Pratik Gandhi suffers mishap on Gandhi set; says, “It is a bit painful”

Pratik Gandhi, who has a release today Dedh Bigha Zameen—his third release this year— has realized playing Mahatma Gandhi is not easy, even if you are Gandhi yourself. So Pratik discovered last night when he suffered an injury while shooting for Applause Entertainment’s Gandhi, directed by Hansal Mehta, which could have been worse.

When I touched base with Pratik and he said, “Yes, I’m better now. A ceramic pot fell on me while rehearsing for a next scene to shoot. And I got a deep cut on my right-hand knuckle. I got stitches done last night.”

When asked if it is painful, Pratik replied, “It is a bit painful. But it should be better in a few days, hopefully.”

Speaking of his infinitely rewarding association with Applause Entertainment Pratik said, “Scam 1992 was surely a turning point in my career. I try to convert high expectations into excitement and inspiration for myself rather than pressure. Scam changed my life!”

Pratik sees Applause Entertainment’ s Scam, Do Aur Do Pyaar and Gandhi as the turning points in his career. “Gandhi is the biggest project of my career till now and Do Aur Do Pyaar is my first rom com in mainstream. All of them hold a special place in my heart. I am always excited to partner with a visionary like Sameer Nair and his efficient team at Applause Entertainment,” he said.

Also Read: Dedh Bigha Zameen Trailer: ‘Common Man’ Pratik Gandhi gets ready to fight the world with Khushalii Kumar for his sister

Ajay Devgn and Tabu starrer Auron Mein Kaha Dum Tha FIRST POSTER unveiled; teaser out today

The first poster of Ajay Devgn and Tabu starrer Auron Mein Kaha Dum Tha has been unveiled. The poster features Ajay who is not facing the camera. Following the poster reveal, the teaser will be out today at 1 pm!

Ajay shared the photo on social media and wrote, "An epic love story on its way!"

An epic love story on its way! #AuronMeinKahanDumTha #AMKDT Teaser Out Today! In cinemas 5th July, 2024.@neerajpofficial #Tabu @jimmysheirgill @saieemmanjrekar @shantanum07 @mmkeeravaani @ShitalBhatiaFFW #NarendraHirawat #KumarMangatPathak @nh_studioz @FFW_Official… pic.twitter.com/QjUyN0qSmd — Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn) May 31, 2024

Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha promises to be an epic love story spanning a remarkable 23 years. The narrative unfolds between the years 2000 and 2023, hinting at a journey that traverses love, loss, and the enduring power of time.

Adding further weight to the project is the stellar supporting cast. Jimmy Shergill, known for his captivating performances, joins the ensemble alongside Saiee Manjrekar and Shantanu Maheshwari.

NH Studios presents, A Friday Filmworks Production, Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha is produced by Shital Bhatia, Narendra Hirawat and Kumar Mangat Pathak (Panorama Studios). The film is set for a theatrical release on 5th July 2024. ALSO READ: Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha starring Ajay Devgn and Tabu set for theatrical release on July 5, 2024

Jio Studios’ Sumo Didi to screen at the prestigious New York Indian Film Festival 2024 (NYIFF) on June 2

Sumo Didi is all set to be screened at the prestigious New York Indian Film Festival on June 2. Inspired from the remarkable journey of India’s first Sumo Wrestler Hetal Dave, Sumo Didi stars Shriyam Bhagnani in the titular role along with Chaitnya Sharma (Slow Cheeta) and is directed by debutant Jayant Rohatgi. Presented by Jio Studios, Sumo Didi is produced by Jyoti Deshpande, Akash Chawla, Amit Chandrra, and Arunava Sengupta.

Sharing his excitement, director, Jayant Rohatgi, said, “After a heart-warming response at Tokyo and Palm Springs, I am excited to be a part of another prestigious film festival in NYIFF. It’s a privilege to be amidst such powerful films and filmmakers celebrating the best of Indian cinema. Hetal’s journey is simply remarkable. Her tenacity in breaking through gender stereotypes, social prejudices, lack of opportunities and her own demons to make a seemingly impossible dream come true moved me immensely. I hope our film resonates with and inspires the audience in New York as well.”

Shot in Kolkata, Mumbai and Japan, Sumo Didi is a story of grit and rising from the depths of despair. The story revolves around a middle-class girl from a conservative Marwari family who defies all odds to turn her perceived weakness into her strength and breaks the glass ceiling.

The film has garnered acclaim at premier international film festivals. Sumo Didi’s enthralling narrative captivated audiences at the renowned Tokyo International Film Festival and also at 35th Palm Springs International Film Festival.

Ranveer Singh and Prashanth Varma part ways from Rakshas citing creative differences; release official statement: "Not the ideal time for this project"

Ranveer Singh's much-anticipated collaboration with Mythri Movie Makers for the mythological drama Rakshas has been shelved. The project, directed by Prasanth Varma of Hanuman fame, was touted as a grand spectacle. However, in a surprising turn of events, Singh decided to exit the film. Previously, Bollywood Hungama reported that Singh's discomfort stemmed from a brief promo shoot in Hyderabad. A source claimed, "He wasn't able to picture himself in the filmmaking format of South Cinema." Singh reportedly returned to Mumbai early, citing personal reasons, before informing the makers of his decision. However, the official confirmation has come from the studio citing creative differences as the real reason.

This came as a shock to the production house, which had invested heavily in pre-production and a promotional shoot. Sources close to the producers indicated attempts to salvage the project, but Singh remained firm in his decision. However, official statements from Singh, Varma, and Mythri Movie Makers paint a different picture. They acknowledge "creative differences" but emphasize an amicable parting.

Ranveer Singh stated, "Prasanth is a very special talent... Hopefully, we will collaborate on something exciting in the future." Varma echoed the sentiment, praising Singh's talent and expressing hope for a future collaboration.

Mythri Movie Makers acknowledged that "everyone's intentions were right," but sometimes things "aren't meant to be at that time." Both parties have pledged to work together on future projects.

A source previously told Bollywood Hungama, "Ranveer has shot for a promo in Hyderabad for the announcement of the film and it's through the shoot of the promo that he realized that the energies are not aligning. He was not able to picture himself in the filmmaking format of South Cinema. He came back to Mumbai ahead of schedule citing personal issues and it's on returning to the city from the sets halfway that he informed the makers about his decision of stepping back from the film."

The decision took the makers by shock as they were all gearing up to launch the film in a mega way. "While all the energies were aligned, the report has dropped like a bomb to the makers. They are shell shocked and wondering if there is a way to reconcile with Ranveer Singh on the film, as a lot of money has already been invested in promo shoot and pre-production," a source close to the producers shared with us.

Meanwhile, Ranveer Singh has Rohit Shetty's Singham Again, Aditya Dhar's Dhurandhar and Farhan Akhtar's Don 3. ALSO READ: SCOOP: Ranveer Singh shoots for Rakshas promo with Prasanth Varma; Walks out later citing ‘Personal Reasons’

Sanya Malhotra starrer Mrs to close New York Indian Film Festival 2024

Sanya Malhotra's upcoming film, Mrs, is generating buzz on the festival circuit, emerging as a favourite for its exploration of domesticity and gender roles. The Hindi remake of the acclaimed Malayalam movie, The Great Indian Kitchen (2021), Mrs is directed by Arati Kadav and is set to be the closing film at the New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF) 2024.

Kadav expressed her excitement at having her film showcased at the festival. Speaking to Mid-day, she shared, “I look forward to the films screened at the NYIFF every year. So, I feel privileged that we've been chosen as the closing film. With this film, our aim is to connect with Indian audiences living not just in India, but also abroad, and this platform helps us reach the diaspora.” Described as "exotically delicious," Mrs uses the backdrop of Indian cuisine to delve deeper into the societal pressures placed on women. The synopsis paints a picture of a young dance teacher, Richa, who falls for a wealthy doctor, Diwakar. However, their happily ever after quickly sours as Richa finds herself trapped in a loveless marriage, expected to cook, clean, and cater to her husband's whims. The synopsis cleverly uses culinary metaphors to depict the stifling nature of Richa's situation, describing her life as "an overcooked and tasteless happily ever after laced with misogyny, arrogance, and stubbornness." Despite the challenges, Richa doesn't give up easily. The synopsis highlights her defiance, stating that "The kitchen has the solution to all problems. So, Richa cooks splendid dishes with love and dedication and refuses to yield to male dominance." The cast of Mrs boasts some promising talent. Sanya Malhotra takes on the lead role of Richa. Nishant Dahiya portrays Diwakar, the doctor who turns out to be a domineering husband. Rounding out the cast is Kanwaljit Singh, whose role remains undisclosed. The film is produced by Jyoti Deshpande, Pammi Baweja, and Harman Baweja.

ALSO READ: Rohit Saraf and Sanya Malhotra dance to Ishq Vishk Rebound track ‘Soni Soni’

Jackie Shroff releases official statement on Delhi High Court order protecting his personality rights: “Crucial to control any unauthorized use and misuse of celebrity attributes”

Veteran Bollywood actor Jackie Shroff has secured a significant legal win in protecting his image and persona. The Delhi High Court recently issued an interim order restraining various entities from misusing his name, image, voice, and other personality attributes. This move comes after Shroff filed a lawsuit against the unauthorized use of his likeness and catchphrases. Shroff's legal team identified instances where his personality rights were allegedly infringed. These included unauthorized use of the term "Bhidu," a phrase often associated with the actor, along with his image and voice in various forms of media.

In an official statement, Jackie Shroff said, “I am immensely grateful to the judiciary for passing an order that safeguards my personality rights, including my name, image, likeness, voice, and other unique attributes. For a long time, celebrities had little to no recourse against the misuse of their persona. However, I am heartened by the fact that courts have progressively recognized and protected these rights, as demonstrated in landmark cases involving Mr. Amitabh Bachchan and Mr. Anil Kapoor. These precedents have been very encouraging and motivated me to assert my rights.”

He added, “In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, particularly with the advent of digital media, it is crucial to control any unauthorized use and misuse of celebrity attributes. Celebrities wield significant influence, and such abuse can mislead the public regarding a celebrity's association with certain goods or services. The misuse of celebrity personas not only dilutes our brand equity but also misguides the public at large.”

The actor continued, “The Delhi High Court appreciated our case and recognized the necessity of protecting the personality rights of celebrities, given our wide reach to the masses. The court has upheld my personality rights and issued an injunction against those misusing my name, image, likeness, voice, and other personal attributes. This protection extends to all forms of media, including digital platforms, and specifically prohibits the use of AI, deep fakes, GIFs, AI chatbots, and similar technologies to exploit my persona without my explicit permission.”

“Protecting my personality rights is essential to preserving the authenticity and respect associated with my life's work. It also protects my fans from being misled by unscrupulous elements of society. I thank the judiciary for their support in this regard,” Jackie concluded. ALSO READ: Singham Again: Rohit Shetty on shooting in Kashmir with Ajay Devgn, Jackie Shroff: “Once there was terrorism, unrest, curfews, no social life. And then Article 370 got abolished”

Neha Dhupia, Navya Naveli and more to grace the inaugural Podmasters, celebrating excellence in Indian podcasting

Fever FM has come up with an intriguing celebration of India's best podcasters in partnership with HT Smart Cast, the podcasting arm of HT Media Ltd. This landmark occasion will unite India’s foremost podcasters, celebrities, experts, and industry leaders to celebrate and elevate the modern audio medium.

