Khatron Ke Khiladi 14: Karan Veer Mehra takes home the trophy with Krishna Shroff and Gashmeer Mahajani runners-up

After taking viewers on a remarkable rollercoaster ride of some never-seen-before stunts, COLORS Khatron Ke Khiladi 14 has finally come to an end as the stunt-based reality show crowned Karan Veer Mehra as the ultimate ‘khiladi’ this season. Amid the whirlwind of adrenaline, Karan Veer Mehra walked away with the trophy, while Krishna Shroff and Gashmeer Mahajani made their mark as the first and second runners-up, respectively. Hosted by Blockbuster Director and popular TV host, Rohit Shetty.

Continuing the action-packed course, the stunt-based reality show put an entirely new spin to holidaying in European paradise, Romania for its 14th edition. Marking the show’s debut in the beautiful country, the battleground of fear flipped the script, turning a dream destination into a scare-cation that kept viewers glued to their screens for nine weeks. From sky-high plunges to underwater ordeals, every mode of transport was explored as a vehicle for fear and contestants came face to face with a bear for the first time.

From the very first leap to the final triumph, Karan’s journey on Khatron Ke Khiladi 14 became a glorious chapter of courage. Task after task, he left both viewers and his fellow contestants in admiration. Commenting on the season and Karan's victory, Host Rohit Shetty said, "What a rollercoaster ride this season has been! Romania threw everything it had at us, and our amazing group of contestants performed very challenging stunts with a smile. It is beyond commendable that Karan Veer Mehra almost never lost his footing as he faced never-seen-before challenges. Congratulations to him for winning this game-changing edition and writing his own story of courage. I thank the viewers for showering their love on the show and cementing its place among the top reality shows year after year."

Rishi Negi, Group Chief Operating Officer - Banijay Asia and Endemol Shine India, said, “As we wrap up the 14th season of Khatron Ke Khiladi, we at Endemol Shine India are proud to have made a quantum leap into uncharted territories of fear. Congratulations to the well-deserved winner Karan Veer Mehra, who overcame the new challenges curated especially for this edition. This season, we set out to rewrite the rulebook of reality television, and going by the audience's love, we've succeeded undoubtedly. It was thrilling for us to put together a season that marked so many firsts. None of this would have been possible without the support of COLORS, ensuring that the heart-racing action of 'Khatron Ke Khiladi 14' reached every corner of the nation.”

Talking about his victory, Karan Veer Mehra said, “Exploring the world of reality television with COLORS has been an exciting and life-changing journey. I can't even begin to put into words the surreal feeling of achieving something I once thought was impossible. Winning this season was unthinkable without the guidance of the one and only action king, Rohit Shetty sir. My fellow contestants weren't just competitors, they were comrades in this battle against fear and some of them have become my friends. The real heroes of my journey are the viewers, who loved and supported me. This victory is not just mine—it belongs to everyone who stood by me.”

The 14th edition of the show Presented by Hyundai, Powered by Charged, Special Partners Indica Easy Hair Color, Vicks & Berger Paints culminated with star actress Alia Bhatt and debutant Vedang Raina taking centre stage but sharing the teaser of their upcoming film, Jigra and the finale wrapped up with some interesting performances and comedy sketches ensuring thorough entertainment for the viewers.

The grand finale also featured a lucky commoner living out his Khiladi dream as the Hyundai Drive to Win finalist, getting the chance to perform a thrilling stunt alongside Karan Veer Mehra. Along with all these, viewers were also treated to a sneak peek of Bigg Boss 18, with its riveting new theme, Time Ka Tandav, with Salman Khan as the host.

Also Read: Nimrit Kaur Ahluwalia recalls impactful bond with Rohit Shetty on Khatron Ke Khiladi sets: “Rohit sir is hands down the best mentor ever”

Kangana Ranaut buys swanky Land Rover Range Rover Autobiography LWB worth Rs. 3.81 crores after selling her Mumbai bungalow for Rs. 32 crores

Kangana Ranaut has been making headlines for her achievements. She recently sold her lavish residence in Mumbai for Rs. 32 crores, previously serving as the headquarters for her production company. Now, she treated herself to a luxurious automobile, a high-end Land Rover Range Rover Autobiography, which was acquired for Rs. 3. 81 crores.

On a recent occasion, the official page of the car brand celebrated her acquisition, highlighting her journey in the entertainment world and emphasizing her ability to make bold choices. The caption read, “Congratulations to the Queen of Bollywood, Ms Kangana Ranaut, on her stunning new ride - Range Rover!! From ruling the silver screen to conquering the roads in style, you always know how to make a statement. This powerhouse deserves nothing less than the best! Here's to cruising in luxury and making every journey as bold and fearless as you are.” Kangana was seen engaging in a traditional ritual with her nephew. She was dressed elegantly in a white salwar-kameez.

 

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Meanwhile, Kangana Ranaut’s upcoming film Emergency release has been halted. The film has yet to receive certification from CBFC. ALSO READ: Kangana Ranaut’s Emergency can get certification if specific cuts are made: CBFC informs to Bombay HC

Madhuri Dixit and Triptii Dimri team up for a mother-daughter adventure with Abundantia Entertainment: Report

Excitement is brewing at Abundantia Entertainment as they unveil their latest project, a captivating blend of comedy, drama, and action. The production house, led by Vikram Malhotra, has roped in the duo of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 stars Madhuri Dixit and Triptii Dimri to headline this highly anticipated film. The project, directed by the acclaimed Suresh Triveni, marks a reunion for the filmmaker and Abundantia after their critically lauded 2022 thriller Jalsa, starring Vidya Balan and Shefali Shah.

As per a report in Peeping Moon, while plot details remain tightly under wraps, the film's unique selling point is undoubtedly the pairing of Dixit and Dimri. The casting for the male lead is still underway, adding another layer of intrigue to the project. The report suggests they will portray a mother-daughter duo, navigating a whirlwind of emotions, laughter, and thrilling situations.  The plan is to  take the project on floors by March-April 2025.

This collaboration isn't the first time Dixit and Dimri will share the silver screen. The two actresses are already slated to appear together in Kartik Aaryan and Vidya Balan's upcoming horror-comedy Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, releasing this Diwali.

Meanwhile, Triptii Dimri has amassed an impressive slate of upcoming films including Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video releasing on October 11, followed by Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 and Dhadak 2 later this year. Additionally, she is rumoured to be part of Anurag Basu's romantic film with Kartik Aaryan and Vishal Bhardwaj's action drama with Shahid Kapoor. ALSO READ: “Tu hathi ki tarah memory rakhti hai”: Madhuri Dixit recalls her bond with Saroj Khan during her USA fan meet

Arshad Warsi clarifies on his ‘joker’ comment about Prabhas in Kalki 2898 AD; calls him a ‘brilliant actor’

Kalki 2898 AD released earlier this year amid much fanfare as many celebrities couldn’t stop gushing about the Nag Ashwin directorial and its grandeur. Meanwhile, Arshad Warsi had expressed his thoughts on the film too wherein he appreciated a few aspects but also criticized a few. He went on address Prabhas of ‘being used as a joker’ which did not sit well not only with his fans but also with some celebrities from the South Indian film industry.

After receiving much backlash on social media for his comments, Arshad Warsi now has issued a clarification about being misconstrued for his statement. He further insisted that his remarks were only directed to the character Prabhas played and was in no way insulting his acting skills. In fact, appreciating the talent of the Telugu superstar, Arshad told PTI, "Everybody has their own point of view and people like to interpret noise. I spoke about the character, not the person. He is a brilliant actor and he has proved himself again and again, and we know about it. And, when we give a bad character to a good actor, it's heartbreaking for the audience”.

For the unversed, Arshad Warsi had opened up about watching the film during an interaction in Unfiltered by Samdish YouTube channel. The actor had compared the film to a Mad Max-like vibe and expressed his desire to watch someone like Mil Gibson in such roles.  “Meine Kalki 2898 AD, jo mujhe achi nahin lagi (I watched Kalki but I did not like it). Amit Ji (Bachchan) was unbelievable! I cannot believe it.” While talking about Prabhas he said, “I am really sad but, why was he was like a joker? Why? I want to see a Mad Max yaar, I want to see Mel Gibson over there. What have you made it. Why do filmmakers do this, I will never understand,” he had said.

Kalki 2898 AD is expected to be a sci-fi drama inspired by Indian mythology. Apart from Prabhas, the film stars Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone in key roles along with a host of celebrities in supporting characters. The film released in multiple languages including Hindi in June this year.

Also Read: Kalki 2898 AD producer Swapna Dutt praises Nag Ashwin’s calm response to Arshad Warsi’s criticism and hails Prabhas’ performance in Kalki 2898 AD

Production Designer Rajat Poddar passes away due to cardiac arrest in London

Popular production designer Rajat Poddar, who has worked on films like Life In A Metro, Kites, Gunday, Pyaar Ka Punchnama, Dream Girl, War, Satyaprem Ki Katha, Dream Girl 2, The Railway Men, Fighter, and several others, passed away, according to recent reports. While the popular art and production designer is working on many of the forthcoming big budget entertainers, he was expected to have been in London when he suffered a cardiac arrest. However, further details on his sudden demise are yet to be revealed.

Directors like Anees Bazmee and Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri have confirmed his demise. Filmmaker Anees Bazmee revealed in a recent report that he was closely working with Rajat Poddar on his upcoming horror comedy Bhool Bhulaiyya 3. In fact, he expressed shock over his sudden demise in a news report stating that he spoke to Rajat, just a day ago, on Friday evening. He went on to add that he was in London and during their phone conversation they also discussed about the recently released teaser of the Kartik Aaryan, Triptii Dimri starrer wherein he asserted that Poddar was all praises for it.

Meanwhile, director Vivek Agnihotri also stated that he was working with Rajat Poddar for his upcoming film The Delhi Files. Taking to the social media platform X, he shared a note confirming the details of Rajat’s demise and also expressed his grief over the news. Stating that he shared a close camaraderie with Poddar, Vivek wrote, “My friend, brother and one of the best & the biggest production designer Rajat Poddar is no more with us. An absolutely healthy, always-happy, no stress guy Rajat had a cardiac arrest at night in London. I don’t know how can I ever make #TheDelhiFiles without you? Om Shanti Rajat?”.

My friend, brother and one of the best & the biggest production designer Rajat Poddar is no more with us. An absolutely healthy, always-happy, no stress guy Rajat had a cardiac arrest at night in London. I don’t know how can I ever make #TheDelhiFiles without you? ॐ शांति… pic.twitter.com/qWV5aQU0Lk

— Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri (@vivekagnihotri) September 28, 2024

We at Bollywood Hungama also express our heartfelt condolences to Rajat Poddar’s family.

Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama to release in four languages on October 18, Geek Pictures India issues official statement

Geek Pictures India has officially announced the theatrical release of Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama on October 18th. This much-anticipated anime adaptation, based on Valmiki’s epic, will be available in theatres across India, catering to a diverse audience with newly dubbed versions in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu.

The film, originally released in English, brings the timeless story of Prince Rama to life with stunning animation and a captivating narrative. With the addition of these new language dubs, the adaptation aims to reach a broader audience, ensuring that fans of all ages can experience this classic tale in their preferred language.

