Indus Chronicles

A special court in Mumbai has issued a non-bailable warrant against Anmol Bishnoi, the brother of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, in connection with the firing incident outside Bollywood actor Salman Khan's residence.

The warrant was issued on Friday following a plea by the Mumbai police. Anmol Bishnoi, along with Rohit Godera, an alleged member of the Bishnoi gang, has been named as an absconding accused in the chargesheet filed earlier this month. Bishnoi Gang Linked to Firing Incident The firing incident took place on April 14, 2023, outside Salman Khan's Bandra residence. The actor was not injured in the incident. The Mumbai police has since arrested six people in connection with the case, including the two alleged shooters, Vicky Gupta and Sagar Pal.

Lawrence Bishnoi, the alleged mastermind behind the attack, is currently lodged in the Sabarmati Central Prison in Ahmedabad. Anmol Bishnoi and Rohit Godera are believed to be hiding in Canada. Crackdown on Bishnoi Gang The issuance of the non-bailable warrant is a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the Salman Khan firing case. It highlights the efforts of the Mumbai police to crack down on the Bishnoi gang, which has been linked to several high-profile crimes.

The update comes days after a report by India Today quoted the actor saying, “I heard a cracker-like sound. Then, at around 4.55 am, the police bodyguard said that two people on a bike had fired from a weapon at the Galaxy Apartment's first-floor balcony. There had been attempts to hurt me and my family prior to this as well. I have learnt that Lawrence Bishnoi has taken responsibility for the attack from social media. So, I believe that it is the Lawrence Bishnoi gang who have carried out the firing on my balcony,” in the chargesheet.

Also Read: Anmol Bishnoi ordered shooter to smoke while firing outside Salman Khan’s house, reveals chargesheet: “Aise lage ki bekhauf chalate hai”

Veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt has officially declared the end of his directorial journey. He has decided to step away from the director’s chair, citing a change in his outlook and the evolving landscape of cinema. Mahesh Bhatt helmed over 50 films before hanging up his directorial hat in 1999 with the Sanjay Dutt starrer Kartoos. However, a brief return in 2020 with Sadak 2 starring his daughter Alia Bhatt marked a departure from his initial plan.

Mahesh Bhatt On Being Mentor And Not Director In a recent interview, Mahesh Bhatt expressed his satisfaction with his current role as a mentor. He stated the joy of nurturing young filmmakers and providing them with the tools to realise their creative visions. “This is a new age, a new vibrant dawn,” he told Indian Express, adding that he feels more fulfilled in his current position.

He said, “Nothing can be more gratifying than creating people. Vikram is a true protegee, who has provided me a space under the metaphorical Banayan tree where I sit down and for my fulfillment, give people who come to me, the courage to look inward.” Mahesh Bhatt Calls Himself “outdated” He further explained, “However, I don’t have the thirst to leave my footprints on the sands of time, which is paramount in the entertainment world. Those who make it, have an insatiable thirst to leave their footprints on the sands of time. Vikram has it, Avika has it, I am outdated, a has-been.”

For the unversed, Avika Gor and Vikram Bhatt are currently promoting their upcoming film Bloody Ishq streaming on Disney Plus Hotstar. The horror thriller film was released on the OTT platform on July 26. It also stars legendary actor Amrish Puri’s grandson Vardhan in the lead.

Also Read: Bloody Ishq filmmaker Vikram Bhatt addresses Mahesh Bhatt as his ‘mentor, guru, and writer’; says, “Working with him is like making music, you won’t hear a discordant note”

Bollywood’s golden era stars, Jackie Shroff and Neelam Kothari, are set to mesmerize fans once again. The iconic duo, known for their sizzling on-screen chemistry, is reuniting for a romantic song titled 'Tu'.

A Nostalgic Reunion Of Neelam Kothari, Jackie Shroff T-Series recently created a buzz on social media by sharing a joint post featuring Jackie Shroff, Neelam Kothari, and music director Talwinder. The post announced the upcoming song 'Tu' with a captivating snippet. The caption read, "3 Legends in one song! #Tu releasing soon. #tseries #BhushanKumar @apnabhidu @neelamkotharisoni @talwiinder @sanjoyd @agam.mann @azeem.mann." The news sent fans into a frenzy, with excitement palpable in the comments section.

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Jackie Shroff and Neelam Kothari have shared the screen in several blockbuster films including Doodh Ka Karz, Hum Bhi Insaan Hain, Laat Saab, and Antim Nyay. Their on-screen pairing was a hallmark of the 80s, and their reunion promises a nostalgic treat for fans.

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Neelam Kothari, a reigning star of the late 80s and 90s, continues to enjoy a strong fan following. Meanwhile, Jackie Shroff is currently gearing up for the release of the highly anticipated film Singham Again, directed by Rohit Shetty. The action-packed film boasts a stellar cast including Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Deepika Padukone, Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff, and Ranveer Singh.

Also Read: Anant Ambani-Radhika Merchant Wedding: Ananya Panday, John Cena, Sara Ali Khan, Jackie Shroff arrive in style

Kush Shah, the beloved actor who portrayed the character of Goli in the popular sitcom Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (TMKOC), has announced his departure from the show. In a heartfelt video shared on the official TMKOC YouTube channel, Kush reflected on his journey and bid adieu to the audience and his on-screen family.

A Heartfelt Farewell The video showcased a nostalgic look back at Kush’s time on the show, from his early days as a young actor to his growth as a beloved character. Expressing his gratitude, Kush shared, “When this show started, when you and I first met, I was very young. You have given me a lot of love since then. And this family has given me as much love as you have given me. I have made a lot of memories here. I have enjoyed a lot here.”

