Welcome 3: Bobby Deol joins stellar cast alongside Akshay Kumar, Sanjay Dutt, Suniel Shetty and Arshad Warsi: Report

The much-awaited comic caper Welcome 3 has added another actor to its ensemble cast. The film's producers are leaving no stone unturned to assemble a star-studded cast. Bobby Deol has now been cast alongside Akshay Kumar, Arshad Warsi, Sanjay Dutt and Suniel Shetty in the film, as per a report in PinkVilla.

A source close to the film told the publication, “Welcome 3 has turned out to be a hilarious script and the producers are on the verge of getting a big ensemble cast on board for this film. Firoz (Nadiadwala) has managed to get on board some of the biggest names from the 90s for Welcome 3 – Akshay Kumar, Sanjay Dutt, Suniel Shetty, Arshad Warsi and now Bobby Deol.”

Welcome 3 is expected to begin its filming journey in 2024, and alongside the five male leads, the film will also feature top female actresses to complement the comic madness. With a marriage at the center of the storyline, the film is expected to tickle the audience's funny bones.

The source further added, “The script warrants the presence of 3 leading ladies and the casting is in progress. Like all films in the franchise, the core comedy of Welcome will derive from the challenges of getting married.”

As the anticipation builds for Welcome 3, fans can also look forward to witnessing the duo of Bobby Deol and Akshay Kumar reuniting for Housefull 5, which is slated to begin filming later this year.

Also Read: Arshad Warsi spills the beans: Welcome 3 gets the go-ahead; says, “It has me, Akshay Kumar, Sanjay Dutt, Paresh Rawal”

Commando Trailer: Debutant Prem Parrijja shows off his smooth action moves in this power-packed series

On July 31, Disney+ Hotstar dropped the trailer of its high-octane, power-packed series, Commando starring Prem Parrijja. Directed and created by Vipul Amrutlal Shah along with him also producing the series in association with Sunshine Pictures Pvt Ltd, it is set to release on August 11, 2023. Making his debut with this action-packed franchise is debutant Prem who will be seen alongside Adah Sharma, Vaibhav Tatwawadi in pivotal roles.

The series revolves around Commando Prem, who is Torn between a nefarious plan and a bio-war, as he devises an extraction mission to protect his nation and his brother Commando. The question is whether he will be able to succeed. The show is also expected to feature a set of ensemble cast which includes Tigmanshu Dhulia, Shreya Singh Chaudhry, Amit Sial, Mukesh Chhabra and Ishteyak Khan.

Talking about the show and donning the hat of three different roles in the series, Vipul Shah said, "Commandos are the real heroes of our country and it's always been a great honour and pleasure to bring their heroism on screen. Introducing Prem has been an amazing journey. The hunger that he has to do the best keeps us all on our toes. He is not only great in action but also in romance and emotions.  Him teaming up with Bhavna Reddy (Adah Sharma) is fun to watch. Adah has proven her acting talent in The Kerala Story and her action avatar in Commando, so Prem and Adah are a great team. Also we have the most amazing actors in Amit Sial, Tigmanshu Dhulia , Vaibhav Tatwawadi, Shreya Chaudhary , Manini Chaddha and many others. Most difficult thing for Commando is to design action. Prem brings his unique new style of action and that's made the show a real high octane action thriller. I hope the audience will love this new upgraded web series version of one of the best action franchises of Indian cinema."

Debutant Prem went on to continue about the show, "In the journey of bringing life to the character of Commando Virat, I had the extraordinary opportunity to work under the guidance of the esteemed director Vipul sir for my debut project. It's like a dream turned into reality for me. Since I was just 11 years old, I harbored the passion to become an actor, and Commando has been a monumental milestone in every sense. Earning the trust and confidence of Vipul sir was an achievement in itself. Though portraying the role of Commando Virat seemed like a daunting challenge, with the support of the incredible team and my trainers Akshay sir and Raakesh sir, it became an attainable feat. Getting to debut as the Commando alongside such a phenomenal cast, including Adah Sharma, Vaibhav Tatwawadi, and an amazing crew, not to mention having it released on a globally prestigious platform like Disney+ Hotstar is actually the stuff of dreams. Commando truly embodies the essence of excellent teamwork. I sincerely hope the audience resonates with my portrayal and embraces me as their new commando."

 

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Disney+ Hotstar (@disneyplushotstar)

Adah Sharma added, "I've played Bhavana Reddy in Commando 2 and 3. Wherever there is a Commando being made in the world Bhavana Reddy will be there even if it's for a few seconds but she will make sure she's there! Bhavana is the connecting factor between the OTT commando and the film. Vipul sir is really cool to work with. He works on the acting as much as he does on the action. Prem and Vaibhav are awesome guys who are super enthusiastic. I shot for just 6 days for Commando but it was the best 6 days ever with Andy Long and his stunt team and the super-efficient team of Disney+ Hotstar"

Further, Vaibhav Tatwawadi concluded the experience, "I am excited to bring a unique blend of action, stunts, and the powerful theme of friendship and brotherhood to the screen.I have always been fortunate enough in the kind of roles I play and the people I get to work with. Working with Vipul Sir was one of the best experiences. He is a great director and an equally amazing human being. Adah and Prem were great co- stars to have. Since it's Disney+ Hotstar, I am sure it will reach a very wide audience. Overall a truly gratifying experience. Looking forward for the audience reactions".