 

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The inclusion of screenwriter Shri V. Vijayendra Prasad, known for his work on Baahubali, Bajrangi Bhaijaan, and RRR, brings added expertise to this adaptation. With these new dubs, the anime film aims to reach a wider audience and introduce this classic to a new generation.

Releasing during the Indian festive season of Dussehra and Diwali, Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama promises to be a cinematic celebration, combining India’s cultural richness with the brilliance of Japanese anime. Distributed across India by Geek Pictures India, AA Films, and Excel Entertainment, the film is set to captivate audiences nationwide.

Also Read : Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama set for multi-language release in India, poster and teaser unveiled

Ranbir Kapoor to feature in Dhoom 4; YRF franchise to get a reboot WITHOUT Abhishek Bachchan and Uday Chopra: Report

One of the most beloved franchises of Bollywood, YRF’s Dhoom is all set to return! Multiple times in the past, there have been buzz about the revival of the franchise with its last release hitting cinemas over a decade ago. While fans have been excited to see how this franchise unfolds, there is some good news and bad news for them! Reports suggest that while Dhoom 4 is indeed in works with Ranbir Kapoor being roped in as the lead, the bad news is that it will not feature the franchise regulars Abhishek Bachchan as Inspector Jay and Uday Chopra as his sidekick Ali.

In a recent report published by Pinkvilla, it is being said that Dhoom 4 is in the scripting stage. A source confirmed the details and shared, “Dhoom is a franchise dear to Aditya Chopra, and he has decided to reboot the franchise keeping in line with the current times. Like all previous parts, the script of Dhoom 4 (Dhoom Reloaded) is been developed by Aditya Chopra with Vijay Krishna Acharya. The idea and vision is to create a cinematic experience like never before with the fourth Dhoom film.” “The discussions with Ranbir have been going on for the longest time. He had always shown interest to be a part of Dhoom 4 on hearing the basic idea, and is now finally confirmed to lead the franchise. Adi Chopra feels that RK is the ideal choice to carry forward the Dhoom legacy,” the source added.

Furthermore, it has been asserted that this will be more like a reboot version with a fresh storyline as well as casting since the investigative duo of Inspector Jay and amateur sleuth and biker Ali will be played a new set of stars. “Two big heroes from the younger generation will come on board to play the duo of cop buddies in Dhoom 4. Now that the core story-board is locked, the team will proceed to the casting stage. Dhoom 4 will not just be the biggest Dhoom film, but also a tentpole feature film of global standard from Indian Cinema,” the source said.

It is being said that Dhoom 4 is the 25th film of Ranbir Kapoor’s career and that the actor decided to come on board on the day of his birthday, that is on September 28. It has also been learnt that the actor will be following up the sleek action drama with Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Animal Park, a continuation of the 2023 blockbuster Animal. Besides these, Ranbir has the Ramayana trilogy by Nitesh Tiwari and Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love & War with wife Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal in the pipeline.

Also Read: Bhansali Productions pens down a heartfelt birthday wish for Love & War lead Ranbir Kapoor

Joker: Folie a Deux to get a delayed release in IMAX screens in India due to Jr NTR-starrer Devara - Part 1

The much-awaited Hollywood film Joker: Folie a Deux is all set to release in cinemas in India on October 2. This means that moviegoers in the country will be among the first in the world to watch the musical psychological thriller. However, if you plan to watch Joker: Folie a Deux in India on the giant IMAX screen, you’ll have to wait until October 4.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Joker: Folie a Deux releases in the 2D, 4DX and Screen X on Wednesday, October 2. The studio, Warner Bros, pushed the release from October 4 to 2 to take advantage of the National Holiday on account of Gandhi Jayanti.”

But the latest Jr NTR-Janhvi Kapoor-Saif Ali Khan starrer will prevent Joker: Folie a Deux from having an early IMAX release. The source revealed, “Devara - Part 1, which was released on September 27, has also got a release in the IMAX version. As per the arrangement, it’ll have a full one-week run in all the IMAX screens of the country. Joker: Folie a Deux is having a mid-week release on Wednesday, October 2. The week for Devara ends on October 3 and hence, the Hollywood film can be made available to IMAX only from October 4.”

Besides India, Joker: Folie a Deux also releases on October 2 in Belgium, Colombia, Denmark, France, Italy, Philippines, Sweden and Taiwan. South Korea will have the earliest release of the film, on October 1. In the USA, UK and most markets, Joker: Folie a Deux will arrive on the big screen on October 4.

In India, the booking for Joker: Folie a Deux was thrown open way back on September 2. The advance has been slow but is expected to now pick up as the release date gets closer. The earlier part, Joker (2019), was also released on October 2 and despite stiff competition from War and Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy, it opened at Rs. 5.15 crores. Trade and industry expect Joker: Folie a Deux to have a better opening than its predecessor.

Joker: Folie a Deux, like the first part, stars Joaquin Phoenix and this time, he is also joined by Lady Gaga.

Also Read: Advance booking opens for Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga starrer Joker: Folie à Deux in India

Chhaava: Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna shoot for a song with 700 dancers; report

As more details of Chhaava comes to light, we understand how Laxman Utekar has gone all out to ensure that this Vicky Kaushal, Rashmika Mandanna starrer is a major magnum opus. The historical drama featuring the two popular stars in the role of Chatrapati Sambhaji and his wife Yesubhai, will have the coronation ceremony of the king which plays a key part in the plotline. It seems that a song has been created by AR Rahman specifically for this occasion and to add to that it has been mounted on a large scale.

In fact, everything has been researched thoroughly including the music which is inspired by traditional Marathi folk music. We hear that music composer A R Rahman has used specific elements which were key to the kind of songs that were made during that era that comprised of instruments like the dholaki, tuntune, etc. Moreover, it is being said that the lyrics is inspired by a famous Marathi poem format called Powada which was being created to hail the kings of that era. A source was quoted in Mid-day report, where the details were confirmed and the source also added, “Vijay Ganguly, who previously choreographed the Stree 2 songs, made it a majestic affair by bringing in over 1,500 people to depict the crowd. The entire city of Raigad is shown to have come to celebrate Sambhaji’s coronation. While the number starts with Vicky’s character partaking in the rituals as his subjects rejoice, Rashmika and he are then seen joining in the revelry. This is the only dance number in the film, the rest play out in the background.”

Elaborating on the coronation track, we hear that it will feature 700 background dancers and was shot on a set modelled along the lines of the Raigad Fort in Maharashtra where the team shot for a period of four days. “The official coronation had taken place on January 16, 1681, at the Raigad fort. At the research stage of Chhaava, it was found out that a London newspaper had carried an article about how the coronation ceremony was a vibrant affair. The article aided the director in recreating the event. In the song, Vicky’s Sambhaji will be seen performing the yagna and the thread ceremony while his wife Yesubai does the Rajabhishek and aarti. As his kingdom rejoices, the king is finally seen taking the throne,” the source shared.

Starring Akshaye Khanna as Mughal Emperor Aurangazeb, Chhaava is a historical drama set in the 17th Century, inspired by the novel by the same name written by Shivaji Sawant. It is slated to release on December 6.

Also Read: Vicky Kaushal’s Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj look in Chhaava came to life after year-long research; team recreated replica of the sword of the warrior: Report

Aditya Chopra announces Yash Chopra Foundation's new scholarship program on filmmaker's 92 birth anniversary, offering Rs. 5 lakhs for film students

The philanthropic arm of Yash Raj Films, Yash Chopra Foundation (YCF), today, announced the launch of a very special and transformative initiative – the YCF Scholarship Program on the occasion of its founder, Yash Chopra’s 92nd birth anniversary!

This scholarship program is specifically aimed at supporting children of Hindi film industry members from low income categories, ensuring that these unsung heroes, the backbone of our industry, are not forgotten.The workers need to be registered members of Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE)for their kids to avail this life-changing opportunity based on merit.

The initiative will provide comprehensive financial assistance to deserving candidates, enabling them to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate studies in fields such as Mass Communication, Filmmaking, Production & Direction, Visual Arts, Cinematography, and Animation. With a total support package of up to INR 5 lakhs per student, this initiative is Yash Chopra Foundation’s heartfelt effort to bridge the gap for talent within the film fraternity. By funding their education, YCF is not only providing them with a brighter future but also creating opportunities for them to contribute meaningfully to the industry that their families have been part of for generations.

Speaking about this initiative, Akshaye Widhani, CEO of YRF, said: “The legendary film-maker and our founder Yash Chopra always believed in giving back to the Hindi film industry in whichever way possible. His philosophy is ingrained in our company’s culture. So, on his 92nd birth anniversary, we are happy to embark on a mission to empower kids of the Hindi film fraternity. We are confident that this initiative will inspire and empower deserving students to follow their dreams and subsequently make a mark in our film industry.”

Selected candidates will undergo a personalized interview process, and successful applicants will receive financial aid under this program. ALSO READ: Jr NTR talks about his instinctive approach which led to clashes with Ayan Mukerji during War 2 shoot: “Aditya Chopra had to intervene”

Salman Khan starrer Sikandar shoot suffers amid Mumbai’s torrential rains; all-night action shoot called off on Wednesday, filming to resume today: Report

The torrential rains that engulfed Mumbai on Wednesday, September 25, brought the city to a near standstill, disrupting various aspects of life, including film productions. Salman Khan's upcoming action film, Sikandar, under the direction of AR Murugadoss, was one of the projects affected by the inclement weather.

According to a report in Mid-day, the film crew had been diligently working at the SRPF Ground in Goregaon since the end of August, preparing for an elaborate action sequence. However, the heavy rainfall forced a change of plans. The lighting setup required for the scene posed a significant risk of electrical short circuits, prompting the production team to prioritize safety and temporarily halt the shoot.

Salman Khan arrived at the set at 5 pm, prepared for an overnight shoot. A source close to the production revealed, "The shoot was to start at 7 pm, and the crew was on the set by 3 pm. But given the incessant rains, the direction team decided to call off the shoot for the day. The IMD had issued a red alert by then, and there was no way the team could have pulled off a night shoot in that weather."

Despite the setback, the production team remains optimistic about resuming filming on Friday, weather permitting. The source assured, "The two-day delay is not expected to affect the project’s overall schedule." Sikandar, which also features Rashmika Mandanna and Sathyaraj, is being crafted as an action-packed film and is slated for an Eid 2025 release. ALSO READ: Salman Khan's dedication shines in new workout pic for Sikandar ahead of Eid 2025

Angad Bedi, Neha Dhupia organize special event in Delhi to honor late father Bishan Singh Bedi, announce revamp of his coaching

Actor Angad Bedi, along with his wife Neha Dhupia and the entire Bedi family, hosted an evening to commemorate the legendary cricketer, Bishan Singh Bedi in Delhi. The former Indian cricket captain, who passed away in October 2023, left behind a towering legacy in the world of cricket. The evening also marked a special occasion, as it was held in the lead-up to what would have been Bishan Singh Bedi’s birthday on September 25 supported by the Glorious Cricket Group and Playwrite Foundation without whom this evening wouldn’t have been possible.

The gathering was attended by notable cricketing figures, including Kapil Dev, Yuvraj Singh, Virender Sehwag, Mohammed Azharuddin, Murli Kartik, Ajay Jadeja, Ram Guha, Madan Lal, and Gul Panag, Gaurav Kapur, who all came together to honor the iconic cricketer and his contributions to the sport.