He further extended his appreciation to the show’s creator, Asit Kumar Modi, for his unwavering support and belief in him. “I have spent my childhood here and most importantly I want to thank the creator of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, Asit Kumar Modi for this journey. He trusted me so much, made my character so interesting and always inspired me. Because of his trust, Kush became Goli today,” Kush added.

The TMKOC cast organized a farewell party for Kush, filled with cake and warm wishes. However, a surprising twist awaited the audience at the end of the video – a glimpse of the new actor who will be taking on the role of Goli. While the identity of the new actor remains undisclosed, the announcement has stirred emotions among the show’s dedicated fanbase.

Embed Fans React to Goli’s Departure The news of Kush Shah’s departure has left fans heartbroken. Many expressed their love for the actor and his portrayal of Goli. Comments on the farewell video reflected the sentiments of the viewers. One fan wrote, “Miss Old goli and Jethalal savage moments,” while another expressed, “Goli last 4 words , "thank you so much" was emotionaly real.” Many fans appreciated the show for giving Kush a proper farewell, with one comment stating, “Glad atleast they gave him a good farewell. Not randomly gone.”

The departure of Kush Shah marks the end of an era for Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah.

Also Read: Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah’s producer Asit Kumar Modi reunites with Gurucharan Singh after his return home: “For me, Sodhi is like my family”

Entrepreneur-actress Sunny Leone is taking leaps in the business world, and her recent achievement is proof. The actress has been appointed as the brand ambassador of an exclusive 51-acre property ‘World Villas’, which offers the residents a serene and luxurious lifestyle. Expressing excitement about the achievement, the ‘Quotation Gang’ actress said, “This is not just a property; it’s a community that epitomizes luxury and tranquility. The vision and attention to detail in every aspect of World Villas are truly inspiring, and I am excited to be a part of this journey."

“A home is more than just a structure; it's a place where you feel safe, cherished, and happy. World Villas embodies these qualities, providing a haven where families can grow and thrive. The attention to detail, from the luxurious interiors to the beautiful outdoor spaces, ensures that every resident feels special and well taken care of. I look forward to being a part of this wonderful community and helping others find their dream home here," she further added.

Currently, on the theatrical front, Sunny Leone is looking forward to the release of Quotation Gang, which sees her sharing the screen space with Jackie Shroff and Priyamani among others. Additionally, her film Kennedy was well-received by the audience at Cannes last year, and it is soon to hit the theatres. Beyond this, she also has an untitled Malayalam film under production and another film with Prabhudeva and Himesh Reshammiya in her kitty.

Also Read:  Sunny Leone starrer Quotation Gang begins its countdown to release, fans eagerly await her intense new role

Deepika Padukone is using a number of Instagram postings to declare July to be National Self-Care Month. In her most recent Instagram post, the actor shared her skincare routine with her followers along with a ton of brand-new selfies.

In her new post, Deepika began in the captioned, “It’s Self-Care Month! But why celebrate ‘Self-Care Month’ when you can practice simple acts of Self-Care every day? Now, when it comes to Skincare, of course eating right, sleeping well, adequate hydration and movement are the key pillars of maintaining healthy skin, but a Simple yet Consistent Skincare Routine is what has truly worked for me! It consists of 3 simple steps: Cleanse, Hydrate and Protect.”

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She continued, “Then, there is that one day in the week where I like to Indulge and do just a little bit more…A full body massage, a face mask, a hair mask.” After locating the list of products she uses on a daily basis for skincare, she acknowledged that she has been following this routinely and deliberately because it is the only method she is aware of.

Concluding her post, she wrote, “Additional Disclaimers:-I’m not a picture/ selfie person so kindly appreciate the fact that I’m sharing soo many with you’ll! I'm even wondering when and why I took these!? (laughing face emoticons)-I just HAD to use this track because I love it and anyway it’s coming out of peoples ears!”

Deepika and Ranveer Singh are expecting their first child. She was last seen in Kalki 2898 AD, Nag Ashwin's masterpiece. The movie, which stars Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, and Shobana, is doing incredibly well at the box office. It is already in its fifth week and has earned over ₹1100 crore globally.

Also Read : EXCLUSIVE: Jaw-Dropping star fees of Bollywood’s leading ladies revealed – Deepika Padukone, Alia Bhatt and Kareena Kapoor are the HIGHEST PAID actresses

As many as 3 films are releasing on Independence Day this year – the horror comedy Stree 2, John Abraham-starrer Vedaa and Akshay Kumar-led multi-starrer Khel Khel Mein. The exhibitors are angry over this development. They call this move a highly illogical one since they feel that the three movies will eat into each other’s business. Moreover, there is no release scheduled a week later - August 23 or August 30 - and hence, they want one film to move to one of these dates. What also scares them is that the distributors will force them to give their film more shows or worse, all the shows, instead of the other two. In the past, the distributors have even blackmailed them into playing their film; or else, they won’t get a bigger release from them in future. The exhibitors have been at wits’ end to solve this issue when two films have clashed. This time, there are three releases and hence, instead of being excited about a festive weekend, their BP levels are high.

Bollywood Hungama spoke to exhibitors and all had the same opinion. Film exhibitor and distributor Akshaye Rathi is confident that “there’ll be a bloodbath”, “There are no releases on August 23 and August 30. If the makers feel that getting 1/3rd of the screens in a crowded weekend is good enough for them, then God bless them with their logic. If they expect more screens and more showcasing and if they expect exhibitors to support one film over the other, it would be unfair.”

