Sharvari to join hands with Diljit Dosanjh, Vedang Raina for an Imtiaz Ali directorial: Report

After rumours of Diljit Dosanjh and Vedang Raina being roped in for an Imtiaz Ali directorial started doing the rounds, now the latest update on that front is that the filmmaker is keen on casting Sharvari as the leading lady. After the stupendous success of Munjya and much love she received for her action-packed role in Vedaa, Sharvari is busy with another highly-anticipated project Alpha. Meanwhile, if this buzz is true, the actress is expected to have another intriguing role in her kitty. 

Speaking of the Imtiaz Ali film, it is expected to be an intense romantic drama. Although details of the same are kept under wraps, a source confirmed Imtiaz’s interest in casting Sharvari in a Pinkvilla report. “Imtiaz wanted to cast someone who is a talented actor and felt Sharvari is best for the part. The industry feels Sharvari has the potential to make it big from her generation and she tick-marked the bucket list of Imtiaz Ali to be a part of his next directorial”, the source said. 

Talking further about the film and also touching upon the character that Sharvari will be seen playing, the source added, “The tale has multiple character arcs, and Sharvari will be seen sharing the screen space with Vedang in this soul-touching romantic film. It’s a different take on romance from everything done by Imtiaz to date, and the pre-production work has already begun”. It is being said that the yet-to-be-titled film is a period love story that is set to go on floors in April. 

Meanwhile, Imtiaz has always showcased his love for Diljit Dosanjh with whom he collaborated for Amar Singh Chamkila and received rave reviews. On the other hand, Vedang, who made his film debut with The Archies and later a theatrical debut with Jigra, will be working with the Rockstar filmmaker for the first time. 

Also Read: Sharvari turns brand ambassador for Wellbeing Nutrition; shares glimpse of their first campaign on social media

Sikandar Kher joins Huma Qureshi and Saqib Saleem for neo-noir crime comedy Baby Do Die Do; says, "Excited to work with friends"

Actor Sikandar Kher is all set to collaborate once again with his longtime friends Huma Qureshi and Saqib Saleem in their upcoming production, Baby Do Die Do. Having previously worked with Huma in Monica, O My Darling and recently sharing screen space with Saqib in Citadel: Hunny Bunny, Sikandar is thrilled to be reuniting with both in this neo-noir crime comedy.

Directed by Nachiket Samant, Baby Do Die Do promises to be a gripping yet entertaining story, featuring an exciting ensemble cast that includes Chunky Pandey alongside Huma and Sikandar. The film marks another milestone for Huma and Saqib as producers, and for Sikandar, it’s an opportunity to work closely with friends on a project that excites him creatively.

Speaking about his experience, Sikandar Kher shared, "When Saqib came to offer the film to me I was very happy, of course, because it work first and foremost but also because we had just finished filming Citadel and had a chance to hang out together for the first time. To collaborate with someone for the second time is always a good sign."

He further added, "As a producer, he’s an absolute pleasure for an actor and really makes one feel good, that always translates to good work for everyone. It’s also the second time I’ve worked with Huma and not only is she a very fine actor but she’s always got a smile on her face while being a thorough professional.. a joy to work with. Nachiket Samant our director I met for the first time but boy is he terrific. Clear about what he wants but not rigid.. open to talking about his scenes and taking suggestions which makes him not only a good maker but a great energy to be around . Baby Do Die Do will be a treat to watch is what I’m at liberty to say right now, but I have a hunch that you’ll enjoy it as much as I enjoyed working on it."

With Baby Do Die Do, Sikandar Kher continues to showcase his versatility while strengthening his bond with industry friends. The film is set to bring a fresh and engaging twist to the crime comedy genre, promising a thrilling cinematic experience for audiences.

Also Read: Sikandar Kher receives Governor’s Award of Excellence for outstanding contributions to cinema

John Abraham starrer The Diplomat trailer to release on February 14

The much-anticipated trailer of The Diplomat, starring John Abraham, is set to release on February 14, 2025. Touted as a gripping tale of survival and international rescue, the film promises to showcase the power of diplomacy in high-stakes situations.

A recently shared teaser hints at the film’s intense narrative. It opens with the words "Based on a true story," before introducing actress Sadia Khateeb as Uzma Ahmed. The sequence shows her desperately trying to escape while being pursued by a police jeep. The clip then unveils John Abraham as The Diplomat JP Singh, hinting at the role he plays in this international crisis.

Directed by Shivam Nair and penned by Ritesh Shah, The Diplomat is set for a theatrical release on March 7, 2025. The film is produced by a powerhouse team, including T-Series’ Bhushan Kumar and Krishan Kumar, John Abraham’s JA Entertainment, Wakaoo Films' Vipul D. Shah, Ashwin Varde, and Rajesh Bahl, Fortune Pictures’ Sameer Dixit and Jatish Varma, and Seeta Films' Rakesh Dang.

