film chalti hai, toh aur 10 log film announce karte hai aur hazaaron logon ko kaam milta hai. When you make a flop, a producer faces two kinds of losses. One is the revenue loss and then there’s also the reputation loss. When you deliver a flop, dil mein ek kadwahat reh jaati hai ki yeh film kyun nahin chali. Hence, a film should work, be it of any studio or producer.

Ajay Devgn and Kriti Sanon have emerged as top winners. Ajay’s Shaitaan was a Rs. 150 crore grosser while both films of Kriti - Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya and Crew – worked… When the time is right, everything falls in place. Firstly, the title Shaitaan itself is so strong. If you present the family's emotions well, it can never go wrong. Audiences want to see that kind of film. Also, when it comes to these 1990s actors, they can’t be written off easily, be it Shah Rukh, Salman, Aamir, Akshay, Ajay or Hrithik. Yeh logon ko dilon mein baithe hai. Aaj bhi unka wohi rutba aur craze hai.

As for Kriti Sanon, I like her choices. An actor gets written off when he/she delivers multiple flops. You can only silence these detractors with your successes. And that’s what Kriti has done.

Was the election reason justified to keep films away from cinemas? Also, IPL was added to it. But I feel we lost out on two months. Summers have always been the peak period. Though it’s quite hot this year, people do want to step out. And AC theatre mein picture dekhne ka mazaa hi alag hota hai. Hopefully, we’ll recover the ground in the coming months or weeks. Umeed pe duniya kaayam hai. So, let’s not start writing obituaries for Bollywood. I am sure we’ll be getting big numbers in the second half.

Will there be overcrowding in forthcoming months? We can’t help it. There are only 52 Fridays in a year. In the second half of 2024, 26 Fridays will be remaining. And there are more than 26 films up for release, including the South dubbed. Hence, clashes are inevitable.

What are your views on Singham Again not clashing with Pushpa 2 on Independence Day? I am very happy. These are two big films and deserve breathing space.

Will Aamir Khan deliver his first Rs. 400 crore film with Sitaare Zameen Par? It’s too early to say. It’s not even officially announced yet.

Let’s talk about some of the significant releases this year. What are your views on Kartik Aaryan’s Chandu Champion and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3? Both are very important. Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 of course is an out-and-out mass commercial film. Chandu Champion is the first big film coming after a gap. Let’s see if it lives up to the expectations. Both are diverse in terms of content and that’s a very good sign for Kartik.

Triptii Dimri has become big after Animal. Do you feel her films like Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, Bad Newz, Dhadak 2 and Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video will benefit from her sudden popularity? Yes, it’ll add to it. I don’t think any actor alone can take a film to success unless you are a Sridevi or Hema Malini. It all boils down to content. An actor’s popularity, of course, is important but content eventually matters.

What do you think of Vicky Kaushal’s historical, Chhava? It’s a very important film but no asset or poster of the film has come out. So, we have to wait and watch how the campaign unfolds.

Will Stree 2 open with a bang? It can be a sure-shot huge opener. Both Stree 2 and Chhava are from Dinesh Vijan’s production house. He’s a very passionate filmmaker.

Will Akshay Kumar bounce back with Sarfira, Khel Khel Mein, Sky Force and Welcome To The Jungle? Why not? I am very hopeful.

Will South dubbed films score at the box office in the remainder of 2024? South films can really bring in the big bucks. Kalki, Indian 2, Pushpa 2, Game Changer and Devara have high chances. There could be a few surprises as well, like how Hanuman became a sleeper hit.

Will Pushpa 2 be the biggest opener of 2024? Yes, it can, as it has that kind of goodwill. The recall value is also strong.

Also Read: EXPLOSIVE: Taran Adarsh ATTACKS the Buy One Get One Offer scheme: “I am strictly against it. Kya aapne film free mein banayi hai ki aap usko free mein dikha rahe ho?”