A significant highlight of the event was the announcement made by Angad Bedi and Neha Dhupia about the revamp of the Bishan Singh Bedi Cricket Coaching Trust (BBCCT). Founded by Bishan Singh Bedi, the Trust has been instrumental in shaping the careers of many young cricketers, including the legendary Yuvraj Singh, who was mentored by Bedi himself. The revamp aims to modernize the Trust’s infrastructure and expand its reach to help reach young talent at the grassroots level, ensuring that it continues to provide a platform for the talent to thrive in cricket.

Angad Bedi, reflecting on his father's legacy, said, "To celebrate his commitment towards the game, my father always considered his fellow cricketers as his family members. He firmly believed that the more you give to the game, the more it will give back to you, but without expecting anything in return. His mantra was to stay committed and keep your head down. We would like to take his trust forward and, with this initiative, uphold his teachings. He always believed in supporting cricket at the grassroots level and providing cricketers with a platform to showcase their talent."

Neha Dhupia added, "Dad’s legacy is much more than his achievements on the cricket field. He was an institution in himself, teaching integrity, sportsmanship, and a deep love for the game. The revamp of the Bishan Singh Bedi Cricket Coaching Trust is a step towards keeping his legacy alive by offering the same opportunities and mentorship he provided to so many aspiring cricketers."

Bishan Singh Bedi, regarded as one of the finest spin bowlers in the history of cricket, captained India in 22 of his 67 Test matches and took 266 wickets. Known for his sportsmanship, he was a guiding force for numerous players, including Yuvraj Singh, and remained deeply involved with the cricketing community even after his retirement. Being a legendary cricketer he was also a patron and champion of sports overall, with cricket being his main foray.

The event, which brought together cricketing legends and close family friends, was a heartfelt tribute to the immense contributions Bishan Singh Bedi made to Indian cricket, both as a player and as a mentor. The evening concluded with a collective pledge to continue his work, ensuring his passion for nurturing young talent lives on through the revamped Trust.

Also Read: Angad Bedi wins Gold medal in 400 metres race at an athletics championship, dedicates the win to his late father Bishan Singh Bedi

SCOOP: Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan to play villainous duo in Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Prabhas starrer Spirit?

Filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Animal became one of the biggest blockbusters of Bollywood. Starring Ranbir Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna, Bobby Deol, Triptii Dimri among others, it nullified all the calculations of the trade as not many expected the film to reach this height.

Now, naturally, his upcoming film Spirit is a highly anticipated film. It will also see Vanga team up with Prabhas for the first time. Their pair and the title has already made heads turn. Now, Bollywood Hungama has come across a scoop regarding the film, which is sure to raise the excitement levels surrounding it.

We have learnt that Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan will not only be starring in Spirit but will also be playing villains. Yes, you read it right. It will be a rare occasion where a couple married in real life will be playing a negative duo in the film. And their casting with Prabhas is sure to add another layer of excitement for the movie.

So far, Saif and Kareena have worked together in films like LOC Kargil, Omkara, Tashan, Kurbaan and Agent Vinod. Out of these films, they haven’t played a couple in LOC Kargil and Omkara.

Spirit will be their sixth outing together. The movie is expected to release next year.

Also Read: Kareena Kapoor Khan recalls Omkara screening where Saif Ali Khan was highly praised; acknowledges co-stars’ significance: “In great films like Jab We Met…”

EXCLUSIVE: De De Pyaar De 2 shoot paused after director Anshul Sharma contracts dengue

Audiences were quite excited to see the return of the romantic comedy De De Pyaar De as the makers have kicked off the shoot of its sequel. Adding to their anticipation, reports announced that R Madhavan, who recently collaborated with Ajay Devgn for the horror film Shaitaan will be reuniting with the actor again for De De Pyaar De 2. In fact, reports even suggested that the makers have already started shooting for the project but the recent update is that the shooting had to be paused due to filmmaker Anshul Sharma.

The shooting of De De Pyaar De 2 kicked off in Patiala, Punjab but it has now been paused because director Anshul Sharma was diagnosed with dengue. The cast and crew had completed around 7-8 days of filming and were expected to continue until mid-October. However, due to the director's illness, the team has returned to Mumbai. A source said, "Once Anshul recovers, the team will plan a Mumbai shoot and resume the Patiala schedule at the earliest based on the actors' availability."

Speaking of the film, De De Pyaar De 2 will take forward the story of Ashish and Ayesha, wherein after receiving best wishes from Ashish’s family, the couple will now take another step in their relationship by meeting Ayesha’s side of the family. Buzz is that R Madhavan will be essaying the role of the suave young father of Ayesha aka Rakul Preet Singh who will not convinced with Ashish as his son-in-law which will lead to a series of several fun events.

With Ajay Devgn and Rakul Preet Singh reprising their roles as Ashish and Ayesha, a few other members of the star cast from the prequel are also expected to be a part of this romantic comedy. The film, produced by T-Series and Luv Films, is set for a May 1, 2025 release.

Also Read: Ajay Devgn, Rakul Preet, and R Madhavan to begin Punjab shoot for De De Pyaar De 2 in September: Report

Ali Fazal and Vishal Mishra set to reunite for music video 'Aaj Bhi 2'

Bollywood actor Ali Fazal has stirred excitement among his fans by teasing his involvement in the upcoming music video 'Aaj Bhi 2'. Following the massive success of the original track 'Aaj Bhi', performed by singer-composer Vishal Mishra, Ali Fazal is set to return with the much-anticipated second chapter of the beloved album.

'Aaj Bhi', the soulful and emotionally charged ballad, continues to resonate with listeners long after its release, and the music video featuring Ali remains a fan favourite. The overwhelming love for the song and the video inspired Ali Fazal and Vishal Mishra to reunite for 'Aaj Bhi 2', promising another heart-touching collaboration.

Ali Fazal recently hinted at this exciting news in a social media post, where he teased fans about his involvement in Aaj Bhi 2. The actor shared, "The first chapter of 'Aaj Bhi' holds a special place in my heart, and seeing how deeply people connected with it was truly overwhelming. I can’t wait for everyone to experience the next chapter of this beautiful journey. The first song people instantly connected with, the song on YouTube alone has over 15 crore views, which is quite something. There’s a huge space for romantic songs in India, and this sequel to the original song places right into that space”. ALSO READ: Richa Chadha unveils unseen maternity photoshoot pictures on Daughter’s Day: “We will see these pictures together one day”

Diljit Dosanjh starrer Punjab '95 faces demands from CBFC for 120 cuts, title change and renaming of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra: Report

The biopic Punjab '95, on the human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, has been embroiled in a contentious battle with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The film, directed by Honey Trehan and produced by Ronnie Screwvala, has faced multiple rounds of censorship, with the latest round of demands raising significant concerns about freedom of expression and the portrayal of historical events. Originally, the CBFC had demanded 85 cuts from the film. However, after a review by the Revising Committee, the number of required changes has increased to nearly 120.

As per a new report in Mid-day, one of the most controversial demands is the renaming of the protagonist, who is currently portrayed as Jaswant Singh Khalra. The CBFC has suggested that the character's name be changed to Sutlej, a reference to the river that unites Punjab.  The makers of the film have strongly objected to this change, arguing that Khalra is a revered figure in the Sikh community and that renaming him would be disrespectful to his legacy. They have emphasized that the film's authenticity and impact lie in its portrayal of Khalra's role in investigating the disappearances and killings of Sikh youths during the Punjab insurgency.

In addition to the name change, the CBFC has also requested that the film be retitled to remove the reference to Punjab '95, the year of Khalra's disappearance. The board has expressed concerns that the title might evoke strong emotions and sway public sentiment.

Furthermore, the CBFC has demanded the removal of a scene featuring Gurbani, a sacred text in Sikhism. They have also instructed the filmmakers to eliminate any mentions of Punjab and the district of Tarn Taran. References to Canada and the UK have been deemed inappropriate and must be removed.

The makers of Punjab '95 have been engaged in a series of meetings with the CBFC to address these demands. They have argued that the film is based on real-life events and testimonies and that the censorship requests are excessive and undermine the film's integrity.  The film's producers, Ronnie Screwvala and Honey Trehan, have expressed frustration with the ongoing censorship process. They have emphasized the importance of telling the story of Jaswant Singh Khalra and the human rights abuses that occurred during the Punjab insurgency.

Set in the turbulent 1990s Amritsar, Punjab '95 revolves around Jaswant Singh Khalra, a seemingly ordinary bank employee and human rights activist, who leads a middle-class life with his librarian wife and two young children. His desire for a peaceful existence is shattered when he learns about the disappearance of his friend's mother, Bibi Gurpej. As Khalra delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers a dangerous web of secrets, putting himself and his family at risk.

Directed by Honey Trehan and produced by Ronnie Screwvala in association with MacGuffin Pictures, Punjab '95 also features Arjun Rampal and Surinder Vicky in pivotal roles. ALSO READ: CBFCs Red Tape: After Vedaa clearance, Dev Patels Monkey Man and Diljit Dosanjhs Punjab 95 release still in limbo

Urmila Matondkar files for divorce with Mohsin Akhtar Mir after 8 years of marriage? Here’s what we know

Bollywood actress Urmila Matondkar has reportedly decided to end her eight-year marriage with businessman-model Mohsin Akhtar Mir. According to legal sources, the 50-year-old actress has initiated divorce proceedings in a Mumbai court. While the specific reasons behind the separation remain undisclosed, it is understood that the decision was not mutual.

As per a report in Hindustan Times, a source said, “After careful consideration, Urmila has decided to call it quits on her marriage with Mohsin. She has already filed for divorce in court. While the reason behind the separation is still not known, the divorce isn’t happening on mutual terms.”

Urmila Matondkar and Mohsin Akhtar Mir tied the knot in a private ceremony at her Mumbai residence in 2016. Their union, marked by a 10-year age difference, garnered significant attention in the entertainment industry. The couple's wedding was a low-key affair, attended by a select group of close friends and family, including fashion designer Manish Malhotra.

In 2019, she ventured into politics, joining the Indian National Congress. Subsequently, in 2020, she shifted her allegiance to the Shiv Sena. Her last on-screen appearance was in the 2018 film Blackmail, where she featured in the song ‘Bewafa Beauty’. She also took on the role of a judge on a children's dance reality show. ALSO READ: Shabana Azmi turns 74: Urmila Matondkar calls her “The Maa that CineMa gave me” in heartfelt post

Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Kabir Khan and more to attend IFP Season 14

The ultimate playground for passionate creators is back with another exciting season! IFP (formerly India Film Project) has been your one-stop destination for over a decade. As the world’s leading festival for all things creative and cultural, IFP is at the forefront of nurturing and inspiring talent across diverse disciplines, including Films & OTT, Music, Literature & Writing, Storytelling, Photography, Design & Art, and Comedy, among others.

Taking its glorious legacy of thirteen successful seasons forward, the 14th edition of this two-day festival is taking place on October 12th and 13th in Mumbai. The festival serves as a dynamic space for artists to showcase their work and connect with industry professionals. Featuring an eclectic array of sessions, workshops, masterclasses, live performances, and challenges, IFP Season 14 promises to inspire, educate, and empower participants to push the boundaries of creativity.