Distributor and exhibitor Raj Bansal explained, “The weakest film suffers the most in such clashes. Every producer thinks that his or her film is the biggest blockbuster. It’s like a gamble akin to playing teen patti. Everyone thinks ki ‘mere paas teen ikke hai’! The producer needs to realize that he might not have three aces.” He added, “The sensible thing is to postpone it by a week or two. At least then you’ll get a full showcasing for the week.”

Vishek Chauhan, owner of Roopbani Cinema in Purnia, Bihar, thundered, “It is completely uncalled for and not in the best interest of anybody. The films will not be able to do the business that they could have. It is a sad situation for the industry. There’s no logic to releasing three films in a week.”

He also reminded, “In April and May, there were hardly 1 or 2 releases. And it’s not like the box office is dead or not performing. Films like Munjya managed to do great numbers despite the supposed off period. And now, we see as many as 3 films releasing in a week.”

Vishek continued, “Stree 2’s trailer has been well-received. Audience would be skewed towards it and there’s a high chance that it would outperform. Yet, it won’t be able to perform to the best of its potential. This is because saare distributors hamare sar par chadh keshows maangenge. We’ll be forced to give shows even to the non-performing film. Aisa karke weekend ka dhanda kharab hoga.”

He added, “I can understand 2 films coming together. But why 3 films? Maybe they must have got a mandate from the OTT platforms that they want these films to premiere on Dusshera, which will be celebrated mid-October. Hence, the makers thought of releasing their films 2 months prior to it and that happens to be Independence Day week.”

Explaining what happens in such situations, Raj Bansal said, “The distributors will fight among themselves and theatres for shows on August 15. But on August 16, the multiplexes will reduce the number of shows, if your film doesn’t work. Hence, the 10 days prior to a clash are very stressful for those connected with the trade, be it the distributor or the exhibitor.”

The problem will be compounded for single-screen theatres since they’ll be forced to accommodate all 3 releases. Vishek Chauhan explained, “Yeh log toh single screens ki vaat laga denge. We’ll be arm-twisted the maximum. Our advance booking will start very late, maybe the night before release, which will impact our business. So, it’s a losing situation for everybody.”

He further stated, “Even the multiplexes will face this issue. Imagine someone running a two-screen multiplex. How will he divide shows among the three films? All three distributors would demand an audi each. Ab who exhibitor teesra screen kahan se khada karega? As for single screens like us, all three producers would demand 2 shows. And they usually mandate that they don’t want a morning or night show. What are we supposed to do then?”

Akshaye Rathi agreed, “By doing these silly things, distributors are just damaging exhibitors. What will this result in? Some exhibitors might give up on the business and choose to just shut down their properties. Such loss of screens can prove to be detrimental in towns where it might be the only theatre in the vicinity. We are systemically eroding the system that feeds us and is therefore damaging our prospect for the future as a fraternity.”

He also said, “It’ll be a revenue loss for the exhibitors as they’ll have to choose one film over the other and therefore miss out on the potential revenues of other films. It’ll also be a loss for the distributors.”

For multiplexes, a solution can be achieved in dividing shows as said by Raj Bansal, “Now multiplexes open advance booking in just one screen of the films clashing, that too a week in advance. Then a few days later, they tell the distributor, ‘Your film has sold 1700 tickets but the other film has sold 17,000 tickets. Now, tell me, how can I give you more shows than the other film?’. But this is possible only in cinemas with 6-7 screens or more.” The other theatres are bound to suffer, as a result.

Exhibitors demand: Only two films this I-Day, please

A real solution, according to him, is; “One film has to move ahead. There’s no other way.” Vishek Chauhan agreed, “It is a pathetic situation. One film should back out and come two weeks later to take advantage of it. They should sit together and decide which two films can come and which one should be postponed.”

Akshaye Rathi opined, “I hope at least one of the three films has the sense to move ahead by a week or two. Then they can have the widest number of shows that they deserve. They can also be the movie of the week rather than being a second or the third choice. There’s no doubt that August 15 is a big holiday and gives a big boost. But having said that, the impact of that boost will be divided among these three films. Moreover, both Stree 2 and Vedaa are mass entertainers. They cater exactly to the same audience and would thus cannibalize each other.”

But the past experiences have been ugly and hence, the exhibitors have little hope. Akshaye Rathi sighed as he signed off, “If things can be pragmatic, nothing like it. But going by the history of how things have been on this front, I don’t see that pragmatism kicking in until we hit rock bottom, which we are pretty close to, any which way.”

Fortunately, The Hollywood flick Alien: Romulus, which will be released worldwide on August 16, will hit cinemas in India on August 23, possibly due to the competition. Meanwhile, there are 3 more releases to be scheduled on August 15 - Double iSmart, starring Ram Pothineni and Sanjay Dutt, Vikram's ambitious saga, Thangalaan and the Hollywood release Harold And The Purple Crayon. The last named film might have a small release but for the rest of the two Pan-India films, the makers will also expect shows in Hindi, which will further mess up the situation. There’s also Ravi Teja’s Mr Bachchan arriving at the cinemas on the same day. As of now, there’s no information if it’ll have a release in Hindi dubbed version and if yes, will it also come on August 15. If it does, expect a clash like never before in cinemas.

