Indus Chronicles

Irrfan Khan's son, Babil Khan, has shared a touching tribute to his late father's performance in the 2009 film Billu. The emotional post highlights the exceptional talent and versatility of the legendary actor.

A Powerful Scene Babil Khan took to Instagram to share a poignant video clip from Billu, featuring a powerful scene between Irrfan Khan and Shah Rukh Khan. The clip showcases the depth of their acting prowess and the chemistry they shared on screen. In his caption, Babil expressed his admiration for his father's performance, reflecting on the magic that unfolded on set during the filming of the scene. 

It read, “I remember this scene being shot, I was on set at the time but I was too small to understand the magic that was happening in creation. It is strange and yet beautiful how life takes away what is most precious to you just to show you the way back to your roots.”

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The video quickly resonated with fans, who shared their heartfelt comments and tributes to Irrfan Khan. Many praised his exceptional talent and the impact he had on the film industry.

For the unversed, Billu stars Irrfan Khan, Shah Rukh Khan and Lara Dutta in the lead. The film, which is a remake of the Malayalam movie called Katha Parayumpol, was directed by Priyadarshan. 

Returning to Babil, the star kid made his acting debut in 2022 with Anvita Dutt's psychological drama Qala, also starring Triptii Dimri.In the following year, he was seen in Netflix’s original film, Friday Night Plan. In the same year, he made his OTT debut in YRF's web series The Railway Men. 

Also Read: Babil Khan shuts down trolls criticising his politeness: “It’s just the way I’ve been raised”

Filmmaker Nikkhil Advani has shared a hilarious anecdote from the first day of shooting for his film Salaam-e-Ishq. The director revealed that he accidentally addressed Salman Khan as Shah Rukh Khan during the muhurat shot.

When Nikkhil Advani Addressed Salman Khan as Shah Rukh Khan On his appearance on Aapka Apna Zakir, Nikkhil recalled that the incident occurred amidst the bustling energy of the set, with over 500 junior artists, 200 dancers, and renowned choreographers Bosco-Caesar present. He said, “Salman was standing there and I was looking at the monitor and I said ‘Shah Rukh, ready?'”

Nikkhil previously directed Shah Rukh in Kal Ho Naa Ho. In addition to this, he had previously assisted Karan Johar on Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, which also starred Shah Rukh in the lead role. 

Coming back to Nikkhil’s story, the awkward moment was immediately met with silence from the entire crew. “Salman gave me a look and the whole set went quiet. Then he said, ‘Yeah Karan, I am ready,'” he added. Nikkhil Advani Praises Salman Khan  Having said that, it is worth mentioning here that ever since Nikkhil started promoting his latest directorial venture, Vedaa, he was often seen talking about his equation with Salman Khan. Previously, in a chat with Galatta Plus, the filmmaker said, “Salman Khan prides himself on being the messiah of the industry, so the minute I walked out of the doors of Dharma Productions, I got a call from Salman saying, ‘Come and meet me’. (He then said) ‘Now you will work for me, you will make a film for me’. And I appreciate that.”

Speaking of Vedaa, it stars Sharvari Wagh and John Abraham in the lead while Abhishek Banerjee plays the antagonist. The film was released along with Maddock horror-comedy universe’s Stree 2 and Akshay Kumar’s Khel Khel Mein. 

Also Read: Vedaa trailer launch: Nikkhil Advani says, “If second part of Kal Ho Naa Ho is made today, people will question “6 din ladki in”; speaks on taking John Abraham-starrer a step ahead of D-Day “in terms of action” amid constant request of making Kal Ho Naa Ho sequel

Comedy powerhouses Kapil Sharma and Sunil Grover recently embarked on a spiritual journey to Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's ashram in Bengaluru. The duo's visit has captured the attention of fans, with a recent video showcasing their interaction with the spiritual leader going viral.

A Candid Conversation The video features a candid exchange between Kapil, Sunil, and Gurudev, where the topic of conflict and friendship was brought up. Sunil's humorous question about avoiding conflicts between friends, an apparent reference to his past disagreement with Kapil, left the audience in splits.

He asked, “Gurudev, I have a question to ask. When two friends, who love each other a lot, have a conflict, how do they make sure to patch up without having a gap of six years or avoid such a situation?”

Gurudev's wise response, emphasizing the importance of both love and conflict in a relationship, resonated with many. The interaction showcased the genuine bond between Kapil and Sunil, who have successfully overcome their differences and reunited for the entertainment of their fans.