Taking place on May 30 in Mumbai, 'Podmasters Conclave and Awards' will feature 35 award categories, meticulously designed to honor the finest in podcasting. The winners have been chosen from over 240 nominations and have garnered more than 30,000 votes, reflecting the immense popularity and impact of their work.

A distinguished panel of 12 judges will preside over the awards, including Sonal Kalra, Chief Managing Editor of HT; Aditya Kuber, Co-founder and CEO of Ideabrew Studio; Roshan Abbas, Founder of Kommune; Mantra Mugdh, Director of MnM Talkies; Kavita Rajwade, Co-founder of IVM Podcasts; and Varun Duggirala, Co-founder and CEO of EMoMee.

“Podcasting in India has long been seen as nascent. We decided to take action and drive its evolution. The PodMasters Conclave & Awards is our bold step to elevate Indian podcasting to an international level. By bringing together the pioneers and emerging talent of Indian podcasting, we aim to celebrate their contributions and shape the future voices of this dynamic medium,” added, Ramesh Menon, CEO, Fever Network.

Whereas Nikhil Taneja, Co-Founder & Chief, Yuvaa, further stated, “I started my career at HT as a journalist, so this is a full circle moment for me to be nominated for multiple awards at the HT Smartcast Podmasters Awards. Win or lose, I'm so grateful that my series ‘Be a Man, Yaar!’ has been recognised by the jury and the fans, and I hope that Yuvaa is able to have many more conversations that try to make the world a kinder place.”

Navya Naveli says on roping with the show, “So excited to be join the initiative taken by HT Smartcast to uplift the Indian Podcasting Universe. As a podcaster myself, I stay very excited about this evolving space and hosting a podcast of my own What The Hell, Nayva! gives me an extra kick to be vocal about my thoughts.”

The host of Untrigrred Podcast said, “At the end of the day, it’s just us 4 friends having fun and if in the process we get to make other people laugh and be at the awards, we can’t complain.”

Adding star power to the event, several prominent celebrities will be in attendance, such as Cyrus Broacha, Raj Shamani, Zakir Khan, Neha Dhupia, Aakash Chopra, Jackie Shroff and Jimmy Shergill.

This celebration aims to acknowledge the exceptional contributions of those who have transformed the podcasting landscape.

Also Read : Suhana Khan receives adorable birthday notes from BFFs Ananya Panday, Shanaya Kapoor, and Navya Naveli Nanda

Deepika Padukone tops IMDb's Top 100 Most Viewed Indian Stars of last decade; Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Alia Bhatt, Irrfan Khan in top 5

In a significant milestone, Deepika Padukone has been recognized as the “Most Viewed Indian Stars of the Last Decade” by IMDb, based on page views from hundreds of millions of IMDb customers and fans worldwide. It is interesting to note that the list of 100 stars includes actors from the Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada film industries and Deepika, leads it followed by Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Alia Bhatt, Irrfan Khan and other notable names from across industries.

This announcement comes as IMDb revealed its Top 100 Most Viewed Indian Stars of the Last Decade list, which considers data from January 2014 through April 2024. Deepika Padukone's consistent popularity has cemented her position at the top of this prestigious list, underscoring her widespread appeal and influence in the entertainment industry.

Deepika Padukone, who made her debut in the Hindi film industry in 2007 opposite Shah Rukh Khan in the blockbuster Om Shanti Om, has had a remarkable career spanning almost two decades. Her filmography is studded with several major hits, including Cocktail, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Piku, Chennai Express, Pathaan, Jawaan and Padmaavat among many others. In 2017, she made her Hollywood debut in xXx: Return of Xander Cage, starring alongside Vin Diesel, further cementing herself as a Global star her last three films have marked an unprecedented feat with her sitting on Rs. 2550+ crores global box office numbers, for any Indian actress.

Reflecting on this recognition, Deepika Padukone expressed her gratitude towards fans, saying, “I’m deeply grateful to be included in a list that captures the sentiment of a global audience.”

She further shares, “IMDb stands as a beacon of credibility, reflecting the true pulse of people's passion, interests and preferences. This recognition is truly humbling and inspires me to continue connecting with and reciprocating the love I receive from audiences, both on and off screen with authenticity and purpose.” She will next be seen in Kalki 2898 AD (releasing June 27, 2024), and Singham Again will release in theaters later this year.

 

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Joining Deepika in the Top 100 of IMDb’s list are some of Indian cinema's most beloved figures: Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Alia Bhatt, Irrfan Khan, Aamir Khan, Sushant Singh Rajput, Salman Khan, Hrithik Roshan, and Akshay Kumar. Notably, the Top 100 list includes talents from various Indian film industries, including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada, highlighting the diverse and rich landscape of Indian cinema. ALSO READ: Deepika Padukone becomes the face of Cartier’s new Nature Sauvage high jewellery collection, see pics

Junaid Khan and Jaideep Ahlawat starrer Maharaj: A Story of One Man’s Courage in Pre-Independence India to premiere on June 14 on Netflix, see first poster

Netflix and Yash Raj Films are set to unveil a hidden chapter of Indian history with their upcoming film Maharaj, premiering on June 14th, 2024, starring Jaideep Ahlawat and debutante Junaid Khan. Stepping back to pre-independence India, in 1862, the movie sheds light on the courageous fight of Karsandas Mulji, a journalist and social reformer.

The year 1862 paints a vivid picture of a nation in flux. With only three universities established and the embers of the Sepoy Mutiny still glowing, India was grappling with change. Against this backdrop, Mulji, a young man studying at Elphinstone College in Mumbai, emerged as a champion for the marginalized. Inspired by his mentor, scholar-leader Dadabhai Naoroji, Mulji championed social reform and women's rights. His unwavering commitment to justice led him to confront a powerful figure in the infamous Maharaj Libel Case. The specifics of the case remain under wraps, but the film hints at allegations of misconduct against this prominent individual. This high-profile case ignited public scrutiny, making it a landmark legal battle that continues to resonate today.

 

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Fast forward to 2024, Maharaj resurrects this forgotten story, bringing Mulji's bravery to life for a modern audience. The film marks the debut of Junaid Khan, son of Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan. Khan takes on the mantle of Mulji, showcasing his determination to challenge the established order.

Directed by Siddharth P. Malhotra, the movie boasts a talented cast alongside Khan. Actor Jaideep Ahlawat brings his experience to the screen, while rising stars Shalini Pandey and Sharvari Wagh (in a special appearance) round out the ensemble.

The tagline, "After 162 years, audiences will finally witness the strength of one man’s resolve to challenge the status quo," perfectly encapsulates the essence of the movie. Mulji's story, buried for over a century, is finally getting its due.

Produced by Aditya Chopra under the banner of YRF Entertainment, Maharaj is poised to be a compelling watch. It's a testament to the power of storytelling, reminding us of the forgotten heroes who shaped India's past. ALSO READ: Junaid Khan begins shooting three-week shoot schedule for romantic comedy opposite Khushi Kapoor in Mumbai: Report

EXCLUSIVE: Abhijeet Bhattacharya makes a major comeback after 11 years with a 90s-style song in Panchayat Season 3

Abhijeet Bhattacharya began his career as a playback singer in the 80s and from the 90s, he became a very important part of Hindi film music. He crooned highly memorable songs which were featured on some of the biggest of stars. Since the last decade, the number of songs featuring his voice has decreased. Hence, fans of Abhijeet Bhattacharya will be surprised to know that the singer has sung a beautiful track in the most awaited web show of the season, Panchayat Season 3.

The name of the song is ‘Thame Dil Ko’ and is composed by Lalit Pandit, of Jatin-Lalit fame. It is written by Alok Ranjha Jha. The solo romantic number appears at a cute juncture in the show and it adds to the impact. What is also appealing is that ‘Thame Dil Ko’ has a very 90s vibe. It won’t be surprising if those watching the show, at first, assume that the track is from a 90s film!

‘Thame Dil Ko’ marks Abhijeet Bhattacharya’s major comeback to Hindi film music. The last significant song sung by him for a Bollywood movie was ‘Dil Ka Jo Haal Hai’ from the Ranbir Kapoor-starrer Besharam(2013). Incidentally, it was also composed by Lalit Pandit and had a 90s feel.

After Besharam, he voiced the recreations of 'Shehar Ki Ladki' in Khandaani Shafakhana (2019) and 'Husn Hai Suhana' in Coolie No 1 (2020). Abhijeet also sang songs in Mahayoddha Rama (2016), the OTT film Shukranu (2020), Love You Loktantra (2022) and The Purvanchal Files (2023). However, these songs didn't get noticed. Interestingly, ‘Thame Dil Ko’ was also earlier used in another web show – Flames Season 2 (2019). But thanks to its placement in the highly popular Panchayat Season 3, ‘Thame Dil Ko’ now has the potential to work big time.

Panchayat Season 3 began streaming on Amazon Prime Video on May 28. It takes the story forward after the events of the second season and is set in a sleepy village in North India named Phulera. It stars Jitendra Kumar, Raghubir Yadav, Neena Gupta, Faisal Malik and Chandan Roy in leading roles.

Also Read: Abhijeet Bhattacharya and Neha Kakkar clash over singing at weddings: “No work is small”

Bhuvan Bam trademarks his onscreen character, Titu Mama

India's biggest content creator turned actor, Bhuvan Bam, known for playing multiple characters in his sketch videos under the title ‘BB Ki Vines’, has now officially trademarked one of his most popular characters, Titu Mama.

Titu Mama, a character beloved by millions, is known for his savage humour and distinctive style. Often featured in BB Ki Vines episodes, Titu Mama has become a cultural icon with a unique personality that resonates deeply with audiences.

"The journey of Titu Mama has been incredible. When I first introduced him in my sketches, I had no idea he would gain such immense popularity. Titu Mama's distinct qualities and style have struck a chord with viewers, and it's truly heartwarming to see the love and appreciation for him." Said Bhuvan.

He further added, "In 2018, we took Titu Mama to a new level with 'Titu Talks,' where I had the privilege of hosting Shah Rukh Khan as my first guest, followed by international star Johnny Sins, Ramcharan, Junior NTR, and SS Rajamouli. The overwhelming response to Titu Talks reinforced the character's popularity and potential. To protect and preserve this intellectual identity, we decided to officially register Titu Mama with Intellectual Property India. This step ensures that Titu Mama remains a unique and cherished part of our creative universe."

This move by the BB ki Vines creator solidifies Titu Mama's status as a trademarked entity and highlights his commitment to maintaining the originality of his content. His decision to trademark Titu Mama underscores the character's importance of protecting creative content in the digital age.

Bhuvan Bam henceforth, continues to set new benchmarks in the entertainment industry, by combining creativity with strategic foresight.

