Indus Chronicles

Aamir Khan once again demonstrated his deep-rooted passion for the arts. On August 1, the Bollywood superstar lent his star power to a local production, attending the dance musical 18 Days at the Bal Gandharva Rang Mandir in Bandra, Mumbai.

As the keynote speaker for the evening, Khan emphasized the pivotal role of arts and culture in shaping society. “Art and culture are the bedrock of society,” he asserted, as reported by Mid-day. “They connect us to our roots and provide a foundation for future generations.” Khan urged patrons to actively contribute to preserving these invaluable cultural treasures actively actively, ensuring their continued relevance and appeal across generations.

Following Khan’s speech, the audience was treated to a 90-minute dance musical, 18 Days: Dusk of an Era. The production, brought to life by a Mumbai-based troupe, presented a fresh and innovative interpretation of the epic Mahabharata. Blending symphony-style music, captivating animations, and the grace of Natya Shastra, the performance was a visual and auditory spectacle.

With a cast of 50 skilled performers, including dancers, martial artists, and experts in levitation, aerial acrobatics, and magic, the troupe transported the audience to the heart of the Kurukshetra war. Having previously enthralled audiences in Bengaluru, Delhi, and Goa, the production's Mumbai debut was eagerly anticipated.

On the work front, Aamir Khan will next star in Sitaare Zameen Par, set for Christmas 2024 release. ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE: Aamir Khan records with Rhea Chakraborty for her podcast Chapter 2

Renowned singer Arijit Singh has announced the postponement of his highly anticipated UK tour due to unforeseen medical circumstances. The news has left fans disappointed, but the singer has assured them of rescheduled concerts in September.

Arijit Singh, whose soulful voice has captivated millions, rose to prominence with the chart-topping song ‘Tum Hi Ho’ from the film Aashiqui 2. The singer has a massive fan following and his concerts are always sold out. Singer Apologizes to Fans, Promises to Reschedule Concerts Taking to Instagram, Arijit shared the unfortunate news with his fans. "Important update and info #ArijitSinghlive," he wrote, expressing his disappointment over having to postpone the shows. He apologized for the inconvenience caused and assured fans of an even more magical reunion in the future. Arijit Singh Announces New Dates of UK Tour The rescheduled dates for the UK tour are as follows:

London: September 15 Birmingham: September 16 Rotterdam: September 19 Manchester: September 22

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Arijit Singh's post garnered immense support from his fans, with many wishing him a speedy recovery. “Take care and get better soon sir,” wrote a fan while another commented, “It's ok sometimes being waiting for someone creates more curiosity. Get well soon.”

Besides his concerts, Arijit is actively singing for commercial films. His songs from Vedaa will be soon out. Meanwhile, his last playback singing project was Kartik Aaryan’s Chandu Champion. 

Also Read: Munjya song ‘Tainu Khabar Nahi’ out: Arijit Singh, Sachin-Jigar and Amitabh Bhattacharya reunite for Sharvari and Abhay Varma starrer romantic track

Television actress Hina Khan has demonstrated extraordinary courage and resilience as she battles stage 3 breast cancer. In a powerful and emotional move, Hina has decided to shave her head, a decision she documented in a heartfelt video shared on social media.

Hina Khan Gets Bald Amid Breast Cancer Treatment  The video captured the moment as Hina bid farewell to her iconic pixie hairstyle, a symbol of her embracing this significant phase of her cancer treatment journey. With raw emotion, she expressed her determination to accept her battle scars and prioritise healing.

"You can win this only if you embrace yourself, accept it and I choose to accept my battle scars because I believe if you will embrace yourself you are one step closer towards your healing and I really really want to heal and focus on that part and that aspect of my life," Hina shared in the video. Hina Khan Prioritises Mental Health Amid Breast Cancer Treatment   Addressing the emotional toll of hair loss due to cancer treatment, Hina explained her decision to proactively shave her head. "I don’t want to go through that phase where every time I put my hand in my hair and a bunch of hair falls… It’s very stressful, it’s very depressing," she said.

Hina spoke about the importance of mental health in the battle against cancer, encouraging others to prioritise their well-being. She believes that shaving her head before hair loss can be empowering and beautiful, and hopes her decision will inspire others facing similar challenges.

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The actress has been transparent about her journey, using her platform to raise awareness and support those affected by cancer. Despite her health battle, Hina remains committed to her professional life, with upcoming music videos and OTT projects in the pipeline.

Also Read: Hina Khan prepares for first shoot after first chemo session; hides stitches, puts wig with fringes: “I am undergoing treatment but I am not always in the hospital”

Bollywood heartthrob Kartik Aaryan has concluded filming for the highly anticipated horror-comedy Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3. The film, also starring Triptii Dimri and Vidya Balan, is slated for a Diwali 2024 release.

Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 Wraps Up

Aaryan shared the exciting news with fans through a fun-filled video featuring the cast and crew. "Arey pagalo. It's a wrap for #BhoolBhulaiyaa3. Haveli ka darwaza ek baar phir khulne ke liye taiyaar chuka hai. See you this Diwali," he wrote on social media. The announcement sent fans into a frenzy, as the previous installments of the franchise have been massive hits. 