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A Journey of Reconciliation For the unversed, tension arose during an international trip when Kapil and Sunil allegedly engaged in a heated argument aboard the plane. This resulted in Sunil abruptly exiting the show. The two comedians reconciled after six years and reunited for The Great Indian Kapil Show on Netflix. Their reunion has been met with immense love and support from the audience, who have eagerly awaited their on-screen collaboration.

As the show gears up for its second season, fans eagerly anticipate more laughter and camaraderie between the two talented comedians.

Also Read: Sumona Chakravarti REACTS to reports of being “fired” from Kapil Sharma Show: “Show ended in July and after that, we all went ahead”

Filmmaker Karan Johar shared a heartwarming glimpse into his family life on Raksha Bandhan. The director posted a delightful video showcasing the adorable antics of his twins, Yash and Roohi, as they participated in the traditional Rakhi ceremony.

A Playful Rakhi Ritual The video captures the essence of sibling rivalry as Yash playfully tries to escape Roohi's attempts to tie the Rakhi on his wrist. Karan's amused yet firm voice in the background adds to the charm of the video. The presence of their grandmother, Hiroo Johar, watching over the siblings with a warm smile completes the picture-perfect family moment.

Johar's caption humorously encapsulates the chaos and love that filled the room during the Rakhi celebration. He wrote, “Rakhee love !!!! It’s always a process to get the tradition of this beautiful festival of love accurately on point! The mothership contributed and the son was in a tearing hurry to go nowhere! The daughter was dutifully doing her best and I was trying to be the master of ceremonies with not much success!!! Happy Raksha Bandhan to all!!! Take care of each other and spread the joy.”

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The post has garnered immense love and appreciation from fans, who found the video to be an endearing portrayal of family life. Karan Johar's Recent Success Apart from his personal life, Karan Johar recently received the People's Choice Award at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne for his directorial venture, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. The film, starring Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh, was released last year. Currently, KJo is awaiting the releases of two of his productional ventures, Call Me Bae (a web show, starring Ananya Panday) and Jr NTR and Janhvi Kapoor’s first on-screen collaboration Devara Part 1. 

Also Read: Bollywood stars Sonam Kapoor, Bhumi Pednekar, Tamannaah Bhatia and others celebrate Raksha Bandhan with heartfelt tributes to their siblings

The biopic of the life of cricketer Yuvraj Singh has been officially announced. The project will be produced by Bhushan Kumar and Ravi Bhagchandka, two prominent figures in the Indian entertainment industry. This untitled biopic promises to be a grand portrayal of Yuvraj Singh's remarkable journey, both on and off the field.

Yuvraj Singh is celebrated for his significant contributions to Indian cricket, including his pivotal role in India's victories in the 2007 ICC T20 World Cup and the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup. His cricketing career, marked by extraordinary performances, is only one part of his story. The biopic will also delve into his inspiring battle against cancer, showcasing his resilience and determination to overcome life’s toughest challenges.

The announcement of this biopic has generated considerable anticipation, as fans eagerly await more details about the film. With Bhushan Kumar and Ravi Bhagchandka at the helm, the project is expected to do justice to Yuvraj Singh’s legacy, capturing the essence of his legendary career and his courage in the face of adversity.

While further information about the cast, crew, and release date is yet to be revealed, the film is already being viewed as a significant addition to the growing list of sports biopics in India. The producers have promised that more details will be shared soon

Also Read: Bhushan Kumar and Yo Yo Honey Singh come together to unveil the new album GLORY

Mudassar Aziz has expressed his dismay over the censorship of his latest directorial venture, Khel Khel Mein, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The film, which marks Fardeen Khan's return to the big screen after a 14-year hiatus, has seen crucial segments edited out by the UAE Media Regulatory Office, leaving the filmmaker disappointed.

Censorship Alters Fardeen Khan’s Character Arc One of the most significant cuts in Khel Khel Mein involves a key sequence in the climax, which is central to Fardeen Khan’s character development. The scene, which delves into the character’s sexuality, has been removed under local restrictions. This censorship has drastically altered the narrative for audiences in the UAE. 

A report by Mid-Day quoted a fan from Dubai, “This edit changes the narrative of Fardeen’s character. It’s disheartening to see such an important moment erased. I felt cheated when I found out from Indian cine-goers about this. Censorship like this denies audiences the full experience of the film’s powerful message.”