Also Read: Bhuvan Bam draws inspiration from Shah Rukh Khan, reflects on collaborations and shared Delhi roots

Shahid Kapoor and Mira Rajput purchase luxury apartment worth nearly Rs. 60 crore in Mumbai: Report

Bollywood actor Shahid Kapoor and his wife Mira Kapoor have made headlines with their recent acquisition of a luxury apartment in Mumbai’s prestigious Oberoi 360 West project, situated in the upscale Worli area. According to registration documents accessed by IndexTap.com, the transaction was finalized at a staggering Rs. 58.66 crore and registered on May 24, 2024.

The opulent apartment boasts a RERA carpet area of 5,395 square feet and includes three dedicated parking spaces, reflecting the premium amenities associated with the Oberoi 360 West development. This high-rise, constructed by Oberoi Realty, is renowned for its luxurious residences, including 4 BHK, 5 BHK, duplex apartments, and penthouses, all offering stunning sea views.

Interestingly, the Kapoors purchased the apartment from Chandak Realtors Pvt Ltd, who had originally acquired it from D’Mart owner Radhakishan Damani’s family and close associates. “The apartment was bought by Chandak Realty at around ₹65,000 per square foot and has now been sold for over ₹1 lakh per square foot, marking more than a 50% appreciation in just one year," a real estate consultant told Hindustan Times Digital.

Back in 2018, Shahid Kapoor had acquired another expansive apartment in the same building, measuring 8,281 square feet, for Rs. 55.60 crore. For their latest acquisition, the couple paid a stamp duty of Rs. 1.75 crore.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Shahid Kapoor was last seen in Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya. He will next star in Deva with Pooja Hegde. ALSO READ: Shahid Kapoor explains that acting is about transformation, not narcissism: “I’m not very interested in who I am”

Bipasha Basu to turn author, pen a book on themes of self-exploration, resilience and the pursuit of inner peace

Bollywood actress Bipasha Basu is basking in the joys of motherhood, cherishing every moment with her daughter Devi, husband Karan Singh Grover, and loved ones. But amidst this domestic bliss, she has a thrilling surprise in store for her fans – a book! Bipasha Basu is embarking on a new journey of self-discovery, this time with pen in hand. In a recent interview, she expressed her desire to connect with her audience on a deeper level, sharing her vulnerabilities and the wisdom she's gained.

Her upcoming book promises to delve into the profound themes of self-exploration, resilience, and the pursuit of inner peace. Reflecting on her life's tapestry, intricately woven with both challenges and triumphs, Basu shared her experiences with PTI. “What has gotten me this far is a conscious decision to focus on the bright side of life and to choose sunshine – every day!” she enthused.  This philosophy, along with her learnings, is what she aims to share with her readers.

To help bring this dream to life, Basu has partnered with The Sunflower Seeds and L Ventures. Their collaboration promises an "enterprising team" dedicated to making the book a success. Pallavi Barman, founder of L Ventures, said, “She is a fitness enthusiast like none other who embraced it at a time when it was still in early stages of adoption as far as the leading ladies of Indian cinema was concerned.It has always been a delight to represent her interests strategize with her and learn from her on this subject and after a series of successful DIY workout DVDs - Love Yourself, we can't wait to capture and showcase this cornucopia of her journey as she navigates through motherhood, all set to share her paradigm shifting perspective on overall well-being and happiness.”

Scheduled for a 2025 release, the book will navigate Bipasha Basu’s life and the complexities of self-discovery and building resilience. ALSO READ: Bipasha Basu and Karan Singh Grover express their love for each other on their eighth wedding anniversary

Bhumi Pednekar launches new campaign Bhoomi Namaskar in association with Bhamla Foundation

Actor and climate warrior Bhumi Pednekar has been deeply involved in creating awareness around the conservation of the environment and now as a step further in that direction, she has launched Bhamla Foundation’s ‘Bhoomi Namaskar’ campaign for World Environment Day. The Bhamla Foundation supported by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) initiated this campaign that aims to harp on the importance of the restoration of ecosystems to combat climate change and its adverse effects which comes in effect with the UN resolution of the year ‘Generation Restoration’.

As a climate warrior, Bhumi Pednekar has been at the forefront of numerous environmental initiatives. Through her non-profit advocacy platform Climate Warrior and The Bhumi Foundation, Bhumi has championed various causes, such as waste segregation, rainwater harvesting, recycling, upcycling, conscious fashion choices, and many more. Last year on the occasion of World Environment Day the actor planted thousands of trees on the outskirts of Mumbai, urging her fans to follow suit.

With the launch Bhoomi Namaskar campaign this year, Bhumi talked about being a part of it and said, “I am honoured to have collaborated with the Bhamla Foundation this year for their ‘Bhoomi Namaskar’ campaign for World Environment Day. All the work that the foundation has done over the years is very inspiring - their collaboration with the UNEP, with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and with the BMC is something that is very motivating to environment enthusiasts like me.”

Elaborating on the campaign, she added, “Our planet is facing unprecedented challenges and it is crucial that we come together to take action. This planet is our only home, there is no planet B and it is this very thought that encouraged me many years ago to embark on a journey full of empathy, care, and love for our planet and environment. We must also understand that every small action will have an impact on our climate, so as we look forward to this World Environment Day I urge everyone to make an effort to lead a sustainable lifestyle, be conscious of the consumption of resources and be empathetic to our planet and all the species with share this planet with.”

Bhumi Pednekar has recently been recognized by the World Economic Forum as a Young Global Leader for the Class of 2024 for her work towards climate change through her NGOs, as well as for her big sustainable entrepreneurship ventures. She is also UNDP India’s first Indian Goodwill Ambassador for SDGs.

Also Read: Photos: Bhumi Pednekar snapped installing water bowls in and around Versova

Heeramandi: Amid accusations of nepotism, Sharmin Segal receives flak for interrupting Sanjeeda Sheikh in an interview

Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar has been a major topic of discussion on social media where actresses like Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, and Sanjeeda Sheikh are basking in rave reviews, but Sharmin Segal seems to be at the receiving end of it. Although the Netflix show was hailed for its extensive sets and beauty, Sharmin is being heavily criticized by audiences for her acting skills and now, another reason why the actress is being trolled is for the way she has been interrupting her co-stars during interviews.

After a video of her interrupting Aditi Rao Hydari in one of the interviews for the promotions of Heeramandi went viral, another video that has grabbed attention is the interaction she had along with co-actors Sanjeeda Sheikh and Richa Chadha for Showsha. After Sanjeeda was asked about her experience of working with Sanjay Leela Bhansali, where the Ek Hasina Thi actress appreciated the filmmaker for his dedication and for being a perfectionist, Sharmin interrupted her statement by calling Sheikh an ‘outsider’. This did not go down well with the netizens who decided to lash out at Sharmin for her ‘privileged’ background with uncle SLB and some even asked her to learn ‘acting’ before ‘disrespecting her seniors’.

After one of the social media users shared this video, along with the caption, “Sharmin gives out such mean girl energy”, it was followed by a slew of comments where netizens slammed Segal. “Yeah true cause if he was perfect he wouldn’t cast her cause she got no expressions!” said one of the comments whereas another one read, “Why is this woman trying to always one up her colleagues. She did it with Aditi Rao Hydari and now Sanjeeda Sheikh - both btw who have much more experience, finesse and talent than her.” One of the users opened about the changed opinion about Sharmin as they said, “I never tweeted anything against the acting skill or lack of it of #SharminSegal in #Heeramandi but this video is enough. Dear #SharminSegal , yes #SanjeedaSheikh is an outsider and yet when it comes to acting skills and hand work, she is light years ahead of you, want proof?” Sanjeeda is her senior and the way she disrespects her . I am just stunned,” shared another social media user.

Sharmin gives out such mean girl energy pic.twitter.com/b5P3hYs1bE — Ash (@ashilikeit) May 24, 2024

Amid all the flak that Sharmin Segal has been receiving for her acting skills and now for her behaviour during interactions, her uncle Sanjay Leela Bhansali as well as the casting director of Heeramandi, Shruti Mahajan have come to her defense asserting that the casting was done on the basis of merits and that Segal earned her place in the web-show.

Also Read: Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar’s casting director opens up about casting Sharmin Segal in the web-series; says, “Casting is purely done based on the script and the director’s vision”

Bigg Boss 17 winner Munawar Faruqui hospitalized again

Munawar Faruqui, the winner of Bigg Boss 17, has been hospitalized. The stand-up comic was brought to the hospital after becoming unwell again. Munawar was brought to the hospital a month ago and is currently dealing with health concerns again.

Munawar Faruqui’s friend, Nitin Menghani, took to his Instagram handle and shared a picture of the Bigg Boss 17 winner resting on a hospital bed, showing Munawar with an IV drip in his hand. He wrote, “Wishing all the strength to my brother @munawar.Faruqui get well soon.”

For the unversed, this isn't the first time Munawar has faced health issues recently. Last month, he was also hospitalized and shared a picture of himself receiving treatment via an IV drip. At that time, he expressed his concerns about his recurring health problems, writing, “Lag gaye nazar”

Earlier, Munawar Faruqui expressed his opinions on a crucial problem in his distinct Shayari way. Munawar offered a heartbreaking statement on the recent Porsche accident in Pune, which claimed the lives of two young IT workers. He said, "Woh Porsche kharid sakta hai, Toh baaki chize bhi kharid hi liya ho na."

Faruqui's declaration comes amid controversy over the Juvenile Justice Board's choices. The board's actions have caused significant criticism across the country. The adolescent involved in the Porsche crash was given bail within 15 hours. To add to the outrage, the youngster was ordered to write an essay about traffic accidents as part of the punishment.

Also Read : Aditi Rao Hydari’s hilarious banter with Munawar Faruqui sparks laughter during Heeramandi promotions

Drake places $250,000 high-stakes bet on Shah Rukh Khan's Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL finals

Drake, the acclaimed Canadian rapper with multiple Grammy Awards to his name, is turning his attention to the Indian Premier League finals in Chennai this Sunday. In a surprising move, he's placed his "first ever cricket bet" on actor Shah Rukh Khan's team, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), as they prepare to face off against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) today.

On Saturday, Drake took to his Instagram Stories and shared a screenshot of him placing a bet on KKR in its match against SRH in the IPL finals today. The screenshot claimed that he had a 1.70 odds of winning the bet. His bet is worth $250,000, and its estimated payout is $425,000. Drake wrote along with the screenshot, “Since @ovorajaju team is out, I am going with KKR for my first ever cricket bet (teary-eyed laughter emoji) Korbo Lorbo Jeetbo.”

Drake's interest in the Indian Premier League finals extends beyond mere curiosity; it's also tied to a personal investment. The Grammy-winning rapper recently disclosed that he placed his "first ever cricket bet" on actor Shah Rukh Khan's team, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). This decision was influenced by his manager, Sureshkumar Subramaniam, known on Instagram as @ovorajaju. While Subramaniam's own team preference remains undisclosed, it's evident that both he and Drake will be eagerly watching the match, rooting for KKR's success. For Drake, this wager represents more than just a financial stake—it's a symbol of his trust and support for Shah Rukh's team in the IPL.