 

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With a premise rooted in real-life events, The Diplomat is expected to deliver an engaging mix of action, drama, and diplomacy. Fans can catch the official trailer on February 14.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Moviegoers to be treated to teasers of Thama, Bhool Chuk Maaf, The Diplomat, Andaz Apna Apna with Chhaava

Ajay Devgn joins Vicky Kaushal starrer Chhaava as the narrator: Report

Ajay Devgn has been roped in to provide a voiceover for Chhaava, the upcoming historical drama led by Vicky Kaushal. Directed by Laxman Utekar and produced by Dinesh Vijan, the film is based on the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and is set for a Valentine’s Day 2025 release. According to a report by Pinkvilla, Devgn has already completed dubbing for his portions.

Why Ajay Devgn Was Chosen for the Role The report stated that Ajay Devgn's powerful voice and impactful dialogue delivery made him the ideal choice for the narration. “Ajay Devgn is among the very few actors in Indian cinema who can captivate audiences with just his voice. His intensity enhances the emotional weight of the scenes,” the report quoted a source. Given his previous role in Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior, which depicted the story of another Maratha warrior, Devgn was more than willing to lend his voice to Chhaava. Ajay Devgn Has Completed Dubbing for Chhaava The source further confirmed that Ajay Devgn completed his voiceover work for the film in the last week. “The voiceover has brought a new dimension to Chhaava, elevating the storytelling experience. His narration is expected to add gravitas to the film’s historical narrative,” they added. What to Expect from Chhaava Starring Vicky Kaushal as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, Chhaava also features Rashmika Mandanna and Akshaye Khanna in pivotal roles. The film has been generating buzz since the teaser release, and with advance bookings now open, expectations are high for a strong box-office performance. As the first major release of 2025, Chhaava is poised to impact audiences.

Chhaava is scheduled for release on February 14, 2025.

Also Read: Vicky Kaushal, Rashmika Mandanna, Dinesh Vijan and Laxman Utekar seek blessings in Shirdi ahead of Chhaava release

Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions expands into film distribution; Bhumika Tewari to lead initiative

Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions is stepping into a new era! The powerhouse production company is expanding into film distribution, marking an exciting move in its journey. Leading this big leap forward is Bhumika Tewari, appointed Head of Content Acquisition and Film Distribution Worldwide.

For the first time, Dharma is venturing into distribution, aiming to acquire high-quality films across multiple languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Punjabi, and Marathi. Under Bhumika’s leadership, Dharma will distribute its productions and take on third-party films.

To strengthen this initiative, Dharma will be setting up offices in key cities like Delhi, Punjab, Hyderabad, and Chennai. These offices will help build deeper connections with local industries, foster strong collaborations with regional filmmakers, and create a robust distribution network.

Karan Johar, Chairman of Dharma Productions, expressed, "Entering the distribution space is a significant step forward for Dharma Productions, and we are pleased to have Bhumika Tewari lead this initiative. Her deep experience in content acquisition and distribution aligns with our goal of broadening our reach and connecting with diverse audiences. With this, we aim to expand our storytelling footprint while continuing to celebrate the richness of Indian cinema."

Apoorva Mehta, CEO of Dharma Productions, shared, "Bhumika's leadership comes at a time when Dharma is expanding its horizons and taking on the exciting challenge of distributing films. Her expertise will lead our efforts as we establish ourselves as an end-to-end content powerhouse, acquiring and distributing stories that resonate with audiences worldwide."

Bhumika Tewari shared, "Joining Dharma Productions is an extraordinary opportunity to work with a team that has consistently redefined Indian cinema. I am excited to expand Dharma's reach into new markets, champion regional storytelling, and amplify the diversity of content available to audiences. This is an exciting journey, and I am thrilled to be part of it."

With this bold expansion into film distribution, Dharma Productions is set to redefine its role in the Indian entertainment industry.

Also Read: 15 Years of My Name Is Khan EXCLUSIVE: Niranjan Iyengar recalls the pre-release controversy: “Karan Johar, Shah Rukh Khan were very stressed; Maharashtra government had assured us that no one can stop its release”

LEAKED: Top Telugu personalities Sandeep Reddy Vanga, Sukumar, K V Vijayendra Prasad, Suresh Babu, Rana Daggubati unite for Anurag Kashyap’s Kennedy; EXCLUSIVE Pictures from Hyderabad screening!

Anurag Kashyap’s directorial Kennedy became a film to watch out for after it premiered at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival. Later, it got a roaring response when almost 2000 viewers watched it at the Jio MAMI Film Festival in October of the same year. It’s been more than a year since and moviegoers have been patiently waiting for its theatrical release in India. Meanwhile, some of the finest names of the Telugu film industry or rather the Indian film industry came together to watch the film recently. Bollywood Hungama has accessed the pictures from a screening that took place at Ramanaidu Studios, Hyderabad.