Another dialogue that was scissored reads, “Meri 10 saal ki beti ki soch aapki soch se behtar hai.” This line, which resonates with the film’s themes of progressive thinking and societal change, was also deemed inappropriate for the UAE audience. Mudassar Aziz’s Response to the Censorship Mudassar Aziz, while acknowledging the disappointment, focused on the broader impact of the film. “I’m a filmmaker. To write all sorts of characters and raise topics of conversation is my professional and moral duty! Khel Khel Mein does that. While it’s heartbreaking to see that something so relevant, and done with so much dignity, found its way out of the UAE release, I’m thrilled at the applause that [the rest] of the world is sending my way for those very scenes,” Aziz told Mid-Day. Fardeen Khan Stands by the Film’s Message Fardeen Khan also weighed in on the situation. “Through this role, I hoped to contribute to a conversation that is necessary and relevant. While edits may have been made, the intention behind the role—that of acceptance—remains unchanged, and I stand by the message’s importance,” he said.

Speaking of the film, besides Fardeen, it also stars Akshay Kumar, Vaani Kapoor, Ammy Virk, and Taapsee Pannu, among others. It was released on August 15 with Vedaa and Stree 2.  

Also Read: Khel Khel Mein and Vedaa plummet on Day 2; struggle for survival at the box office against Stree 2

Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan is reportedly in advanced discussions with acclaimed Tamil director Lokesh Kanagaraj for a highly anticipated pan-India film. According to a recent report by Telugu entertainment portal Aakashavaani, Aamir is keen to collaborate with Lokesh on a project that promises to resonate across the entire nation.

While the collaboration is yet to be officially announced, sources suggest that Aamir, Lokesh, and the production house Mythri Movie Makers are deep in discussions to finalize the details. If all goes as planned, an official announcement could be made in the near future, confirming what is expected to be a landmark project in Indian cinema.

Lokesh Kanagaraj has established himself as one of the leading filmmakers in the Indian film industry. His last directorial venture, Leo, starring Vijay, was released in 2023 and became a massive hit. Leo was the third installment in the Lokesh Cinematic Universe, following the success of his previous films Kaithi and Vikram. He is currently working on his upcoming movie Coolie starring Rajinikanth.

Aamir has also been active on the production front. He recently produced Laapataa Ladies, directed by Kiran Rao. The film was screened at the Supreme Court of India on August 9, with Aamir in attendance.

As for Aamir's upcoming projects, fans eagerly await Sitaare Zameen Par, a film focusing on Down Syndrome. This is set for Christmas 2024 release. ALSO READ: Aamir Khan, Karisma Kapoor, Janhvi Kapoor and other Bollywood celebrities shine at the premiere of Rajadhiraaj: Love Life Leela at NMACC

Actor Arshad Warsi has openly expressed his disappointment with the sci-fi film, Kalki 2898 AD. While the film has garnered immense success at the box office, Warsi's candid opinion has sparked discussions among fans and critics alike.

Arshad Warsi Expresses His Disappointment with Kalki 2898 AD In a recent chat on Unfiltered by Samdish YouTube channel, Arshad shared his thoughts on the film, stating that he found it underwhelming. While he praised Amitabh Bachchan's performance, he expressed his confusion over Prabhas' characterization. Warsi expressed his desire to see a more gritty and intense portrayal of the protagonist, similar to iconic characters like Mad Max.

In his words: “Meine Kalki 2898 AD, jo mujhe achi nahin lagi. Amit Ji (Bachchan) was unbelievable! I cannot believe it.” While talking about Prabhas he said, “I am really sad but, why was he was like a joker? Why? I want to see a Mad Max yaar, I want to see Mel Gibson over there. What have you made it. Why do filmmakers do this, I will never understand.”  Appreciation for Rajkummar Rao Despite his critique of Kalki 2898 AD, Arshad was quick to acknowledge the exceptional performances in other projects. He lauded Rajkummar Rao's Srikant, calling it outstanding. He also praised Sharvari Wagh and Abhay Verma's performances in Munjya and Lakshay Lalwani’s debut film Kill. Upcoming Projects On the work front, Arshad Warsi is currently gearing up for the release of Jolly LLB 3, where he will reprise his iconic role alongside Akshay Kumar. He also has the comedy film Welcome To The Jungle in the pipeline, which boasts a star-studded cast.

Also Read: Akshay Kumar, Arshad Warsi starrer Jolly LLB 3 to release on April 10, 2025: Report

This year may not have been as successful as last year. But it has turned out to be super successful for films belonging to the supernatural genre. So far, we have seen three of them – Shaitaan, Munjya and Stree 2 – and all three have worked big time at the box office. In fact, these three films are also a part of the 10 highest grossers of the year. Stree 2  that has entered the coveted Rs. 100 cr club by the end of its second day running looks posied to see it's business grow by leaps. Interestingly, two out of the three films – Munjya and Stree 2 – are from Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films.