Also Read: Tamannaah Bhatia sizzles in ‘Aaj Ki Raat’, the first song from Stree 2, watch

In a candid conversation with Simi Grewal in 2000, Shabana Azmi discussed how not having children affected her outlook on marriage and her career. Married to Javed Akhtar since 1984, Shabana is celebrated for her enduring relationship with him, marked by mutual respect and affection. She also shares a close bond with Javed's children, Farhan Akhtar and Zoya Akhtar, from his first marriage to Honey Irani. Over the years, Shabana has spoken openly about her experience of not having children, approaching the subject with openness and resilience.

Embracing and focusing on career

Shabana revealed that while she initially expected disappointment over not becoming a mother, she was "amazed" at how easily she accepted the reality. She acknowledged that not having children allowed her to devote more time to her work and personal interests, as motherhood can be profoundly demanding. "Not being able to have children, in a sense, made the choices much easier because I could give so much more of my time because I think motherhood is very demanding," she shared.

Adapting to life without children

When asked if not having children was a "major disappointment," Shabana expressed her surprise at how smoothly she adapted. She had once believed that motherhood was a given privilege, but after coming to terms with her situation, she chose not to dwell on it. "Once I realized I couldn’t have kids, I didn’t let it linger over and make me unhappy. I just packed my bags and carried on from there and was very grateful for many other things that I could do," she added.

The question of adoption

On the topic of adoption, Shabana was clear in her stance. "I never wanted to adopt a child. No," she stated. She elaborated that her close relationship with Farhan and Zoya fulfilled her need for a connection with the younger generation. She appreciated their ability to engage in stimulating conversations and valued their independence, which she found enriching and fulfilling.

Relationship with Farhan and Zoya

Regarding Farhan and Zoya's reaction when she married their father, Shabana mentioned that they were "too little" at the time to have any significant concerns or resistance. Her relationship with them has grown over the years, with Shabana often speaking of the enriching and fulfilling bond she shares with them. This connection has provided her with the joy and engagement she might have otherwise sought through motherhood.

Also Read: Shabana Azmi hails Amitabh Bachchan for leading the way for senior actors in Hindi cinema

Bollywood action star Akshay Kumar has addressed the ongoing criticism surrounding his prolific work schedule. Often questioned about his decision to do multiple films a year, the actor has now clarified his stance on the matter.

Akshay Kumar On Doing Four Films A Year: “What should I do on other days?" In a recent conversation, Kumar expressed his frustration with those who question his work ethic. "If I just do one film, what should I do on other days?" he asked while sharing his thoughts on the importance of employment opportunities. He further pointed out that many individuals struggle to find work in the industry, making it crucial to capitalize on available opportunities. Akshay Kumar Claims He Has Been Cheated Professionally  The actor also revealed a shocking aspect of his career, admitting to being cheated by a few producers. Kumar spoke about his decision to distance himself from those who have wronged him. He said, "This is something we have in common. Main uske baad main usse baat hi nahin karta, chup ho jaata hoon apna side mein nikal jaata hoon... ek do producers ki payment nahin aati hain and that is cheating only... (I just don't talk to that person, who cheats me. I go quiet.. It has happened to me. A few producers haven't cleared my dues)."

Despite these challenges, Akshay Kumar continues to maintain a robust film slate. His recent release, Sarfira, a remake of the critically acclaimed Tamil film Soorarai Pottru, is currently in theaters. The actor is also gearing up for the highly anticipated Singham Again, which will feature an ensemble cast of Bollywood actors such as Ajay Devgn, Ranveer Singh, Arjun Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Deepika Padukone.

In addition, he has several other projects in the pipeline, including Sky Force and Khel Khel Mein. 

Also Read: Akshay Kumar opens up about the low response for Sarfira; says, “It is heart-breaking to see any film fail”

The much-anticipated film, Maharagni: Queen of Queens, is steadily progressing with the completion of crucial action sequences featuring lead actresses Kajol and Samyuktha. The film marks a significant milestone for both actresses, with Kajol showcasing a never-seen-before action avatar and Samyuktha making her Bollywood debut.

In an exclusive interview with News18 Showsha, Samyuktha expressed her excitement about the recently wrapped-up shooting schedules. "We've been filming in different parts, and the portions featuring Kajol ma'am's intense action sequences have been completed," she revealed. "Additionally, my introduction scene and some thrilling car chase sequences are also in the can. It was an absolute blast! The action director from abroad was phenomenal, and the entire planning was top-notch." Samyuktha Speaks On Working With Kajol, Naseeruddin Shah As the conversation progressed further, Samyuktha shared her experience of working alongside seasoned actors Kajol and Naseeruddin Shah. While admitting to initial nervousness, she praised their supportive nature, which helped her ease into the role.

"I felt like I was interacting with my own grandfather while working with Naseeruddin sir," Samyuktha said with a laugh. "He was so friendly and engaging that I could be myself. Kajol ma'am was incredibly supportive, guiding me through my close-up shots. Their experience and encouragement helped me overcome my anxiety about getting the Hindi dialect right." Samyukta Reveals Details of Kajol’s Maharagni  Later, Samyuktha briefly discussed the film's groundbreaking approach, stating, "Our director, Charan Tej Uppalapati, and I had a conversation about showcasing two women in powerful action roles. We wanted to challenge the notion that action is solely for male characters. Maharagni is a commercial film packed with songs, fights, and most importantly, action performed by us."

The high-budget pan-Indian film is set to release in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam. With a cast including Jisshu U Sengupta, Chhaya Kadam, and Aditya Seal, Maharagni has been one of the most anticipated releases of the year.