The stage of IFP Season 14 will be graced by a stellar lineup of speakers, including prominent figures like Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, Aditi Rao Hydari, Kabir Khan, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Shoojit Sircar, Guneet Monga, Saurabh Shukla, Sonam Wangchuk, Geetanjali Kulkarni, Vivek Gomber, Rajesh Krishnan, Kunal Kemmu, Ram Madhvani, Chhaya Kadam, Kavita Seth, Geetanjali Shree (International Booker Prize Winner, Author of Tomb of Sand), Vikas Swarup, William Dalrymple, Trinetra, and Avanti Nagral. Creators can look forward to great industry insights from these cultural icons. Boasting creative growth, collaboration opportunities, and insider viewpoints, this edition strives to take participants’ artistic journey to the next level.

Staying true to its innovative roots, IFP brings back its signature series of 50-hour challenges in filmmaking, music, design, performing arts, writing, and photography this season, with over 54,000 creative minds participating globally. These challenges will be evaluated by a powerhouse jury, featuring a diverse panel of experts such as Kabir Khan, Rob, Amit Sharma, Lilette Dubey, Lijo Jose Pellissery, Sandeep Modi, Sooni Taraporewala, Sushin Shyam, Chaaya Prabhat, Sabari Venu, Manoj Shah, and Sasha Jairam.

Sharing his excitement about IFP Season 14, Ritam Bhatnagar, Founder, IFP, said, “We are ecstatic to launch yet another exciting season of IFP, a nexus for everything creative and culture. We are delighted to see participation coming in from 44 countries this year. Our goal is to create a truly global festival that fosters a community of creative individuals and provides a place to collaborate with like-minded individuals, allowing them to break new ground with their craft. With a fantastic mix of challenges and speakers, we hope to inspire and empower artists of all ages and backgrounds through this festival in coming years”

Kabir Khan said, "Filmmaking is a journey of connection. It's about telling stories that resonate, that move, that inspire. IFP has consistently been at the forefront, providing aspiring filmmakers with a unique platform to showcase their creativity. As a jury member at the festival, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the brilliance and passion of these young artists. These entries often surpass expectations, challenging the very definition of storytelling. While it’s always a bittersweet experience to select winners, it’s a reminder of the incredible potential that exists."

Lijo Jose Pellissery added, “It’s an absolute thrill to be a part of IFP this year. Over the past couple of years, IFP has become a vital platform for aspiring filmmakers to showcase their talent and creativity. The energy and passion at the festival are infectious, pushing creators to challenge themselves in ways they never imagined. It’s a community that celebrates storytelling in all its forms, and I’m excited to see the magic that emerges this season."

IFP Season 14 has something unique for everyone – from thought-provoking discussions to immersive experiences. So, mark your calendars for October 12th and 13th to celebrate the power of creativity and empower the next generation of artists! ALSO READ: Pankaj Kapur REJECTS the idea of promotions, Naseeruddin Shah adds, “Audience smells out what they want to watch”

Karan Johar discusses Shah Rukh Khan's stardom and Aamir Khan's transformative impact on Bollywood: "The name Shah Rukh Khan carries certain expectations that limit..."

In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Karan Johar opened up about the pressures actors like Shah Rukh Khan face due to their superstar status. He noted that these pressures often limit the ability of established stars to take on unconventional roles. While acknowledging Shah Rukh's efforts to step outside his typical image with films like Paheli and Asoka, Karan emphasized that the monumental success of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge shaped Shah Rukh’s career path, leading him to become synonymous with mainstream romantic leads.

Shah Rukh Khan's desire for diversity

Karan highlighted that Shah Rukh Khan never aimed to fit the mold of the quintessential mainstream hero. Instead, he aspired to be a unique actor capable of revolutionizing cinema. However, the immense expectations tied to his name have often restricted his choices, leaving him with limited opportunities to explore varied roles. Karan expressed hope that Shah Rukh might take on more diverse characters in the future, despite acknowledging the current limitations imposed by his star power. He noted, “The name Shah Rukh Khan carries certain expectations that limit his ability to take on different roles,” and emphasized that “at his core, Shah Rukh is an actor first and a star second,” adding, “He began his journey in theatre.”

Aamir Khan: The 'Real Game Changer'

Karan Johar praised Aamir Khan as a 'game changer' in the film industry for his commitment to choosing diverse roles. He noted the significant impact of Lagaan, a film that not only achieved critical acclaim but also earned an Academy Award nomination. Karan recalled the pivotal year when Lagaan was released, alongside successful films like Gadar: Ek Prem Katha and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, marking a transformative moment for Bollywood.

Karan pointed out that, despite the commercial success of Gadar, Lagaan stood out for its artistic achievement. He commended Aamir for continuing to push boundaries with films like Taare Zameen Par and Rang De Basanti, which helped reshape the industry’s landscape. He stated, “Aamir consistently chose a variety of roles in films,” and added, “I think he is a real game changer.”

Also Read: Karan Johar pens cryptic message to “privilege” amid Coldplay India 2025 ticket sellout: “You can’t get everything you want”

EXCLUSIVE: Coldplay January 2025 Mumbai concert tickets up for grabs; Binny And Family's unique contest offers fans a once-in-a-lifetime chance

On Sunday, the internet literally broke as lakhs of Indians tried to book tickets for the upcoming Coldplay concert, scheduled to take place in Mumbai on January 18, 2025. The ticket app BookMyShow crashed and due to the insane demand, the organizers added one more show on Tuesday, January 20. Yet, the tickets got sold out in no time, leaving the fans of the popular band disappointed. But there’s a small ray of hope for all those who are still hoping to watch the band live at D Y Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai. And it’s Binny and her family that have come to their rescue.

Bollywood Hungama has learned that the makers of the upcoming film Binny And Family are all set to have a unique contest. A source told us, “As part of the contest, netizens will be encouraged to book tickets of Binny And Family on a mobile ticket booking app. A lucky winner will get six free tickets to the Coldplay concert for him/her and his/her whole family.”

The source continued, “Binny And Family is a rare clean family entertainer from Bollywood in recent times. Hence, the makers are of the idea that the whole family should enjoy not just their film but also the Coldplay concert.”

A trade expert commented, “It’s a great marketing move as many people will now book tickets to the film with the hope that they’ll win the concert tickets. It’ll lead to a better opening for the film. The more people will see it, the easier it'll be for the makers to spread the word of mouth, leading to a healthy trend.”

Yesterday, the makers of Binny And Family had another offer wherein they announced that they’ll give 4 tickets to the Coldplay concert. In order to win these tickets, the users had to like and share the post, tag 3 people whom they’d like to attend the concert with, tag the producers (Mahaveer Jain Films and Balaji Motion Pictures) and share the post as an Instagram story with the song ‘Zindagi’ from the film. Hence, in all, the makers of the film will be giving out 10 tickets for free to the lucky winners of the Coldplay show.

Binny And Family marks the debut of Varun Dhawan’s niece, Anjini Dhawan. It also stars Pankaj Kapur, Himani Shivpuri, Rajesh Kumar, Naman Tripaathy and Charu Shankar and is written and directed by Ssanjay Tripaathy. It is produced by Mahaveer Jain Films and Wavebrand Productions and presented by Ektaa R Kapoor's Balaji Telefilms, Shashank Khaitan and Mrighdeep Singh Lamba. Binny And Family releases in cinemas on September 27.

Also Read: Karan Johar pens cryptic message to “privilege” amid Coldplay India 2025 ticket sellout: “You can’t get everything you want”

Fabulous Lives v/s Bollywood Wives season 3 set to premiere on October 18 on Netflix; Kalyani Saha Chawla, Riddhima Kapoor Sahni and Shalini Passi join the show

On October 18, get ready for the much-anticipated return of your favourite ensemble to Netflix, bringing along a fresh twist! The series featuring Bhavana Panday, Maheep Kapoor, Neelam Kothari Soni, and Seema Kiran Sajdeh is set to launch its latest chapter, titled Fabulous Lives v/s Bollywood Wives. This season promises an exciting mix with new faces joining the established crew.

Joining the ranks are notable personalities Riddhima Kapoor Sahni, a figure of Bollywood lineage, alongside fashionista and philanthropist Shalini Passi, and Kalyani Saha Chawla. Together, they are poised to shake things up in this dazzling showdown. The dynamics are sure to change as these three women from the capital take the spotlight, adding a new layer of excitement and competition.

 

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Viewers can expect a thrilling exploration of contrasting lifestyles and personalities as the seasoned Bollywood wives face off against their newcomers. The ongoing rivalry between Mumbai and Delhi serves as an engaging backdrop for this series. As the original ladies of Bollywood come face to face with their counterparts from the north, the age-old debate of which city reigns supreme takes center stage. Audiences will witness not just a battle of glamour, but also a clash of ideals, experiences, and perspectives.

The new season promises to be anything but dull, featuring lively exchanges, unexpected alliances, and, of course, plenty of stylish outfits that reflect each woman's unique personality. ALSO READ: Maheep Kapoor opens up about Sanjay Kapoor’s extra-marital affairs; says, “I think he has dated so many women”

"The Maharashtra protests against the release of Maula Jat are absurd," says actor Imran Zahid

Uddhav Thackeray has tweeted that he won’t “allow” Fawad Khan’s Pakistani blockbuster The Legend Of Maula Jat to release in Maharashtra. The threat makes no sense, as Maharashtra is not on the release map in India at all for this handsomely mounted hugely entertaining costume drama.

Delhi-based theatre and film actor Imran Zahid who has been battling to renew cultural ties between India and Pakistan, is baffled by the threats against the film’s release. “The film’s distributors in India (Zee Studios) have made it clear that the film is being released in Punjab only then what is this, ‘Mooh tod denge, sheesha phod denge.’ Arrey bhai, The Legend Of Maula Jat is not releasing in Maharashtra. Then what are these threats? It is like, you are not invited to my home and you are not coming. Lekin aa kar toh dekho.”

Imran feels peace should be given a chance. “All these threats and bullying tactics are driving us away from peace. Art and culture should always be above politics. By depriving our country of a fine film like Maula Jat, what signal are you sending to the rest of the world?”

Also Read: Pakistani film The Legend of Maula Jatt faces opposition in India from MNS ahead of release

Bigg Boss 18 Promo: Salman Khan returns to play ‘Time Ka Tandav’ with contestants

Carrying forward the unparalleled legacy of entertainment, India's popular reality show Bigg Boss gears to return to COLORS, promising a mind-blowing 18th season. Bollywood superstar Salman Khan too will be returning as the host and he was seen introducing Bigg Boss 18 along with its new theme in the promo unveiled by the makers on September 22. The promo packs a mysterious twist of time warping, with Salman promising that the Bigg Boss eye will look at the future. The promo features a sci-fi vibe with Khan revealing that it will take audiences ahead of its time as he questions contestants if they are ready to rewrite the rules of reality television.