Also Read: Disney+ Hotstar welcomes the ‘new’ Commando in town in the form of Prem

Kartik Aaryan to share screen with Vijay Raaz, Bhuvan Arora, Rajpal Yadav and Bhagyashree in Chandu Champion: Report

Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan has wasted no time in moving on to his next exciting project, Kabir Khan's Chandu Champion. The upcoming sports drama, produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, commenced its shooting schedule in London earlier this month, with a scheduled release date of July 2024. While the film has already created a buzz, the filmmakers have kept the details under wraps, adding to the anticipation. As per reports, Chandu Champion boasts a star-studded ensemble, alongside the talented actor Kartik Aaryan in the lead role.

A source close to the project told PinkVilla, “Although Chandu Champion mostly revolves around Kartik, the film has many other important characters pivotal to the narrative, and the makers have brought on board a slew of excellent actors for that. They have roped in Vijay Raaz, Bhuvan Arora (of Farzi fame), and Rajpal Yadav to play key roles alongside Kartik. They have also roped in debutant actress Bhagyashree for this movie. However, her identity is being kept under wraps at this moment.”

Chandu Champion promises to narrate a captivating tale of determination and resilience, inspired by the extraordinary real-life journey of paralympic champion Murlikant Petkar. Reportedly, Kartik has undergone a rigorous physical transformation for the role and has been extensively trained by a special team from Los Angeles. An insider revealed, “It’s a prep-heavy film, and Kartik has gone all out to give his best. It’s the most challenging character he has played so far, and he is leaving no stone unturned to make it memorable. The makers are planning to reveal his first look officially sometime this week.”

The shooting for Kabir Khan's film is slated to continue over a six-month schedule, and Kartik is expected to wrap up his part by January 2023. After completing Chandu Champion, the actor will then venture into Anurag Basu's highly anticipated Aashiqui 3. The blockbuster musical franchise is currently in the writing stage and will soon enter pre-production after Basu finishes his upcoming ensemble cast anthology, Metro... In Dino.

Also Read: Amid Chandu Champion shoot in London, Kartik Aaryan misses pet dog Katori; dedicates paw-some post

Rahul Mahajan and Natalya Ilina head for divorce? Former REACTS

Rahul Mahajan, who has been married twice before, is reportedly headed for divorce with his third wife, Natalya Ilina. The couple has been married since 2018, but according to a source, they have been having compatibility issues since the beginning.

"They stretched their marriage as long as they could, but they parted ways last year and have filed for divorce," the source told Bombay Times.

When the portal reached out to Rahul for clarity over the matter, he neither confirmed nor denied the portal. He said, "I want to keep my private life private. I would not like to comment on anything. I do not discuss what's happening in my personal life even with my friends... By the way, I'm doing well."

The report quoted a close friend of Rahul stating that he was "absolutely shattered" after the breakup, but he is now "doing fine" and "getting back to life." "He was not in a great state last year, but now he is hoping to find love again," the friend said. "He has also decided to not talk about his personal life due to his past experiences."

Rahul and Natalya were a part of the reality show Smart Jodi last year. 

This is the third time that Rahul has been married. He was previously married to Shweta Singh and Dimpy Ganguly. Both of those marriages ended in divorce.

Also Read: Shehnaaz Gill has gone completely pale after Sidharth Shukla’s untimely death, says Rahul Mahajan

Bhumi Pednekar joins Jio MAMI as the Brand Ambassador for Dimensions Mumbai

Dimensions Mumbai, a short film competition based on the theme of Mumbai City, is back and now open for submissions. The category was introduced in 2009 by Jaya Bachchan as an ode to Mumbai. Dimensions Mumbai competition is applicable for young filmmakers within the age group of 18–25 years across India; all they need to do is film Mumbai-based themes in Mumbai. Bhumi Pednekar is the Brand Ambassador for Dimensions Mumbai this year. A hard-core Mumbai girl herself, Bhumi Pednekar, in her role, will be engaging and supporting the young creative collective of aspiring filmmakers at Dimensions Mumbai.

Commenting on this, Bhumi Pednekar said, "I am thrilled to be a part of Dimensions Mumbai this year. It's an incredible platform for young filmmakers; it empowers them to tell personal stories that mean something to them. It gives them an opportunity to showcase their film to a larger audience on a big screen. For decades, Mumbai has inspired filmmakers from around the world. This city has cinema in its DNA. The opportunities that Mumbai can offer with an excellent platform like Dimensions Mumbai to promote filmmakers of extraordinary calibre to their full potential is special. As a proud Mumbaiite who is always amazed and excited by the city, I can’t wait to interact with some of these filmmakers, watch their films, and if I am able to positively impact their craft, I will be very happy and grateful for that."