Those present at this screening were Sandeep Reddy Vanga of Animal and Kabir Singh fame, Pushpa’s blockbuster director Sukumar, S S Rajamouli’s father and legendary writer K V Vijayendra Prasad, reputed producer Suresh Babu and prominent actor Rana Daggubati.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “It was quite a screening as these greats assembled at one place to watch Kennedy. And that’s not all. After the screening, they all spoke to Anurag Kashyap for nearly 2 hours about the film. Everyone was quite impressed with Kennedy and praised Kashyap for his work.”

The leaked pictures show Anurag Kashyap listening to their thoughts and having an animated discussion. They can also be seen smiling, indicating that everyone had a gala time.

Recently, Anurag Kashyap thundered in an interview over the delayed release of Kennedy. He told The Hollywood Reporter, “I have made five films that are lying unreleased. Where is Kennedy? And whose hands is Kennedy in? It’s in the hands of some people who’ve never made films before. The people who made Kennedy in the studio are all gone. The people who are there, the directive given to them is to up the share prices, generate profits, cost recovery... That’s all there is. Nobody is interested in films. It doesn't matter if Kennedy went to Cannes; it doesn't matter if it had such a massive reception at festivals. Forget outside India, they've seen the reception in India, but where is the film?”

An industry insider commented, “The support that Anurag Kashyap has got from these legendary film personalities should enhance the buzz for Kennedy and hopefully, culminate into its release in India in the near future. The film has gotten love from all over the world and the Indian audience also deserves to see this great piece of cinema.”

Kennedy stars Rahul Bhat and Sunny Leone in leading roles.

Also Read: Anurag Kashyap REVEALS he has “detached” himself from Kennedy as Rahul Bhat-Sunny Leone starrer is yet to release: “I don’t want it to become like Black Friday”

Rozlyn Khan slams Ankita Lokhande for defending Hina Khan; accuses her of using Sushant Singh Rajput’s death for Bigg Boss

In an earlier interview, Rozlyn Khan accused Hina Khan of using her cancer treatment as a publicity stunt which did not go down well with co-actress and colleague Ankita Lokhande. The Pavitra Rishta actress took to social media to share her disappointment and anger towards the allegations against the YRKHH actress, insisting that her husband Vicky Jain too met her in the midst of her treatment. However, unhappy with the support Lokhande showcased for Hina, Rozlyn decided to slam her and accused her of using her ex-boyfriend Sushant Singh Rajput’s death to gain sympathy on Bigg Boss.

On Tuesday, Ankita Lokhande shared a glimpse of the interview with Rozlyn Khan is throwing allegations at Hina Khan and calling out the latter for her so-called ‘publicity stunt’ and in the post shared on Instagram story, the Manikarnika actress wrote, “"How could someone think so low, my goodness? That’s so cheap! For your kind information, madam, this girl Hina is fighting cancer with such bravery, and I’m saying this because I know it. Vikki met her a few days back in the hospital while she was undergoing chemotherapy, and Rocky was by her side. Vikki told me he was in tears seeing her in that condition. Hina, you are strong, our Sher Khan! This isn’t easy for you or for anyone going through this. God bless you, girl. This too shall pass. @realhinakhan."

However, Khan decided to react to this note by further bringing in Ankita Lokhande’s past and also calling out the fraternity as she insisted that more members from ‘the girl gang’ of the industry will be coming out in support of Hina. “A woman who could use the death of his ex for a big boss is preaching to me about cheapness!! Not a big surprise... Guys, I posted a video a few days ago mentioning how these TV actresses are using their fan pages to reshare my videos, harassing and trolling me, and @lokhandeankita has come forward publicly, assaulting my character. Hina’s cancer is cancer... my cancer just for time pass?? I was exposing one woman, and another one came in for free, but let's ignore her... simply ignore. Now, she’s going to give me lectures on cancer, when she herself needs advice to sustain her own marriage,” her note read.

“I have been repeatedly saying that since I asked a simple question on 15 hours of surgery and discrepancies in the treatment by Hina khan, she chooses to remain silent on this and even hospital has followed the privacy concerns of a patient but they took another route may be to hit me in the back .. there were unidentified people bullying me , multiple bots were set for bad comments on my page ..fan pages of tv actress were Sharing my videos to troll me further, so I had no option but to inform the local police station,” she went on to add.

For the unversed, Rozlyn Khan too is a cancer survivor and has often discussed her journey with her social media fam. Meanwhile, Hina Khan has been receiving much support not only from her fans but also from the film industry with members like Mahima Chaudhary and Sonali Bendre who have been through this painful experience before.