“Can't wait for the teaser to be released,” wrote a fan while another commented, “All the best, another blockbuster loading.” Behind the scenes, the team appears to have shared a wonderful working experience. Aaryan's video showcased the joyous atmosphere on set. Triptii Dimri, who was not present in the video, took to the comments section and showered love with red-heart emoticons. 

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Kartik Aaryan's meteoric rise in Bollywood has solidified his position as a leading actor. His performance in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 was particularly noteworthy, contributing significantly to the film's success. The inclusion of Triptii Dimri and Vidya Balan in the third installment adds another layer of anticipation for the film.

Apart from Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, Kartik Aaryan has a packed schedule. He recently starred in Chandu Champion and was honored with the 'Rising Global Superstar of Indian Cinema' award at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne. Speaking of the professional front, besides BB3, Kartik has a bunch of exciting films in his kitty including the sequel of his 2019 release, Pati Patni Aur Woh. 

Also Read: Ranbir Kapoor considers Ranveer Singh and Vicky Kaushal as his competition in Bollywood; Kartik Aaryan as charming personality: “They are such fine actors”

In a recent BCCI meeting with franchise owners in Mumbai, Shah Rukh Khan, co-owner of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), and Ness Wadia, co-owner of Punjab Kings (PBKS), reportedly found themselves at odds. The meeting, aimed at discussing plans for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season, quickly turned contentious over the topic of the mega auctions.

KKR’s stance on mega auction

Shah Rukh Khan, whose team KKR lifted the IPL title this year, was vocal about his opposition to the mega auction. KKR had a dominant season, topping the group stage and defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad in both the playoffs and the final to clinch their third title. Khan emphasized the importance of retaining key players, arguing that “it takes a lot of time to build” a cohesive and successful squad. He found support from Sunrisers Hyderabad's co-owner, Kavya Maran, who echoed his sentiments during the heated discussion.

PBKS’s perspective

On the other hand, Ness Wadia of PBKS disagreed with the idea of major retentions. The PBKS team had a disappointing season, finishing ninth in the table with only five wins out of 14 matches. Wadia’s perspective added fuel to the debate, leading to a heated exchange with Khan during the meeting.

Franchise owners’ debates

Ahead of the meeting, there were reports that some franchises were pushing for up to eight retentions before the mega auction. Additionally, there were suggestions to reintroduce the Right to Match (RTM) option, which was discontinued in 2022 with the addition of two new teams to the tournament. The meeting also saw discussions about the potential implications for foreign players defaulting on their contracts, a move that could significantly disrupt franchise plans.

Attendance and participation

While the Ambanis, owners of Mumbai Indians, attended the meeting via video conference, several other prominent franchise owners were present at the BCCI headquarters. These included Kiran Kumar Grandhi of Delhi Capitals, Sanjiv Goenka of Lucknow Super Giants, Rupa Gurunath of Chennai Super Kings, Manoj Badale of Rajasthan Royals, and Prathmesh Mishra of Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Looking ahead

As the IPL prepares for another season, the decisions made in these meetings will shape the future dynamics of the teams and the tournament itself. The clash between Shah Rukh Khan and Ness Wadia highlights the diverse perspectives and high stakes involved in maintaining and building successful IPL teams.

Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan makes an entry through kitchen at Siddharth Anand birthday bash

Shah Rukh Khan attended director Siddharth Anand's birthday party in Mumbai on July 31. According to rumors, he entered quietly through the kitchen with his manager, Pooja Dadlani. The party was held at a posh restaurant in BKC, Mumbai. While SRK attempted to dodge the spotlight, paparazzi stationed outside the eatery were able to capture his images and videos.

SRK wore a basic black t-shirt, dark blue blazer, and blue trousers. He finished the ensemble with sunglasses and a sling bag. He and his manager came in their beautiful Rolls Royce, both sporting ponytails.

Shah Rukh and his family traveled for London last month after attending Annat Ambani and Radhika Merchant's weddings, where they have been spending weeks in preparation for his upcoming film, King, in which he will share screen space with daughter Suhana Khan.

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Over the last few weeks, there have been claims that SRK is about to have eye surgery abroad. However, his manager or team have yet to corroborate this.

A source close to the Shah Rukh Khan stated, "There have been allegations of SRK flying to the United States for eye surgery. However, sources close to the actor have not verified any such developments thus yet. His public relations team has not responded to questions about the procedure."

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On the work front, Shah Rukh Khan starrer in back-to-back hits like Pathaan, Jawan, and Dunki. The actor's next film will be The King, directed by Sujoy Ghosh.

Shah Rukh's next King will be directed by Sujoy Ghosh. It's co-produced by his banner Red Chillies Entertainment and Siddharth Anand's Marflix Pictures. The film will also star Abhishek Bachchan as the chief antagonist.

Also Read : EXCLUSIVE: Aditi Bhatia REVEALS she almost played Shah Rukh Khan and Preity Zinta’s child in Kal Ho Naa Ho: “My role got cut because the story changed…”

Hrithik Roshan and Saba Azad have been together for several years, and in a recent interview, Hrithik's cousin, actor Pashmina Roshan, discussed her relationship with Saba and expressed gratitude for having Saba in her life. Pashmina recently made her debut in the love comedy Ishq Vishq Rebound.