Also Read: Samyuktha Menon opens up about sharing screen space with Kajol in Maharagni; says, “It’s so special when you really love someone’s work”

While her family members are still recouping from the shock of the demise of Tishaa Kumar, the T-Series’ co-owner and Tishaa’s father Krishna Kumar hosted a prayer meet on July 23. While it was attended by several renowned personalities from the film industry like Rakesh Roshan, Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol, Fardeen Khan, and young actors such as Kartik Aaryan, many musicians and singers like Udit Narayan and Sonu Nigam, who have had a long-standing association with the music label also made their presence felt.

Sonu Nigam breaks down at Tisha Kumar’s prayer meet

The musician-singer, who has lent his voice for many of T-Series’ ventures and songs, was seen paying his last respects to Tishaa Kumar. As he proceeded towards offering his condolences to the latter’s father Krishna Kumar, he couldn’t control himself and lost his composure. The popular singer was breaking down on the lap of Krishna Kumar as he held back tears. An artist named Siddharth Mohan who was a part of the prayer meet shared an inside video of the meet which included many montages including the emotional moment of Nigam.

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Other stars offer condolences to Krishna Kumar

Meanwhile, the video also provided a poignant glimpse into the outpouring of support from the film fraternity, as several stars attended the prayer meet to pay their last respects to Tishaa Kumar. Actors like Anil Kapoor and Bobby Deol also spent time with Krishna Kumar as they were seen consoling him. Other celebrities spotted at the gathering included Kartik Aaryan, Fardeen Khan, veteran filmmaker-actor Rakesh Roshan, legendary singer Udit Narayan, Suniel Shetty, all of whom made a brief appearance to express their condolences and show their respect for the T-Series family.

About Tishaa Kumar’s demise

On July 18, the T-Series family woke up to the shocking news of the demise of one of their youngest members Tishaa Kumar who was expected to be battling cancer for the past few years. The family came together to issue a joint statement on the demise further requesting privacy from the media. Followed by the news, many members of the T-Series family like Tulsi Kumar, Khushalii Kumar, and Bhushan Kumar’s wife Divya Khossla penned emotional farewell to the young Tishaa on social media.

Also Read: Divya Khossla mourns loss of Tishaa Kumar in IG post: “You will remain in our hearts forever”

Janhvi Kapoor wants to know why a part of social media was so astonished when she made a joke about Ambedkar and Gandhi a few months ago. Janhvi was speaking with Mashable in a new interview ahead of the premiere of her film Ulajh when she revealed that her PR staff wanted to cut that part of the discussion. She was concerned that the attention would be diverted from the picture she was promoting at the time, Mr & Mrs Mahi.

When the host reminded her of how the internet collectively gasped at her comment on Ambedkar and Gandhi, Janhvi responded, “Is it so hard to believe that a young female actress can have an opinion? I was so shocked. The irony, I remember, is that one of the reactions that, ‘Ye toh PR trained hein.’ Till a day before the interview came out… I had said in the conversation, and after that interview got over I looked at my PR team and I was like, ‘Kuch galat toh nahi bola maine?’ They said, ‘Woh shayad ek cheez pick up ho sakta he lekin hum dekhte he!’

She further said, “The next day I started panicking because the film was just about to release pata nahi kaun se angle se kaun kya bolne lagenge (I don't know which angle will be picked up) I don't know if that's the right thing. Then my PR team started getting hyper and they also started making calls saying, 'Hum wo hisse ko kaat sakte he please (can we cut that out)?' They said no… That's what was so ironic ki meri team toh wo hisse ko kaatne ki koshis kar rahi thi aur log samajh rahe hein ki mujhe training de kar bheja gaya he (My team was trying to edit it out and people thought I was trained to say that)!”

Janhvi stated that she became interested in the subject when filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan spoke with her about his past and the baggage he had to cope with. It all started with an interview for The Lallantop in May, when Janhvi was promoting Mr & Mrs Mahi and stated that she would like to see a discussion between Mahatma Gandhi and BR Ambedkar.

On the work front, Janhvi will be seen in Ulajh as Suhana Bhatia, a young diplomat caught up in a web of intrigue and conspiracy. The film is directed by Sudhanshu Saria and stars Adil Hussain, Meiyang Chang, Gulshan Devaiah, Rajendra Gupta, and Jitendra Joshi. Ulajh hits cinemas on August 2.

Also Read : Janhvi Kapoor starrer Ulajh unveils its first song Shaukan is here to set the dance floor on fire

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, known for his globally acclaimed titles such as Gangs of Wasseypur, Ugly and Kennedy, is ready with his next production venture Little Thomas. The film is headlined by two of India's finest actors, Gulshan Devaiah and Rasika Duggal, joined by child artist Hridansh Parekh in the charming comedy drama.

"Yes, it’s been a while. Maybe I was waiting for a good children’s film script to come my way," Kashyap says on why he took 17 years to return to this space after his animated directorial Return of Hanuman (2007). "It’s a difficult genre actually, to make an authentic children’s film, so one has to ensure that it’s a good script before making it," the filmmaker adds.

Little Thomas is set to have its world premiere at the upcoming Indian Film Festival of Melbourne. Besides Kashyap, the film is backed by Ranjan Singh, Rajnikant Oza, Charu Oza, Anushka Shah and Kabir Ahuja.

In Little Thomas, Kashyap was impressed by the vision of the National Award winning director Kaushal Oza, who makes his feature directorial debut with the film that follows the tragi-comic efforts of a seven-year-old boy to bring his parents together and have a little brother.