Unlike exploring the usual supernatural drama on television, 10:29 Ki Aakhri Dastak promises to provide a spooky, haunting experience for audiences who are in love with the horror genre. With Rajveer Singh playing the role of a cop named Abhimanyu who is the police-in-charge investigating some inhumane murders in the small village of Chamkiya in India, he will be seen reuniting with his Rajjo and Neerja co-star Aayushi Bhave in this upcoming thriller. While we got a glimpse of the avatar Rajveer would be playing, in an exclusive interview to Bollywood Hungama, Aayushi Bhave discussed the character of Bindu, which she will be essaying in the series.

Describing the show, Aayushi Bhave told Bollywood Hungama, “It aims to entertain the audience with some spine-chilling thriller and mystery with a dash of comedy”. Further, discussing about her character Bindu, Bhave explained that her character likes to woo men and is quite interested in Abhimanyu. “I think bindu is quite practical. She only believes in charming people with her beauty. She likes good looking men and will definitely try to grab Abhimanyu’s attention as she is interested in him,” stated Aayushi. While the story revolves around a witch who targets men strolling alone at the exact time of 10:29 pm, we are left wondering if Bhave’s character has any connection to the witch.

Furthermore elaborating on her off screen camaraderie with Rajveer since this show marks their third collaboration, Bhave added, “We’ve developed a great friendship over the period of time . And it feels amazing to be working with such a good actor . Given a chance I’d do it again and again”.

Apart from her and Rajveer, the show will also showcase another lead in the form of actress Shambhavi Singh on 10:29 Ki Aakhri Dastak. Speaking about her onscreen camaraderie with Singh’s character which is that of a teacher, Aayushi maintained, “Preeti is a simple girl so Bindu is not really bothered by her”.

In her concluding statement, Aayushi drew parallels to her personal love for the horror genre and revealed that even though she likes watching such films but she does get equally scared after that. “I get very excited to watch a good horror film. I do get spooked while watching it but that’s the fun right,” she joked.

Also Read: Rajveer Singh opens up about his role as Inspector Abhimanyu in Star Bharat’s show 10:29 Ki Aakhri Dastak

Anushka Sen, a rising star in the Indian entertainment industry, is brimming with infectious energy. She's a self-proclaimed fan of Ranveer Singh's electrifying presence, and that enthusiasm translates into her own work. But with her new show, Dil Dosti Dilemma (DDL), Sen is taking on a challenge that goes beyond just exuding vibrant energy – it's about exploring the complexities of friendship and navigating the often-tricky path of young adulthood.

In a recent rapid-fire segment with Bollywood Hungama, young actress Anushka Sen revealed her admiration for Bollywood's energetic superstar, Ranveer Singh. When asked about her favourite person to follow on Instagram right now, Sen didn't hesitate, “Ranveer Singh, oh my God, what energy! I love when he showed up with his speaker behind and he was walking, dressed in white, looking all sassy. I love it.”

Meanwhile, Dil Dosti Dilemma dives into the messy realities of navigating friendships in today's world. Asmara finds herself forming an unlikely bond with two girls from vastly different backgrounds. Together, they navigate the pressures of social media, academic expectations, and the ever-present dilemma of balancing loyalty with individuality. It was recently released on Prime Video.

ALSO READ: Parents-to-be Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh enjoy dinner date; navigate the crowd amid much fanfare, watch

Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone left fans excited as they shared the good news about entering parenthood and everyone including the Bollywood fraternity shared their best wishes for the couple. Although the actress is currently on a break from her film commitments, it seems that Padukone is excited about trying out different foods in the city and is often seen stepping out on dinner dates with her family. Her recent one with husband Ranveer Singh seems to have garnered eyeballs since a selfie of the couple with the staff of a Mumbai café is going viral.

Not too long ago, reports were abuzz with photos of Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone being spotted at a dinner date in Bandra, suburban Mumbai. We hear that the couple enjoyed a scrumptious meal at the Benne Café, a popular joint famous for its South Indian cuisine in the city. While paps shared several photos of the duo from the café, the official Instagram page of the restaurant also gave us a sneak peek by sharing a selfie of their entire staff with the power couple. In fact, going by the photo, it seems that the father-to-be Ranveer was the one who clicked the selfie.

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For the unversed, Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone announced their pregnancy in February along with sharing the news that the latter is due in September this year. While Deepika likes to maintain a low profile, the actress seems to be loving the restaurant food in the city of late and is often seen exploring these joints.