Host of the show and megastar Salman Khan vouches that Bigg Boss will have insight into the contestants' futures, which will leave contestants racing against the clock. Iss bar Bigg Boss dekhenge ghar walo ka future. Toh kon kab kaise badlega apni written kismat?  Sharing his take on the 18th season of Bigg Boss, Salman Khan said, “Returning to Bigg Boss for its 18th season feels like coming home to a grand legacy we've built together over the years. Each season, we re-write the definition of entertainment, and this year is no exception. With the theme 'Time ka Tandav,' Bigg Boss isn't just keeping an eye on the present—he's peeking into the future of the housemates. Get ready for a thrilling journey as our housemates race against the clock, with every decision rippling through the past, present, and future. Bigg Boss dekhenge ghar walon ka kal, and trust me, you won't want to miss a single moment!”

 

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Watch BIGG BOSS 18, SPECIAL PARTNER Ching’s  Chutney & BEAUTY PARTNER Blue Heaven, as it premiers on October 6 at 9 pm only on Colors and it will also be available for streaming on JioCinema.

Also Read: Salman Khan set to return as Bigg Boss Season 18 host, teaser reveals new season’s exciting details

Parvin Dabas to be out of ICU soon after accident, says Preeti Jhangiani: “He hasn't been able to talk much”

Parvin Dabas has been hospitalized following a car accident in Mumbai. The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, leaving the actor with serious injuries. His wife, Preeti Jhangiani, has spoken out about the ordeal, sharing details of the accident and her husband's condition.

"It's been a shock for all of us," Jhangiani revealed to Hindustan Times. "Parvin is usually so full of life, always talking about work. To see him lying there, quiet and inactive, is incredibly distressing."

The accident occurred when Dabas was driving home after a late-night work session. A sudden flash of headlights caused him to lose control of his vehicle, resulting in a collision with a divider. Fortunately, he was close to a hospital, and two passersby rushed to his aid and brought him in.

Dabas is currently being treated for a concussion, which has left him with symptoms such as dizziness, double vision, drowsiness, and nausea. "He hasn't been able to talk much," Jhangiani explained. "Thankfully, his medical tests, including an MRI and CT scan, have come back clear. We expect him to be out of the ICU soon and will continue to monitor his progress."

Jhangiani has confirmed that Dabas was not under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident. "He's always been very strict about driving safely and never drinks and drives," she stated.

The Pro Panja League, an organization co-founded by Dabas, released a statement expressing their concern and support for the actor. It read, “We regret to inform that Parvin Dabas, co-founder of the Pro Panja League, has been hospitalized and is in the ICU at Holy Family Hospital in Bandra following an unfortunate car accident in the early hours of Saturday morning. Details of the incident are still emerging, but we can confirm that Mr. Dabas is currently receiving medical attention. Our thoughts are with Parvin and his family during this challenging time. The Pro Panja League management is closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as appropriate. We kindly request privacy for Mr. Dabas and his loved ones. We wish Parvin a swift and complete recovery.”

Parvin Dabas has worked in several films such as Khosla Ka Ghosla, My Name is Khan, and Ragini MMS 2. He has also been seen in the popular web series Made In Heaven. ALSO READ: My Name Is Khan actor Parvin Dabas in ICU after car accident; wife Preeti Jhangiani by his side in hospital: Reports

AP Dhillon announces India tour amid Diljit Dosanjh and Coldplay concert excitement

Fans of Indo-Canadian singer AP Dhillon have reason to celebrate, as the ‘Brown Munde’ hitmaker recently announced his upcoming India concert tour. On Saturday, AP Dhillon took to social media to share the exciting news, writing, "India tour soon... I'm coming home." While specific dates and locations are yet to be revealed, the announcement alone was enough to set the internet abuzz.

AP Dhillon's Homecoming: A Much-Anticipated Event AP Dhillon, who has gained immense popularity for his fusion of Punjabi and Western music, has a massive fanbase in India. As soon as he teased his tour on social media, fans flooded the comments section with excitement. One user wrote, "Can't wait for your concert," while another chimed in, "Wohoo, super excited!" The anticipation for his live performances in India is palpable, with fans eagerly awaiting further details.

 

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A Surge of Concerts in India AP Dhillon's announcement comes amidst a wave of concert announcements from other global artists and performers. Diljit Dosanjh, another prominent Punjabi singer, recently shared details about the Indian leg of his Dil-Luminati tour. Kicking off on October 26, 2024, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi, Dosanjh’s tour will also visit cities like Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Pune, Kolkata, Bangalore, Indore, Chandigarh, and Guwahati.

Speaking about the tour, Diljit expressed his enthusiasm for performing in India, stating, "Bringing the Dil-Luminati Tour to India is a dream come true. After the incredible journey abroad, performing in my homeland feels like coming full circle... India, get ready, because Punjabi ghar aa gaye oye! We're going to make history together—I can promise you a night you'll never forget!"

Additionally, Karan Aujla, another rising star in the Punjabi music scene, has announced that he will perform in India starting in December. This surge of concert tours comes at a time when international music acts like Coldplay are also creating a buzz, with Indian fans eagerly awaiting live performances from global icons.

Also Read: Yo Yo Honey Singh praises AP Dhillon, Karan Aujla, and Guru Randhawa as superstars; Excludes Diljit Dosanjh

Pakistani film The Legend of Maula Jatt faces opposition in India from MNS ahead of release

Pakistani blockbuster The Legend of Maula Jatt, starring Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan, is slated for release in India on October 2, 2024. However, the film is facing strong resistance from political groups, particularly the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), which has threatened agitation if the movie is screened in the country.

MNS’s Strong Opposition to The Legend of Maula Jatt Release The MNS, known for its staunch opposition to Pakistani cinema and artists, has once again voiced its disapproval of the upcoming release. Ameya Khopkar, President of the MNS Cinema Wing, made it clear that the party would not allow The Legend of Maula Jatt to be released in India. Speaking to ANI, Khopkar stated, "This movie will not be released. Not just this movie, we will not entertain any Pakistani film or actors in India... If this happens, there will be a strong agitation."

He also urged other states to follow suit and oppose the screening of the film, citing ongoing conflicts between the two nations. "Our soldiers are dying at the borders and our cities are being attacked. Why do we need Pakistani actors here? Don’t we have enough talent in India?" Khopkar asked, stating the need to prioritise Indian talent over foreign artists. Threats to Cinema Owners Khopkar issued a stern warning to cinema owners in India, urging them to reconsider screening the film, suggesting potential consequences if they defy the opposition. "The owners of cinemas know very well that the glass in their theatres is very expensive... We will beat any Pakistani actor who dares to come to India," he said. He stressed that while art and politics are often seen as separate, the party does not support the idea of hosting Pakistani films at the expense of Indian soldiers.

"This should be taken as a threat... There have been attacks till last week and we'll watch movies of Pakistani actors? How can one even think something like this? We will not let them land on their feet, we will break it," Khopkar added, further intensifying the opposition to the release of The Legend of Maula Jatt in India. Historical Context: Ban on Pakistani Artists in India The controversy surrounding the release of The Legend of Maula Jatt in India reignites the ongoing debate over the involvement of Pakistani artists in Indian entertainment. In 2016, following the Uri terror attack, a formal ban on Pakistani artists working in Indian films and shows was implemented. This ban affected several prominent Pakistani actors, including Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan, both of whom have worked in Bollywood previously. However, in November 2023, the Supreme Court of India dismissed a petition seeking a total ban on Pakistani artists performing or working in the country.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Fawad Khan’s Pakistani film The Legend Of Maula Jatt to release only in the state of Punjab in India

Salman Khan to NOT reprise Chulbul Pandey’s character in Ajay Devgn’s Singham Again: Reports

The highly anticipated third installment of Ajay Devgn's Singham franchise, Singham Again, is set to hit theatres this Diwali. As excitement builds, rumours have been swirling about a potential cameo by Salman Khan, reprising his role of Chulbul Pandey from the Dabangg series. However, these speculations have been firmly squashed.

According to the source, “All the stories surrounding Chulbul Pandey being a part of Singham are fake and baseless rumours. No such announcement has been made by any production house regarding the same, nor has megastar Salman Khan shot for any such cameo.”

The source further added that there has been no official announcement from the makers of the production house producing the film. The news has gone viral, as fans have long wanted to see Salman Khan in this cinematic universe since Rohit Shetty revealed his desire to include him. Unfortunately, fans will have to wait some more time to see this union happen.

However, while Salman Khan may not be part of Singham Again, the actor will be making special cameo in other upcoming project. Khan will be seen in Varun Dhawan's Baby John, scheduled for release this Christmas.

Singham Again boasts a star-studded cast, including Kareena Kapoor Khan, Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh, Akshay Kumar, Arjun Kapoor, Jackie Shroff, and Tiger Shroff. This action-packed film is the fifth installment in Rohit Shetty's cop universe, which began with Singham in 2011, followed by Singham Returns in 2014. Other notable additions to this cinematic universe include Ranveer Singh's Simmba, Akshay Kumar's Sooryavanshi, and Sidharth Malhotra's web series Indian Police Force.

Meanwhile, Salman Khan is currently shooting Sikandar, a high-octane action thriller directed by A.R. Murugadoss and produced by Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment. The film also features Rashmika Mandanna, Sathyaraj, Prateik Babbar, and Kajal Aggarwal.  It will release on Eid next year. ALSO READ: Salman Khan demands apology from news agency ANI over allegations of underworld ties in new legal notice

Janhvi Kapoor to do a cameo in Neeraj Ghaywan's next with Ishaan Khatter for Karan Johar

Janhvi Kapoor is the rising star of Hindi Cinema, presently gearing up for the release of Devara: Part 1 and shooting for Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari. She follows it up with an action drama starring Ram Charan in the lead. But in the midst of all this, we have exclusively learnt that Janhvi Kapoor is all set to make a special cameo for her debut co-star, Ishaan Khatter's next film produced by Karan Johar.

According to our highly placed sources, Janhvi Kapoor has signed on for a 10-day cameo in Masaan director Neeraj Ghaywan's next film. "When Karan and Neeraj came to Janhvi with the offer, she couldn't say no as she has the utmost respect for both of them. She has allotted 10 days from her packed diary and is excited to reunite with her debut co-star, Ishaan Khatter," a source informed Bollywood Hungama.

The source further informed us that it's a two-hero film, and the team is in talks with another young hero to come on board. "It's a story of two friends, and Neeraj has come up with a solid storyline that will win over the audience. The treatment and flavour is very different from Masaan," the source tells us further.

The movie will hit the big screen in the 2nd half of 2025.

Also Read: Devara Part 1: Janhvi Kapoor wins hearts of Chennai audience by speaking in Tamil at the promotional event of Jr NTR starrer

Alia Bhatt to star in quintessential love story after Love & War; shoot to commence in final quarter of 2025: Report

Alia Bhatt, currently immersed in the YRF Spy Universe film, Alpha, is gearing up for another ambitious project: Love & War, a Sanjay Leela Bhansali directorial slated for a grand theatrical release in March 2026. However, amidst these action-packed endeavours, Bhatt has revealed a desire to explore a more intimate genre: the romantic drama.

As per a report in Pinkvilla, sources close to the actress reveal Bhatt has been actively considering several romantic scripts and has her heart set on a particular one. This forthcoming project, a quintessential love story, is slated to commence production in the final quarter of 2025, following the completion of Love & War. “Alia has identified a script for her next after Love & War, and she is looking to produce and act in the film. It’s an out and out love story, and Alia’s heart at the moment is on the aforementioned script,” revealed a source close to the development.