The triumph of this genre this year was pointed out by veteran trade analyst Taran Adarsh on Twitter. Bollywood Hungama spoke with him exclusively on this trend. He said, “This genre has had 100% track record (in 2024). This has been very underutilized genre. Years ago, I distinctly remember watching a film called Jaani Dushman (1979) by Rajkumar Kohli in theatre. It was a huge hit. Also, Ramsay brothers made films like Do Gaz Zameen Ke Neeche, Darwaza, Purana Mandir, Hotel, etc. I know they were money-spinners because my father was one of the distributors of these films. They were like lottery. People were crazy for those films. There used to be horror films in those days, but it was still an underutilized genre.”

He added, “Ram Gopal Varma also made films like Bhoot and Phoonk and they worked. So, I feel it’s the return of this genre in a very big way this year. Stree 2 was riding on a franchise and over a period of time Stree has cultivated a huge fan base with the term like ‘Vicky Pleej’ by Rajkummar and Stree ki choti. This is desi entertainment. Even Rohit Shetty tried it, and it worked in a very big way in Golmaal Again. So, this is a completely underutilized and forgotten genre, should I say. We are making different types of films. Why not horror?”

Taran Adarsh also revealed the reactions he got after his tweet. “Last night after I posted that, you won’t believe I have got calls from three producers till now who have said ki yeh toh khayal hi nahin aaya,” he said. “We are always chasing love stories and after Jawan and Pathaan did well, we are making action films with south tadka also. Also, if you notice, all three films are not imported from the south. They are hardcore Mumbai based films made my Mumbai based production houses. And they have worked and how!”

Adarsh also added that supernatural stories find takers in India also because of the beliefs by the people of the country. “If you tell a westerner that a person would get possessed after eating a laddoo, he won’t believe it,” he said. “But we believed it in Shaitaan because right from our childhood, we are told not to eat anything given by a stranger. I remember my grandmother warning me not to eat anything sweet offered by a stranger. Even what is shown in Munjya, we have heard such stories like there are ghosts and spirits. We have also heard about haunted houses.”

Bollywood’s next shot at this genre isn’t far away and Taran Adarsh is excited for the same. “And now we have Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 coming in in Diwali. The expectations will be huge again,” he said.

Also Read: Shaitaan, Munjya and Stree 2 – all 3 supernatural films of 2024 – turn out to be successes, 2 out of the 3 films belong to Maddock Films

Imtiaz Ali’s Rockstar (2011) had a decent run in cinemas but over the years, it achieved cult status. It re-released this year and drew housefull crowds, surprising the industry and trade. During an interaction with Mayank Shekhar of Mid-Day, Imtiaz spoke about it and also confessed that John Abraham was the original choice for the role of Jordan played by Ranbir Kapoor.

Imtiaz Ali said, “There are certain things that don’t happen in life. So, you don’t know how it would be if it had happened. If John had done that film, would it have affected in some way as an actor or would he have taken a different route, we don’t know.”

Imtiaz Ali was slammed for casting Nargis Fakhri in Rockstar. Imtiaz Ali revealed, “Nargis’ mother is from Prague but settled in America. She had gotten married to a man who was from a different nationality. Nargis, strangely, had never been to Prague or the Czech Republic. But through her mother, she had the passport of the Czech Republic.”

He added, “She, for some reason, was in Amsterdam. I had gone for recce for Rockstar in Prague. She was one hour away by flight from me. I asked her if she could meet me in Prague. She replied, ‘Yes, I can as I have the Czech passport. Also, it’s my mother’s land’. We met in an exotic location in Prague.”

Imtiaz Ali explained his rationale behind casting her, “The reason I cast her is because I wanted a ‘dil todne ki machine’ look. She had to be unattainable, you can only aspire to have her. She was out of anybody’s league, even Ranbir Kapoor’s!”

He then said, “She gave a wonderful performance but the fact of the matter is we could not take out her real identity from her, which is that of an American girl. We didn’t factor in that aspect.”

Imtiaz added, “Now, Rockstar has had a re-release and had a tremendous run. When you go to see the film now, nobody complains about Nargis! This generation has accepted her because somehow, they are also aware of people like Nargis who are a bit more Westernized. And she’s from Jackson Heights and you see that her. You don’t see St Stephen’s in her. She’s not a Kashmiri girl. In scenes where she’s not talking or not just feeling, she’s outstanding in the film.”

Also Read: Imtiaz Ali hints at Rockstar 2 with Ranbir Kapoor: “Musically, there has to be something to say”

Social media influencer and popular personality Orhan Awatramani keeps sharing updates on the platform including a roundup post of all the fun moments of the month. The influencer enjoys a massive fan following on these platforms and he is often spending time with some of the biggest star kids in B-town as he shares a rather close friendship with them. While he also posts photos with them quite frequently, his August dump too included some candid moments with Janhvi Kapoor and her boyfriend Shikhar Pahariya, as well as with Ajay Devgn’s daughter Nysa Devgn.