Speaking of their work commitments, Ranveer Singh is expected to next feature in Don 3 alongside Kiara Advani, along with which, he is also expected to have a few other projects in the pipeline. He will also be seen in an extended cameo in the upcoming copverse entertainer Singham Again which will also feature his wife Deepika Padukone as she will be introduced as Lady Singham in this Ajay Devgn starrer.

Also Read: Parents-to-be Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh enjoy dinner date; navigate the crowd amid much fanfare, watch

Just a day ago, on June 3, news reports were abuzz congratulating the couple Varun Dhawan and Natasha Dalal as they welcomed their first child. The rumour of Natasha being admitted to the hospital started when the actor was spotted making rounds to a hospital in Bandra, near their residence. Now on Monday, the couple became proud parents to a baby girl. Post that, on the same night, Varun was snapped by the paparazzi as he was seen escorting his father David Dhawan.

In a series of several videos, paparazzi, who were stationed outside the hospital where Natasha Dalal delivered her first child with Varun Dhawan, clicked several photos and videos of the Dhawan family members as they were seen exiting the hospital post the delivery. In one of the videos, Varun came outside the hospital to escort his father David Dhawan, as he was seen returning home in his car.

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Later on, the paparazzi also caught David Dhawan in the car and congratulated him for being a father. In yet another video, the paps were also seen congratulating grandmother and David’s wife Karuna and Varun’s sister-in-law Jaanvi Dhawan, wife of filmmaker Rohit Dhawan. The videos received immense love from fans who were seen congratulating their beloved VD on this new journey.

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Although news reports have confirmed the arrival of their daughter, Varun Dhawan and Natasha Dalal, who are currently in the hospital, are yet to make an official announcement on social media like their peers.

On the work front, Varun Dhawan is currently gearing up for the release of one of his biggest films this year with Atlee producing it, titled Baby John, directed by Kalees, which is also expected to star Wamiqa Gabbi and Keerthy Suresh. He also has the web-series Citadel: Honey Bunny with Samantha Ruth Prabhu which will premiere on Amazon Prime Video, along with the film Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari with Janhvi Kapoor in the pipeline.

Also Read: BREAKING! Varun Dhawan and Natasha Dalal welcome their first child, a baby girl

Richa Chadha, who is set to embrace motherhood soon, recently opened up about how she dressed in an attractive way after her role in Gangs of Wasseypur. In a recent interview, the actress took a trip down memory lane to the time she faced challenges in breaking the stereotypes set after her role in Gangs of Wasseypur. Recalling the time, Richa shared that she intentionally used to dress attractively so that people don't think of her as a middle-aged woman.

Talking to Instant Bollywood, she said she would dress sexily at award shows to make people understand that she is not like her character in Gangs of Wasseypur. “I would just see how people are responding. For instance, after my Gangs of Wasseypur character got really popular, I made sure I dressed sexy and hot for events and awards so that people would know what I really look like and not like a middle-aged village woman. Those are the strategies that I adopted. Stereotyping happens with everyone, but eventually, you get the people who understand who you are. I never thought I would do a song with Bhansali Saheb ten years into my career.”

During an interview with Filmygyan, she shared that pregnancy has certainly been very lucky for her husband, Ali Fazal. She continued that suddenly, he signed 4-5 films and then got a lot of international auditions and queries from abroad. "It was quite interesting for me to see. Actually, it's a blessing, you can't plan these things, when it happens, it happens," Chadha said.

In Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, she had a short screen time but won the hearts of the audience with her role of Lajjo. A few days ago, she shared pictures of her look test from the series. Apart from her, Manisha Koirala was seen as Mallikajaan, Sonakshi Sinha played the role of the prime antagonist, Fareedan, Aditi Rao Hydari was seen in the role of Bibbojaan, Sanjeeda Shaikh as Waheeda, and Sharmin Segal as Alamzeb. On the other hand, Taha Shah Badussha was in the role of Tajdar Baloch, and Fardeen Khan as Wali Mohammed.