KKR ended the league stage at the top of the points table, with nine victories, three defeats, and two no results, totaling 20 points. They advanced directly to the final after beating SRH in the first qualifier. SRH had a second chance at the title in qualifier two against Rajasthan Royals (RR), and they made the most of it, defeating the Men in Pink by 36 runs.

The IPL finals, which begin at 7 p.m. tonight at Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium, are also expected to draw some star-studded KKR followers. These include Shah Rukh and his family, which includes wife Gauri Khan, kids Aryan Khan and AbRam Khan, daughter Suhana Khan, her pals Ananya Panday and Shanaya Kapoor, and KKR co-owners Juhi Chawla and Jay Mehta. Imagine Dragons, an American band, is also scheduled to perform at the closing ceremony at 6 p.m today.

Also Read : Malaika Arora reacts to Shah Rukh Khan’s heatstroke and gives tips to beat the heat: “You must protect your environment”

Janhvi Kapoor reveals paparazzi get paid per photo based on celebrity popularity

Janhvi Kapoor, known for her captivating on-screen performances and stylish off-screen appearances, has become a favorite among photographers. In a candid revelation during an interview with The Lallantop, she disclosed that paparazzi are paid per photo of a star, with the amount depending on the celebrity's popularity.

Janhvi, when quizzed about her views on paparazzi culture, she said, “Like right now, Mr & Mrs Mahi's promotion is going on; they are called to the airport to click my picture. But when the film's promotion is not happening, when I am not going for shoots, when I want to disappear, then, if they want to put in extra effort, and this has happened many times, they follow the car because they get paid for every picture, every image.”

She further added, “Every celebrity has a ration card. Their pictures sell for so much. If your price is high, they reach you, follow your car. If the price is not that high, you call paparazzi.”

Janhvi is returning with Rajkummar Rao, her Roohi co-star, for her forthcoming sports love film Mr & Mrs Mahi. Sharan Sharma directed the film, which Karan Johar produced. She will also be seen in Sudhanshu Saria's spy thriller Ulajh, which stars Gulshan Deviah, Roshan Mathew, Rajesh Tailang, and Adil Hussain. The actor is now filming Dharma Productions' Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari. She gets reunited with her Bawaal co-star Varun Dhawan in the film. Janhvi's Mr & Mrs Mahi will be released on May 31.

Also Read : Janhvi Kapoor’s ‘Mannat’ to work with Pankaj Tripathi; says, “I became a vegetarian”

Sharvari steps into Dinesh Vijan’s horror-verse as the surprise factor of Munjya; says, “I’m a big surprise factor of the film”

Dinesh Vijan, acclaimed for creating a horror comedy universe with films such as Stree and Bhediya, has cast Sharvari in the lead role for his latest horror comedy, Munjya. Known for delivering numerous content driven hit films, Vijan's horror universe continues to expand with this new installment.

Sharvari says, “I have been fortunate to have been guided and chosen to be a part of this huge franchise by Dinesh Vijan, who I reckon is one of the best minds of our industry. For him to have believed in me, is a huge validation of my craft. I’m extremely proud of Munjya and I’m grateful to have this film in my filmography. The horror-verse has huge stars of our industry and I’m honoured to be a part of this universe. I wish Munjya’s world meets the worlds of Stree & Bhediya in due course of time. I’m secretly praying for that to happen soon!”

She adds, “Without giving out too much, I would like to say that I’m a big surprise factor of the film which will be revealed by the makers in due course of time. I’m hoping I shock and awe people and win their hearts with this film.”

Munjya has been directed by Aditya Sarpotdar and is set to release in theatres on June 7.

Also Read : Ayushmann Khurrana, Vaani Kapoor and Sharvari Wagh review Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar

Yash Raj Films receives closure on the case of misappropriation of royalties worth Rs. 100 crores

The 2019 case where the Indian Performing Rights Society (IPRS) lodged a complaint against Yash Raj Films alleging the misappropriation of Rs. 100 crore in royalties meant for lyricists, singers, music directors, and producers has finally come to a conclusion. Following nearly five years of investigation, the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai Police has closed the case after categorizing the case as 'C' summary, which indicates neither confirmation nor dismissal of the accusations.

In their closure report submitted to the court, the EOW's general cheating cell reportedly did not find any evidence of financial misconduct by Yash Raj Films. The report attributed the issue to ambiguity in copyright agreements regarding royalty calculations, rather than deliberate embezzlement. It concluded that the contractual terms fell within the realm of civil disputes, thus recommending the court's approval of the 'C' summary report. This kind of report is reportedly quite common and typically arises from factual errors or when the alleged offense pertains to civil matters rather than criminal.

In an official statement released on the issue, it elaborated further on the decision which was arrived after much consideration and it read, “The complainant had alleged that YRF had taken the licence fees from the user companies or exploiter companies for songs in the agreement letter or received royalty in another way and they have used it for personal use, which is not true. Also, during the course of investigation, it is seen that the amount of royalties paid by the accused company from time to time to song writers and musicians who are members of the plaintiff have been received/accepted by the plaintiff company.”

In the complaint, which was filed earlier by IPRS, it was being said that Yash Raj Films created hinderances in the royalty collection from various platforms by coercing artists into signing unlawful agreements. However, having found no evidence to support these accusations, the court has finally settled the matter with this summary report.

Also Read: Alia Bhatt – Sharvari Wagh untitled YRF Spy Universe project gets several action directors to create seven fight sequences: Report

Janhvi Kapoor's 'Mannat' to work with Pankaj Tripathi; says, “I became a vegetarian”

Janhvi Kapoor is now preparing for the release of her forthcoming film Mr. & Mrs. Mahi, alongside Rajkummar Rao. As the lead actors, they are actively engaged in promoting the film both online and offline, building anticipation among the audience for its release.

In a recent interview, Janhvi spoke about working with one of her favorite actors, Pankaj Tripathi, in Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl, and disclosed that she had a plan to persuade the actor to accept the project.

In an interview with The Lallantop, Janhvi Kapoor was asked to identify one actor who she would want to collaborate with. The actress stated that it was Pankaj Tripathi.

She shared, “I wanted to work with Pankaj Tripathi Sir. He was on my wishlist. People present at the sets of Gunjan Saxena, know that I used to behave like a crazy girl because I was a big fan of him and even today. I had a mannat to make him say yes to the film. I think for 10 or 12 days I became a vegetarian so that he says yes.”

Sharan Sharma directed Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl, which was released in 2020. In the narrative, we witness an ambitious Gunjan Saxena aspiring to be a pilot after being captivated to the prospect of life in a cockpit. She also served her nation in the Kargil War.

Meanwhile, Mr. & Mrs. Mahi, starring Janhvi Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao, is expected to reach theatres on May 31, 2024.

Also Read : EXCLUSIVE: Rajkummar Rao-Janhvi Kapoor starrer Mr & Mrs Mahi is a RARE film to be passed by CBFC with a ‘U’ certificate and ZERO cuts

Farhan Akhtar to revive Jee Le Zaraa with Alia Bhatt, Katrina Kaif, and Priyanka Chopra Jonas

Farhan Akhtar, the filmmaker, is apparently going to "revive" Jee Le Zaraa, which stars Alia Bhatt, Katrina Kaif, and Priyanka Chopra. Farhan declared his return to directing in 2021 with a slice-of-life road trip film. However, the film never took off due to schedule conflicts.

According to the latest Pinkvilla report, Farhan Akhtar and Excel authorities are looking into the possibility of restarting Jee Le Zaraa. “While Jee Le Zaraa was put on the backburner before proceeding to the pre-production stage, the team at Excel was continuing to give the final touches to the script. The film was put on the back burner due to date issues and not completely called off, as it’s a pet project for all the stakeholders – from the producers to writers and director. The script is completely in place and the team is now looking to revive the project,” according to a source.

The source continued, “During her visit to India, Farhan Akhtar met Priyanka Chopra as well to restart the conversation of Jee Le Zaraa. He has been in touch with Katrina Kaif and Alia Bhatt too. The trio is working out on the combination dates with a positive intent of bringing the film back on track.”

Also Read : Hrithik Roshan and Saba Azad join Farhan Akhtar and Shibani Dandekar for double date

Are Natasa Stankovic and Hardik Pandya separated? Here’s what we know

Speculation regarding the marital status of actress Natasa Stankovic and cricketer Hardik Pandya has been circulating on social media. This follows changes on Stankovic's Instagram profile and her absence from the IPL season. 

The Spark of Speculation

The rumors gained momentum after a Reddit post titled "Natasa and Hardik separated?" went viral. The couple, married since May 2020 and parents to son Agastya, have become the subject of online scrutiny.

 Natasa Stankovic’s Social Media Activity

Stankovic recently removed "Pandya" from her Instagram handle and deleted several photos featuring her and Hardik together. Additionally, a Reddit user pointed out the couple's lack of interaction on Instagram Stories and the absence of a birthday post from Hardik on Stankovic's birthday in March 2024. Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya has not liked any of Natasa’s recently shared posts on her feed. 

However, the duo had shared a joint post on the occasion of Valentine’s Day this year. The photo also featured their son Agastya. Meanwhile, the caption read, “Happy Valentine’s Day,” followed by a heart emoticon. 

 

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Hardik Himanshu Pandya (@hardikpandya93)

Fan Reactions Divided  The Reddit post triggered a range of comments. Some users expressed their belief in a potential separation, while others cautioned against hasty conclusions based solely on social media activity. One user suggested the online trolling Stankovic faced during the IPL as a reason for her low profile, referencing past instances of online harassment faced by cricketers' wives. Official Silence Having said that, it is worth mentioning here that neither Hardik Pandya nor Natasa Stankovic has addressed the rumours publicly. The couple's current relationship status remains unconfirmed. 

Also Read: Hardik Pandya and Natasa Stankovic share more photos from their wedding functions

Indian film Sunflowers Were The First Ones To Know wins first prize at Cannes Film Festival

In a significant achievement for India at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, Chidananda S Naik’s film Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know secured the first prize in the prestigious La Cinef section. Naik, a doctor-turned-filmmaker from Mysuru, created this film as part of his coursework at Pune's Film and Television Institute of India (FTII). The film, inspired by a Kannada folk tale, narrates the story of an old woman who steals a rooster, showcasing Naik's ability to blend traditional narratives with cinematic excellence.

This is the first time a film by a student from the 1-year Television degree has been chosen for the famous Cannes Film Festival.

The second prize was shared by Out of the Widow Through the Wall, directed by Asya Segalovich of Columbia University, and The Chaos She Left Behind, directed by Nikos Kolioukos of Aristotle University in Thessaloniki, Greece. The third award in the La Cinef competition went to Mansi Maheshwari's animated film Bunnyhood. Maheshwari, who was born in Meerut and a former NIFT Delhi student, made the film while attending the National Film and Television School in the United Kingdom.

The Cannes Film Festival awards a 15,000 euro grant for the first prize winner, 11,250 euros for the runner and 7,500 euros for the third prize recipient.

The awarded films will be screened at the Cinema du Pantheon on June 3 and at the MK2 Quai de Seine on June 4.

