Indus Chronicles

Jackie Shroff is not only passionate about his work and tree planting but also deeply values his family, making time for them despite his busy schedule. He shared a heartwarming video with his son, Tiger Shroff, highlighting their strong bond. The touching moment of them sharing a warm hug prompted affectionate reactions from actress Richa Chadha, Dream Girl 2 star Ayushmann Khurrana, and many others.

In the video posted by Jackie, he is seen lounging on a sofa at home while Tiger, the Heropanti actor, cuddles up to him, receiving a loving embrace in return. In his caption, Jackie encouraged his fans to show affection to their children and take a moment to breathe deeply. He wrote, “Apne apne Tiger ko din mein ek baar toh chitakne ka aur lamba sans leneka. God bless all the kids. @tigerjackieshroff.”

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Soon after, Richa Chadha said that the video was 'heartwarming'. Celebrities including Ayushmann Khurrana, Suniel Shetty, Prateik Babbar, Sunil Grover, Sonu Nigam, and others showered them with love.

On the work front, Tiger Shroff is set to collaborate with Karan Johar on a big-budget film produced by KJo’s Dharma Productions. Sources close to the project informed Pinkvilla that after reviewing multiple scripts, both Tiger and Karan believe this is the ideal film for Tiger’s return to the big screen in 2025.

Additionally, Tiger will soon appear in Rohit Shetty’s action-thriller Singham Again. This multi-starrer features a notable cast, including Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Akshay Kumar, Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Arjun Kapoor, and Jackie Shroff. The film is set to compete with Triptii Dimri and Kartik Aaryan’s Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 on November 1.

Also Read : EXCLUSIVE: Jackie Shroff joins Sajid Nadiadwala’s Housefull 5, set to share screen space with Sanjay Dutt

Ranbir Kapoor celebrated his 42nd birthday this year. His sister, Riddhima Kapoor Sahni, shared a touching video on her Instagram stories, highlighting cherished memories with him and their family.

Taking to her Instagram story, she posted the video and wrote, “Happy bday to my not so chottu bro. love you soooooo much” with multiple red heart emojis.

Riddhima's post delighted Ranbir's fans. The video is a treasure trove of joyful moments from the Kapoor family, featuring childhood photos, memories with their father Rishi Kapoor, and moments from Ranbir's wedding. It also includes appearances by their mother Neetu Kapoor, Ranbir’s wife Alia Bhatt, Riddhima’s husband Bharat Sahni, their daughter Samara, and other family members.

Ranbir's birthday is a significant event for his friends and family in Bollywood. On the evening of September 27, many of them visited him at his newly constructed home in Mumbai. In an Instagram video, Ranbir's mother, Neetu Kapoor, was seen arriving in her stylish car, filled with joy and excitement to celebrate her son's birthday at his new place.

Shortly after, his friend and Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani co-star, Aditya Roy Kapur, was spotted getting out of his vehicle and heading to Ranbir's home for the pre-birthday festivities. He was accompanied by Akash Ambani, son of Nita and Mukesh Ambani, who arrived in a luxurious red car. Ranbir himself also arrived at his house to join the birthday celebration.

On the work front, Ranbir is currently busy with filming his upcoming movie, Ramayana. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the film features Sai Pallavi, Lara Dutta, and several others.

Also Read : Riddhima Kapoor Sahni hails Alia Bhatt’s support: says “She’s been a great source of comfort”

Filmmaker Karan Johar has been vocal about the exorbitant fees demanded by certain actors in the industry. In a recent interview, he expressed his frustration with stars who ask for astronomical fees without commensurate box office returns. He argued that the industry's economics simply do not support such extravagant demands. Saif Ali Khan responded to Johar's comments in a subsequent interview.

Khan emphasized that the industry operates on a business model where actors' fees are determined by market demand and their perceived value to a film's commercial success. Saif said at India Today Conclave in Mumbai on Thursday, "He wants to cut pay cheques. I think I should have my own union on that. I am sure he is right, but it makes me a little nervous when we hear about cutting pay cheques. No cutting pay cheques. Well look, the economics of our industry (is like that). That's what happens - you go to a star, sometimes they say 'hey, if you want me, that's what it is going to cost'. And people pay it. And if people pay it, then sometimes the economics do get skewed. But Indians are businessmen. So, the film industry is primarily a business kind of financial centre in itself and people take shots. But Karan Johar knows best. I'm just joking."