Kashyap says, "I had seen Kaushal’s short 'The Miniaturist of Junagadh' and liked it. Then I read the Little Thomas script and understood his vision for it. He wanted to make a genuine children’s film while creating a world from a kid’s perspective. The honesty of his approach has helped make the film."

Set in the Goa of the 90s, the film follows Thomas, the only child of his parents, who desperately wants a little brother. "One day, he is told that to get a baby brother his parents will have to kiss. Since his quarrelling parents won't kiss any longer, Little Thomas takes it upon himself to make them do the yucky act!" the film's synopsis reads.

Actor Gulshan Devaiah, who made his debut in Anurag Kashyap's That Girl in Yellow Boots (year) and went on to collaborate with him on projects like Shaitan (2011) and Hunterrr (2015), describes Little Thomas as a film that "puts a smile on my face."

"It’s a sweet, cute film and I am thrilled it’s going to be showing at IFFM. The most special thing about Little Thomas is its story and the beautiful innocence in its world. Rasika is a wonderful actor, who I’ve admired for a while now. She’s very professional and dedicated to the craft. I was lucky I got to work with her," Gulshan says.

Calling Little Thomas "a beautiful and lyrical story" about the simple life of a Goan family, actor Rasika Duggal says, "I was drawn to the script of Little Thomas because I felt it was a beautiful and simple story yet wasn't simplistic. Technology has given us so much to play within filmmaking that sometimes, I feel the soul of a film gets drowned in the razzmatazz. Little Thomas was not doing any of that. It was committing to its narrative without any unnecessary frills. Also, the script had an interesting sense of humour, which I enjoyed very much. I am delighted that the film is premiering at IFFM and it will first be watched by the kind of audience that a festival like IFFM always attracts - a discerning audience with an ample appetite for fun. I am looking forward to how they will respond to our film."

Director Kaushal Oza, an alumnus of the Film and Television Institute of India says the team auditioned over 700 kids to find Thomas and the gang.

The filmmaker adds, "Everyone has been a seven-year-old once in their lives. When we grow up we miss the innocence of the times we were kids. I wanted to capture the innocence and imagination that we had then and yearned for now. Everyone who read the script loved it, but producing a film like this is a challenge. When this team of producers read the script - they laughed, they cried - they backed it to the hilt. Also casting the kids was the biggest challenge."

Little Thomas is produced by Luminoso Pictures, Civic Studios, Flip Films and Good Bad Films.

Producer Ranjan Singh (Flip Films) recalls reading the script of Little Thomas in 2018, which is also when he decided to produce the film. "It seemed like an authentic children’s film which I have missed over so many years. Also, I had co-produced Kaushal’s short, The Miniaturist of Junagadh, and showed it to Anurag and other producers and it really helped when I took Little Thomas’ script to them."

Anushka Shah, producer, Civic Studios, dubs Little Thomas as a "refreshingly delightful story". She says, "Thomas’ boundless imagination, curiosity and resilience could positively shape children’s mindsets in formative years - an important reason for Civic Studios to back this film. We’re sure Little Thomas will be a heart-warming family watch for children and adults."

Also starring Hridyansh Gokani, Ninad Pandith and Mahabanoo Mody- Kotwal, Little Thomas will have its festival run before its theatrical release in the country.

Also Read: Makeup artist hits back at Anurag Kashyap after the latter slams entourage culture; says, “In his films, he will have to call me to get the dark circles. That’s what his heroines look like”

Kiran Rao returned to direct 14 years after her debut, Dhobi Ghat (2010). Her most recent directorial, Laapataa Ladies, was well-received by the public, but only after it was launched on Netflix India. Laapataa Ladies, When it was first released in theaters, it received few takes. In an interview with Faye D'Souza, Kiran acknowledged that she thinks Laapataa Ladies' box office performance a failure.

Kiran said, “In some ways, both these films Dhobi Ghat and Laapataa Ladies, haven't done great at the box office. Dhobi Ghat, in fact, did some big business for its time. Ten-15 years later, Laapataa Ladies, didn't do that much more than Dhobi Ghat. So, in some ways, I do feel that sense of failure. By box office metrics, we weren't a success. In the conventional sense, we didn't do hundreds of crores, or even ₹30, 40, 50 crore.

She further stated, “Failure is the way to put it. I do feel responsible that the film didn't do that well at the box office. I felt it a lot during Dhobi Ghat because we didn't have any alternate mediums, we didn't have OTT. So it didn't get a lot of audience. I do feel that film was different for its time, and very unusual for a theatrical release back then. But other than that, not really. I haven't felt a deep sense of having failed at something.”

Kiran added, “I think failure in the sense that I felt that everyday failure. In 10 years, I've been working relentlessly. I've had really busy days continuously. After my first film, I thought my second film would come soon. But that soon just didn't come. It got me on a daily basis. The empty page, the inability to put that full stop and say ‘the end.' It was something I really struggled with in these 10 years. I'm sure most creative people have to face that sense of failure a lot when they don't achieve something soon enough or they don't achieve it at all," added Kiran.”

Also Read : Kiran Rao opens up about divorce from Aamir Khan; says, “It’s been a very happy divorce”

With the upcoming season of Khatron Ke Khiladi 14 set to premiere on July 27, 2024, Aditi Sharma has voiced her dissatisfaction with fellow contestant Asim Riaz's conduct during the show. After returning to India post-shooting, Aditi shared her experience, calling out Asim for his ‘arrogance’ and ‘lack of respect’ towards other contestants and the show's host, Rohit Shetty.