In a conversation with Instant Bollywood, Pashmina said “I cannot explain to you in three words or four words, you will have to live with me for a week for me to let you know how amazing she is. There are times when I forget she is my brother’s girlfriend and I think this is my sister, my friend, why are you hanging with her? Let us hangout together.”

Pashmina explained her bond with Saba Azad and said, “I am very grateful to have her in my life. There is not one thing that I cannot run by her. I know when I do tell her things, she doesn’t judge me. Whenever I share a happy moment with her, she is happy for me. When I tell her a moment of contention in my life, she is as perplexed for me as I am. And she is there sitting down to solve my problems with me.”

Hrithik Roshan has been dating Saba Azad since 2021. After strolling the red carpet together for Karan Johar's 50th birthday party, the couple made their relationship official. Hrithik and Saba frequently exchange photos on social media. Saba also participates in numerous Roshan family celebrations.

Also Read : Pashmina Roshan of Ishq Vishq Rebound fame opens up about rejection she faced from the industry; says, “I definitely do feel the pressure”

On Saturday, July 27, Jio Studios and B62 Studios confirmed that Uri: The Surgical Strike (2019) director Aditya Dhar’s next will feature Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, R Madhavan, Akshaye Khanna, and Arjun Rampal. A black-and-white picture comprising these five actors and Aditya Dhar was released by the makers and it became a talking point. The film also went on floors last week, on July 25. The press release didn’t mention what the film is all about but as per reports, it’s a period action thriller, set against the backdrop of the geopolitical scenario between India and Pakistan. Soon, speculations began that Ranveer would play Ajit Doval, the current National Security Advisor of India, in his younger days.

Bollywood Hungama has learned that while the film does touch upon Ajit Doval’s life, it is not Ranveer who’d essay the character. A source told Bollywood Hungama, “It is R Madhavan who plays the coveted part. He’ll have a cool, different look in the film and it’s something that the actor is excited about. Like always, he’s giving his heart and soul to this role as well. The makers are confident that it’s something to watch out for.”

The source however had no information on whether the character would be named Ajit Doval or will it be inspired by the man. Also, there are no details available about the character essayed by Ranveer Singh.

Interestingly, this is the second time that Aditya Dhar would show Ajit Doval in his film. In Uri: The Surgical Strike, Paresh Rawal’s character Govind Bhardwaj was based on Ajit Doval.

The press release given out by the makers also makes it clear that contrary to popular belief, the film is not called Dhurandhar. The film, as of now, is untitled. It is produced by Jyoti Deshpande from Jio Studios along with Lokesh Dhar and Aditya Dhar under their banner B62 Studios.

Also Read: R Madhavan buys apartment in BKC worth Rs 17.5 crores: Report 

The highly anticipated Paris Olympic Games 2024 are generating a lot of interest on social media, with people all around the world talking about it. While Indian sportsmen prepare to make their country proud with their accomplishments, artists are equally prepared to entertain them.

Among some of the biggest Indian artists, playback singer Neeti Mohan is also ready to entertain the fans and to boost the morale of Indian athletes with her melodious voice at the India House i.e. the official hub for the Indian Olympic team.

Neeti Mohan has created a tremendous name for herself in the Indian music industry with famous songs like Galat Baat Hai and Kashmir. Main Tu Kanyakumari, Sapna Jahan, Nainowale Ne, Kheech Meri Photo, Tune Maari Entriyaan, Manwa Laage, Meri Jaan, and more. Known for her powerful vocals and agility, Neeti has thrilled millions of music fans and inspired many of them.

Neeti expressed her enthusiasm at playing at the India House and said, "It’s an absolute honor to represent India at such a prestigious event. I am honored to perform at India House in Paris for the first time! I will be singing not just for Indians, but for attendees from all nationalities. I'm excited to perform live with my band. India is truly shining in Paris this time!"

In addition to her musical contributions, Neeti has advocated for sports and youth empowerment. She has worked on a variety of initiatives to promote sports among the younger generation, emphasising the value of physical fitness and mental well-being. "Let’s come together to support our athletes and give them the encouragement they need to excel on the global stage,” she said.

On the work front, Neeti Mohan has performed in a number of major Hindi films, including Student of the Year, Jab Tak Hai Jaan, Raanjhanaa, Kick, Brothers, Padmaavat, Kalank, Gangubai Kathiawadi, and others. In 2024, she sang vocals for songs in films including as Yodha, Ae Watan Mere Watan, Mr. & Mrs. Mahi, Sarfira, and Bad News.

Also Read : Neeti Mohan returns as the judge of the new season of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa

July 27 marked the 32nd death anniversary of Amjad Khan, one of the most iconic actors from India cinema. Although he was known for his villainous roles, he also excelled while playing different roles. But he is known the most for his legendary act as the dacoit Gabbar Singh in Ramesh Sippy’s classic Sholay (1975).