The actor added, "What he (Karan Johar) is talking about is people charging astronomical money and then not delivering, which can't last. We don't charge that much, we are recession-proof."

Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter India recently, Karan Johar said, "What is your last couple of films? How much have you opened to? With what right are you asking me for this number? Every star asked me for the same money that the budget was for. I was like, ‘How can I pay you? When the budget is Rs. 40 crore, you’re asking for Rs. 40 crore? Are you guaranteeing the film will do Rs. 120 crore? There's no guarantee, right?"

On the work front, Saif Ali Khan will star in Devara: Part 1 alongside Jr. NTR and Janhvi Kapoor. The film released in cinemas on September 27, 2024. ALSO READ: Multiplex Association COUNTERS Karan Johar’s Rs 10,000 ticket price claims: Average expenditure for a family of four to Rs 1,560

The rise of OTT platforms has revolutionized the entertainment landscape globally, and Indian content is at the forefront of this shift. With its rich storytelling, diverse characters, and bold narratives, Indian OTT content is capturing the attention of audiences worldwide. Here are five reasons why Indian OTT content is taking over the world and redefining the global entertainment industry.

1. Ground-breaking Storytelling

Indian OTT platforms are delivering some of the most compelling and innovative storytelling seen in recent years. Gone are the days when Indian content was limited to formulaic plots and melodrama. Today’s creators are exploring a wide range of genres—from crime thrillers and historical epics to dark comedies and psychological dramas. Shows like Sacred Games and Paatal Lok have set the benchmark high with their intricate plots and deep character development, making them international successes. The narrative complexity and cultural richness of these stories resonate with global audiences, offering a fresh perspective that’s both engaging and enlightening.

>2. Bold and Diverse Characters

One of the key factors driving the global appeal of Indian OTT content is the portrayal of bold and diverse characters that break the mould. Traditional stereotypes are being challenged, and actors are taking on roles that push boundaries. For example, Sushmita Sen’s powerful portrayal of Aarya in Aarya and Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s fierce performance as Raji in The Family Man have been lauded for bringing depth and complexity to female characters. These portrayals reflect a new era of Indian storytelling where characters are multi-dimensional and reflective of real-world challenges, appealing to a global audience that craves authenticity.

3. High-Quality Production Values

The production quality of Indian OTT content has seen a significant upgrade, matching and sometimes surpassing international standards. With platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ Hotstar investing heavily in Indian content, the result is visually stunning and meticulously crafted shows that are designed to compete on a global stage. Series like Sacred Games and Mirzapur have impressed viewers not just with their storytelling, but with their cinematic quality, detailed set designs, and top-notch special effects. This focus on high production values has helped Indian shows attract a global audience that demands excellence in entertainment.

4. Global Appeal of Indian Actors

Indian actors are becoming global stars, thanks to the wide reach of OTT platforms. Performers who were once confined to regional fame are now being celebrated internationally for their work in these platforms. Manoj Bajpayee’s stellar performance in The Family Man and Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s intense portrayal in Sacred Games have earned them a loyal global fan-base. These actors are breaking the mould by taking on unconventional roles that challenge their range and showcase their versatility. The global appeal of Indian actors is a testament to their talent and the universal relatability of the stories they tell.

5. Cultural Resonance and Universal Themes

Indian OTT content has a unique ability to resonate with both domestic and international audiences by blending cultural specificity with universal themes. Shows like Delhi Crime, which won an International Emmy Award, bring Indian social issues to the forefront while making them accessible to global audiences. The cultural nuances, coupled with themes like justice, family, and identity, strike a chord with viewers around the world. The ability of Indian shows to tell stories that are deeply rooted in Indian culture yet universally appealing is a major reason for their growing global popularity.

Indian OTT content is not just taking over the world; it’s redefining global entertainment by offering a unique blend of storytelling, character depth, production quality, and cultural resonance. As Indian creators continue to push boundaries and actors break the mould, the global appetite for Indian content is only set to grow. This is a golden era for Indian entertainment, one that promises to continue captivating audiences worldwide.