Also Read: Richa Chadha credits pregnancy for Husband Ali Fazal’s success: “A Blessing”

Kaisi Yeh Yaariaan star Niti Taylor recently made headlines due to rumors of her separation from husband Parikshit Bawa. The couple, who tied the knot in a dreamy wedding in 2020, were speculated to be heading for splitsville after Niti dropped her husband's surname from her social media accounts. These rumours gained traction when reports suggested she had unfollowed Parikshit and deleted some of their pictures together.

However, it appears that the rumours are just that—rumors. According to a report in Tellychakkar, divorce is not on the cards for Niti Taylor and Parikshit Bawa. The actress dropped the surname for astrological purposes, not because of marital issues. She has not unfollowed her husband on social media, and their pictures together remain on her accounts. Despite the swirling rumours, Niti Taylor has not directly addressed the speculation of a divorce.

Parikshit Bawa, an Indian Army veteran, and Niti Taylor were the subject of Reddit discussions that fuelled the divorce rumours. The post suggested that Niti had unfollowed her husband and dropped his surname, leading to widespread speculation about their relationship status. However, the couple remains together, and the changes in Niti’s social media were made solely for astrological reasons.

Niti Taylor has featured in more than 10 TV serials, with her most popular role being in Kaisi Yeh Yaariaan, where she starred alongside Parth Samthaan. The show, which aired from 2014 to 2023, enjoyed immense popularity and had five seasons. Following Kaisi Yeh Yaariaan, Niti appeared in Bade Achhe Lagte Hain 2, paired opposite Randeep Rai. Despite their pairing not resonating as strongly, Niti continues to enjoy a massive fan following on social media, cementing her status as a beloved television actress.

Also Read: Parth Samthaan and Niti Taylor are going to reunite in Khatron Ke Khiladi 14??

The pre-wedding celebrations of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant is making news yet again. As the wedding of one of India’s wealthiest couples is being celebrated, many celebrities from the fraternity attended these festivities which was held in Italy. Among them were also Ranbir Kapoor, who is also Anant’s childhood friend, and Alia Bhatt as well as their daughter Raha Kapoor, and the megastar Shah Rukh Khan, who shares a great bond with the Ambani family. He attended the functions with his wife Gauri Khan and actress-daughter Suhana Khan.

Despite the fact that Shah Rukh Khan has kicked off his next project and was in the midst of the shoot of his film King, attended the festivities in his unique hairstyle which he will be sporting for the film. On the other hand, Ranbir Kapoor looked suave in his clean-shaven look which he will be donning for his ongoing film Ramayana. The two actors bumped into each other at the prewedding festivities of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant and were also seen bonding with each other. Fanclubs have been going gaga over the moment and have made the video viral on social media.

Shah Rukh Khan, Abram, and Ranbir Kapoor in Portofino, Italy, to celebrate the pre-wedding of Anant & Radhika ❤️????@iamsrk @gaurikhan #ShahRukhKhan #AnantAmbani #RadhikaMerchant #AmbaniPreWedding #Ambani pic.twitter.com/MlIlcRf7TR — Shah Rukh Khan Universe Fan Club (@SRKUniverse) June 2, 2024

LATEST : King Khan, AbRam and Gauri Khan with Ranbir Kapoor at the pre-wedding celebration of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant in Portofino, Italy ❤️???? #ShahRukhKhan #RanbirKapoor pic.twitter.com/aJddoaGZmy — Shah Rukh Khan Universe Fan Club (@SRKUniverse) June 2, 2024

Here's an exclusive sneak peek of Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan at the pre-wedding celebration of Anant and Radhika in Portofino, Italy ❤️@iamsrk @gaurikhan #ShahRukhKhan #AnantAmbani #RadhikaMerchant #AmbaniPreWedding #Ambanipic.twitter.com/mnEh16X689 — Shah Rukh Khan Universe Fan Club (@SRKUniverse) June 2, 2024

On the work front, Ranbir Kapoor is currently wrapping up the shoot of the first part of Ramayana, which is expected to be mounted on a massive scale as a trilogy that aims at retelling the epic saga of Lord Ram and Goddess Sita. The film will also star Sai Pallavi and Yash in key roles and is directed by Nitesh Tiwari. On the other hand, speaking of Shah Rukh Khan, his next titled King is expected to be a gangster drama, directed by Sujoy Ghosh, and will also feature his daughter Suhana Khan, making it her first theatrical release.