Also Read: Rozlyn Khan calls out Hina Khan using Cancer treatment as ‘publicity stunt’; says, “Patients can get into trouble if they follow her”

B Praak cancels Ranveer Allahbadia’s podcast appearance over controversial remarks; says, “This is not our Indian culture”

Singer B Praak has cancelled his scheduled appearance on YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia’s podcast following a recent controversy. Allahbadia, known as BeerBiceps, faced backlash for making an inappropriate remark on comedian Samay Raina's show, ‘India's Got Latent.’ In response, B Praak shared an Instagram video expressing his disapproval of Allahbadia's comments, stating that such remarks do not align with Indian culture and questioning how they could be considered comedy.

B Praak said, “I was about to go for a podcast on BeerBiceps and we cancelled that because of the kind of pathetic thinking, and the kind of words used on Samay Raina’s show. This is not our Indian culture. What kind of things you are sharing about your parents? Is this comedy? This is not at all comedy. This cannot be stand-up comedy. Teaching people cuss words! I do not understand what generation is this. A Sardar ji also comes on the show. Sardar ji, you know you are a Sikh, do these things look good? What kind of teachings are you giving? He even puts clips on his Instagram, saying - Yes I abuse, what is the problem in that? Well, we do have a problem with that.”

Bashing Ranveer Allahbadia, B Praak said, “Ranveer Allahbadia you promote Sanatan Dharm, you talk about spirituality, such big names come to your show, and you have such a mentality? I request you all- If we are not able to stop this now, the future of our kids is in danger.”

He added, “So please, I request Samay Raina and other comedians who are a part of the show, do not do this. Please preserve our Indian culture and motivate people.”

During a recent appearance on Samay Raina's YouTube show, ‘India's Got Latent,’ YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia posed a controversial question to a contestant: “Would you rather watch your parents have sex every day or join them to finish it once and for all?” This remark quickly went viral, leading to widespread criticism on social media.

Allahbadia issued a public apology, acknowledging that his comments were “not appropriate” and “not even funny,” admitting to a lapse in judgment.

Also Read : B Praak joins Ambani’s Ganesh Chaturthi celebration with soulful performance

Mamta Kulkarni resigns from the post of Mahamandaleshwar; says, “Perhaps it’s a sign that I should step away”

Last month, Mamta Kulkarni participated in the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj where she was announced as the Mahamandaleshwar of Kinnar Akhada, following her intense spiritual journey. However, the post given to the former actress, who was once known for her bold choice of roles, did not go down well with the community with the decision inviting immense wrath from other from many. Now, on Monday, the actress shared a video on social media where she opened up about her own spiritual journey.

“I, Mahamandaleshwar Yamai Mamta Nandgiri, am resigning from this post. The respect given to me was for my 25 years of penance, but some people have a problem with me being Mahamandaleshwar,” Mamta Kulkarni said in a video she shared on her Instagram page. Furthermore, the actress opened up about making a choice of staying from Bollywood and observing penance for two decades, as she said, “I left Bollywood 25 years ago and disappeared on my own. Who stays so far away from makeup and glamour otherwise?” “My Guru, Shri Chaitanya Gagangiri Maharaj, was a Siddha Mahapurush. I have done 25 years of penance with him. I don’t need to go to Kailsa, Manasarovar, or the Himalayas because all the worlds are already in front of me,” she continued.

 

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However, Mamta continued to insist that she didn’t want to create more chaos and have voluntarily decided to step down from the honour she was given by the Kinnar Akhada. ““When I was asked for Rs 2 lakhs, I didn’t have it. Jai Ambagiri Mahamandaleshwar gave it from his pocket. The money I have comes from deep penance, not material pursuits.” “This post was a certificate for sharing knowledge, but perhaps it’s a sign that I should step away. I am returning it with gratitude. Namaste,” she shared.

Also Read: Mamta Kulkarni denies rumours of bribing Rs. 10 crores to become Mahamandaleshwar; says, “I have no money. I had to borrow Rs. 2 lakh to offer as ‘dakshina’”

Anubhav Sinha makes shocking confession about not talking to Ajay Devgn for 18 years; says, “He just doesn’t speak to me and I have no idea why”

Anubhav Sinha, who recently made his web-series debut with the power-packed IC814: Kandahar Hijack, recalled his memories about Cash which featured an ensemble cast including Ajay Devgn. The filmmaker revealed that ever since the release of the year, almost two decades ago, the Bollywood superstar has never spoken to Sinha. However, he also insisted that they have never had a fight or showdown.

In an interview with Lallantop, Anubhav Sinha insisted that he has not been in touch with Ajay Devgn and said, “We have never fought. He just doesn’t speak to me and I have no idea why. Since the making of Cash, we haven’t even met for me to tell you he ignored me or something. So, maybe, it’s just me overthinking. However, I did text him a couple of times, and never received a response, so I told to myself that maybe it slipped his mind or he must have missed my message. But, it’s been about 18 years since we have spoken.”