Khan’s role as Gabbar Singh is not only still remembered but it also sends a chill down your spine. A major highlight about his performance in Sholay was that he made some of the mundane lines memorable. For example, “Kitne aadmi the?”, “Arre O Sambha”, “Holi kab hai, kab hai Holi?”, etc.

It would come as a complete surprise to many that out of these dialogues, Khan’s inspiration behind the line “Arre O Sambha” was his dhobi (laundry guy). This interesting trivia is disclosed by journalist turned author Roshmila Bhattacharya in her book ‘Bad Men: Bollywood’s Iconic Villains’. The book has numerous chapters based on some of the most iconic onscreen bad men from Hindi cinema. It is published by Rupa Publications.

Amjad Khan’s wife Shehla Khan told the author that her husband used to excel in mimicry of famous people. But Amjad’s father, the late actor Jayant, once told him that he should try and mimic ordinary people.

An excerpt from the book read, “Shehla remembers her father-in-law, actor Jayant, telling his son, ‘Tum khaas ki nakal karoge to pehchane jaaoge, agar nakal hi karni hai to aam ki karo (If you try to imitate a known person, you will be caught. If you have to imitate someone, let it be a common man).’ The words resonated with him, and Amjad Khan found his muses in the people around him, including their domestic worker and the dhobi (laundry man). ‘We had a dhobi who would call out to his wife, “Arrey O Shanti”, and from that was born “Arrey O Sambha”,’ reveals Shehla.”

This chapter from ‘Bad Men’ also looks at the period when Amjad Khan and his wife met with an accident when they were traveling from Mumbai to Goa in their car. Khan had to reach over there to shoot The Great Gambler after he missed his flight as he was shooting for the film Watan (which was later shelved). The veteran actor dozed off as their driver drove the vehicle. Later, when they were about to resume the journey after taking a break for tea at a stall, Khan asked their driver to rest, and he decided to take the wheel.

While he was trying to flip a cassette in the deck while driving, the car lost balance and banged into a tree. Khan broke his leg and 13 ribs while Shehla was also badly injured. Their son, driver and maid were unhurt. Khan and Shehla were rushed to the Panjim Medical Hospital.

An excerpt from the book read, “Amjad was wheeled in for an emergency surgery. ‘Since my right hand was broken, Amit-ji (Amitabh Bachchan), who had rushed over on getting the news, signed the consent forms for the tracheostomy. He must have been so nervous because Amjad’s condition was not good, but both Jaya and Amit-ji were by my side all day, consulting the doctors and making all the arrangements,’ Shehla relives the horror.”

The except continued, “Throughout his stay at the Panjim Medical Hospital, Amjad Khan’s The Great Gambler co-star and good friend, Amitabh Bachchan, would visit the hospital every day, urging him to get well soon. Later, when the actor himself was in hospital for months after being injured on the sets of Coolie (1983), Amjad sat by his bedside and boosted his spirits. Their yaarana (friendship) was real!”

Also Read: Ramesh Sippy recalls choosing Sholay over completed script of Majboor: “My father said don’t waste time”

Sanjay Dutt, Raveena Tandon, Aruna Irani, Khushalii Kumar, Parth Samthaan, singer-composer Sukhbir, choreographer Ganesh Acharya, director Binnoy K Gandhi and producer Nidhi Dutta attended the launch of the song ‘Punjabi Munde’ from Ghudchadi in Mumbai. One of the most memorable moments of the event was Raveena Tandon’s opening speech.

Raveena Tandon began by saying, “Aruna ji ke saamne hum sab paani kam chai hai. She’s the original, original, original ki OG! She has worked with my father (Ravi Tandon) in many films. There was this song ‘Sapna Mera Toot Gaya’ from Khel Khel Mein (1975). It was my favourite song. Caravan (1971) se leke aaj tak caravan chalta hi raha aur chalta rahega!”

She further said, “It’s a huge honour for me as I was working with my favourite director J P Dutta’s daughter (Nidhi Dutta.) I worked in his films like Kshatriya (1993). Now, I am working with my daamaad, Binnoy!”

She continued, “Parth and Khushalii have been fantastic. Sukhbiir, thank you for this wonderful song for our film.”

She then asked “Ganya kahan gaya?”, referring to Ganesh Acharya. The choreographer, however, had to leave due to ill-health. Next, Raveena Tandon asked writer Deepak Kapur Bhardwaj to come forward. She said, “When Deepak and Binnoy narrated the script to me, I had faith in it from the word ‘go’.” She also praised actress Bindiya and called her “My most favourite woman on this planet”.

Raveena Tandon then raised laughs as she said, “Lastly, I come to my ‘forever’ co-star Sanjay Dutt (smiles). The day Ghudchadi trailer was released, I saw a meme on the internet which read, ‘Ramika Sen and Adhira in a parallel universe’!” She drew parallels with KGF - Chapter 2 (2022) in which both appeared together. While Raveena played the Prime Minister of India, Sanjay Dutt essayed the role of a dreaded antagonist.

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She ended her speech by saying. “I have also worked with Sanjay Dutt in so many films. I am fortunate that I always have the support of the media. I guarantee that you’ll love the film. This is a film for the family and made by a family.”