'Badtameez Bacha' remarks

In an interview with DNA India, Aditi labeled Asim as the "most badtameez bacha" (most ill-mannered child) of the season. She criticized him for his ‘arrogance’ and for abusing other contestants. Aditi emphasized the importance of respecting seniors and not insulting fellow participants, recounting an incident where Asim derogatorily referred to a group as a "herd of pigs," which she found deeply offensive.

Disrespect towards Rohit Shetty

Aditi's respect for Asim diminished further when he allegedly misbehaved with the show's host, Rohit Shetty. She expressed her disapproval, stating, "He lost my respect after he disrespected Rohit sir. Agar itne senior bande ko aap disrespect kar sakte ho, aap koi alag hawa mein ho" (If you can disrespect such a senior person, you are living in a different world). According to reports, this incident was a turning point for many contestants.

The heated confrontation

The tension peaked after Asim got into a heated argument with contestant Abhishek Kumar and then with Rohit Shetty. The conflict arose after Asim failed a task and engaged in a verbal spat with Rohit. This escalated when Niyati Fatnani mentioned that Asim had been bragging about his hardships since the team boarded the flight. Feeling provoked, Asim accused the contestants of conspiring against him, leading to a confrontational demand for Abhishek to lick his shoes.

Consequences and aftermath

As the situation spiraled out of control, Asim was reportedly asked to leave the show immediately. This incident has overshadowed the upcoming season, highlighting the importance of maintaining decorum and respect in competitive environments. Aditi's candid remarks reflect a broader concern about behavior and professionalism on reality TV shows, setting a precedent for future contestants.

Also Read: Khatron Ke Khiladi 14: From Samarth Jurel and Abhishek Kumar to Aditi Sharma, new list of contestants REVEALED!

Actor and content creator Kusha Kapila recently found herself at the center of controversy following her appearance on Aashish Solanki's Pretty Good Roast Show on YouTube. The show featured stand-up comedians like Samay Raina, Aaditya Kulshreshth, Shreya Priyam Roy, and Gurleen Pannu, who made jokes about Kapila, including some on her recent divorce from Zorawar Singh Ahluwalia. Following the episode, Kapila issued a statement addressing the backlash and clarifying her stance on the roast.

Dehumanised by the jokes

Kapila expressed her shock and disappointment at some of the jokes, which she described as "straight up dehumanising." While she managed to endure the jokes during the live shoot, she found it unacceptable for them to be broadcast to millions. Kapila revealed that she participated in the roast in good faith for a friend and was unaware of the specific jokes that would be made about her. "I had no idea what was in store for me," she admitted, acknowledging that she should have asked for a script beforehand.

Regretting the decision

Reflecting on her experience, Kapila noted that her episode was the first to be shot, leading to learnings and adjustments in subsequent episodes. She highlighted the unfair pressure she faced, where refusing to let the episode air would have led to accusations of cowardice and further trolling. Over the past six months, Kapila shared that she was repeatedly told that she deserved the jokes because she is a divorced woman, a notion she found deeply troubling.

Choosing peace over controversy

Kapila emphasized that her decision to let the episode air was driven by a desire for peace rather than engaging in endless discourse that could further vilify her. She stressed the importance of respecting personal boundaries and acknowledged the negative reactions from many women in the live audience. Kapila agreed with their disapproval, reinforcing her stance against some of the content that was aired.

A learning experience

In conclusion, Kapila vowed not to participate in another roast without knowing what to expect. She mentioned that her previous two roast experiences were positive, contrasting sharply with this latest incident. Kapila's statement highlighted the need for sensitivity and respect in comedy, particularly when it comes to personal and sensitive topics. "I take pride in the fact that I didn’t stage a walkout and after what was thrown at me, I found the gumption to still perform," she said, reiterating her commitment to maintaining her dignity and boundaries.

In an upcoming episode of entrepreneur Nikhil Kamath's podcast, People by WTF, Ranbir Kapoor is set to offer a glimpse into his personal life. A trailer, released on Saturday, provides a sneak peek at the conversation, which will touch on his relationship with his late father, Rishi Kapoor, his wife Alia Bhatt, and their daughter, Raha.

Ranbir Kapoor Addresses Being Called ‘Casanova' The teaser hints at Ranbir addressing past perceptions surrounding his dating life. "I dated two very successful actresses, and that just became my identity, that he's a Casanova," he says in the clip, likely referring to his high-profile relationships with Deepika Padukone and Katrina Kaif. He further reveals, "I was labelled a cheater for a very large part of my life. I still am." Ranbir Kapoor Opens Up On Public Scrutiny Over His Relationships  Both Deepika and Katrina have been Ranbir's co-stars, adding another layer to their public relationships. Comments made by Deepika on Karan Johar's Koffee with Karan and his visible odds during promotions of their film Jagga Jasoos with Katrina Kaif fueled media speculation and public scrutiny. Ranbir Kapoor Speaks About Finding Solace in Fatherhood The trailer offers a heartwarming glimpse into Ranbir's life as a father. Speaking about his daughter Raha, he shares, "It's like someone has taken your heart out and just put it in your hands." He also describes the unique bond Raha shares with him and Alia, stating, "With me, she looks for the masti and fun."

Coming to the professional front, Ranbir had two releases in 2023, Tu Jhoothi Main Makkar and Animal. Both films performed well at the box-office. Speaking of his upcoming projects, he will be next seen in Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayan and Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love And War, which interestingly stars his wife Alia along with actor Vicky Kaushal. 