Also Read : Shyam Benegal’s Manthan starring Smita Patil and Naseeruddin Shah to re-release in Indian cinemas in 50 cities after Cannes 2024 screening

Shyam Benegal's Manthan starring Smita Patil and Naseeruddin Shah to re-release in Indian cinemas in 50 cities after Cannes 2024 screening

After the success of the world premiere of the Film Heritage Foundation’s restoration of Shyam Benegal’s 1976 film Manthan at the Cannes Film Festival 2024, the Film Heritage Foundation and the Gujarat Co-Operative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd. have collaborated with PVR-INOX Ltd. and Cinépolis India to release the restored classic in 50 cities and 100 cinemas across India on June 1 & 2, 2024.

Manthan, a fictionalized version of the beginnings of the extraordinary dairy cooperative movement that transformed India from a milk-deficient nation to the world’s largest milk producer inspired by Dr. Verghese Kurien, the Father of the White Revolution, is also India’s first crowdfunded film produced by 500,000 dairy farmers who contributed Rs. 2/- each towards the production of the film.

The film featured a stellar cast including Girish Karnad, Naseeruddin Shah, Smita Patil, Dr. Mohan Agashe, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Anant Nag and Abha Dhulia. Manthan was shot by renowned cinematographer and director Govind Nihalani and the music was composed by eminent music composer Vanraj Bhatia.

Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, Director, Film Heritage Foundation states, “When Film Heritage Foundation takes up the restoration of a film it is with the ultimate aim of bringing it back to the public for which it was made. Funded by 500,000 farmers, ‘Manthan’ is a film made by the people for the people and we knew that it was imperative that the restored film be shown back on the big screen to reach the widest audience possible. I am so pleased that audiences across the country in cities ranging from the big metros like Mumbai, New Delhi, Kolkata and Chennai to smaller cities like Dharwad, Kakinada, Nadiad, Bhatinda, Panipat and Kozhikode will have the opportunity to watch the beautifully restored film.”

Shyam Benegal states, “I was so pleased to hear about the fantastic response that the restoration of ‘Manthan’ received at its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. But I am even more delighted that the restored film will be released in cinemas across the country. “Manthan” will be the first restoration of one of my films that will have a theatrical release. When Manthan released in 1976, it was a great success as the farmers themselves came to see the film in droves, travelling in bullock carts from small towns and villages. I hope that 48 years later when the restored film comes back to the big screen this June, people across India will come to the cinema to watch the film.”

Naseeruddin Shah states, “Watching the restored ‘Manthan’ at its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival was a very emotional experience for me. I was overwhelmed by memories from almost fifty years ago when cinema was a vehicle of change and moved to tears by the standing ovation at the end, which was not just for myself but for the film which has more than stood the test of time and also for the beauty of the restoration. I am delighted that the film is to be released in cinemas across India and I hope that people will not lose the opportunity to watch a beautiful restoration of a historic film on the big screen. I will be going to the theatre myself to watch the film again.”

Govind Nihalani states, “Having been involved in the restoration of ‘Manthan’ and seen the painstaking effort that Film Heritage Foundation has put in over many months to ensure that the restoration is as true to the original work as possible, I cannot wait to watch the film back on the big screen, the way it should be watched and to see the work that Shyam and I envisioned nearly fifty years ago come back to life again.” ALSO READ: Cannes 2024: Restored version of Shyam Benegal’s Manthan starring Smita Patil premieres; Naseeruddin Shah receives standing ovation and he hugs Prateik Babbar, watch videos

Salman Khan to kick off AR Murugadoss’ Sikandar from June 20 with action-packed schedule in Mumbai: Report

Even though Eid 2024 lacked a Salman Khan release, the superstar has unveiled a grand project titled Sikandar to make up for it. This action extravaganza marks Khan's first collaboration with director AR Murugadoss, and filming is set to commence in June 2024. Murugadoss is currently juggling projects, including an action film featuring Tamil star Sivakarthikeyan (tentatively titled SK23). To ensure a smooth transition to Sikandar, he aims to wrap up a significant portion of SK23 before diving into Khan's film.

“Murugadoss wants to complete as much of SK23 as possible before Sikandar goes on floors,” an insider revealed, according to a Mid-day report. The plan involved shooting the initial schedule of Sikandar in May, followed by a return to Sivakarthikeyan's film in June. From July onwards, Murugadoss will devote his full attention to Sikandar.

With a target Eid 2025 release, the team is working tirelessly to meet the deadline despite the director's packed schedule. “To avoid any delays, Murugadoss has assembled a dedicated team to expedite the completion of SK23,” the source added.

Another report in the same publication revealed that the pre-production began last week in May, paving the way for a June shoot. The first schedule will take place in Mumbai, with location scouting currently underway to finalize filming spots. Additionally, Salman Khan will be involved in a photoshoot towards the end of May, followed by the commencement of principal photography after June 20.

Action sequences are a priority for Murugadoss, and the action directors are busy choreographing these set pieces. Salman Khan has already begun his preparations. “Salman insists on performing the action sequences himself. He has modified his workout regimen to achieve a chiseled physique,” the source revealed.

Table reads with Khan and leading lady Rashmika Mandanna are expected to start in early June. A significant portion of the film will be shot in Mumbai and Hyderabad before the team embarks on an international schedule. To ensure Khan's safety, considering past threats, filming locations will be disclosed on a need-to-know basis.

Sikandar marks Murugadoss's highly anticipated return to Hindi cinema after an eight-year hiatus following Akira (2016). This project also reunites Khan with producer Sajid Nadiadwala, the duo behind blockbuster hits like Kick, Judwaa, and Mujhse Shaadi Karogi. ALSO READ: Salman Khan to kick off AR Murugadoss’ Sikandar in May 2024: Report

Shooting of Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana is not halted: “Who spreads these negative rumours, and why?”

Sometimes speculative rumour-driven entertainment stories can be anything but entertaining for the party concerned. A seriously damaging report doing the rounds is that producer Namit Malhotra and director Nitesh Tiwari’s ambitious take on the Ramayana has been stalled due to a legal copyright-infringement issue.

However, one of the actors from the movie on condition of anonymity told us the truth. “Who says the shooting was halted? The shooting was not halted for even a day. In fact, we are shooting as I speak to you. Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi and all of us are participating in the shooting right now. Who spreads these negative rumours, and why? What do they get out of it? Here we are trying to make something that would bring us global glory. Instead of encouraging us there are negative stories about the Ramayan every day,” said the actor.

Making the situation worse is the fact that the producers (Yash, Namit Malhotra) are not issuing any official statements on the project.

“I’ve no clue why they are so quiet about the project. They should give some clarity on the project by now. Their silence is fuelling damaging rumours,” said the actor from Ramayana.

Also Read: Shoot for Ramayana starring Ranbir Kapoor, Yash, Sai Pallavi halted due to copyright infringement case; to resume in three weeks: Reports

Shah Rukh Khan recovering well after heatstroke, to attend IPL 2024 finals to support KKR, says Juhi Chawla

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan is recovering well after suffering a heat stroke during a recent IPL match, according to his close friend and fellow actor Juhi Chawla. Khan was admitted to Ahmedabad's KD Hospital following the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) match on Tuesday.

News of Khan's hospitalization spread quickly, leaving fans concerned. However, Juhi Chawla provided an update with News18, where she said, “Shah Rukh was not feeling too well last night but he is being attended to and was feeling much better this evening. God willing, he will soon be up and in the stands on the weekend, cheering the team, as we play the finals.”

Khan, along with his children Suhana and AbRam, and manager Pooja Dadlani, attended the match at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Juhi Chawla and her husband Jay Mehta, who co-own KKR with Khan, were also spotted leaving the hospital but did not interact with waiting media.

#WATCH | Gujarat: Gauri Khan, wife of Actor Shah Rukh Khan reached KD Hospital in Ahmedabad earlier today. Shah Rukh Khan is admitted to the hospital due to heat stroke and dehydration. pic.twitter.com/hTrCZ42x1F

— ANI (@ANI) May 22, 2024

Gujarat: Actor Juhi Chawla and her husband Jay Mehta leave from KD Hospital, in Ahmedabad. Actor Shah Rukh Khan has been admitted to the hospital.

Get well soon @iamsrk ♥️#ShahRukhKhan pic.twitter.com/2niT517wuu

— Shah Rukh Khan Fc - Pune ( SRK Fc Pune ) (@SRKFC_PUNE) May 22, 2024

Meanwhile, Khan's wife Gauri Khan arrived at the hospital shortly after news of his hospitalization broke. Suhana Khan, however, returned to Mumbai, photographed with friends Ananya Panday, Shanaya Kapoor, and Navya Nanda at a private airport.

Fans and well-wishers across the globe have been sending their best for a speedy recovery and hoping to see him cheering on KKR in the upcoming finals. ALSO READ: Shah Rukh Khan hospitalized for heatstroke after IPL match in Ahmedabad: Reports

Popular actor Krrip Suri to play Sarpanch Prabhakar Tripathi in the TV show 10:29 Ki Aakhri Dastak

Star Bharat is all set to captivate audiences with its upcoming supernatural thriller, 10:29 ki Aakhri Dastak, featuring the popular actor Krip Suri. Best known for his show Kalash and Jeet Gaye Toh Piya More, Krrip is ready to return to Star Bharat after having recently featured in the channel’s recent show Baagin, co-starring Aneri Vajani. We hear that he is set to enthral viewers once again, this time in the intriguing role of Sarpanch Prabhakar Tripathi in the new upcoming show.

According to sources close to the actor, in this new show Krrip Suri will portray a character that is markedly different from his previous roles. It is being said that his character as Sarpanch Prabhakar Tripathi, is unique and layered, demanding a fresh and distinctive look. In fact, we hear that Krip has dedicated considerable effort to embodying the essence of a Sarpanch, ensuring that his appearance and demeanor are authentic and impactful.

‘10:29 ki Aakhri Dastak’ promises to be a thrilling ride, blending supernatural elements with gripping drama. With this popular actor at the helm as Sarpanch Prabhakar Tripathi, audiences can expect a show that not only entertains but also keeps them on the edge of their seats.

Apart from Krrip Suri, the show is also expected to star Tanya Sharma of Sasural Simar Ka 2 fame in a lively and dynamic character and Bhumika Gurung of Nimki Mukhiya fame in key roles. Apart from them, we had earlier also reported that the show will feature Gautam Vig in a pivotal role too.

Although makers are keeping most of these details under wraps, touted to be a revenge - supernatural thriller is produced under the banner Full Focus, and it will air on Star Bharat.

Also Read: Gautam Vig to play the lead in Star Bharat’s upcoming supernatural thriller: Report

Manasvi Mamgai on her production Captivated being presented at Marché du Film in Cannes, “Bringing the film to life has been a deeply personal and passionate journey”

Manasvi Mamgai, alongside 32RED Entertainment, has officially announced the launch of their latest thriller, Captivated, at the Cannes Market. The film, starring Katie Holmes, Toby Kebbell, and Oscar-winner Al Pacino, delves into the infamous 1973 kidnapping of Jean Paul Getty III, presenting a new perspective on the historic event.