Ghudchadi releases on JioCinema on August 9.

Also Read: Ghudchadi Trailer: Sanjay Dutt and Raveena Tandon’s 90s romance gets intertwined in the love story of Parth Samthaan and Khushalii Kumar

In the premiere episode of Khatron Ke Khiladi 14, Asim Riaz's aggressive outburst led to a major confrontation with host Rohit Shetty and the show's crew, culminating in his expulsion. Fellow contestants Kushal Tandon and Arjit Taneja were quick to criticize Asim's conduct on social media, calling him out for his unprofessionalism and need for mental help. Arjit Taneja took to Instagram and X to express his disbelief at Asim's behavior, calling him "deluded" and urging him to move past his Bigg Boss persona.

Arjit Taneja's candid critique

Arjit Taneja did not hold back in his criticism, stating, "I did Khatron Ke Khiladi last year and had one of the best times of my life. This guy is clearly deluded AF; it's a stunt-based show, get over Bigg Boss. Nobody gives a f***." He further expressed his frustration, questioning how Rohit Shetty managed to tolerate Asim's antics and suggesting that Asim needs professional help. Arjit's candid remarks reflect the gravity of Asim's misconduct and its impact on the show's atmosphere.

Kushal Tandon's strong reaction

Kushal Tandon echoed Arjit’s sentiments, reacting to his post by labeling Asim as arrogant and unprofessional. Kushal emphasized the importance of professionalism and respect in such competitive environments. He remarked, "I wish he did that in front of me. He really needs help. Mein do teen stunt marne aya hoon, aree bhai maal nahi hain jo maar lega." Kushal's comments underline the necessity for contestants to maintain composure and integrity, especially in high-pressure situations.

The incident unfolded

The incident that triggered this backlash occurred when Asim Riaz failed to complete a task and subsequently blamed the show's team for setting up an impossible challenge. This led to a heated exchange with Rohit Shetty, escalating further when Asim charged at fellow contestant Abhishek Kumar with a shoe in hand. Rohit Shetty's decision to expel Asim from the show was met with widespread approval, highlighting the zero-tolerance policy for such behavior on KKK 14.

Rohit Shetty's handling of the situation

Kushal Tandon and Arjit Taneja both praised Rohit Shetty for his composed handling of the situation. Kushal pointed out that Asim's behavior was uncalled for and that his arrogance was misplaced, considering his limited achievements. He sarcastically questioned Asim's flaunting of wealth, adding, "Kitna paisa hain bey? Bank account details share karna." Kushal's support for Rohit's decision reflects the broader sentiment among the contestants and viewers, who appreciate a fair and disciplined approach to reality TV competition.

Asim Riaz's expulsion from Khatron Ke Khiladi 14 is a reminder of the importance of professionalism and respect in competitive environments. The swift and firm response from Rohit Shetty, along with the vocal criticism from fellow contestants Kushal Tandon and Arjit Taneja, underscores the need for decorum and integrity on such platforms.

Also Read: Rohit Shetty responds to Asim Riaz’s controversial statement “I have so much money you can’t even imagine” on Khatron Ke Khiladi 14

Jaya Bachchan, an actor-politician, chastised Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha Harivansh Narayan Singh today in parliament for adopting Amitabh Bachchan's name as her middle name. She took a moment to remind everyone that she had her own identity as well.

Harivansh called her to speak in a parliament session on Monday, saying, "Shrimati Jaya Amitabh Bachchan ji, please." Jaya responded: "Sir, sirf Jaya Bachchan bolte to kaafi hojata (It would've been enough to call me Jaya Bachchan)."  But it was pointed out that’s what her name is officially registered as.

She said, “Some new method has emerged that women have to be known by their husband’s name. Women have no identity. They have no achievements, no identity of their own. This new thing….”

Fans responded to the video, with some calling her 'brave'. One questioned, "No but why  Amitabh got added? If she did not add, who did? Or is it occurring to everyone?" Another person replied, "She's not wrong in any sense btw."

One admirer responded to misogynistic remarks that did not see her point, commenting, "People today are so selective. Had there been any other woman in her place, the comments would have supported her. She is not wrong though. Before she became a 'Bachchan' she was a successful actress herself. Indeed, how far we have come.”

Also Read : Jaya Bachchan calls Budget 2024 just drama; says, “I have no reaction”

David Dhawan’s Mujhse Shaadi Karogi turned out to be yet another success for him in the comedy genre. The film completes 20 years today (July 30). Starring Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar and Priyanka Chopra, the movie is still being enjoyed by the audience. It told the story of Sameer (Salman) who has had anger issues since childhood. After growing up, he relocates to Goa where he falls in love with Rani (Priyanka). However, luck keeps ditching him and on top of that, he has to deal with his new flat mate, the naughty Sunny (Akshay).

Duggal Sahab inspired from THIS real person

Mujhse Shaadi Karogi is known for the performance and start power of Salman, Akshay and Priyanka. However, the late Kader Khan in the role of Duggal sahab also gained equal importance for his strange illness. In fact, one can find numerous memes and posts on Duggal sahab on social media today. For the unversed, the character suffered through a rare condition in which becomes blind one day, deaf the other day and so on. Funnily, the film also showed him becoming child-like on day.