Also Read: Fawad Khan confirms about him still being in touch with Ranbir Kapoor, Karan Johar: “We make plans of meeting somewhere”

Rhea Kapoor and her husband, Karan Boolani, are enjoying a Scottish vacation with her sister, Sonam Kapoor, her husband Anand Ahuja, and her nephew Vayu. Rhea has given her fans an insight inside their vacation by posting postcard-worthy lovely photos from their trip.

Rhea took to Instagram to share photos from her vacation in Scotland. In one of the photographs, she is relaxing by a lake, surrounded by lush foliage. Then there's another image that shows us a glimpse inside her hotel room. There is also an image of her husband, Karan, swinging a golf club.

She also uploaded a sweet photo of Sonam with her tiny munchkin, Vayu, on her lap. The image depicts Vayu playing with a spoon. In another photo, Vayu was seen standing in the centre of this beautiful garden.

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Rhea also shared some of the delicious dishes they ate throughout their holiday. The final scene showed Anand and Vayu standing on a train platform, chatting with the dog of a fellow tourist.

Sonam travelled to Scotland earlier in June for her birthday weekend. She turned to Instagram to send a message encapsulating her time in Scotland. She also thanked her loved ones. The post read, “Still reeling from the beauty of the weekend I’ve had with those I hold closest to my heart… Anand, you’re my whole heart, and the memories we’re making with Vayu are my most precious. Rhea, you plan the most fabulous surprises and I know I’m the luckiest sister in the world!”

She said, “I'm also the luckiest daughter, with the most loving parents and parents-in-law who are continually showering me with their adoration. My friends who travelled all the way to Scotland and made my birthday weekend unforgettable with their fun and thoughtfulness. I love you, my chosen family.”

On the work front, Sonam will next appear in a film based on Anuja Chauhan's novel Battle of Bittora. According to reports, Anil Kapoor, her father, would produce the film.

Also Read : Diljit Dosanjh on how Rhea Kapoor pursued him in for a year to create ‘Naina’: “I told her I could not make songs for Bollywood”

Sushmita Sen has refuted reports that she is currently dating anyone. The actress is reported to be dating her ex-boyfriend Rohman Shawl. In the first episode of actress Rhea Chakraborty's podcast, Sushmita disclosed that she had been single for two years. She revealed that, although she has fantastic pals, she is not presently dating anyone.

As per report by HT she said, “I have no man in my life. I’ve been single for a while. It has been almost two years since I have been single, to be precise since 2021… I am not in a relationship. I have some incredibly wonderful people in my life who are my friends and they are all just waiting for a moment for me to call them and say, ‘Look, I’m pulling the car out, get in the backseat. We’re driving to Goa.”

The former Miss Universe announced that she is taking a break from dating and enjoying it. She said, “I am not even interested in anyone at the moment. It is lovely to take a break because I was in a relationship for almost five years. And that was a long time.”

Rhea also teased Sushmita, stating, "Do you know there's a bigger gold digger than you in the room?" Sushmita said, "Oh, really?" Rhea said, "Me." Sushmita then added sarcastically, "Oh, you also?" Rhea responds, "I'm the biggest one."

It might be a jab at Sushmita Sen and Lalit Modi's announcement, which caused a viral sensation online in 2022. Some publicly generated jokes on the disparity in their appearance and fortune. Others, more discreetly, saw comedy in their unusual coupling. Social media opponents labelled Sen as a "gold-digger." Sushmita Sen received criticism on social media for her ties with Lalit Modi. Many assumed she was with him for his money, despite Sen's own successful profession and charitable efforts.

It might be a jab at Sushmita Sen and Lalit Modi's announcement, which caused a viral sensation online in 2022. Some publicly generated jokes on the disparity in their appearance and fortune. Others, more discreetly, saw comedy in their unusual coupling. Social media opponents labelled Sen as a "gold-digger." Sushmita Sen received criticism on social media for her ties with Lalit Modi. Many assumed she was with him for his money, despite Sen's own successful profession and charitable efforts.

Also Read : Rhea Chakraborty launches new podcast ‘Chapter 2’ with first episode featuring Sushmita Sen

Sophie Choudry is a versatile Indian actress, singer, and television presenter known for her dynamic presence in the entertainment industry. She made her marks in mark in Hindi cinema with roles in popular films such as Pyaar Ke Side Effects and Shaadi No. 1. She had also established herself as a talented singer, releasing several successful music albums and singles.

Sophie recently surprised her followers by posting a series of lovely photos from her holiday on Instagram. The photograph captures Sophie radiating joy and elegance, with the iconic Eiffel Tower serving as a picturesque backdrop.  Some photos included some cup cakes. Another captures Sophie standing near the lake, dressed in a cosy shorts and top attire.

Another especially sweet photograph shows Sophie in library with books, while another has some sunset view which is absolutely lovely.

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She posted the photo and captioned, Every girl needs Paris #paris #traveldiaries #summervibes #toureiffel #parisolympics2024 #sophiechoudry #laseine #croissant

Sophie's Parisian getaway is a testament to her love for travel and her keen eye for capturing the charm and allure of every destination she visits. As she continues to share snippets of her adventures, Sophie Choudry inspires her fans to embrace the beauty of the world and indulge in their own travel dreams.

Also Read : Sophie Choudry gives a shout out to Chandu Champion star Kartik Aaryan as she bumps into him in London