Readers would be aware that Orhan shares a close friendship with Janhvi Kapoor and is often seen with the actress on multiple occasions. Recently, amid his August dump which included some travel photos to selfies of Orry, we caught Janhvi Kapoor and Shikhar Pahariya indulging in some delicacies and were accompanied by Orry too. Although not many details were mentioned about this, it seems that the trio looked happy in the company of food. Meanwhile, among a few other photos he shared which included him going on a safari, a helicopter take-off, indulging in indoor golf among others, the influencer also shared a photo with Nysa Devgn while they were sight-seeing. In the past, Orry has accompanied Nysa on her travel shenanigans many times.

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About Janhvi Kapoor and Shikhar Pahariya

Although the couple have never spoken about their relationship directly, rumours of them being together have been doing the rounds for quite some time. After a few major hints that the actress dropped on the episode of Koffee With Karan last year, Janhvi made her relationship public by sporting a piece of jewellery with his initials and later making several appearances with him on many red carpet events.

More about Janhvi Kapoor’s professional commitments

On the work front, Janhvi Kapoor recently featured in the political thriller Ulajh which released on August 2 in theatres. Apart from that, the actress has her much-awaited Telugu debut, Devara: Part 1 alongside Jr NTR and Saif Ali Khan in the pipeline for release, on September 27. Also, she has been roped in for the Dharma Productions’ film Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari where she will be reuniting with her Bawaal co-star Varun Dhawan.

Also Read: Aamir Khan, Karishma Kapoor, Janhvi Kapoor and other Bollywood celebrities shine at the premiere of Rajadhiraaj: Love Life Leela at NMACC

Alia Bhatt had a decent debut with Student Of The Year (2012) but she got accepted as a fine performer with her second film Highway (2014), directed by Imtiaz Ali. During an interaction with Mayank Shekhar of Mid-Day, the acclaimed director revealed how Alia was not the first choice and that the character of Veera was of a different age.

Imtiaz said that he was looking to cast a woman in her 30s and that he was looking to cast “Aishwarya Rai, without the make-up, maybe. It was that kinda film.”

He explained how he changed his mind, “I met Alia at the screening of Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana (2012). Alia’s film had been released by then but I had not seen it. I started talking to her and realized that there’s a lot of warmth in her and her emotional quotient was high.”

He continued, “I stirred the conversation towards Highway. I started talking to her about home, society etc. I started to then hear her true voice. This is the voice that doesn’t change that much with age.”

He also said, “I wanted to cast a woman in her 30s who was more mature and who had had experiences in life that she was going to talk about in the film. But after meeting her, I realized that this is the emotional depth I was looking for.”

Imtiaz Ali added, “I gave her the 20-30 pager script. It was written like a novella. She didn’t call me for a day. Later, I realized that she was actually hesitant. I asked her if she liked it. She said, ‘I loved it’. The way she said ‘loved’ had a very hard feeling to it. When I asked her if she would do it, she replied, ‘Can we talk about it?’. This usually means that the actor doesn’t want to do it.”

But Imtiaz decided to speak to her, “I went to her house. Bhatt saab (father Mahesh Bhatt) told her, ‘You should do it. He’s a nice director (smiles)’!”

He also explained, “She was hesitant as she was not sure if she’d be able to do whatever was written in the script. She said, ‘There’s no scene in which I am not there’. I assured her not to worry.”

Also Read: Imtiaz Ali recalls feeling “Strange melancholy” after Jab Harry Met Sejal debacle: “I was trying to make a light, easy film”

At the 70th National Film Awards, Brahmastra made a strong statement by winning numerous important awards, a landmark milestone for Indian film. The fantasy action adventure film, directed by Ayan Mukerji, won prizes for Best Music Direction, Best Male Playback Singer, and Best Film in the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics (AVGC) category. These victories solidify the film's influence in the business. Brahmastra, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Amitabh Bachchan, has received critical acclaim for its cutting-edge visual effects, creative narrative, and outstanding performances. Alia Bhatt resorted to social media to express her joy and happiness at her great achievement.

Alia Bhatt celebrated Brahmastra's National Film Awards victory by uploading the official winning poster on her Instagram stories, which was initially shared by Dharma Productions.

In her Instagram stories, she tagged all of the film's key stakeholders and wrote a touching remark, "Only love and light," expressing her excitement and admiration for the team's combined accomplishment.