Captivated is directed by Dito Montiel, who co-wrote the script with Robin Shushan and Michael Mammoliti. The film focuses on the Calabrian mafia boss Saro, portrayed by Toby Kebbell, and in present day by Al Pacino. It explores the complex dynamics that arise when Saro falls in love with his victim's mother, played by Katie Holmes, during the intense ransom negotiations.

The project is particularly close to Mammoliti, who is the nephew of one of the primary kidnappers. Having long been engaged with the narrative surrounding the kidnapping, Mammoliti aims to bring a fresh and unheard perspective to the story through Captivated.

Manasvi Mamgai, a key figure in bringing this project to fruition, expressed her enthusiasm saying, “Bringing Captivated to life has been a deeply personal and passionate journey. We are committed to portraying the untold layers of this historic event, shedding light on the emotional complexities and unheard voices. This film will resonate with audiences by offering a fresh and compelling perspective.”

Manasvi Mamgai, along with producers Michael Benaroya, Michael Mammoliti, and Andrea Bucko, are dedicated to ensuring the film’s authenticity and emotional depth.

The principal photography for Captivated is set to commence in Italy later this winter. International Film Trust (IFT) is managing worldwide sales and has presented the film at the Marché du Film in Cannes this week. The project is financed by IFT, 32RED Entertainment, and Sugar Rush Pictures.

“Captivated has all the ingredients of a great film, a fantastic script, stellar cast, and visionary director,” Benaroya Pictures CEO and IFT Founder Michael Benaroya said.“We couldn’t be more excited to have it on our slate.”

Mammoliti added, “Our goal is to give a voice to a person who’s had none for 50+ years, and tell a side of this story no one knows.”

Also Read: Manasvi Mamgai and CM Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami discuss filming prospects in Uttarakhand; says, “I am eager to collaborate and promote Uttarakhand globally as a prime filming destination”

Sushant Divgikar's home destroyed by fire from air conditioner explosion, family safe

Former Bigg Boss contestant Sushant Divgikar, also known as Rani KoHenoor, recently experienced a horrific incident when their house caught fire. The blaze was caused by an air conditioner explosion in the living room during dinner. The fire spread rapidly to the open kitchen and office space, causing extensive damage to almost everything, including awards, appliances, furniture, official documents, certificates, and makeup equipment.

According to Divgikar’s manager, “The air conditioner in the living room of the home blasted when they were having dinner and caused the fire which quickly spread to the open kitchen area and office space area damaging mostly everything including awards, appliances, all the furniture and official documents, certificates and make-up equipment and performance outfits. It’s a huge loss but everyone in the family survived and was unharmed.” The family is currently staying at Sushant's parents' place, and the shock of the incident still lingers.

Sushant took to social media to confirm the incident, sharing, "This is to confirm - There was a huge fire in my home over the weekend. Please swipe for details." He continued, "My family and I are safe and that is the biggest blessing, but the fire has burned down most of what I owned." Reflecting on the emotional impact, they stated, "It's not going to be easy but all I know is that we are lucky and fortunate to have survived such a big fire that could have easily claimed our lives!"

Despite the significant loss, Sushant remains optimistic and determined to rebuild. "This is not the first time I have started from scratch! I will rise! Just as the phoenix rises from the ashes, I WILL RISE, AGAIN! Please pray for me and mine." The response from fans and the community has been overwhelmingly supportive. "The biggest gift is we are all alive and are safe but please keep us in your prayers. This fire didn't take me, so here I am and I promise to make the most of it! Please send in only love and prayers. Baaki mehnat kar ke aajaayega (The rest will come with hard work)."

Sushant Divgikar's resilience and positive outlook in the face of such a devastating event are truly inspiring. While the material loss is substantial, the safety and well-being of their family remain the most important. As they begin the process of rebuilding, the support and prayers from fans and the community will undoubtedly play a crucial role in their journey forward. This incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of life and the importance of resilience and community support in overcoming adversity.

EXCLUSIVE: Sanjay Dutt drops out of Welcome 3 over date and script disagreements

Earlier in the year, Firoz Nadiadwala and Akshay Kumar announced Welcome To The Jungle with a hilarious video. They also informed the audience about the ensemble cast of the film, which had the presence of almost every actor from the Indian Film Industry. One of the many was Sanjay Dutt, who was cast to play a key role of this Ahmed Khan film.

But in a shocking turn of events, the industry is buzzing about Sanjay Dutt’s exit from this comic caper. “Sanjay Dutt has cited date issues for his exit. He has conveyed all the issues to his dear friend Akshay, who took the points into account and holds no bad blood. Sanjay Dutt felt that the Welcome To The Jungle shoot was happening in an unplanned way, with too many changes in the script, disturbing his diary of the shoot, and hence has parted ways,” a source close to the project told us.

Sanjay Dutt has already shot for 15 days, and the makers are now in two minds – if they should retain what Sanju has shot or completely delete it and opt for a reshoot. “Sanjay Dutt has shot for some funny portions of Welcome To The Jungle in the first schedule and the makers are tempted to resume it and credit Sanjay Dutt for a guest appearance,” the source shared, adding further that the team has come up with a whacky idea to integrate in the screenplay for Sanju to go missing after the initial few frames.

Welcome To The Jungle stars Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, Suniel Shetty in key roles along with Jacqueline Fernandez, Disha Patani, Raveena Tandon and Lara Dutta. The movie will release during the Christmas 2024 period.

Also Read: Sanjay Dutt and Arshad Warsi in, Nana Patekar and Anil Kapoor out of Welcome 3

Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal's production Girls Will Be Girls to screen at Cannes Film Festival 2024

The directorial debut of Suchi Talati, Girls Will Be Girls, produced by Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal, is set to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival 2024. The film will be featured under the Cannes Écrans Juniors category, a selection dedicated to international feature films that appeal to young audiences aged thirteen and over, introducing them to diverse themes, cultures, and cinematic art.

After its premiere at the SXSW Film Festival and making waves at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year by winning the Audience Award in the World Dramatic Entry category and the Special Jury Award for Lead Actress Preeti Panigrahi, Girls Will Be Girls is now poised for its Cannes debut. The film is scheduled to screen on May 22nd and 23rd at the Alexandre III Theatre and on May 24th at the Raimu Hall.

Richa Chadha expressed her excitement: “We are thrilled to see 'Girls Will Be Girls' reach the Cannes Film Festival. This project is very close to our hearts, and the recognition it has received so far has been overwhelming. Producing this film has been a labour of love, and to see it resonate with audiences globally is incredibly fulfilling. We believe in the power of stories that challenge and inspire, and 'Girls Will Be Girls' does just that. It's a film that speaks to the complexities of growing up, and we can't wait for the Cannes audience to experience it.”

Ali Fazal added, “From the very beginning, we knew 'Girls Will Be Girls' was a special project. The response at Sundance was beyond our expectations, and now premiering at Cannes is a dream come true. Suchi Talati has crafted a beautiful, poignant story that deserves this platform. We are proud to be part of a film that not only entertains but also sparks important conversations. This is just the beginning, and we are excited for what’s to come.”

Girls Will Be Girls is produced by Chadha and Fazal's joint venture Pushing Buttons Studios, in collaboration with Blink Digital and Dolce Vita Films. ALSO READ: Richa Chadha reacts to Sharmin Segal getting trolled for her performance in Heeramandi; says, “I think truthfully, it is the audience’s right”

Shoot for Ramayana starring Ranbir Kapoor, Yash, Sai Pallavi halted due to copyright infringement case; to resume in three weeks: Reports

The highly anticipated filming of Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana finally began earlier this year, albeit after facing a few hurdles. After a brief pause to rework the costumes, the production commenced at Film City in Mumbai. This followed a period of meticulous planning and adjustments, including a crucial phase of look tests with the updated outfits for the cast. Despite the change in production hands, with Madhu Mantena exiting the project, the film's journey hasn't been entirely smooth sailing. While Mantena's departure initially sparked rumours of a potential shift in direction, reports now suggest he has requested a halt in filming until he receives appropriate compensation.

According to a report in Mid-day, an inside source said the shoot of Tiwari's mythological epic was indeed stalled due to a copyright infringement case. “Filming continued for a few days after the notice, but has been on hold since last week. The legalities need to be sorted out, and filming will only resume after a consensus is reached on the matter,” revealed the source, who confirms the film stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, alongside Sunny Deol, Yash, and Sai Pallavi.

While production is currently on hold, sources from the production house assured fans that the film has not been shelved. Shooting is expected to recommence within three weeks. The delay is attributed to scheduling conflicts with the lead actors.

Ranbir Kapoor is committed to Sanjay Leela Bhansali's project Love & War later this year, and Sunny Deol has filming lined up for Border 2. The production team is working on a schedule that minimizes disruption caused by their absence. The film will be shot in two parts, with a six-month gap between the release of the first and second installments.

According to a report in Pinkvilla, sources close to the production revealed that Nitesh Tiwari and his team are envisioning Ramayana as a grand two-part saga. Given the epic scale and complexity of the story, the makers have opted for this approach to effectively narrate the tale. Unlike most film productions where the success of the first part determines the green light for a sequel, Ramayana will be filmed concurrently.

Reports suggest that a grand audio-visual announcement for Ramayana is expected soon, showcasing the film's global talent pool. While the cast boasts of actors from across India, the technical team follows a similar international collaboration model. As previously reported, the music for Ramayana will be a joint composition by the legendary Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman. ALSO READ: Makers of Ramayana put curtains on set to avoid further leaks

It’s a boy! Yami Gautam and Aditya Dhar welcome first child; name him Vedavid

Actor Yami Gautam and her filmmaker husband, Aditya Dhar, have become parents to a baby boy! The couple took to Instagram on May 20 to announce the joyful news.

In a heartfelt note, Yami and Aditya expressed their gratitude to the medical professionals at Surya Hospital, particularly Dr. Bhupender Awasthi and Dr. Ranjana Dhanu, for their expertise and care during this special time. They also shared their excitement about embarking on the journey of parenthood, expressing their hope for their son's bright future.

“As we embark on this beautiful journey of parenthood, we eagerly anticipate the bright future that awaits our son. With every milestone he achieves, we are filled with the hope and belief that he will grow to become a beacon of pride for our entire family as well as our beloved nation,” read an excerpt of their post.

 

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The couple received a wave of congratulations from fellow Bollywood celebrities in the comments section, including Ayushmann Khurrana, Mrunal Thakur, and Neha Dhupia.

Yami had previously announced her pregnancy during the trailer launch of their last film together, Article 370. The couple tied the knot in June 2021 after dating for more than two years.

Congratulations to Yami Gautam and Aditya Dhar on this new chapter in their lives!

Also Read: Yami Gautam Dhar on the response to Article 370 on OTT: “Feels like a dream come true”

Anurag Kashyap ropes in Bobby Deol, Sanya Malhotra for hard-hitting thriller; Malayalam actor Joju George and Saba Azad join the cast: Report

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap is back with a vengeance. It was reported last month that he's gearing up for a gritty, hard-hitting thriller featuring Bobby Deol in the lead role. The project, currently untitled, has begun filming in Mumbai, and will also see Sanya Malhotra in the lead role along with Joju George and Saba Azad.