Not many would know that the character of Duggal sahab was inspired from a real person. In other words, there was actually a person who had such an illness. This trivia was shared with Bollywood Hungama by the film’s dialogue writer Rumy Jafry in an exclusive interview.

He told us that he always ensures that there is something unusual or funny about the characters he creates. He was wondering what different can he do with Kader Khan’s character of a landlord. “I was a bit restless thinking what type of character should he be,” said Jafry. “Rahul Rawail’s father HS Rawail’s best friend was known as Ridku uncle, who was like his uncle and stayed at their house. He was a dwarf and used to appear in a lot of HS Rawail’s films and the industry knew him.”

He continued, “When I was writing Anjaam, Rahul ji told me that his uncle had an unusual illness. Sometimes after waking up, he wouldn’t be able to hear. Sometimes, he wouldn’t be able to see. So, I thought this can be a good fit for the character (of Duggal sahab). But Rahul ji said the audience won’t believe it. I said even if they don’t, I will. So, I gave this characterization to Duggal sahab.”

But Rumy Jafry had to face an unusually scary situation right before the shoot. “My brother Aman (Jaffery) was working with Rahul ji. He told me that Rahul ji has also used this character in his film Jo Bole So Nihaal, which was to go on floors. I was shocked! I called Rahul ji and he accepted that he was written this character for his film. I said I have also written, and the film is about to start shoot. He asked whether in my film the character is helping the story and screenplay, or it is just added for comedy. I said it is helping my story and screenplay. So, he said he will remove that character from his film. It was such a big gesture that he did on the phone itself,” said Jafry.

Rajpal Yadav signed the film without knowing his character

Rajpal Yadav had become a star in those days through a series of funny and memorable performances. For this reason, producer Sajid Nadiadwala badly wanted him on board. “But there was no character decided for him,” said Jafry. “Days later, Rajpal called me and said that he has just signed the film and Sajid bhai told him that after Akshay and Salman, his role is the most prominent. He asked when he should come for a narration. I got scared as I had no role for him. I said I am busy for a week, and I straightaway called Sajid.”

Jafry continued, “I asked Sajid, ‘What role did you tell him?’ He said, ‘I made him agree for the film. Now it’s up to you.’ On the other hand, Rajpal kept calling me and saying that he is very eager to listen to his role and when should he come. Gradually, the date of the shoot neared. Rajpal said, ‘Bhaiya ab toh sunao!’ He also asked how he should work on the character and what costumes he would need to wear. I realized I can’t avoid him anymore, so I asked him to meet the next morning.”

The same evening, Jafry was wondering what character he should narrate to him. Just then, he found two roles for him – one was the member of the Eagle gang, and the other was the priest Shastri ji, who helps Salman’s character find a house. “At 10:30 or 11 pm, I suddenly thought why not make this into a double role? We can show them as twins – one became a ruffian and the other an astrologer and priest. It would be complete contrast. So, I called Sajid at around 11:30 or 12 and told him the idea. He got impressed and instantly asked me to go ahead with it,” he said.

Jafry wanted Mujhse Shaadi Karogi to appear different than one of his earlier films  

Mujhse Shaadi Karogi showed two guys (Salman and Akshay) falling for the same girl (Priyanka). Rumy Jafry had already written a film on these lines. Hence, his only concern was that MSK shouldn’t look similar to that film. “The main subject was by K Bhagyaraj. When I sat down to write, the biggest challenge was that I already had done a film on similar lines, which was Deewana Mastana. It becomes very difficult for a writer. After 10, 20 and 30 scenes there comes the interval. But what after that?”

Revealing his strategy to tackle this, he revealed, “I intentionally kept the level of entertainment very high and added freshness to the scenes. I added a prologue about the protagonist having a lot of anger, which was bottled up. And then in the climax it is revealed that this wasn’t a love triangle and Akshay was his childhood friend, who had come to calm down his anger and get him united to Priyanka. Hence, it turned out to be very different from Deewana Mastana.” He also added that David Dhawan gave a fresh and colourful look to the film and its sets were a talking point in the industry back then.

Amrish Puri’s hesitant casting

Jafry suggested Amrish Puri’s name to play colonel sahab and Priyanka’s father. His character keeps getting hit unintentionally by Salman’s character. “I had worked with him before, so I knew his thought-process and the kind of international actor he was,” he said. “He was also conscious about his image. But Sajid and David had thought about another actor. I suggested Amrish ji’s name. But they said he is a very big actor. I said that exactly will become the highlight. People will think ‘Football padi kisko? Chaataa pada kisko? Amrish ji ko!’”

Jafry added, “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge did well also because of Amrish ji. People would worriedly think, ‘Kajol’s father is Amrish ji, oh shit he won’t give her permission for the trip’ and ‘What would happen if he recognized Shah Rukh (Khan)? Baap re’. So, I said his image will help our movie. They said he wouldn’t agree. I said he would. And Amrish ji did agree. Kya imandaari se unhone kaam kiya tha!”