The Ra.One filmmaker went on to share that he assumes that some of his thoughts and opinions that he may have put across in public may have resulted in this distance between them. “In between, I did comment on people’s political views, so I must have told him something too. But he was not the only person I commented about. I have said things to various people, but I still maintain good relations with them all. I am his admirer and I really respect him as an actor and individual,” he added.

However, all of this did not stop Sinha from showering praises on Devgn, whom he considers as one of our best actors and stars. “Ajay was among my favourite actors. I loved him both as an actor and an individual. He is fun to be with. He is like ‘yaaro ka yaar’. Ajay is always the first one to be there for a friend in need.”

Also Read: Ajay Devgn opens up on Singham Again debacle; says, “We’ll keep in mind that going ahead Singham is definitely going to beat up more villains”

After Jawan, Atlee goes Bigger! Salman Khan's A6 to be a Rs. 500 cr. extravaganza

After directing Shah Rukh Khan in Jawan, Atlee is all set to direct Salman Khan in his next directorial - A6. The film is in the pre-production stage and will go on floors by summer 2026. Earlier in an interview, Atlee confirmed that the film will be a blast for all Salman Khan fans and he will make the world proud. We have some exclusive scoop on this extravaganza.

According to reliable sources, Atlee 6 will be made on a mega mammoth budget of Rs. 500 crores as the director plans to create a different and unique world in his next. “A6 is a period drama with reincarnation elements and Atlee is planning to make a never-seen-before world with the film. Salman is also excited to explore something fresh with Atlee and is all charged up to lose the weight too as A6 requires him to have a certain kind of physique,” a source informed Bollywood Hungama.

We hear that Atlee is in talks with Rajinikanth for the film and if he pulls off the casting coup, it will indeed become the biggest film of Indian Cinema with two mass superheroes - Salman Khan & Rajinikanth.

More details on A6 will be unleashed shortly

Also Read: Salman Khan – Atlee film to be a reincarnation drama: Report

EXCLUSIVE: Chhaava's CBFC cuts REVEALED - 'Haramzaada' muted, 'Aameen' changed to 'Jai Bhavani', and more!

The first epic film of the year, Chhaava, is all set to release this Friday, February 14. It stars Vicky Kaushal, Rashmika Mandanna and Akshaye Khanna in the leading roles and tells the story of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. The censor process was completed by the makers way in advance and Bollywood Hungama, in this article, will throw light on its Censor cuts.

Chhaava was passed with a U/A 16+ certificate by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). However, the film had to go through certain modifications. The dialogue 'Mughal sultanat ka zehar' was replaced with 'Uss samay, kayi shaasak aur sultanat khud ko zinda rakhne ki koshish kar rahe the'. Another dialogue 'Khoon toh aakhir Mughalon ka hi hai' was changed to 'Khoon toh hai Aurang ka hi'.

The words 'haramzaadon' and 'haramzaada' were muted while 'Aameen' was replaced with 'Jai Bhavani'. A certain dialogue in the first half was replaced while the CBFC asked the makers to remove the scene showing Maratha warriors clad in a saree.

That's not all. '16 saal' was replaced with '14 saal', '22 saal ka ladka' was replaced with '24 saal ka ladka' while '9 saal' was modified to 'kayi saal'.

Lastly, the CBFC members asked the makers to insert an audio-text disclaimer stating the name of the book from which the film is adapted and that it doesn't intend to defame anybody or distort historical facts.

Once these changes were made, the censor certificate was handed over to the makers of Chhaava on February 1. The length of the film, as mentioned on the certificate, is 161.50 minutes. In other words, Chhaava is 2 hours 41 minutes and 50 seconds long. Directed by Laxman Utekar of Luka Chuppi (2019) and Zara Hatke Zara Bachke (2023) fame, it is all set to release in cinemas on February 14.

Also Read: Vicky Kaushal seeks blessings at Shri Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga as Chhaava kicks off Pan-India promotions

PM Narendra Modi virtually interacts with Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Diljit Dosanjh at WAVE Summit

On Friday (February 7), Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted virtually with prominent figures from the entertainment and business sectors as part of the WAVE Summit. The meeting included Bollywood icons like Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Diljit Dosanjh, as well as global business leaders such as Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani. The discussion focused on India’s potential to become a global hub for creativity and content creation.

The WAVES Summit, short for World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit, aims to bring together professionals from the media, entertainment, and creative industries. During the 117th episode of Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi stated, “This summit is an important step towards making India a hub of global content creation.” The event, scheduled for December 2024, will showcase India’s creative talent on a global stage. WAVES’ Advisory Board The Advisory Board of the WAVES Summit comprises some of the biggest names in entertainment and business. Alongside Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Diljit Dosanjh, the meeting featured Rajinikanth, Ranbir Kapoor, Chiranjeevi, Anil Kapoor, Akshay Kumar, Anupam Kher, and AR Rahman. Business leaders like Anand Mahindra and Satya Nadella also participated, offering insights on how to elevate India’s creative economy.