According to a report in Peeping Moon, Sanya Malhotra, who previously shared screen space with Deol in Shah Rukh Khan's production Love Hostel, reunites with him for this Anurag Kashyap directorial. Joining the ensemble cast for the first time in Hindi cinema is renowned Malayalam actor Joju George. This marks his foray into Bollywood. Completing the trio of new additions is Saba Azad, who garnered much praise for her role in the hit Sony LIV series Rocket Boys. All three actors, Malhotra, George, and Azad, will play pivotal roles alongside Bobby Deol, with their characters intricately woven into the plot.

While the exact details of the story remain tightly under wraps, the report suggests that it's a powerful thriller inspired by a sensitive real-life event. The film promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of a significant issue, delivered in Kashyap's signature raw and unflinching style.

Nikhil Dwivedi takes the producer's mantle. Scriptwriting duties are shared by the talented Sudip Sharma, whose credits include NH10, Udta Punjab, Paatal Lok, and Kohrra, and Abhishek Banerjee, who previously penned the script for Anushka Sharma's 2018 horror film Pari.

The team officially began filming on May 14, and the shoot will primarily take place in Mumbai, wrapping up by June 2024. With a swift production schedule, the film is aiming for a theatrical release later this year. ALSO READ: Anurag Kashyap defends Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Animal; says, “People will realize the film’s impact in 5-10 years from now”

Kamal Haasan’s Indian 2 to CLASH with Akshay Kumar’s Sarfira and John Abraham’s Vedaa

The months of April and May have been quite dry for the film industry as very few films caught the attention of the moviegoers. But from May-end, the season of movies will commence with a bang. In July, an interesting clash will take place at the box office between Akshay Kumar, Kamal Haasan and Scarlett Johansson.

Yesterday, the makers of Indian 2 announced that their much-awaited film will be released in cinemas on July 12. Along with the release date, the producers dropped a stunning poster of the Kamal Haasan starrer and also announced that the first single will be out on May 22.

Indian 2 will have a multi-language release. Besides Kamal Haasan, it also stars S J Suryah, Kajal Aggarwal, Siddharth and Rakul Preet Singh and is directed by Shankar. The first part was released in Hindi as Hindustani. Taking a leaf out of it, the sequel's Hindi version is called Hindustani 2. It has music by Anirudh Ravichander.

With Indian 2 releasing on July 12, it’ll clash with Sarfira, starring Akshay Kumar and Radhika Madan. It is the remake of the acclaimed Tamil film Soorarai Pottru (2020). Just like the original film, Sarfira is also directed by Sudha Kongara. It is based on the life of the Air Deccan founder G R Gopinath, who made air travel affordable for the common man. Paresh Rawal will also be seen in a pivotal role in the film.

That’s not all. Vedaa, starring John Abraham and Sharvari, will also hit cinemas on July 12. It is directed by Nikkhil Advani and its stylishly cut teaser caught attention. It is backed by Zee Studios.

Lastly, one of the significant Hollywood releases of the year, Fly Me To The Moon, will also hit cinemas on July 12. It’ll be released by Sony Pictures and their India division recently announced that it’ll hit cinemas on the second Friday of July in India, just like in the rest of the world. Its entertaining trailer is also attached to Sony’s latest Hollywood release, The Garfield Movie.

Fly Me To The Moon stars Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum in lead roles and is set in the 1960s NASA when the USA was attempting to send astronauts to the moon. The film has the potential to pull moviegoers due to the subject and Scarlett’s casting, who has a huge following in India.

It now remains to be seen whether this four-way clash will take place and how the distributors of Indian 2, Sarfira, Vedaa and Fly Me To The Moon will share screens.

Also Read: Kamal Haasan announces Indian 2 to release on July 12, 2024; first single by Anirudh Ravichander to drop on May 22

EXCLUSIVE: Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Heeramandi to get season 2 on Netflix? Director weighs in on the possibility of renewal

Indian filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, known for his visually stunning and emotionally charged historical epics, has recently shed light on his creative process behind the highly talked about series Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar. Bhansali, whose dedication extends beyond box office success, prioritizes crafting immersive experiences for his audience. This series marked his first for a streaming platform and did get mixed reactions for its historical accuracy.

In a recent interview with Bollywood Hungama, Bhansali discussed his vision for Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar. He also talked about the series getting mixed reactions and whether it will be renewed for a season 2. Bhansali said, “First of all, thank you for loving season one. But season two happens or not happens, happens with Netflix announcing it if they want to go ahead with it. They are the producers and they're the best producers ever I have worked with in 30 years. I keep telling them as I've done some good karma that I have had the chance to work with people like y'all. But the decision to do season two comes from them not from me.”

Heeramandi, which translates to "Diamond Market," delves into the lives of courtesans within Lahore's red-light district during the British Raj. The series boasts an ensemble cast, including established actresses like Manisha Koirala and Sonakshi Sinha, alongside Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sharmin Segal and Sanjeeda Shaikh. The series also stars Fardeen Khan, Shekhar Suman, Taha Shah Badussha, and Adhyayan Suman. Set in 1940s Lahore, the series promises a captivating drama amidst the courtesan culture.

ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE: Sanjay Leela Bhansali on maintaining friendship with Salman Khan despite Inshallah fallout: “After one month, he called me and I called him and we talked”

EXCLUSIVE: Sanjay Leela Bhansali on maintaining friendship with Salman Khan despite Inshallah fallout: “After one month, he called me and I called him and we talked”

Indian filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, known for his visually stunning and emotionally charged historical epics, has recently shed light on his creative process behind the highly talked about series Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar. Bhansali, whose dedication extends beyond box office success, prioritizes crafting immersive experiences for his audience. This series marked his first for a streaming platform and did get mixed reactions for its historical accuracy. In a recent interview with Bollywood Hungama, Bhansali discussed his vision for Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, set against the backdrop of a bygone era. He also talked about working with several stars over the years, however, he remains friends with only a few of them. Bhansali mentioned that he loves his actors a lot but one star who keeps a check on him is Salman Khan.

When asked whether he likes to stay friends with his actors, Bhansali said, “I love my actors. I see that with actors, your relationship with them should not be of friends. You have to love your actors. You have to love the characters that you're creating.”

Bhansali said that the one actor he continues to remain friends with is Salman Khan. He has worked with him on Khamoshi, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and Saawariya. Interestingly, Salman Khan was also present at the premiere of Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar to support Bhansali. Though Inshallah co-starring Salman Khan and Alia Bhatt did not pan out, Bhansali added, “The only person that I'm still friendly with is Salman Khan. Even if Inshallah didn't happen, he stands by me. He'll call me; he'll care for me. ‘Are you okay? Is there anything [you need]? You've goofed up, you messed up’. I enjoy his humour so much. It [phone call] comes once in three months, once in five months, but it comes because he doesn't care about my film. He cares about me. ‘You, bro, you've done so many films with me doesn't matter. Are you okay?’ And that is what it is all about.”

He continued, “On work, we may have sparred, we may have not had our moment correct, and it didn’t fall into place. But after one month, he called me and I called him and we talked. So that is a friend. In that sense, I'm fortunate enough to have that friend who once in six months and will speak, will exactly start from where we left.”

Bhansali said, “But mostly I love them [actors] when I'm working with them. I think they move on, they forget. As an actor, you go to the next day, you're going to the next film. A director is sitting at home for six months working on the next one. So you feel lonely, but all those people who were with me work with me every day. So you feel that you should not take that too seriously. But you don't stop loving them. And you thank them because of what they've done for you and created the character and made your cinema come alive. And you should always be grateful to them.”

Inshallah was shelved after the project went on floors. While Bhansali seems to have no plans to revive it, some speculations suggest the story revolved around a businessman [Salman Khan] who, despite being in his 40s, maintained a youthful spirit. He travelled from Orlando to Varanasi, India, possibly for business or personal reasons. There, he encountered [Alia Bhatt], an aspiring actress living near the Ganges River. Their significant age difference would have become a central theme of the film.

Meanwhile, Heeramandi, which translates to "Diamond Market," delves into the lives of courtesans within Lahore's red-light district during the British Raj. The series boasts an ensemble cast, including established actresses like Manisha Koirala and Sonakshi Sinha, alongside Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sharmin Segal and Sanjeeda Shaikh.

ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE: Sanjay Leela Bhansali addresses glorification of courtesans; historical accuracy of Heeramandi: “My work is not supposed to be seen as if rooted in reality”

EXCLUSIVE: Sanjay Leela Bhansali addresses glorification of courtesans; historical accuracy of Heeramandi: “My work is not supposed to be seen as if rooted in reality”

Indian filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, known for his visually stunning and emotionally charged historical epics, has recently shed light on his creative process behind the highly talked about series Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar. Bhansali, whose dedication extends beyond box office success, prioritizes crafting immersive experiences for his audience. This series marked his first for a streaming platform and did get mixed reactions for its historical accuracy.

In a recent interview with Bollywood Hungama, Bhansali discussed his vision for Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, set against the backdrop of a bygone era.  While the narrative unfolds within a historical context, Bhansali emphasized that the series is driven by his artistic imagination. He aspires to create a world that resonates with viewers on a deeper level, even if the specific details deviate slightly from historical records.

When asked what fascinates him about depicting stories of courtesans, Bhansali said, “These women are, number one, beautiful. These women were very sophisticated and trained in etiquette and they knew the art of living in terms of poetry. They knew tradition, and they knew the art of classical dancing and classical music, but they also had stories of suffering that went through a lot of turmoil. And that was the fun of showing them all dressed in those diamonds and the things that they were saying something. They had their own inner politics; they had to help fight as much to survive as a middle-class woman would be or a lower-class woman, a woman or a man has to survive and they go through their own struggles.”

He continued, “So, I have not only shown the glamorous part but there is a lot of inner suffering of every close-up of every move of why she's reacting like this, what she went through, or what she wants to achieve. Or to stand by the tradition of every daughter having to be a tawaif as the girl protesting and saying I don't want to. So as a mother (Mallikajaan played by Manisha Koirala), she gives us the supreme sacrifice of getting out of it.”

“These are turmoil stories that we created, some from hearsay; some from real characters,” he stated. “Not my work is not supposed to be seen as if rooted in reality, in a documentary on Lahore and Heeramandi. It's an impression of Lahore. It is an impression of Heeramandi. It's an impression of artisans and living that life. I cannot understand how it can be realistic because I have not lived in that era. I have not seen that world, I cannot document it as, as clearly as the Heermandi of today from the Heeramandi of the 30s or 20s. So when you're creating a work of fiction, it is just to create an experience for you to say what maybe those women went through. That is the joy of filmmaking. I like to create an atmosphere and an impression on your mind of what I perceive that moment to be.”

He added, “These women fought for freedom. They were all trapped – Gangubai was trapped, Mastani was trapped. Women who are used for their beauty or their bodies, and have to survive because of that, or women who want to escape that lack of dignity. The lack of dignity is the worst punishment granted to a human being because dignity is every human being’s right. Every woman should be granted dignity. This is what Gangubai said even if I'm because of whatever circumstances forced into prostitution, then be proud. I'm proud that I'm a prostitute; I give my profession dignity. I will do it with commitment. So these women when they found a purpose in Azadi and freedom, people should understand that these are multi-layer women, they're just not about clothes and fancy songs and song picturisation. There is a lot more.”