Also Read: SCOOP: Karan Johar hits PAUSE on his war films with Salman Khan and Kartik Aaryan – Here’s Why!

Sanjay Dutt turned 65 on July 29, and he gave himself a wonderful gift. He emerged from his home to greet admirers and paparazzi, who also grabbed a look of his new Range Rover. The actor enjoyed his special day with his family.

Sanjay gave himself a black Range Rover SUV for his birthday. Fans were seen taking pictures and videos of him as he waved at them in a video captured by the photographers present. The actor, dressed in a colourful shirt and jeans with a chain, folded his hands before heading to his new ride. He was escorted by family members and his squad as he made his way to the car.

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On Sanjay's birthday, Maanyata posted a love-filled message. Her post contains multiple romantic images set to Kishore Kumar's Ruk Jana Nahi. She wrote, “Happy….happiest birthday to my bestest half… @duttsanjay my strongest and full of life support system…. Your inner light overshadows all obstacles, overcomes any difficulties and challenges…. You have the ability to love selflessly and unconditionally! keep it that way, invincible!!!”

She further added, “You are precious and special not only to me but, to many more….who love and adore you with all their heart….My star…keep shining bright…always and ever!! Much love #birthday #love #grace #positivity #dutts #beautifullife #thankyougod.”

Trishala Dutt also wished her father writing, “I love you pops Happy Birthday.” She also shared a video of Sanjay turning DJ and having a ball behind the console.

On the work front, Sanjay is working on the action comedy Son Of Sardar 2 with Ajay Devgn, Mrunal Thakur, and Kubbra Sait. In addition, a formal announcement for Aditya Dhar's film, which stars him with Ranveer Singh, Madhavan, Akshaye Khanna, and Arjun Rampal, was released. He'll also appear in the Telugu film Double iSmart and the Kannada film KD.

Also Read : Saira Banu recalls Sanjay Dutt asking her for marriage in childhood; pens a heartfelt birthday wish for him

Emraan Hashmi recently reacted to Tanushree Dutta’s comment describing their chemistry in the 2005 film Aashiq Banaya Aapne as “brotherly.” In an interview with ScoopWhoop, Emraan candidly shared his thoughts on the statement. He remarked, “Did you hear Tanushree's quote three weeks ago? I don't know if it was a verbatim quote or what. She said that it was like ‘brotherly’. I said, ‘What did the director tell her and what did he tell me?’ I had another narrative going on in my head and she had another narrative going in her head. I was never told the story about incest. I don't know what she was thinking but fine.”

Reflecting on their on-screen chemistry

Tanushree Dutta, in an interview with Filmygyan, previously spoke about her experience of working on Aashiq Banaya Aapne. She discussed how she felt judged for her on-screen intimacy and reflected on her chemistry with Emraan. Tanushree stated, “The biggest and top-most actresses have done kissing, lovemaking scenes. No one says anything to them. I face difficulties. Whether I wear a short skirt or do a scene like that, everyone has an issue. It’s just acting. There was nothing personal between me and Emraan in it. Mine and Emraan’s chemistry is like brother-sister. Literally.”

Emraan Hashmi's career highlights

Emraan Hashmi, known for his frankness during media and fan interactions, continues to be a prominent figure in Bollywood. His first web series, Showtime, which released in 2024, has been renewed for a second season. Emraan is also set to make his Telugu debut with Sujeeth’s action thriller titled They Call Him OG, co-starring Pawan Kalyan and Priyanka Arul Mohan.

Also Read: Emraan Hashmi on Raghu Khanna’s explosive monologue in Showtime; says, “We’re kind of pulled in with this life of films, that sometimes we lose perspective”

Rajeev Khandelwal is known for playing a variety of characters in films, television, and online series. The actor, who recently participated in the Emraan Hashmi-starring film Showtime, replied to the restriction on Pakistani artists. In an interview with Bollywood Bubble, Rajeev stated that politicians advocating a ban on Pakistani actors is wrong.

Rajeev, remarking about the restriction on Pakistani artists, stated, “No, it is all politics. This is very wrong. Who are these politicians to ban artists? Our politics dictates a certain narrative. Where there is love blossoming between two nations, you don't even allow that for whatever reasons. So, I don't understand this. I also feel that it's wrong on my part to comment on this as I don't understand it. We often speak about harmony and peace. So, where there is genuine peace and harmony, there too political parties give it a Hindu-Muslim angle. That is not right. It's not that the Pakistani government is sending the artists as agents. I have only seen a lot of love coming.”

Rajeev is well-known for his work on prominent Hindi television shows such as Kahiin To Hoga and Sacch Ka Saamna. He made his Bollywood debut with the film Aamir 2008. He later appeared in films like Shiatan and Table No 21. Rajeev's Disney+ Hotstar show Showtime was just renewed for a second season.

Also Read : Rajeev Khandelwal recalls being ghosted by Sanjay Leela Bhansali after signing Chenab Gandhi: “I did feel time waste ho raha hai mera…”

Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh is set to take on a challenging new role as an R&AW agent in Aditya Dhar’s upcoming action thriller. According to a recent report by Mid-Day, the film promises to be a high-octane espionage drama, drawing inspiration from a real-life mission undertaken by India’s current National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval.