The Bollywood Hungama OTT India Fest and India Entertainment Awards, in association with Cinema Waale Film and Television Productions LLP and Across Media Solutions, is to be held on the 3rd & 4th of October 2024 at Taj Lands End, Mumbai. Presented by TVS Jupiter, co-powered by Fujifilm Instax, Fima, Carlo Frattini, powered by Valvoline, alongside dating partner aisle, Stylish time partner Helios, comfort partner Frido, grooming partner Ikonic, and Lahori Zeera & Smoor, Radio partner Radio City, and celebration partner Heineken Silver.

Also Read: 5 Indian originals that broke boundaries in 2024

In the recently released trailer for an upcoming episode of The Great Indian Kapil Show, Kapil Sharma humorously remarks, “North aur South jab milte hain tab maza double ho jata hai.” The promo features the cast of Devara Jr NTR, Janhvi Kapoor, and Saif Ali Khan—who join Kapil to promote their film, sharing amusing stories from their shooting experiences.

Jr NTR is in a playful mood, teasing Kapil for engaging with him and Saif while standing, without offering them seats. The lighthearted exchange continues as Kapil prompts Jr NTR to name his favorite actress from the North, to which he instantly replies, “Sridevi, always.” Saif Ali Khan chimes in with a clever quip and said, “Hey, that was my answer for the South.”

The promo also features Janhvi reflecting on the bond between her parents, Boney Kapoor and Sridevi. Boney comes from a Punjabi background, while Sridevi’s roots are in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Janhvi humorously noted how they picked up each other's habits during their marriage. Janhvi said, “Papa had already converted. He would have idli sambar for breakfast instead of aloo parathas. By the end of it, Mom started fighting like a North Indian.”

Of course, the promo includes sketches by Krushna Abhishek, Kiku Sharda, and Sunil Grover. Krushna and Kiku are dressed as characters from the blockbuster Baahubali, while Sunil Grover amusingly portrays acclaimed filmmaker SS Rajamouli, eliciting uproarious laughter from the audience with their comedic antics.

At the end of the video, Jr. NTR light-heartedly criticises Janhvi, saying that although he fed her delicious meals when they were filming in Hyderabad, she hasn't returned the favour. He said, “I’ve been in Mumbai for a day, but not even a morsel has come my way.”

Also Read : “Janhvi Kapoor was hungry to give her best,” says Devara star Jr NTR; recalls her first shot

Alia Bhatt is actively promoting her forthcoming film, Jigra, set to release next month. In a recent conversation with Jr NTR, star of Devara: Part 1, and filmmaker Karan Johar, Alia shared that she signed on for Jigra shortly after giving birth to her daughter, Raha Kapoor. She noted that the maternal instinct she experienced at that time resonates with the film, which centers on her character’s quest to save her brother.

In the conversation, Alia talked candidly about when she was offered to participate in Jigra and said, “When I signed Jigra I think I was in my tigress mode. I was in my most protective- like, ‘No one come near her,’ mode. That was the energy. That is why I always say destiny, luck, life has so much to play in things going a certain way. Forget the fate of Jigra, the fact that it came to me also was… wow what is this timing! That I am feeling this way and it came. It had all of those things laced over it.”

She added, “I don't think I am the same person. Life has so much more meaning and I think like actors can get really self-obsessed if they are constantly thinking about themselves… Now when there is another being in your life suddenly it is like Alia who? It is Raha, Raha, Raha! Alia comes in and out! The focus is on her and nurturing and my mind always being there is something that will never change now.”

Alia and Ranbir Kapoor welcomed their baby daughter, Raha, in November 2022, and she is frequently seen with them during public outings.

Jigra is set to hit theaters on October 11. Directed by Vasan Bala, the film features Alia and Vedang Raina as siblings, along with Manoj Pahwa. This escape thriller is co-produced by Alia and her sister Shaheen Bhatt's Eternal Sunshine Productions, along with Karan Johar's Dharma Productions. Additionally, Alia will star in Alpha, Love & War, and Jee Le Zaraa.