Intriguingly, the director attached to this romantic venture is rumoured to be the same individual who helmed a massive 2022 blockbuster. “There have been multiple rounds of meeting and the conversations are in the right direction. The film is still a year away from going on floors, and hence, there is also a chance for Alia to change her mind if something better comes up. But given how the things are at the moment, the love-story in question is locked as Alia’s next for 2026,” the source added.

The team is actively seeking a prominent male lead for the film, and casting discussions are expected to commence in January 2024. Once the necessary paperwork is finalized and stakeholders are committed to the project, the casting process will officially begin.

Alia Bhatt's upcoming slate includes Jigra, set for release on October 11, 2024, and Alpha in late 2025. ALSO READ: Alia Bhatt called her father ‘crying and shaking’ after panic attack before Student of the Year debut: “Emraan Hashmi was there…”

My Name Is Khan actor Parvin Dabas in ICU after car accident; wife Preeti Jhangiani by his side in hospital: Reports

Actor Parvin Dabas is currently receiving treatment in the intensive care unit of a Mumbai hospital following a serious road incident that occurred on Saturday morning. Reports indicate that he was involved in a collision, prompting immediate medical attention. As per Indian Express, according to a source close to the actor, “Doctors have carried out all the tests and his wife, actress Preeti Jhangiani is by his side at the hospital.”

The Pro Panja League, an organization co-founded by Dabas, released a statement regarding his condition. It read, “We regret to inform that Parvin Dabas, co-founder of the Pro Panja League, has been hospitalized and is in the ICU at Holy Family Hospital in Bandra following an unfortunate car accident in the early hours of Saturday morning. Details of the incident are still emerging, but we can confirm that Mr. Dabas is currently receiving medical attention. Our thoughts are with Parvin and his family during this challenging time. The Pro Panja League management is closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as appropriate. We kindly request privacy for Mr. Dabas and his loved ones. We wish Parvin a swift and complete recovery.”

Parvin Dabas has made a name for himself in the film industry, gaining recognition for his standout performance in the acclaimed comedy Khosla Ka Ghosla. His work spans a variety of genres, including notable appearances in My Name is Khan and Ragini MMS 2. He was also seen in Made In Heaven series.

The actor is married to actress Preeti Jhangiani. Together, they are parents to two children. ALSO READ: Preeti Jhangiani lauds Mumbai police for recovering lost phone in two hours

Kartik Aaryan and Triptii Dimri shoot a romantic song in Leh for Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3: Report

The anticipation surrounding the upcoming Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 has been steadily growing. While the iconic track ‘Ami Je Tomar’ from the previous installment remains etched in our memories, the makers are treating us to a brand-new romantic number. Kartik Aaryan and Triptii Dimri are currently immersed in filming a captivating love song amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Leh. Director Anees Bazmee has commenced this Ladakh shoot this week.

As per a report in Mid-day, composer duo Sachet-Parampara have crafted this enchanting melody, joining the ranks of Pritam, Amaal Mallik, and Tanishk Bagchi who are contributing to the film's diverse musical soundtrack. Dispelling rumours of a recreated version of ‘Labon Ko Labon Pe’, the source confirms that this newly composed song is being brought to life through the choreography of Vijay Ganguly.

The picturesque mountains and serene lakes of Leh provide the perfect backdrop for this romantic ballad. Kartik Aaryan exudes charm in a black vest, leather jacket, and brown trousers, while Triptii Dimri radiates elegance in flowing chiffon sarees. The song's visual aesthetic is reminiscent of the Yash Chopra films, evoking a sense of nostalgia and romance. As the shoot progresses, the director is set to film another song before wrapping up this phase of production.

Speaking to the publication, producer Bhushan Kumar expressed his enthusiasm for shooting in Leh, highlighting the region's pristine beauty and its untapped potential for cinematic storytelling. He emphasized that the location perfectly complements the grandeur of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, offering a visually stunning backdrop for the film. He said, “Leh and Ladakh offer a pristine landscape that hasn’t been explored much for songs in Indian cinema. For Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, we wanted a location that would match the grandeur of the film, and these breathtaking locations provide the perfect backdrop.”

Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 also stars Madhuri Dixit and Vidya Balan. The film will release on Diwali 2024. ALSO READ: Kartik Aaryan and Triptii Dimri to kick off the shoot of their untitled film in Mumbai in September

EXCLUSIVE: “Race 4 will continue the story from Race 1 and 2, it will go on floors in January,” reveals writer Shiraz Ahmed

The recent announcement of the fourth film in the Race franchise has got fans excited. What added on to the anticipation is the return of Saif Ali Khan to the franchise. The actor was the main lead in the first two films but was replaced by Salman Khan in Race 3.

The writer of Race 4, Shiraz Ahmed, who also penned the first three films of the franchise, shared details about the fourth film in an exclusive chat with Bollywood Hungama. “Race 4 will go on floors in January (2025),” he said. “The script is almost completed and so is the casting. Saif Ali Khan and Sidharth Malhotra’s casting is already out in the media. The rest of the cast will be revealed by the producers Tips Films at the right time in a proper announcement.”

Ahmed also revealed the story pattern for Race 4. “For Race 4, we have continued the story and characters from Race 1 and 2. We have gone back to the same world of the first two films,” he said.

 

Race 3 did earn money at the box office, but the film faced its share of criticisms. Reflecting on this, Ahmed said, “In Race 3, we shifted a bit from the Race franchise in terms of characters. If you remove the title ‘Race’ from the film, you will enjoy it. People went to see Race, but they got to see something else. We had Salman Khan in the film. So, you need to keep certain things in mind. He doesn’t play negative roles. Mainly, his fans would never like to see him in a negative role. So certain boundaries came about. Still, we tried to do whatever we could.”

Produced by Tips Films, the first two films in the Race franchise were directed by the duo Abbas-Mustan. The third film was helmed by Remo D’Souza. The director for Race 4 is not finalized yet.

Also Read: 15 years of Wanted EXCLUSIVE: Source of ‘commitment’ dialogue uttered by Salman Khan honestly disclosed by writer Shiraz Ahmed

Aditya Roy Kapur and Samantha Ruth Prabhu begin Raj & DK’s action-fantasy series Rakt Bramhand shoot in Mumbai: Report

The highly anticipated Netflix series, Rakt Bramhand – The Bloody Kingdom, has officially kicked off production in Mumbai. For this ambitious project, Raj & DK partner with director Rahi Anil Barve and long-time collaborator Sita R Menon, under their production company, D2R Films. The series promises a gripping, edgy narrative set against the backdrop of a fantastical kingdom with bloody action and spectacular visuals. The series boasts a stellar cast, including Aditya Roy Kapur, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Ali Fazal, and Wamiqa Gabbi. Set in a fantastical realm, the show promises to be an epic tale filled with intrigue, betrayal, and thrilling action.

The production team has been hard at work preparing for this ambitious undertaking. Earlier this year, it was revealed that the lead actors, Aditya Roy Kapur and Samantha Ruth Prabhu, had undergone rigorous sword-fighting training to perfect their roles. Now, their skills are being put to the test as they bring their characters to life on screen.

Despite the demanding schedule of simultaneously filming the third season of their popular series The Family Man, Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK are closely involved in overseeing every aspect of Rakt Bramhand – The Bloody Kingdom. The creators are known for their ability to blend humor, action, and compelling storytelling, and the series is expected to be no exception.

As per a report in Mid-day, a source from the set shared insights into the production process, “Rakt Bramhand is Raj-DK’s first action-fantasy series set in a fictitious kingdom. Even as they are shooting The Family Man, they are constantly supervising Rakt Bramhand’s progress. The sheer scale of the production is something they haven’t attempted before. We started shooting two weeks ago, and are currently canning some elaborate action sequences at Bahubali Studio in Borivali. There will be a short 10-day break soon, after which we will regroup in October. Most of the shoot will take place on this set and in other parts of the city till February 2025.” ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE: Wamiqa Gabbi kicks off shoot for Raj & DK’s action-fantasy series Rakt Bramhand – The Bloody Kingdom

MEGA EXCLUSIVE: Jaideep Ahlawat joins the cast of The Family Man 3; much-awaited show is one of the rare ventures to be shot in Nagaland

Tomorrow, The Family Man will complete 5 years. Directed by Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK aka Raj-DK, its first season dropped on Amazon Prime Video on September 20, 2019, and immediately earned a sizable fan following. The second season, which premiered on June 4, 2021, fulfilled all the expectations and thus it became one of the biggest series to come out of India. The shoot of The Family Man’s third season has finally begun and this time, there’s an exciting addition to the cast – Jaideep Ahlawat.

A source exclusively told Bollywood Hungama, “Jaideep Ahlawat has joined the star cast of The Family Man 3 and also joined the schedule in the North-Eastern state of Nagaland. The makers have kept his character strictly under wraps. Hence, there’s no information available on what role he plays in the series.”

The source continued, “Jaideep Ahlawat has become a force to reckon with in the last 4 years, more so with the acclaimed show Paatal Lok. His appearances in An Action Hero (2022), Jaane Jaan (2023), Maharaj (2024), etc. further added to his popularity. Hence, one can expect that he will have a crucial role in the third season. His casting further adds to the excitement for the show.”

The Family Man stars Manoj Bajpayee, Sharib Hashmi, Priyamani, Sharad Kelkar, Shreya Dhanwanthary and others. Samantha Ruth Prabhu played the antagonist in the second season.

Meanwhile, The Family Man 3 is one of the rare ventures that is being shot in Nagaland. As per a report in Mokokchung Times, the shoot began in the state on September 1 and will go on till October 1. The Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Kohima has granted special permission to shoot the show in the capital city of Kohima. Around 400 members comprise the cast and crew and they have hired around 80 vehicles for the shoot. The story further stated that the team of the show shot in Old DC Bungalow, Forest Colony and Kisama Heritage Village in the city. They also filmed on the outskirts of Kohima in the villages of Khonoma, Jakhama and Jotsoma.

Meanwhile, reports have also come in that the makers of The Family Man have also cast local actors and those belonging to Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim.

Also Read: Manoj Bajpayee shares The Family Man 3 shooting details; calls it, “Bada sundar aur bhayanak”

Himesh Reshammiya's father, music composer Vipin Reshammiya, passes away at 87

Veteran music composer Vipin Reshammiya, father of well-known composer and actor Himesh Reshammiya, passed away on September 18 in Mumbai at 87. A highly respected figure in the music world, Vipin was instrumental in mentoring his son, shaping Himesh’s successful career. The last rites are set for September 19.

Vipin Reshammiya had been dealing with breathing problems and was hospitalized in Mumbai prior to his death. His final rites will be held in Juhu, with the mortal remains expected to be brought home soon.

Their close family friend Vanitha Thapar, reflecting on her strong relationship with the deceased, expressed her grief to ETimes. She said, “He was in Kokilaben and passed away today at 8.30 pm. I am a family friend, more like family. I used to call him papa since the time he was making TV serials. Later, he became a music director, and then Himesh followed in his footsteps. We share a very close bond. Anup Singh, the numerologist, and I were also very close to him.”