PM Modi shared a glimpse of the interaction on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “Just concluded an extensive meeting of the Advisory Board of WAVES, the global summit that brings together the world of entertainment, creativity, and culture.” He highlighted the board’s valuable inputs on making India a global entertainment hub.

Just concluded an extensive meeting of the Advisory Board of WAVES, the global summit that brings together the world of entertainment, creativity and culture. The members of the Advisory Board are eminent individuals from different walks of life, who not only reiterated their… pic.twitter.com/FoXeFSzCFY — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 7, 2025

WAVES Summit: A Platform for Creative Growth Launched on September 8, 2024, the WAVES Summit has already garnered significant attention for its focus on storytelling and technological innovation. The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has partnered with Dancing Atoms for the Animation Filmmakers Competition, a flagship event under the summit. This collaboration marks a historic step in fostering creativity and innovation in India’s entertainment industry.

Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan REACTS to PM Narendra Modi’s announcement of WAVES 2025, calls it “occasion that champions and fosters creativity”: “It is with great anticipation that I look forward to”

Pritam Chakraborty files police complaint after Rs 40 lakh stolen from his Mumbai office

Music director Pritam Chakraborty has reportedly fallen victim to a major theft, with around Rs 40 lakh in cash allegedly stolen from his Mumbai office. The incident was discovered recently, leading Pritam to file a police complaint. An FIR has been registered, and authorities have launched an investigation into the matter.

Pritam Chakraborty’s manager has filed a complaint at Malad police station after a staff member allegedly stole ₹40 lakh from the composer’s office. The suspect, identified as 32-year-old Ashish Sayal, is currently on the run. Police have formed teams to track him down.

The theft reportedly took place around 2 PM on February 4 at Pritam Chakraborty’s Goregaon-based music studio, Unimus Record Pvt. Ltd. A production house representative had delivered a bag containing ₹40 lakh in cash to Pritam’s manager, Vineet Chedda. At the time, staff members Ashish Sayal, Ahmed Khan, and Kamal Disha were present. Authorities are investigating the case and questioning those involved.

An officer said, “The manager, who took the cash, kept it in a trolley bag in the office and subsequently went to Chakraborty’s house, which is in the same building, to get his signature on some documents.”

Upon returning, Chedda found that the trolley bag containing the cash had vanished. When questioned, other staff members claimed that Ashish Sayal had taken the bag, stating he was transporting it to Pritam’s residence.

Police revealed that Chedda attempted to contact Ashish Sayal, but his calls went unanswered. His suspicions grew when Sayal switched off his phone entirely. Realizing something was amiss, Chedda promptly informed Pritam Chakraborty, who instructed him to file a complaint with the authorities immediately.

“On the music composer’s advice, he approached the police station and lodged a complaint. A case of theft has been registered, and we are trying to trace the suspect. We are reaching out to his relatives and also working on leads through his mobile phone’s call data record,” an officer said.

Authorities are continuing their investigation, but the stolen money has not yet been recovered. Pritam’s spokesperson confirmed to ETimes that the police are handling the matter but declined to comment further.

Pritam, known for composing hit soundtracks for Barfi!, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, and Brahmāstra, has yet to make a public statement on the theft.

Also Read: Alan Walker and Pritam unite for music collaboration ‘Children Of The Sun’

Uttarakhand ex-CM's daughter Aarushi Nishank accuses producers of Vikrant Massey-Shanaya Kapoor starrer Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan of cheating her of Rs 4 crores; FIR filed

An FIR has been lodged at Kotwali police station in Dehradun against the producers of Vikrant Massey-Shanaya Kapoor starrer Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan – Mansi Bagla and Varun Bagla – by Aarushi Nishank, daughter of former Uttarakhand CM and ex-minister for human resource development in the Narendra Modi cabinet, Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank. Aarushi alleged that she was cheated by the accused of Rs. 4 crores after being promised a role in the upcoming Bollywood movie.

The complaint states that Aarushi Nishank met Mansi Bagla and Varun Bagla and they asked her to invest Rs. 5 crores in Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan. In return, they promised her a significant role in the film and also a profit. Accordingly, on October 9, 2024, a MOU was signed between Aarushi’s company Himshree Films and Mini Films, run by Mansi Bagla and Varun Bagla. Aarushi then paid Rs. 2 crores on October 10, Rs. 25 lakhs on October 27, Rs. 75 lakhs on October 30 and Rs. 1 crore on November 1.

Aarushi further claimed in the complaint that she was assured of 20% profit from the film and that the estimated returns were expected to be Rs. 15 crores. She was also promised a say in her role in the script with a clause that if she was dissatisfied, she would be refunded the money with 15% annual interest.

On February 5, she found out that the shoot of Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan was completed and another actor was cast for her role. She also alleged that in December, she had attended an event of the film in Dehradun where the film’s team met Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami; she claimed that the makers published a manipulated photograph on their company's official page, excluding her from it.