Heeramandi, which translates to "Diamond Market," delves into the lives of courtesans within Lahore's red-light district during the British Raj. The series boasts an ensemble cast, including established actresses like Manisha Koirala and Sonakshi Sinha, alongside Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sharmin Segal and Sanjeeda Shaikh.

ALSO READ: Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar rakes in 8.5 million views within just 12 days of its release on Netflix

Producer Ritesh Sidhwani's mother Leelu Sidhwani passes away

The entertainment industry is in mourning following the passing away of Leelu Sidhwani, mother of renowned film producer Ritesh Sidhwani. Mrs. Sidhwani passed away on Friday, May 17, 2024. A statement released by Ritesh Sidhwani's team reads, "We are deeply saddened to announce the passing away of Mrs. Leelu Sidhwani on May 17 2024."

Reportedly, Ritesh Sidhwani's mother was taken to P.D. Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre in Mumbai as she was seriously ill. Celebrities such as Malaika Arora, Amrita Arora, Javed Akhtar, Farhan Akhtar, Shibani Dandekar, Zoya Akhtar, Sharman Joshi, Chunky Pandey, and others paid a visit.

Funeral Arrangements

Prayers for Mrs. Leelu Sidhwani will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at 3:15 pm at Quantum Park, RG Level, Union Park, Khar West. The cremation ceremony will follow at 4:30 pm at Santacruz Hindu Crematorium,

Ritesh Sidhwani, co-founder of Excel Entertainment production house alongside Farhan Akhtar, has produced numerous successful films. News of Mrs. Sidhwani's passing has garnered condolences from across the Indian film industry.

Also Read: Farhan Akhtar – Ritesh Sidhwani’s Excel Entertainment and Harman Baweja-led Baweja Studios join hands for their third collaboration

Bhumi Pednekar to lead water bowl initiative to aid Mumbai's animals and birds during summer

Bhumi Pednekar is embarking on a new noble project to provide relief to animals from the sweltering summer heat! She is concerned about how birds and animals are finding it difficult to cope with the ongoing summer and how often they struggle to gain access to water and suffer from heatstroke, dehydration, and fever, often causing extensive damage to brain cells and vital organs, leading to seizures, comas, and even death.

Through The Bhumi Foundation, Bhumi plans on installing scores of water bowls in Mumbai to aid animals in need. These bowls will serve as essential sources of hydration for birds and animals struggling to find water and can also be a place where they can cool off too!

Bhumi says, “While we can voice our discomfort during the heat, innocent creatures suffer in silence. I feel it's important that we understand their plight and take care of the animals and birds around us. Regular access to clean water prevents dehydration, reducing the risk of strokes and other health issues. This simple provision supports their well-being in challenging environments.”

Through this initiative she wishes to urge everyone to add water bowls in their societies or neighbourhoods. Bhumi adds, “It is important that each one of us take responsibility for providing aid to the birds and strays in our areas. If cumulatively we all add water bowls in our societies and neighbourhoods – it will go a long way to help them. It can be a simple DIY container outside your balcony or society gate for birds and animals to get access to them.”

Bhumi, along with her team and some volunteers, will be placing water bowls in her area and will organise volunteers to do so across the city. ALSO READ: Bhumi Pednekar opens up on how fashion became her confidence; says, “When I was growing up, I struggled with feeling confident”

EXPLOSIVE: Sandeep Singh, who has the biopic rights of Subrata Roy, to take legal action against Scam 2010 makers: “Hansal Mehta is a negative man. One day, his karma definitely will answer him”

Two days back, the announcement video of Scam 2010 - The Subrata Roy Saga was released and it became a big talking point. Hansal Mehta, who directed Scam 1992, will direct Scam 2010. The announcement led to a lot of excitement among the fans of the series. But one person who was left aghast was Sandeep Singh. He has the rights to the life of Subrata Roy. In fact, on his birthday last year, he even announced the biopic Saharasri. Hence, shocked by the announcement of Scam 2010 - The Subrata Roy Saga, he has decided to take legal action against Hansal Mehta, producer Sameer Nair of Applause Entertainment and the streaming giant, Sony LIV.

Speaking exclusively with Bollywood Hungama, Sandeep Singh minced no words as he said, “The director, Hansal Mehta, was a good friend of mine. We worked on Aligarh (2016) together. He has the ability to pick up negative stories because he himself is a negative man. One day, his karma definitely will answer him. His karma is already answering him slowly.”

Sandeep Said then said, “Everybody knew, including Hansal Mehta, that I announced Saharasri last year and that I have been working on this film since 2019. Yet, he has gone ahead and made the announcement. He even made the conclusion that it was a scam, which even the Supreme Court has not concluded so far. I don’t know who gave him the right to do that. It’s a money-making racket which he falls for and I think he definitely wanted to do that through the Scam series. God bless him for that. But neither I nor Sahara India Parivar will take it lying down. We are going to the court. We’ll go against the director, the production house and the channel. We’ll try and stop this show because the official rights of Subrata Roy are with us and my banner, Legend Studios.”

 

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Sandeep Singh then revealed how he managed to bag the rights, “I had met Mr Subrata Roy over lunch, for which he had invited me. I told him, ‘Dada, main khaana khaate waqt aapse ek gift chaha raha hoon. Maine suna hai ki aapke yahaan se koi khaali haath nahin jaata’. He asked me what I wanted from him. I expressed the desire to secure his life rights so that I could make a film or show on him. He did not say anything at first. But after lunch, he offered me mishti doi and said, ‘Yeh lo. Munh meetha karo. If I decide to give my life rights, it’ll be to you’. I asked me, ‘Dada, you know everybody in the industry. And yet, if you want to give me your rights, I’ll be very grateful’. He replied, ‘Yes, and it’s because of your intention. You are not here to make money. You are not here to give out the wrong story. Jo sachhai hai, woh tum dikhaao’.”

Talking about his research, the producer stated, “I met Tihar jail officials, the lawyers, Kapil Dev, Akhilesh Yadav, Virender Sehwag, his friends including the ones in the industry, etc. I recorded what they said about him. We even worked on the casting. Then last year, he passed away. That shook us and things came to a standstill. Then yesterday, when I saw the announcement video, we all were left shocked.”

Sandeep Singh also revealed, “Sameer Nair called me and my director (Sudipto Sen) to his office a few months ago. He gave us the proposal to do Scam’s next season with us since we have the rights to Subrata Roy’s life. We rejected the offer and categorically told him that his is not a scam story. He said, ‘If you are uncomfortable with the proposal, then no worries’. And few months later, they shocked us and cheated us by announcing Scam 2010. But they’ll have an answer from us very soon and we’ll make sure that they step back.”

Did Sandeep Singh call Hansal Mehta or Sameer Nair after he saw Scam 2010’s announcement video? Sandeep Singh retorted, “Did they try to speak to us before putting out the teaser? Our announcement came out last year on his birthday. Yet, why did they do so? The onus of having ethics falls on them, not on me. Hansal Mehta and Sameer Nair have known me for more than 15 years. They should have called and asked, ‘We are going ahead with Scam 2010. Is that okay?’. They knew that the rights were with me.”

Sandeep Singh said he’s saddened by the fact that going by the format of the series, it’ll show Subrata Roy in a negative light. “Hansal Mehta and Applause Entertainment think that they are bigger than the Supreme Court of India. They have concluded that it’s a scam though the Supreme Court has not even concluded that in the last 10 years. The case is still going on. Yet, they made this announcement as they wanted to have publicity and make money. This is where Bollywood fails because we cheat our friends and we tell the wrong story without knowing the facts,” he said.

He signed off by saying, “We have roped in an actor. When the right time comes, we’ll make the announcement. Meanwhile, this cheap publicity needs to be fought with. It’s a tough battle actually. Here was a man who never ran out of India, like other businessmen. Everyone else flew out but he didn’t. He went to the Supreme Court when he was caught. He got jailed and he came out. Everyone knows that he has provided the maximum employment after the Railways in India.”

Also Read: Ankita Lokhande to play celebrated courtesan Amrapali in Sandeep Singh’s web show

Pratik Gandhi, Avinash Tiwary, Divyenndu Sharma starrer Madgaon Express premieres on Amazon Prime Video

On Friday, Prime Video announced the global streaming premiere of the super hit comedy-drama, Madgaon Express. Headlined by Divyenndu, Pratik Gandhi, and Avinash Tiwary, the film also features Nora Fatehi, Upendra Limaye, and Chhaya Kadam in pivotal roles. Produced by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar under the banner of Excel Entertainment. Madgaon Express marks the directorial debut of actor Kunal Kemmu. The film will stream in India and over 240 countries and territories starting May 17.

Talking about the film, director Kunal Kemmu said, “Madgaon Express holds a special place in my heart as it’s my first project as a director and also a writer. It was the most liberating experience for me. Every member of the cast and crew poured their hearts, love, sweat, and tears into this film to guarantee that viewers would have a blast watching the hilarious antics of our three leads. The overwhelming adulation the film received during its theatrical run has been humbling. I am thrilled that it will now be available to a global audience through Prime Video.”

Manish Menghani, director – content licensing, Prime Video India, also shared, “Madgaon Express has been lauded for its revival of the classic comedy genre which has led to much audience love and appreciation. The movie’s relatable themes, phenomenal dynamic between the lead characters, and Kunal Kemmu’s commitment to portraying comedic gold on screen has contributed to making the film a huge success. It exemplifies our continued commitment to bringing fresh, top-notch Indian stories to our global audience. We are looking forward to adding yet another much-loved and successful title to Prime Video’s selection of blockbuster films.”

Producer Ritesh Sidhwani also added, “From the initial concept to the final edits, this film has been a journey of exceptional talent coming together. Kunal's vision as a director is fresh and captivating, and the phenomenal performances by Divyenndu, Pratik, Avinash, and the entire cast truly elevates the story. We're confident that Prime Video's global reach will allow audiences worldwide to experience the twists, turns, and thrills of Madgaon Express, and we can't wait for everyone to revel in this laugh riot.”

the Goa trip finally left the gc! ????????#MadgaonExpressOnPrime, watch nowhttps://t.co/o7vKye1ujL@divyenndu @pratikg80 @avinashtiw85 @norafatehi @Upendralimaye @CKadam24187 @kunalkemmu @ritesh_sid @FarOutAkhtar @roo_cha @J10kassim @vishalrr #Olly @adilafsar @chouhanmanoj82… pic.twitter.com/x4L0Bf9uAj — prime video IN (@PrimeVideoIN) May 16, 2024

Speaking of the plotline, the film revolves around three childhood friends, Dodo, Pinku, and Ayush, whose quintessential teenage dream of going to Goa together has never been fulfilled.  Years later, they reunite to finally embark upon their dream trip, only for their unforgettable vacation to go off-track. An unwarranted luggage mix-up and a bag full of unidentified drugs later, hilarity ensues as the trio must escape from drug lords, cops, and gangsters in a bid to save their lives.

Also Read: Madgaon Express Box Office: Kunal Kemmu film goes past Rs. 35 crores mark