Although Vipin Reshammiya was a talented composer, he chose not to pursue a full-time career in music, focusing instead on helping his son Himesh develop his skills. While Vipin gained recognition for his work on TV shows, his main priority was always supporting Himesh's artistic growth. He once expressed pride in Himesh’s musical talent, which was evident from a young age.

For those unfamiliar with Vipin’s contributions, he produced films like The Xposé (2014) and Teraa Surroor (2016), both starring Himesh. He also composed music for the unreleased film Insaaf Ka Suraj (1990). Himesh once revealed that a planned collaboration between his father and Salman Khan eventually led to his own big break as a music director in the 1998 film Jab Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya, starring Salman Khan and Kajol.

Also Read : Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru share the title track teaser of Jaanam Terii Kasam composed by Himesh Reshammiya as a tribute to him on his birthday

BREAKING: Deepak Tijori files FIR against producer of Manoj Bajpayee-starrer Bhaiyyaji Vikram Khakhar for allegedly duping him of Rs. 17.50 lakhs

Deepak Tijori has filed a police complaint against producer Vikram Khakhar at the Amboli Police Station in Mumbai for allegedly cheating and conning him of Rs. 17.50 lakhs. The complaint was filed by the actor-filmmaker on September 17. Bollywood Hungama exclusively has a copy of the police complaint.

As per the contents of the FIR, Deepak Tijori met Vikram Khakhar in 2019, when the latter used to work as a line producer. Deepak mentioned to him about making the film Tipppsy which has been stuck for a while. Vikram Khakhar offered to arrange its shoot in London, United Kingdom. However, he said that Deepak Tijori would have to shell out Rs. 15 lakhs for the same. Deepak agreed and on March 3, 2020, he transferred Rs. 17.40 lakhs to Vikram which included the said amount and the GST.

Deepak Tijori then stated in the complaint that whenever he would ask Vikram Khakhar about the status of the film, he would cite the Covid-19 pandemic as the reason why film shootings are stalled in the European country. Deepak then mentioned that even after the pandemic effects were over, he would make excuses for not getting the films on floors. Realizing that Vikram Khakhar had no intention to help commence the shoot of Tipppsy, Deepak Tijori asked for his money. Vikram claimed he would refund the amount but never did so. On March 14, when Deepak messaged him, Vikram Khakhar assured him that he'd meet him but he never came for the said meeting.

Deepak Tijori also revealed that he had a look at the bills that were supposedly generated when he was working on reviving Tipppsy and it made it clear that he has not spent a single penny on its making.

The FIR was filed under Section 420 (cheating) and 406 (criminal breach of trust) of the newly constituted Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Vikram Khakhar has recently produced Manoj Bajpayee starrer Bhaiyya Ji and is also one of the producers of the upcoming film Vikrant Massey-Raashii Khanna starrer Talaakhon Mein Ek.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Did Deepak Tijori claim that he ‘saved’ Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar after Milind Soman walked out? Actor clarifies he was misquoted: “Who am I to save any film? RIDICULOUS to read something like that”

EXCLUSIVE: Stree 2 family to launch a special song of Binny And Family by Vishal Mishra

Bollywood Hungama has been at the forefront of giving exclusive news about the upcoming film, Binny And Family. On Sunday, we exclusively reported that the release of the film has been pushed from September 20 to September 27 as the makers wanted to include a special song by Vishal Mishra. And now, the team of the film is gearing up for a grand musical event. Interestingly, the Stree 2 family will come forward to unveil a special song of Binny And Family!

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Stree 2’s director Amar Kaushik, actor Abhishek Banerjee and writer Niren Bhatt are the chief guests at this musical event of Binny And Family which will be held in Mumbai on Friday, September 20. They will launch the song ‘Zindagi’ and also interact with the team of Binny And Family.”

The source continued, “The star cast of Binny And Family will be present along with Mahaveer Jain and singer-composer Vishal Mishra. He’ll perform on the much-awaited song ‘Zindagi’, which he has composed and sung while it's written by Kaushal Kishore. And of course, Binny and his family will also interact with the Stree 2 family, and that would also be a highlight of the event.”

An industry expert said, “The event will surely make a lot of noise due to the songs and also because this would be the first appearance by Stree 2 members after their much-loved horror comedy is said to have crossed the collections of Shah Rukh Khan’s Jawan and emerged as the biggest grosser of Bollywood. Hence, there’ll be a lot of excitement even among the media to cover the event.”

Binny And Family marks the acting debut of Varun Dhawan’s niece Anjini Dhawan. Besides Anjini, it also stars Pankaj Kapur, Himani Shivpuri, Rajesh Kumar, Naman Tripaathy and Charu Shankar and is written and directed by Ssanjay Tripaathy. It is produced by Mahaveer Jain Films and Wavebrand Productions and presented by Ektaa R Kapoor's Balaji Telefilms, Shashank Khaitan and Mrighdeep Singh Lamba. The film will be released in cinemas by PVR while its music will be released by T-Series.

This will be the second biggest event by the makers of Binny And Family. Their trailer launch, where Varun Dhawan was the chief guest, also got a lot of coverage.

Also Read: Stree 2 hops on the BOGO trend; announces Buy One Get One free offer for September 13

BREAKING: Atlee to screen EXCLUSIVE footage of Varun Dhawan’s Baby John at Big Cine Expo 2024, Mumbai

An exhibition called Big Cine Expo is held every year where theatre owners, design consultants, equipment manufacturers, system integrators, project management professionals, industry stakeholders, etc. come together to celebrate cinema and the exhibition sector. A few days ago, Bollywood Hungama was the first one to break the news that 2024’s most successful producer Dinesh Vijan will be felicitated at the 2024 edition while Ramesh Sippy will be given a Special Achievement Award on the occasion of 50 years of his legendary classic, Sholay (1975). Bollywood Hungama is now back with more exciting news about this expo.

It has come to light that Atlee, who directed Shah Rukh Khan’s blockbuster Jawan (2023), will be sharing exclusive glimpses of his debut production Baby John, starring Varun Dhawan, at the Big Cine Expo 2024, Mumbai. He will be joined by the other producer of the film, Murad Khetani.

The Big Cine Expo 2024 will be held on September 30 and October 1 and the Baby John glimpse preview will take place on the first day. As per sources, to avoid the footage from getting leaked, attendees will be requested to deposit their cell phones outside the screening area, or the organizing team will make sure that no one records or clicks any picture or video from the screening.

This is not the first time that the Big Cine Expo will showcase an exclusive glimpse of an upcoming film. Last year, Boney Kapoor showed some scenes from his acclaimed film Maidaan (2024) while in 2022, exciting scenes from the Ranbir Kapoor-Alia Bhatt starrer Brahmastra (2022) were shown to the attendees.

Baby John, directed by Kalees, arrives in cinemas on December 25. Besides Varun Dhawan, it also stars Keerthy Suresh and Wamiqa Gabbi. Along with Murad Khetani's Cine1 Studios and Atlee's A For Apple Productions, it is also backed by Jyoti Deshpande of Jio Studios.

Jyoti Deshpande recently spoke exclusively to Bollywood Hungama where she said, “Baby John is going to blow people’s minds because it has a never-before-seen performance by Varun Dhawan. It is mounted on a very big scale. The subject is very topical. It’s coming on Christmas as we need a very big date for the film. The music and background score are out of the world.” She also confirmed that the film’s promo will be attached with Singham Again.

Just before the Baby John preview, Denzil Dias – VP & Managing Director - India Theatrical, Warner Bros. Discovery, will similarly show exciting glimpses from the upcoming films of Warner Bros and Universal Studios. Even for this session, recording will strictly not be allowed.

Also Read: Atlee Kumar in talks with Kamal Haasan for his next starring Salman Khan for a Pan-India spectacle: Report

EXCLUSIVE: Due to TREMENDOUS demand, Salman Khan's Bajrangi Bhaijaan released at Inox Srinagar on September 6; Shahid Kapoor's Haider to premiere in Kashmir for the FIRST time on September 20

On August 2, Laila Majnu (2018) was released in Kashmir’s only multiplex, Inox Srinagar, and the response was unprecedented. Soon, demand poured in from across the country to watch the classic on the big screen. As a result, the Avinash Tiwary-Triptii Dimari starrer was re-released on August 9. Vikas Dhar, the owner of Inox Srinagar, spoke exclusively with Bollywood Hungama 3 days after Laila Majnu’s release in the Kashmir capital.

Vikas Dhar said how they decided to re-release Laila Majnu, “We have been getting requests from moviegoers for a year that they want to see Rockstar (2011) and Laila Majnu. We released Rockstar. It so happened that Imtiaz Ali was in Srinagar for a tourism conclave. I thanked him for re-releasing Rockstar and informed him that he has a fan base here! He asked me what I felt about releasing Laila Majnu in Kashmir. I told him about the demand for it and asked him if he could get the film in our cinemas. He set the ball into motion.”

He continued, “Now I am being told to bring many other films that people here haven’t seen since cinema halls were shut between the 1990s and 2022.”

Vikas Dhar also remarked that films shot or set in Kashmir are what the locals want to see on the big screen. He also said that there’s a huge demand to watch Salman Khan-Kareena Kapoor Khan’s blockbuster, Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015).

Vikas Dhar stated, “People primarily want to watch Kashmir-based films or romantic films. Everyone, however, asks for Bajrangi Bhaijaan. Everyone here loves that film.” The Kabir Khan-directorial was extensively shot in the Valley.

He also said, “We played Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013) and it did well.” Though the first half of the Ranbir Kapoor-Deepika Padukone starrer was set in Himachal Pradesh, many of its scenes were filmed in Kashmir.

Vikas Dhar continued, “The other films people are asking for are Jab We Met (2007), 3 Idiots (2009), Student Of The Year (2012) etc. Of course, the demand is not as much as it was for Rockstar and Laila Majnu. I am waiting to see if the demand persists. If the demand is there, you have to supply (smiles).”

Vikas Dhar then exulted, “Maybe, I’ll have a poll on social media and ask people to vote for which film they want to see now.”

After this conversation, Vikas Dhar gave in to the demand and released Bajrangi Bhaijaan on September 6. On September 8, he held a poll, as promised, on Inox Srinagar’s social media page where he gave the option of four films for premiering in his theatre and asked patrons to choose one out of them. The four films listed were Kabir Singh (2019), Haider (2014), Student Of The Year and Jab Tak Hai Jaan (2012). An overwhelming majority of the people favoured Haider.

Accordingly, Haider, starring Shahid Kapoor, Tabu, Shraddha Kapoor and Kay Kay Menon, will have a grand release in the state, where the film is based, on September 20. The Vishal Bhardwaj-directorial will have one show a day at 2:30 pm and the tickets are available for just Rs. 99.

Also Read: Bajrangi Bhaijaan turns 9: BTS video shows Salman Khan hugging Kareena Kapoor, Nawazuddin Siddiqui flaunting off-screen antics, and Harshali Malhotra watching her scenes on monitor

Agastya Nanda invests in fast-casual restaurant Project Hum to promote healthy, sustainable dining

Actor Agastya Nanda has made a strategic investment in Project Hum, a popular farm-to-table fast-casual restaurant in Mumbai. This partnership marks a significant milestone for both Nanda and Project Hum, as they join forces to promote healthy, sustainable dining.