Last year, in an interview with Zoom, Ranbir stated that Ayan Mukerji is now working on War 2, another highly anticipated movie, and that after the film is completed, he would begin Brahmastra 2. He said, “Brahmastra Part 2 is heavy into writing. We are working on it all the time. It’s just last week that Ayan narrated the film to me and he has gone 10 times bigger than Part 1 – his idea, his thought, the character. He is working on War 2 right now. So the plan is to finish War 2 by mid next year and we start shooting hopefully by the end of next year or the beginning of 2025. But definitely a lot of work is already been happening on the film. We understood the kind of criticism for the film, what worked for it and what didn’t. So we have put everything into consideration, the dialogue and comments on Shiva and Isha’s missing chemistry. A lot of criticism was constructive and we have taken that into our stride and we are trying to understand that and go beyond that.”

Talking about Brahmastra, the film's unique blend of mythology, fantasy, and contemporary storytelling has already earned it a following. Part one stars Shah Rukh Khan, Nagarjuna, Amitabh Bachchan, and Mouni Roy.

Also Read : Alia Bhatt playfully shows ‘angry’ side as she reunites with Ranbir Kapoor in viral ad video

We all make judgments, whether it's a quick remark about someone's outfit or a comment on a couple's dynamics. Recognizing this human tendency, Zee TV has launched a new campaign for the upcoming season of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, titled "Sahi Jagah Judge Karo." The series of videos is led by Jackie Shroff, who brings attention to how these instincts can be redirected in a positive way. The campaign encourages viewers to channel their judgment toward selecting the most deserving contestants from the show's audition videos, integrating them into the decision-making process from the outset.

This videos encourage people to channel their natural judgmental tendencies toward something positive. Audiences are invited to help select the most deserving contestants from over 50 audition videos posted on the show's official Instagram page, making them an integral part of the show right from the beginning.

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In the first video, Jackie Shroff is seen confronting two aunties gossiping about a mismatched couple in a restaurant. He surprises them by joining their table and encouraging them to put their judging instincts to better use by choosing contestants on Sa Re Ga Ma Pa’s Instagram page. In another video, Jackie brushes off unsolicited singing critiques from his neighbors, reminding them to focus their judging skills on the audition videos posted online instead. These moments highlight the key message of directing judgment toward something constructive.

Jackie Shroff said, “Arre, yaar, we all judge—whether it’s someone’s singing, dressing, or even their chai-sipping style! It's human nature. When Zee TV came to me with this idea of channeling that judgment into something useful, like picking the best voices for Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, I thought, kya mast thought hai! The audience now gets to be a part of the action, selecting the most deserving singers from 50+ audition videos. It’s a fun and fab way to get viewers involved, and I loved that.”

These videos reflect Zee TV’s focus on creating interactive content that resonates the audience, ensuring their voice plays a crucial role in the show’s journey. Follow Sa Re Ga Ma Pa's Instagram page to participate in selecting the next big singing sensation.

Also Read : Vidya Balan receives sweet gift from Jackie Shroff

As Saif Ali Khan turned 54, he shared his earliest birthday memories. “My earliest birthday memories are in my Mum’s flat in Carmichael Road in town where I grew up. I remember my fifth birthday… magicians and balloons and cake … and cartoons on the screen … lots of people would come … I remember my father looking very lean and handsome … quietly smoking a cigarette in the background and then participating in some tricks … someone gave me a toy car with 007 on it,” he said.

Now it is his sons who get excited on Saif’s birthday. “They wake me up with cards that I’ve seen them making them but pretend I haven’t,” he said. “And they’ve told me my present: a batman action figure. I will never open the box. Then we have breakfast together and god willing a lovely day. My priorities in life have always been what they are. I am committed to work, and I want to make more money and invest it well to support my lifestyle and my ideas for celebration. I also love doing interesting work. And not missing out on too much precious family time is paramount to me. So it’s a balance… and I think we do it well.”

Saif has plans. “I now want to do some things … take my mum on the Orient Express to Venice. She wants to go to Florence …dinners and travels with good friends … wine and chats in lovely places … The mantra now is ‘Do good work and bounce! Take a fab holiday … travel to new places and eat well and laugh with friends’. I would like my sons Taimur and Jeh to be aware of things and exposed to the world. They have been swimming in cold waterholes abroad and been farming and hiking in their own country… We teach them that the most important thing is to be a good person ... and we value that quality. They have been presented a way of living and seeing things with us. Now they must choose,” he said.