Ranveer Singh To Play RAW Agent In Aditya Dhar’s Next? The report further states that to capture the essence of the story, the film’s production will span multiple locations. The team is slated to commence shooting in Thailand, followed by a schedule in Canada, before wrapping up in Mumbai. 

Giving details of the other characters in the film, the report added Akshaye Khanna, R Madhavan, and Arjun Rampal are playing fellow intelligence officers, while Sanjay Dutt is set to portray the antagonist. CONFIRMED! Ranveer Singh Teams Up With Aditya Dhar  It is worth mentioning that the report was published a day after Ranveer Singh made the official announcement to confirm his collaboration with Aditya Dhar. In an Instagram post, the actor wrote, “This one is for my fans, who have been so patient with me, and been clamouring for a turn like this. I love you all, and I promise you, this time, a cinematic experience like never before.” 

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The film is produced by Jyoti Deshpande from Jio Studios along with Lokesh Dhar and Aditya Dhar under their banner B62 Studios. This follows their recent super hit collaboration Article 370. Principal shooting for this giant theatrical presentation is now officially underway.

Also Read: Kangana Ranaut lauds Aditya Dhar’s inclusion in film announcement post with Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt and more: “Filmmakers are the real stars of cinema”

Actress Tillotama Shome has bravely shared a harrowing experience of sexual harassment she endured in Delhi. The incident occurred while she was waiting for a bus.

Tillotama Shome Shares A Frightening Ordeal In a recent interview with Hauterrfly, Shome recounted that she was waiting for a bus on a dark winter evening, and a group of men began harassing her. She said, “Some cat calls started. Somebody threw a small stone. I moved away a little bit more. Then I was like, I have to go from here. Now either I run, but they can outrun me. They'll outnumber me.”

Feeling increasingly unsafe, she attempted to escape the situation but was cornered. Determined to protect herself, Shome accepted a ride from a stranger in a passing car with a medical sign. She explained, “We just moved a little bit. He took my hand and he unzipped his pants and I guess he wanted me to do whatever.”

She further added, “The moment he forced my hand, it was like an instinct hit, like hitting out. I don't know what I did, but he had to stop his car because something happened. He swerved, whatever. And he asked me to get out.” While calling it a terrifying experience, she added that she was shaken by it, but her instinct to fight back helped her get out of the situation. 

On the professional front, Tillotama is currently seen in Tribhuvan Mishra: CA Topper alongside Manav Kaul in the lead. The Netflix show started streaming from July 18. 

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Also Read: Manav Kaul and Tillotama Shome to star in gangster comedy series Tribhuvan Mishra: CA Topper; set for July 18 premiere on Netflix, see poster

In the latest episode of People by WTF, Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor engaged in an insightful conversation with host Nikhil Kamath. Ranbir delved into his personal and professional life, discussing his milestones, challenges, and the surprising similarities between him and Kamath. One significant topic was his long-standing aspiration to launch a brand.

Ranbir Kapoor's Vision for His Brand Ranbir Kapoor shared his enthusiasm for launching a lifestyle brand, a dream he has nurtured for a decade. "I’ve been a sneakerhead since I was a kid. I am very passionate about it. But I am very scared because I don’t know India as well. I don’t know the market," Kapoor admitted. He expressed his curiosity about the lack of Indian equivalents to global brands like Zara and H&M, despite the vast consumer market. His envisioned brand would focus on essentials, redefining staples like white T-shirts, jeans, white shirts, and, naturally, sneakers.

The Rockstar actor spoke about his desire to create a brand that transcends the typical "celebrity brand" image, noting the failures of many such ventures. He described his brand as a "lifestyle brand" aimed at providing quality essentials. "Streetwear is a bit bastardized now. I would like to call it like what a white T-shirt should be like, what jeans should be like, what a white shirt should be like, and of course, sneakers because I love sneakers," the Tamasha actor elaborated. Alia Bhatt: The "Marketing Genius" During the conversation, Ranbir Kapoor spoke highly of his wife, actress Alia Bhatt, praising her entrepreneurial success with her brand, Ed-a-Mamma. "My wife is a very successful owner of a brand. She started a toddler and children’s wear brand called Ed-a-Mamma, and it happened in front of my eyes. She was just amazing. The fact that she chose to do something like this, she worked through lockdown. I saw the marketing genius that she was," RK remarked.

Kapoor contrasted his own approach to his brand with Bhatt’s. While he acknowledges his vision and passion, he admits that he lacks Bhatt's marketing prowess. "I don’t think I am a marketing genius. I do have an idea and a dream and a vision, but I’m still trying to do the groundwork. Just the market, meet people. I met really interesting people, what were their experiences," the 41-year-old actor shared.

Coming to the professional front, RK was last seen in Animal, which was released in December 2023. He has an exciting line-up with films such as Ramayan and Love and War in his kitty.

Also Read: Ranbir Kapoor on media scrutiny, label of ‘Casanova’ while dating Deepika Padukone, Katrina Kaif; being called a cheater: “I dated two very successful actresses and that just became my identity”