Thursday, January 23, 2025

SCOOP: Ananya Panday locked for Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri with Kartik Aaryan

On the Christmas eve, Karan Johar and Kartik Aaryan made a massive announcement about the biggest love story of 2026 - Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri directed by Satyaprem Ki Katha fame Sameer Vidhwans. Ever since, the film has become the talking point of B-Town as every top actress of Hindi cinema has been attempting to bag the lead role alongside Kartik Aaryan in the rom-com.

The two actresses leading the race were Ananya Panday and Sharvari, and after fighting it till the end, it's Ananya Panday, who has bagged the film. A source tells us, "Kartik and Karan were looking for an actress with strong pull in the youth and after contemplating on the names, they have locked Ananya to play the female lead. Ananya and Kartik are a successful pair, and this would extend their partnership further."

We hear that Sharvari will be doing one more film with Kartik and the actress is also eager to collaborate with the young superstar. "While Ananya is doing Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri, Kartik has promised another film to Sharvari. The duo will be teaming up on another love story by the end of 2025. Kartik is clear to maintain equations with all his female co-stars, and a promise made now will be fulfilled soon. He has also offered Pati Patni Aur Woh 2 to Sharvari," the source told Bollywood Hungama.

Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri is scheduled to go on floors in May 2025 and with Kartik and Ananya in the lead, has already become the love story in buzz for 2026.

Also Read: “I was removed”: Akshay Kumar on missing Bhool Bhulaiyaa sequels


Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Bollywood Star Ayushmann Khurrana appointed ambassador for FICCI Frames as the Face of the Media and Entertainment Industry of India

FICCI Frames is gearing up to celebrate its 25th anniversary this year with Bollywood star Ayushmann Khurrana as its brand ambassador. The theme of this year is ‘RISE: Redefining Innovation, Sustainability, and Excellence’ which underscores the transformative impact of FICCI FRAMES in shaping narratives, fostering creativity, and driving the evolution of the Media & Entertainment industry.

As FICCI Frames has evolved into an essential platform for collaboration, Mr Khurrana’s involvement as a brand ambassador further underscores the importance of the event in uniting industry leaders and creative talents alike. Mr Kevin Vaz, Chair, FICCI Media and Entertainment Committee & CEO, Entertainment, Jiostar said, “The silver jubilee edition of FICCI FRAMES is a celebration of 25 years of excellence and a tribute to the legacy we have built-in shaping India’s Media & Entertainment industry. Ayushmann Khurrana, with his incredible journey of creativity, innovation, and connection with audiences, represents the very ethos of FICCI FRAMES. His association will elevate this milestone event and inspire future generations of storytellers and creators.”

Speaking of his association with FICCI Frames, Mr Ayushmann Khurrana said, “It is a huge honor for me to be announced as the first Brand Ambassador for FICCI Frames in its silver jubilee year. As someone who arrived in Mumbai from Chandigarh with nothing but dreams in my eyes, I could never have imagined this incredible journey, one where my work has not only touched lives but also become a part of India's rich pop culture tapestry. In my new role, I am committed to working closely with the exceptional FICCI team to champion disruption, celebrate innovation, and highlight the excellence our industry consistently delivers.”

Held annually in Mumbai, the event brings together influential personalities, creative professionals, and policymakers from around the world to discuss emerging trends, innovative technologies, and key challenges in the entertainment landscape.

The 25th edition of FICCI Frames promises to be a grand affair, with a renewed focus on new-age technologies such as artificial intelligence, digital content creation, virtual reality, and the metaverse, alongside traditional media and entertainment. With Ayushmann Khurrana as the brand ambassador for this landmark occasion, the 25th anniversary promises to be a blend of star power, industry innovation, and global relevance.

Also Read: Ayushmann Khurrana pens heartfelt birthday message for wife Tahira Kashyap’s 42nd birthday


Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor starrer Padmaavat to re-release on February 6

On the occasion of its 7th anniversary, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s magnum opus Padmaavat is set to re-release in theatres offering fans another chance to experience the grandeur of this cinematic masterpiece on the big screen yet again next month as the film re-releases on February 6. Featuring a stellar cast of Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh, and Shahid Kapoor, Padmaavat remains one of the most visually stunning and commercially successful films in Indian cinema.