Saif continued, “Tim says the idea of speaking lines to a crowd is petrifying. I will support that. He wants to be footballer! I think he can be a teacher … a photographer … whatever he wants. He is lucky. He can choose. The same for Jeh. After a good education, you must choose your own path. And it needn’t be the golden road to millions. It can be a peaceful quiet job! An art dealer, perhaps? There must be options beyond our own jobs. But our job is amazing. But you have to feel it, and you have to know how to be happy within the limits you set for yourself.”

That said Sif is happy with his life. “I’m in a place where I feel very happy,” he said. “I could be a bit more organised in what I read and how I learn. My French is still at basic level. I should have been fluent by now. The same with my guitar playing. I’m feeling good … a lot of people have faith in my work… I know what I want to do … how to live … where I want to travel… really good friends and good basic food in a lovely place with atmosphere is a heaven … So I’m excited about the year … pray it continues well, please. Because that’s the main thing. I’m incredibly lucky.”

Also Read: Sara Ali Khan shares heartwarming moments from Saif Ali Khan’s 54th Birthday celebration with family

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan marked India’s 78th Independence Day with a traditional flag-hoisting ceremony at his iconic Mumbai residence, Mannat. Joined by his wife Gauri Khan, daughter Suhana Khan, and son AbRam Khan, the actor celebrated the occasion with patriotic fervor.

A Family Affair Shah Rukh Khan who recently returned from the Locarno Film Festival where he was honored with a prestigious award, was seen sporting a casual yet stylish look for the occasion.

Suhana and Gauri complemented the actor's attire with elegant all-white traditional ensembles, adding to the festive spirit. The family posed for a heartwarming picture with the Indian flag as the backdrop, which Shah Rukh later shared on social media, extending Independence Day wishes to his fans.

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As expected, the presence of Shah Rukh Khan at his residence drew a large crowd of eager fans hoping to catch a glimpse of their beloved superstar. The actor graciously acknowledged the crowd's enthusiasm by waving and expressing his gratitude.

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Shah Rukh Khan’s Upcoming Projects Meanwhile, Shah Rukh Khan is currently busy with multiple projects. He is producing the action-drama film King, which also stars his daughter Suhana Khan and Abhishek Bachchan. The actor has described the Sujoy Ghosh directorial as a "massy, emotional film."

Additionally, Shah Rukh has lent his voice to the Hindi version of Disney's live-action film Mufasa: The Lion King. He portrays the adult Mufasa, while his sons Aryan and AbRam voice Simba and young Mufasa, respectively. The film is scheduled for release on December 20.

Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan reveals why he backed out after Zero flopped; says, “I just didn’t want to act”

A Mumbai court has discharged Australian national Paul Bartels from a drug case linked to the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput. The decision comes as a significant development in the ongoing investigations surrounding the high-profile case.

Insufficient Evidence Leads to Acquittal As per a report by PTI, Bartels, a friend of Agisilaos Demetriades, was arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in November 2020 as part of its probe into alleged drug use within Bollywood. However, after a thorough examination of the case, Special Judge Mahesh Jadhav found insufficient evidence to link Bartels to the drug-related offenses.

The court's order, released recently, highlighted the fact that the primary basis for Bartels' arrest was the statements of co-accused individuals, which are not considered admissible evidence unless corroborated by independent material. Since no such evidence was presented, the court concluded that there were no grounds to proceed with the case against Bartels. Ongoing Investigations It is important to note that this development does not impact the overall investigation into the death of Sushant Singh Rajput. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) continues to probe the circumstances surrounding the actor's demise, which was initially reported as suicide.

The drug angle of the case, which gained significant media attention, has seen several arrests and developments. For the unversed, SSR was found hanging in his apartment in Bandra on June 14, 2020. The CBI is probing the case of his alleged suicide.

Also Read: Adah Sharma opens up on staying in Sushant Singh Rajput’s flat: “I took that flat on rent. Rs. 378 crores earned by The Kerala Story are not mine”

The horror-comedy sequel, Stree 2, has taken the box office by storm, with its release on Independence Day. The film, starring Shraddha Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao, has not only opened to a phenomenal response but has also shattered a long-standing box office record.

Midnight Madness Pays Off In an unprecedented move, additional midnight shows for Stree 2 were added in major cities like Mumbai, Thane, Pune, and Delhi just a day after its release. The response to these shows has been nothing short of electric, contributing significantly to the film's overall opening-day collection.

According to early estimates, Stree 2 has raked in a staggering Rs. 42 to 44 crores on its first day. When combined with the paid previews that garnered Rs. 8.50 crore, the film's total opening day collection stands at a monumental Rs. 52.50 crores. Breaking Records This achievement is particularly noteworthy as it surpasses the previous record held by Shah Rukh Khan's Chennai Express. The 2013 blockbuster had created waves by conducting paid preview shows a day before its official release, amassing Rs. 6.75 crores. Stree 2 has not only eclipsed this record but has done so by a considerable margin.