Also Read: FACT CHECK: Shah Rukh Khan begins shooting for King in Spain? Viral leaked image is from British-Spanish mystery thriller White Lines

Farhan Akhtar, a multifaceted talent in the Indian film industry, has continually mesmerized audiences with his stellar performances. Known for his versatility and authentic portrayals, Akhtar has starred in several films that go beyond mere entertainment, leaving a lasting impact on viewers.

Each role he embodies not only entertains but also inspires, leaving audiences with valuable life lessons and a renewed sense of motivation. His ability to connect deeply with his characters ensures that his films remain influential and empowering, encouraging viewers to pursue their dreams, face challenges head-on, and live life to its fullest potential.

Here are 5 inspiring films featuring Farhan Akhtar that showcase his ability to transform into diverse characters and motivate audiences through powerful storytelling and convincing performances:

Rock On!!

In Rock On!!, Farhan Akhtar steps into the shoes of a former rock band member who rekindles his passion for music. Akhtar’s portrayal of the character’s struggles and triumphs inspires viewers to reconnect with their passions, no matter how lost they might seem.

Luck by Chance

Playing the role of an aspiring actor navigating the complexities of the film industry, Farhan Akhtar brings to life the relentless pursuit of one's dreams against all odds in Luck by Chance. His character's perseverance in the face of challenges reflect the real-life struggles of many, motivating audiences to stay determined and resilient.

Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara

Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara sees Farhan Akhtar as a man on a journey of self-discovery during a road trip across Spain with his friends. Akhtar’s convincing performance encourages viewers to embrace adventure, confront their fears, and cherish every moment.

Bhaag Milkha Bhaag

In the biographical sports drama Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Farhan Akhtar’s transformation into the legendary Indian athlete Milkha Singh is nothing short of extraordinary. His dedication to the role and the physical and emotional challenges he portrays serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of discipline, hard work, and perseverance.

The Sky Is Pink

In The Sky Is Pink, Farhan Akhtar plays a devoted father navigating the emotional complexities of his daughter’s illness. His heartfelt and genuine portrayal of strength, vulnerability, and unwavering love for his family offers profound insights into resilience and the power of love.

Also Read: Jee Le Zara: “Farhan Akhtar needs three A-list leading men,” reveals a source

Bollywood actress Preity Zinta marked the completion of filming for her upcoming movie, Lahore 1947, with an emotional social media post. The actress shared a video on Instagram, expressing her gratitude to the cast and crew while revealing that the film was the most challenging project she's undertaken in her career.

The heartwarming video offered a glimpse into the film's journey. It began with a brief shot of the Lahore 1947 script, followed by a celebratory cake marking the filming wrap. The video also showcased Preity's interactions with the film's director, Rajkumar Santoshi, and cinematographer, Santosh Sivan, along with other crew members. A beautiful flower bouquet added a final touch to the montage.

Sharing the video, Preity captioned the post, “It’s a wrap on Lahore 1947 and I couldn’t be more grateful to the entire cast and crew for such an incredible experience (folded hands and red heart emojis). I sincerely hope all of you appreciate and enjoy this film as much as we did making it. It’s definitely the toughest film I have worked on.”

She added, “Full marks to everyone for all their hard work & patience during the last couple of months. Thank you Raj ji, Aamir, Sunny, Shabana ji, Santosh Sivan and AR Rahman from the bottom of my heart. Loads of love always (heart eyes and red heart emojis).”

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Lahore 1947 signifies Preity Zinta's return to the big screen after a hiatus. The film pairs her with the actor Sunny Deol. Back in April, Preity had shared glimpses from the sets of the film, including a photo of the clapperboard and a candid moment with director Santoshi, raising anticipation among her fans.

Details regarding the plot of Lahore 1947 remain under wraps. However, the title hints at a historical backdrop, possibly centered on the events of the Partition of India in 1947. The film is produced by Aamir Khan Productions. ALSO READ: Preity Zinta calls Santosh Sivan ‘mad genius’, shares unseen pictures from Cannes Film Festival