While earlier reports suggested that the film is set to release on January 24, a day ahead of its original release date (January 25, 2018), latest news is that the film will hit the theatres on February 6. Although the reason for the shift is yet to be known, the makers decided to confirm the re-release date on social media by dropping an announcement that read, “The epic saga re-releases on a new date - 6th February, 2025! Relive the iconic tale on the big screen”.

As for the film, based on the poem ‘Padmavat’ by Malik Muhammad Jayasi, the movie tells the tale of the Rani’s legendary beauty and her unyielding courage. Upon its original release in 2018, Padmaavat became a cultural phenomenon, due to its grandeur, craftsmanship, and powerful storytelling. With Deepika Padukone as Rani Padmavati, Ranveer Singh as Alauddin Khilji, and Shahid Kapoor as Raja Ratan Singh, the film received much love from audiences and critics.

 

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Bhansali Productions (@bhansaliproductions)

We hear that the decision to re-release Padmaavat comes in recognition of the immense love and continued popularity it enjoys among fans. As it turns seven, the film’s emotional and visual impact remains unmatched, making this re-release an exciting event for audiences eager to relive the magic of the Sanjay Leela Bhansali directorial on the silver screen.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Deepika Padukone fans, rejoice; after Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, now Padmaavat expected to re-release on January 24


Yash Raj Films to distribute Vicky Kaushal starrer Chhaava internationally

Yash Raj Films (YRF) has secured international distribution rights for the highly anticipated historical drama Chhaava, starring Vicky Kaushal as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. The film, directed by Laxman Utekar, will release worldwide on February 14, 2025, after being postponed from its initial December 2024 release. The announcement came through YRF's official social media channels following the grand trailer launch at Mumbai's Plaza cinema.

Grand Scale and Visual Spectacle The recently released trailer showcases the film's ambitious scale, offering a compelling glimpse into Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj's journey after ascending to the throne following Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's demise. The production values reflect YRF's commitment to delivering a cinematic experience that honors the historical narrative while appealing to modern audiences.

Speaking of preparing for the launch, Vicky, at the trailer launch event, said, “The last action film I did was Uri: The Surgical Strike (2019). Since then, I have been dying to do action. Mujhe yeh nahin pata tha ki yeh ghode pe bitha denge aur talwar aur bhale chalwayenge mujhe! Everything was new. I didn’t know how to ride a horse and had to learn that. I also learned how to fight with swords and spears. I trained for 6 months. I had to gain weight, from 80 kgs to 105 kgs. In short, I gained 25 kgs for this role. Before we went on floors, we extensively trained in action. Joji and Pervez sir supported me a lot.”

Coming back to the film, Academy Award-winning composer A.R. Rahman has crafted the musical score, enhancing the film's emotional depth and historical grandeur. Besides Vicky, the film also stars Rashmika Mandanna, Akshaye Khanna, and Diana Penty.  It is slated to release on February 14.

Also Read: Chhaava trailer launch: Laxman Utekar reveals that Dinesh Vijan had reservations about the casting of ‘South Indian’ Rashmika Mandanna: “I told him, ‘Her eyes are so pure that aur koi Marathi maharani lag hi nahin sakti'”


Saif Ali Khan’s attacker escaped via bathroom duct after attempted burglary; key details emerge

Actor Saif Ali Khan was attacked at his Bandra residence last week late at night by Shariful Islam Shehzad, a Bangladeshi national who broke into the house to allegedly commit robbery. Shehzad stabbed the actor six times before being locked in a bathroom by Khan and his household staff. However, the intruder escaped through the air-conditioning duct before fleeing the premises. Mumbai Police arrested the suspect in Thane after an extensive manhunt involving CCTV footage and local intelligence.

The Attack and Intruder's Escape The incident unfolded around 2 a.m. when Eliyama Philip, nanny to Saif Ali Khan’s sons, spotted the intruder. Assuming Kareena Kapoor Khan was attending to their younger son, she initially ignored the sounds but later realized something was amiss. Upon encountering the armed intruder, Philip sustained injuries while trying to protect herself and the children. The attacker demanded Rs. 1 crore and threatened the household.

Responding to the commotion, Saif Ali Khan confronted the attacker but was stabbed multiple times during the altercation. The actor and his staff managed to trap Shehzad in a bathroom, but the intruder escaped via the air-conditioning duct and fled. Police later recovered evidence, including a face cover, from the actor’s residence, which is now undergoing forensic examination. Saif Ali Khan's Recovery Saif Ali Khan was hospitalized at Lilavati Hospital for five days following the attack. Doctors revealed that one stab wound on his back narrowly missed his spinal cord by 2 mm, leading to spinal fluid leakage that required surgery. He also underwent plastic surgery for facial and arm injuries. The actor returned home yesterday.