The film's success can be attributed to several factors, including strong word-of-mouth, a loyal fan base, and the effective marketing campaign. Additionally, the decision to introduce midnight shows has proven to be a masterstroke, as it capitalised on the audience's enthusiasm for the film.

With its impressive opening, Stree 2 has positioned itself as one of the biggest hits of the year. The film's box office journey is sure to be closely watched by industry insiders and fans alike.

Also Read: Stree 2 Box Office: Rajkummar Rao – Shraddha Kapoor starrer has record breaking paid previews night, goes past even Chennai Express to emerge as the biggest ever

Former Bollywood actress and author Twinkle Khanna has expressed her deep anguish over the horrific rape and murder of a young woman in Kolkata. The incident has sparked widespread outrage across the country, with celebrities from all walks of life condemning the heinous crime.

A Cry for Justice In a poignant Instagram post, Twinkle Khanna shared her pain and frustration over the prevailing situation for women in India. The author revealed that she has been teaching her daughter the same precautions she herself was taught as a child: to avoid going out alone under any circumstances. Khanna’s heartfelt words highlighted the alarming reality that women continue to face immense fear and insecurity in their daily lives.

“Fifty years on this planet, in this country, and I am teaching my daughter the same things I was taught as a child. Don’t go alone – to the park, to school, to the beach,” read Twinkle’s note. 

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Bollywood Stands United Joining Twinkle Khanna in demanding justice, several other Bollywood celebrities have voiced their anger and disappointment over the Kolkata rape and murder case. Kareena Kapoor Khan expressed frustration over the recurring cycle of such incidents and the lack of substantial change. Preity Zinta also condemned the crime, emphasizing the urgent need for stricter laws to protect women.

Kangana Ranaut, known for her outspoken views, called for a CBI probe into the case, highlighting the severity of the crime and the demand for a thorough investigation. Other actresses like Alia Bhatt, Swara Bhasker, and Richa Chadha also joined the chorus of voices calling for justice for the victim.

Also Read: Bollywood stars outraged over Kolkata doctor’s rape and murder: Kareena Kapoor Khan draws parallels to Nirbhaya case

T-Series' Bhushan Kumar and the popular Pop & Rap star, Yo Yo Honey Singh join forces to deliver the highly anticipated homegrown international album, GLORY - an electrifying album that promises to revolutionize the music industry and set the music scene ablaze with tracks that are destined to become anthems for the youth.

In an official statement issued by their team, they explained about the album in detail as it read, “GLORY is a testament to Honey Singh's unparalleled talent, blending his signature style with fresh addictive beats and lyrics that will resonate with music lovers across generations. This album promises to be an unforgettable experience, showcasing Honey Singh's artistic evolution and versatility. Packed with 18 genre-bending tracks, from heart-pounding hip hop to fire-spitting rap, GLORY is set to rock international charts with its ultimate mix of sounds and multilingual vibes.”

“The album in collaboration with artists from Latin America to Western Europe to Indian folk singers features a vibrant collection of tracks that blend genres and styles, showcasing Honey Singh’s signature flair for catchy hooks and infectious rhythms. Each song is crafted to captivate listeners and keep them grooving and dancing from start to finish. With GLORY, fans can expect a perfect mix of high-energy beats, soulful melodies, and lyrical brilliance. This album is a testament to the incredible chemistry between Bhushan Kumar and Yo Yo Honey Singh,” it further stated.

As they celebrate 10 years of Honey Singh’s game-changing anthem, Desi Kalakaar which was released almost a decade ago on August 26, they’re planning to make the day special by launching GLORY on the same day.

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Producer and T-Series head honcho, Bhushan Kumar opened up about this collab and said, “We’ve always been about breaking barriers and delivering the extraordinary. GLORY is not just another album; it’s a monumental statement of our passion for pushing musical boundaries. Reuniting with Honey Singh after all these years is beyond thrilling, and we can’t wait for everyone to experience this epic album.”

Yo Yo Honey Singh too shared his enthusiasm and added, “GLORY is like a musical diary of my journey over the years, blending sounds and styles that defy limits. This album is all about crossing borders and setting new trends. Dropping it on the 10th anniversary of ‘Desi Kalakaar’ adds an extra layer of magic. Trust me, this is going to be a musical explosion!”

Also Read: Desi Kalakaar is here! Honey Singh at Sonakshi Sinha & Zaheer Iqbal’s reception