Also Read : Alia Bhatt poses with Heidi Klum in “backstage” pictures from Paris Fashion Week

The year 2024 has been a remarkable one for Indian cinema and web series, with original content pushing the envelope in terms of storytelling, representation, and production quality. These Indian Originals have not only captivated audiences at home but have also garnered international acclaim. Here’s a look at five Indian Originals that broke boundaries in 2024, redefining the landscape of entertainment.

1. Heeramandi (Netflix)

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Heeramandi took viewers on a visually stunning journey into the world of Lahore’s courtesans during the pre-independence era. The series was a masterclass in historical storytelling, blending intricate character arcs with grand, opulent sets that Bhansali is known for. Heeramandi stood out for its unapologetic portrayal of complex female characters navigating a patriarchal society. With its bold narrative and exceptional production quality, the series set new standards for period dramas in India, making it a global sensation on Netflix.

2. Dahaad (Amazon Prime Video) Dahaad redefined the crime thriller genre in Indian OTT content with its gripping narrative and powerful performances, particularly by Sonakshi Sinha as a determined police officer. The series tackled the issue of gender-based violence, delving deep into the psyche of both victims and perpetrators. What set Dahaad apart was its strong female lead, a character who broke away from the conventional portrayal of women in crime dramas. The series was lauded for its realistic portrayal of crime and justice, and its success paved the way for more nuanced stories led by female protagonists.

3. Jubilee (Amazon Prime Video) Jubilee brought to life the golden era of Bollywood, offering a fascinating look into the world of 1940s Indian cinema. With its intricate storyline, stunning visuals, and impeccable performances, Jubilee transcended traditional biographical dramas. The series explored themes of ambition, power, and betrayal, set against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving film industry. What made Jubilee ground-breaking was its ability to humanize larger-than-life characters, giving audiences a deep, emotional connection to the world of old Bombay. It became a global hit, appealing to both Indian and international audiences who appreciated its historical depth and cinematic brilliance.

4. Saas, Bahu Aur Flamingo (Disney+ Hotstar) Saas, Bahu Aur Flamingo turned the stereotypical Indian family drama on its head with a dark, thrilling narrative cantered around a powerful matriarch running an illegal empire. Dimple Kapadia’s portrayal of the fierce Savitri Devi was a revelation, bringing a new dimension to the concept of a ‘saas-bahu’ story. The series was daring in its approach, combining intense action with family dynamics in a way that had never been done before in Indian content. By challenging the norms of what a family drama could be, Saas, Bahu Aur Flamingo became a trailblazer in the OTT space.

5. The Family Man Season 2 (Amazon Prime Video) The second season of The Family Man continued to break boundaries, expanding the spy thriller genre in Indian content. With its intricate plotlines, global espionage elements, and a perfect blend of action and humour, the series maintained its position as a frontrunner in Indian Originals. Manoj Bajpayee’s portrayal of Srikant Tiwari, a middle-class man juggling his family life with his duties as a secret agent, resonated with audiences worldwide. The series pushed the envelope by addressing geopolitical issues with a nuanced perspective, making it not just an entertaining watch, but also a thought-provoking one. The Family Man Season 2 set new benchmarks for Indian spy thrillers, both in terms of storytelling and production quality.

The Indian Originals of 2024 have proven that content from India can be as innovative, bold, and globally appealing as any other. These five titles not only broke boundaries in terms of genre and storytelling but also showcased the immense talent and creativity within the Indian entertainment industry. As Indian Originals continue to evolve and push the envelope, they are sure to leave an indelible mark on the global stage.

The Bollywood Hungama OTT India Fest and India Entertainment Awards, in association with Cinema Waale Film and Television Productions LLP and Across Media Solutions, is to be held on the 3rd & 4th of October 2024 at Taj Lands End, Mumbai. Presented by TVS Jupiter, co-powered by Fujifilm Instax, Fima, Carlo Frattini, powered by Valvoline, alongside dating partner aisle, Stylish time partner Helios, comfort partner Frido, grooming partner Ikonic, and Lahori Zeera & Smoor, Radio partner Radio City, and celebration partner Heineken Silver.

Also Read: The Most Iconic OTT Shows: A Deep Dive into unmissable streaming experiences