With a passion for wellness and conscious living, Agastya expresses his excitement, “I’m incredibly excited to join the Project Hum family. Their commitment to providing fresh, nutritious food and supporting local farmers aligns perfectly with my values. I believe that this partnership will help to elevate Project Hum as a go-to destination for health-conscious individuals in Mumbai.”

 

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Raghav Simha, co-founder of IXU Hospitality, shared his enthusiasm: “At Project Hum, we are committed to fostering healthier lifestyle choices. Over the past 24 months, our restaurant has gained significant traction, affirming our position in the healthy food market. With Agastya's collaboration, we aim to elevate Project Hum as a comprehensive destination for sustainable and nutritious food. This partnership aligns with our vision for growth and innovation.”

Looking ahead, Project Hum plans to invest in a central kitchen, a bakery, and a new outlet. The upcoming year will see a sharper focus on enhancing online delivery, daily meal plans, and expanding their range of healthy retail products. New offerings will include all-day breakfast options, millet-based desserts, lifestyle merchandise, and a variety of scratch-made dips and sauces. ALSO READ: Suhana Khan and Agastya Nanda spark dating rumours during Mumbai outing with Abhishek and Navya Nanda

Diljit Dosanjh Concert Ticket Controversy: Delhi-based law student files legal notice against organizers claiming scalping and malpractice

The highly anticipated concert of Diljit Dosanjh, scheduled for October 26 at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi, has met with controversy after a Delhi-based law student filed a legal notice against the organizers. The student, Riddhima Kapoor, accused the organizers of the Dil-Luminati Tour of violating consumer rights and engaging in unfair trade practices during the ticket sales process.

Kapoor claimed that despite being a registered HDFC Credit Card holder, she was unable to secure a ticket for the concert. She alleged that the organizers had announced the opening of the booking window for September 12 at 1 PM, but the tickets went on sale at 12:59 PM, leaving many fans empty-handed.

The legal notice alleged that the sudden unavailability of tickets was a result of manipulation and scalping practices by the organizers. Kapoor asserted that the organizers were artificially inflating demand and manipulating prices, which constitutes a violation of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.

“This abrupt and suspicious transaction strongly suggests manipulation and scalping practices. The sudden unavailability of tickets indicates that your organisation may be artificially inflating demand and manipulating prices, which constitutes an unfair trade practice under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. The practice of scalping and hoarding of tickets with an intent to resell them at inflated prices is a clear violation of consumer rights and an act of bad faith,” the Free Press Journal quoted the notice.

Meanwhile, Delhi Police have issued a warning against fraudulent ticket sales for the concert. The police shared a video on social media, urging people to be alert and avoid falling victim to online scams. "Be cautious about online fraud and protect yourself," the police caption read.

Diljit Dosanjh's Dil-Luminati Tour is set to kick off in Delhi and will then travel to other cities across India, including Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Pune, Kolkata, Bangalore, Indore, Chandigarh, and Guwahati. The Delhi concert offered two ticket categories: Fan Pit, priced at Rs. 19,999, and Gold (Phase 3), priced at Rs. 12,999. ALSO READ: Diljit Dosanjh reacts to Delhi Police's creative warning on fake tickets of his concert

Junaid Khan and Khushi Kapoor starrer romantic film set for February 7, 2025 release

The anticipation for the upcoming romantic film starring Junaid Khan and Khushi Kapoor is building as Phantom Studios and AGS Entertainment announce its release date. The film, which is yet to be titled, is set to hit theatres on February 7, 2025.

Directed by Advait Chandan, the film promises to explore the complexities of love in the digital age. Khan and Kapoor, both newcomers to the industry, will bring their fresh perspectives and chemistry to the screen. This will be their first theatrical release after debuting in Netflix movies Maharaj and The Archies, respectively.

Are you ready to experience love in the digital era with #KhushiKapoor and #JunaidKhan ? In Cinemas worldwide on 7th Feb 2025!

Directed by #advaitchandan. @fuhsephantom @Ags_production @ZeeStudios_ @shrishtiarya @archanakalpathi pic.twitter.com/f9TviT5FI8

— Phantom Studios (@FuhSePhantom) September 17, 2024

Khan, the son of the actor Aamir Khan, has already made a name for himself in the industry with his impressive performance in Maharaj. Kapoor, daughter of late actress Sridevi and Boney Kapoor, made her debut in Zoya Akhtar's musical last year.

The film will be distributed worldwide by Zee Studios. ALSO READ: After Maharaj, Junaid Khan set to return to stage for Prithvi Theater Festival

EXCLUSIVE: On PM Narendra Modi's 74th Birthday, Mahaveer Jain pledges to contribute 90% of his savings to the needy

On the occasion of the birthday of the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, producer Mahaveer Jain has committed himself to leading a simple and humble life. Moreover, he has also pledged to contribute 90 % of his personal savings to the needy for all his life.

Talking to Bollywood Hungama, Mahaveer Jain said, “The one philosophy of Swami Vivekanand which seeded the foundation of our PM’s life journey and mindset when he was just a school student was – bas wahin jeete hai, jo dusron ke liye jeete hai (Only those, who live for others, live).

Mahaveer Jain further said, “I feel that every day and every moment, we are truly blessed that we have got such a dynamic leader who is taking our country India to new heights. Now, the world is talking and looking at India with so much respect and hope. It brings us a lot of pride being an Indian.”

He then wished the Prime Minister by stating, “Thank you, from all of us, for your incredible efforts for India Sir. Happy Birthday.”

 

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Mahaveer Jain continued, “In our film industry, Sooraj R Barjatya, Aamir Khan and Rajkumar Hirani have set the right examples by doing great work yet leading a very simple, honest and meaningful life. I always look upto them.”

On the film front, Mahaveer Jain is gearing up for the release of the first film under Newcomers Initiative, Binny And Family on September 27. He is also making a family entertainer with Akshay Kumar which will be directed by Mrighdeep Singh Lamba. Moreover, he has teamed up with Siddharth Anand to tell a spiritual-based film, based on an unbelievable episode from the life of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.

Meanwhile, Mahaveer Jain’s 2022 film Uunchai, backed by Rajshri Productions and directed by Sooraj R Barjatya, recently won two National Awards.

Also Read: Badshah confirms his role in Shah Rukh Khan’s son Aryan Khan’s directorial debut series Stardom; says, “Chhota sa role hai mera”

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love & War secures record deals – Rs. 130 crore with Netflix for streaming rights; Rs. 35 crore with Saregama, Rs. 50 crore for TV: Report

Director Sanjay Leela Bhansali is set to venture into solo production for his upcoming epic period drama, Love & War. The film, which stars Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal, is slated to begin production early next month. Bhansali's decision to self-produce the film comes on the heels of the successful launch of his web series debut, Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, on Netflix. Riding on the wave of this success, Bhansali has reportedly inked a substantial post-theatrical deal with the streaming giant.

As per a report in Mid-day, industry sources have revealed that Netflix has committed a base price of Rs. 130 crore for the streaming rights of Love & War. However, the final figure is expected to increase based on the film's box-office performance. In addition to the Netflix deal, Bhansali has also secured a lucrative music rights agreement with Saregama for an estimated Rs. 35 crore. Furthermore, Bhansali is in advanced negotiations with a leading television network for the satellite rights, with the estimated value of the deal hovering around Rs. 50 crore.

The ambitious period drama, Love & War, is estimated to have a production budget of approximately Rs. 200 crore, excluding the remuneration of the lead actors. Interestingly, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal have reportedly opted for back-end deals with Bhansali, meaning their fees will be tied to the film's theatrical performance. Ranbir Kapoor, in particular, is said to have secured a significant share of the theatrical revenue.

Love & War has been pushed to March 2026 release. ALSO READ: Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Vicky Kaushal starrer Love and War to release on March 20, 2026

Deepika Padukone onboards as brand ambassador for battle-royale game Krafton

KRAFTON, makers of BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA (BGMI), have announced a partnership with Deepika Padukone to the world of BGMI. This exclusive one-year collaboration will see Deepika Padukone as the brand ambassador of BGMI, ushering in a new era of gaming and entertainment. As part of this exciting collaboration, Deepika Padukone will soon be featured as a playable character in BGMI, with two distinct character skins representing her iconic style and persona.

Building on the success of previous collaborations with Indian stars like Ranveer Singh, Hardik Pandya, and Mumbai Indians, KRAFTON continues to push the boundaries of in-game entertainment. This partnership with Deepika Padukone is yet another milestone in the company’s commitment to bringing immersive gaming experiences tailored for Indian players.

“We are excited to partner with Deepika Padukone, a Global Ambassador & Icon to create unforgettable moments for our players. This collaboration is an endeavour to push boundaries and deliver fresh experiences for BGMI fans. By bringing together the worlds of gaming and entertainment with the biggest star Deepika Padukone at its forefront, we aim to create a truly immersive and engaging world within BGMI,” said Sean Hyunil Sohn, CEO, KRAFTON India.

"It is a thrilling opportunity to embark on this new chapter with the BGMI family” shared Deepika Padukone. “Gaming has become a cultural phenomenon in India, and I'm excited to connect with the incredible energy of the gaming community. It's an honor to be a part of something so dynamic and engaging. I look forward to seeing how my fans react to the in-game avatar and exclusive items!" ALSO READ: Deepika Padukone trainer shares her pre-natal yoga experience: “Your commitment, positivity and trust in the process have truly shone through”

Raaj Shaandilyaa reacts to Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video being similar to Sex Tape; says, “I have never seen it before”

Rajkummar Rao and Triptii Dimri are all set to bring back the 90s in Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video in which things a comical turn when the newlyweds lose their CD capturing their romance. While the trailer has several hilarious punchlines and many have shared excitement about its release, some have pointed out its resemblance with the Cameron Diaz, Jason Segal starrer comedy film Sex Tape which revolves around a similar concept. However, the director the film Raaj Shaandilyaa has asserted that it cannot be the case since he has never seen the Hollywood drama before.

In an interview with PTI he asserted that he was not aware of these similarities with the American movie and insisted that they are completely different from each other.  “Vicky Vidya…” follows the titular married couple on a frantic search of a CD with a video of their wedding night, whereas Sex Tape revolves around a married couple who make a sex tape to spice up their relationship only to wake up the next morning to find that it has gone missing,” he said.  “The characters and story are different. Our film has nothing to do with Sex Tape. I’ve not even seen Sex Tape. I didn’t get inspired by it, rather I got inspired by life and the people around me,” he added. Furthermore, he also stated that the film is written by writer Yusuf Ali Khan and that work on the screenplay began back in 2018.

Meanwhile, in the same interaction, Raaj also mentioned that they are already penning down a sequel which will be set a decade or so later, that talks about the early stages of internet and social media. “Where this film ends, we’ve got a sequel, which will be set 10-15 years later, when the advent of the Internet has happened. We’ve written the story. We will shoot this film after I make another film,” he shared.

Coming to Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video, the film also stars Mallika Sherawat, Vijay Raaz, Tiku Talsania, Archana Puran Singh, among others in key roles. It is slated to release on October 11, right before the occasion of Dussehra.

Also Read: Adnan Sami returns to Bollywood with Rajkummar Rao-Triptii Dimri starrer Vicky Aur Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video