 

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Further, Aarushi Nishank made the allegation that she was intimidated by threats of defamation and extortion and that Mansi Bagla and Varun Bagla made derogatory comments about her Garhwali background.

Mansi Bagla and Varun Bagla have been booked under section 308(5) (extortion by putting someone in fear of death or grievous hurt), section 318(4) (cheating and fraud), section 336(3) (forgery with intent to cheat), section 338 (forgery of valuable documents), section 340(2) (using forged documents as genuine), section 351(3) (criminal intimidation by threatening death or grievous hurt), section 352 (intentional insult to provoke breach of peace), and section 61(2) (criminal conspiracy).

Earlier, Mansi Bagla and Varun Bagla had produced Forensic (2022), which also starred Vikrant Massey.

Also Read: Shanaya Kapoor kicks off her debut Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan with Vikrant Massey

Nora Fatehi and Tommy Brown tease new collab with Grammy Winner Theron Billie

Global sensation Nora Fatehi recently celebrated another year of life, and what a year it has been! After dominating global charts with 'Snake', Nora Fatehi and producer Tommy Brown are gearing up for their next big musical move. She took to social media to share photos with Tommy, hinting at a collaboration with Grammy Award-winning songwriter Theron Billie, the mastermind behind hits for Bruno Mars and ROSÉ (APT.), for an even bigger project. Her social media post was captioned: “This how ‘A boss sit down’ look like.. We cooking.. 2025 is about to be(fire emoticons).”

Nora's international singing career has come a long way since her performance at the FIFA World Cup with the song 'Light The Sky' to 'Snake', which has achieved an incredible milestone. She has also collaborated with Ray Vanny on 'Pepeta' (2019), which crossed 90 million views, and with singer Zack Knight for Dirty Little Secret. Nora Fatehi also collaborated with CKay for the album 'It's true'. Her collaboration with Jason Derulo and Tommy Brown on Snake became the most-viewed video within 24 hours, securing the #2 spot globally and entering the Spotify Global Charts at #3. The song continues to trend across platforms, captivating audiences globally. Now, with 'Snake' surpassing 90 million views and trending on global charts, Nora is already hinting at another international collaboration.

 

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With a track record of delivering record-breaking hits, it’s no surprise that this upcoming collaboration is already highly anticipated. While details remain under wraps, the buzz around this potential project is undeniable. Could this be Nora’s next step toward solidifying her place on the global music stage? With her signature style, Tommy’ creative mind and Theron’s song writing prowess, expectations are soaring.

Also Read: Aroob Khan hails Nora Fatehi’s performance on ‘Bukhaar’; says, “Nora Fatehi is a powerhouse when it comes to dance”

PM Narendra Modi virtually interacts with Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Diljit Dosanjh at WAVE Summit

On Friday (February 7), Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted virtually with prominent figures from the entertainment and business sectors as part of the WAVE Summit. The meeting included Bollywood icons like Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Diljit Dosanjh, as well as global business leaders such as Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani. The discussion focused on India’s potential to become a global hub for creativity and content creation.

The WAVES Summit, short for World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit, aims to bring together professionals from the media, entertainment, and creative industries. During the 117th episode of Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi stated, “This summit is an important step towards making India a hub of global content creation.” The event, scheduled for December 2024, will showcase India’s creative talent on a global stage. WAVES’ Advisory Board The Advisory Board of the WAVES Summit comprises some of the biggest names in entertainment and business. Alongside Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Diljit Dosanjh, the meeting featured Rajinikanth, Ranbir Kapoor, Chiranjeevi, Anil Kapoor, Akshay Kumar, Anupam Kher, and AR Rahman. Business leaders like Anand Mahindra and Satya Nadella also participated, offering insights on how to elevate India’s creative economy.

PM Modi shared a glimpse of the interaction on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “Just concluded an extensive meeting of the Advisory Board of WAVES, the global summit that brings together the world of entertainment, creativity, and culture.” He highlighted the board’s valuable inputs on making India a global entertainment hub.

Just concluded an extensive meeting of the Advisory Board of WAVES, the global summit that brings together the world of entertainment, creativity and culture. The members of the Advisory Board are eminent individuals from different walks of life, who not only reiterated their… pic.twitter.com/FoXeFSzCFY — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 7, 2025

WAVES Summit: A Platform for Creative Growth Launched on September 8, 2024, the WAVES Summit has already garnered significant attention for its focus on storytelling and technological innovation. The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has partnered with Dancing Atoms for the Animation Filmmakers Competition, a flagship event under the summit. This collaboration marks a historic step in fostering creativity and innovation in India’s entertainment industry.

Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan REACTS to PM Narendra Modi’s announcement of WAVES 2025, calls it “occasion that champions and fosters creativity”: “It is with great anticipation that I look forward to”

Shah Rukh Khan starrer Dunki set for re-release amid immigration debate? Rajkumar Hirani REACTS

Shah Rukh Khan’s 2023 film Dunki, directed by Rajkumar Hirani, is reportedly being considered for a theatrical re-release. The film, which explores the theme of illegal immigration, has gained renewed relevance amid recent incidents of Indian immigrants being deported from the US. A report by Mid-Day reveals that discussions are underway at Red Chillies Entertainment, the production house behind the film, to bring Dunki back to cinemas as early as this month.

The film, starring Shah Rukh Khan and Taapsee Pannu, tells the story of Hardy (played by Khan), who helps his friends from Punjab migrate to the UK via the illegal “donkey route.” It highlights the risks and struggles faced by illegal immigrants, a topic that has sparked widespread conversation following recent deportation videos. The report quoted a source saying, “The situation with Indian immigrants being deported in terrible conditions has reignited conversations around the themes of Dunki. Like every Rajkumar Hirani film, it was always meant to be more than just a big-ticket release; it highlighted a real struggle.”

While Rajkumar Hirani expressed unawareness of the re-release plans, he acknowledged the film’s relevance, stating, “Illegal immigration has been happening for years from Punjab. It’s just that the rest of the country is becoming aware now.” Distributors have reportedly shown interest in bringing the film back to theatres, given its timely subject matter. Red Chillies Entertainment, however, has not yet officially commented on the matter.

Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, and Salman Khan reunite at Loveyapa screening; heartwarming moments steal the show, watch videos

Avinash Tiwary joins Arjun Rampal and Aditi Rao Hydari in Imtiaz Ali’s romantic Netflix series: Report

Avinash Tiwary is set to collaborate with filmmaker Imtiaz Ali, six years after their critically acclaimed project Laila Majnu. This time, the duo joins forces for a Netflix romantic drama series, which is tentatively titled O Saathi Rey. According to a report by PeepingMoon, the show will feature Arjun Rampal and Aditi Rao Hydari in pivotal roles, with Ahsaas Channa also part of the ensemble cast. Production is expected to begin soon, and while Imtiaz Ali will serve as the writer and showrunner, the directorial responsibilities will be handled by his brother, Arif Ali.

The series, produced under Imtiaz Ali’s banner Window Seat Films, is described as an intense and emotionally driven romantic drama. The report speculates that the series delves into the complexities of an extramarital affair, with Arjun Rampal and Aditi Rao Hydari playing a married couple. Avinash Tiwary’s character is said to disrupt their relationship, adding layers of intrigue and tension to the narrative. The unconventional pairing and compelling storyline promise a fresh take on romance, offering viewers a thought-provoking experience.

This marks Avinash Tiwary’s return to the romantic genre after exploring diverse roles in projects like Bulbbul, The Girl on the Train, and Khakee: The Bihar Chapter. It will also be his sixth collaboration with Netflix India, solidifying his presence on the streaming platform. Meanwhile, Imtiaz Ali, known for his iconic romantic films like Jab We Met and Tamasha, continues to expand his creative horizons with this series.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Shahid Kapoor on Jab We Met: “It is Imtiaz Ali’s best film”

Rajesh Khanna’s granddaughter Naomika Saran set for Bollywood debut opposite Amitabh Bachchan’s grandson Agastya Nanda

Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan, one of Bollywood’s most iconic duos, shared screen space in classics like Anand and Namak Halaal. Now, their grandchildren are set to team up on the big screen. As per the latest buzz, Naomika Saran, granddaughter of Rajesh Khanna and Dimple Kapadia, will make her Bollywood debut in a romantic comedy alongside Agastya Nanda, grandson of Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan. The film is backed by producer Dinesh Vijan, who continues the trend of introducing fresh on-screen pairings.

Rajesh Khanna's granddaughter Naomika Saran and Amitabh Bachchan's grandson Agastya Nanda will star in a rom-com produced by Maddock Films, according to PeepingMoon. The film will be directed by Jagdeep Sidhu, known for Punjabi hits like Qismat, Qismat 2, and Shadaa. This marks Sidhu’s Bollywood directorial debut, though he has previously contributed as a dialogue writer for Saand Ki Aankh and Srikanth.

Ahead of her debut, Naomika Saran has drawn attention for her striking resemblance to her grandmother, Dimple Kapadia. She is the daughter of Rinke Khanna and businessman Sameer Saran.

Agastya Nanda made his debut with Netflix’s The Archies, directed by Zoya Akhtar, alongside Suhana Khan, Khushi Kapoor, Dot, Mihir Ahuja, Vedang Raina, and Yuvraj Menda. After earning praise for his performance, he will next be seen in Ikkis, where he stars alongside Dharmendra and Jaideep Ahlawat.

Directed by Sriram Raghavan, the film chronicles the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal. Produced by Maddock Films, further details about the project remain under wraps.

Also Read : Ikkis: Sikandar Kher joins Dharmendra, Agastya Nanda; to take on the role of an army officer