Also Read: Saif Ali Khan discharged from Lilavati Hospital following stabbing incident; first videos of actor’s return home surface


Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Akshay Kumar shares update on Hera Pheri 3; says, “If everything goes well, it will start this year”

Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar recently shared an exciting update about the much-awaited comedy sequel Hera Pheri 3 during a conversation with Pinkvilla. Fans of the iconic franchise will be thrilled to hear that the actor is as eager as they are for the project to commence.

“Even I am waiting to start Hera Pheri 3,” Akshay revealed, adding, “I don’t know, but if everything goes well, it will start this year.” While the timeline remains tentative, the actor’s enthusiasm has reignited anticipation for the film.

Reflecting on the journey of the Hera Pheri franchise, Akshay admitted he didn’t foresee its massive success. “When we started Hera Pheri, we didn’t know it would go ahead to become such a cult. Even when I saw the film, I didn’t understand. Yes, it was funny, but none of us expected the characters of Babu Bhaiya, Raju, and Shyam to become a cult.”

Akshay also took a moment to praise his co-star Paresh Rawal, sharing a humorous anecdote. “We were just shooting for Bhooth Bangla in Jaipur, and I had lots of fun with him. During Hera Pheri, we had a lot of fun, but there are some things which can’t be said on camera,” he chuckled.

The Hera Pheri series began with the 2000 film directed by Priyadarshan, which introduced audiences to the hilarious antics of the trio—Babu Bhaiya (Paresh Rawal), Raju (Akshay Kumar), and Shyam (Suniel Shetty). The film’s unique humor and memorable dialogues quickly made it a fan favorite. Its 2006 sequel, Phir Hera Pheri, directed by Neeraj Vora, further cemented its legacy as one of Bollywood’s most beloved comedy franchises.

On the work front, Akshay Kumar is gearing up for the release of Sky Force, set to hit theatres on January 24. The film also features Veer Pahariya, Sara Ali Khan, and Nimrat Kaur in key roles.

Also Read : Sky Force actor Akshay Kumar misses out on Bigg Boss 18 segment with Salman Khan; here’s the reason!


EXCLUSIVE: Deepika Padukone fans, rejoice; after Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, now Padmaavat expected to re-release on January 24

2025 has begun on a happy note for the fans of Deepika Padukone. On January 3, her 2013 film Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani was re-released and it put up huge numbers. The demand was so huge that theatres had to add many more shows and more theatres also started playing the romcom. 2 days later, on January 5, the fans celebrated the birthday of the star. And now, they are all set to get another surprise. Bollywood Hungama has learned that Padmaavat will be back on the big screen.

A source told us, “Padmaavat is re-releasing, that too in two days from now, on January 24. Its shows will be available only in PVR Inox Cinemas. An announcement is expected to happen in a few hours and then the bookings will be thrown open.”

The source wasn’t aware of how big the release would be. A trade expert commented, “Padmaavat completes 7 years on January 25. Hence, it makes sense to re-release the film on its anniversary. Also, the trend of re-releases is very strong right now.”

Around its release, Padmaavat faced strong opposition from certain groups. As a result, it wasn’t released in Rajasthan. It now remains to be seen if the period drama manages to be screened in one of the 20+ screens of PVR Inox in the desert state.

Besides Deepika Padukone, Padmaavat also starred Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor. It was the story of Queen Padmavati, the wife of Maharawal Ratan Singh of Chittor and what happened when Allaudin Khilji, the tyrant Sultan, laid siege on the impregnable fortress of Chittorgarh. Trouble arose when Khilji became obsessed and wanted to capture Chittor and its Queen at any cost.

Padmaavat was directed by the master director Sanjay Leela Bhansali and was one of the biggest hits of 2018. It ended up collecting Rs. 302 crores in India despite not getting a release in Rajasthan.

Also Read: Kangana Ranaut claims she turned down Deepika Padukone’s role in Padmaavat: “She is only getting ready in the entire film”


SCOOP: Ananya Panday locked for Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri with Kartik Aaryan

On the Christmas eve, Karan Johar and Kartik Aaryan made a massive announcement about the biggest love story of 2026 - Tu Meri Main Tera Mai...