 

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Bhumi Pednekar (@bhumipednekar)

Welcoming Bhumi Pednekar to Dimensions Mumbai, Anupama Chopra, Festival Director, Jio MAMI, said: "Bhumi is an actor with talent and taste. Her films, starting with her debut, Dum Laga Ke Haisha, have helped to expand the boundaries of Hindi cinema. So, it’s thrilling to have her as the ambassador for Dimensions Mumbai. Our ambition with Dimensions Mumbai is to create a culture, a movement of sorts, amongst the young filmmakers across India to tell authentic stories. Short films are the trajectory for emerging voices to flourish; it’s an exciting time for the category, and we are very happy to collaborate with one of our finest actors on this one."

Dimensions Mumbai has the distinction of being one of the largest short film competitions in India. It aims to bring together some of the finest young minds from around the country who have a very specific take on Mumbai. With talks, workshops, and panel discussions during the festival with top industry professionals, a significant feature at Jio MAMI, Dimensions Mumbai provides an opportunity for aspiring young filmmakers to interact with the best in the industry.

Previously restricted to participants residing in Mumbai, this year's edition broadens its horizons, inviting filmmakers from all corners of India to partake in the cinematic celebration. Dimensions Mumbai is applicable to participants between the ages of 18 and 25. The competition invites filmmakers to create a short film of a maximum of 5 minutes in length centered around the theme of Mumbai city. A distinguished jury consisting of industry experts will carefully review the entries, and the top three films will be honoured at the grand Opening Ceremony of Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival.

Deepti D’Cunha, Artistic Director - Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival added, "At Jio MAMI, we strive to build a body of work that demonstrates the capabilities of young independent filmmakers. Dimensions Mumbai is a step towards pushing boundaries and showcasing their work to established names in the industry as well as a wide audience, both Indian and international. We are expecting a staggering response for Dimensions Mumbai, our much-loved competition. We are proud of the category as many Dimensions Mumbai filmmakers have gone on to become big names in the industry, and the fact their journey started with Jio MAMI is a special feeling, and we want to create more success stories like these."

Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival is ready to welcome the young talent and all the special films that will be shown at the festival as young filmmakers from all over India embark on their cinematic journey through Dimensions Mumbai. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity. The call for entries starts on July 27, 2023, and will be open until August 31, 2023. ALSO READ: Bhumi Pednekar: “As I begin my journey as an entrepreneur, I’m trying to back people and businesses that are looking to make a difference”

Kangana Ranaut CONTINUES slamming Karan Johar, compares him with “Raavan”, accuses him of manipulating perception through “paid PR”; drags Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani

Ever since Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt's Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani released, Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut has left no stone unturned to bash the film and its director Karan Johar. In fact, besides a bunch of Instagram Stories, yesterday, on July 30, Ranaut dedicated three posts to Johar, in which she accused him of manipulating the perception of his movies through “paid PR."

In a series of Instagram posts and Stories, Ranaut shared videos of Johar talking about his ability to control the media and influence public opinion. She also alleged that Johar uses his connections to get positive reviews for his films, even if they are not well-received by audiences.

 

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Kangana Ranaut (@kanganaranaut)

"It's not a crime to do atrocious work but to warp people's perception to think of worse as best and best as worse is demonic, evil and malicious," Ranaut wrote. "Hindi film industry is like a sinking ship we need to look deep within and see what is causing holes in our own ship... Hope better sense prevails it's never too late to do the right thing."

 

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Kangana Ranaut (@kanganaranaut)

Ranaut's accusations have not been substantiated, but they have sparked a debate about the role of paid PR in the Bollywood industry. Some people believe that Johar's comments about his ability to control the media are simply a matter of confidence, while others believe that he is actively using his influence to promote his own films.

 

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Kangana Ranaut (@kanganaranaut)

Kangana Ranaut's constant attack on Karan Johar has sparked a conversation between netizens. While many express their opinion in the comments section of her posts, a section of them has defended KJo. 

Also Read: Kangana Ranaut accuses a “womaniser superstar” of hacking her account; requests Mumbai Cyber Police to “take action”

Daler Mehndi and Mika Singh to feature as actors in Akshay Kumar-Sanjay Dutt-Arshad Warsi starrer Welcome 3

Welcome (2007) is one of the funniest films of Bollywood and has a tremendous recall value. Though the sequel, Welcome Back (2015), was not as memorable, there’s a lot of excitement for Welcome 3. Recently, Arshad Warsi spilled the beans and confessed that apart from him, Akshay Kumar, Sanjay Dutt and Paresh Rawal are also a part of the third part of the franchise. A few days later, reports emerged that Sanjay Dutt and Arshad Warsi have replaced Anil Kapoor and Nana Patekar in Welcome 3.

Bollywood Hungama now brings another exciting and unexpected update from this much-awaited comic caper. A source told us, “Daler Mehndi and Mika Singh have also bagged Welcome 3. They’ll be seen as actors in this film. It’s an interesting addition to the multi-starrer and their roles are expected to be very funny and crucial to the plot. Both Daler and Mika were taken aback when they were offered the film. However, they realized that theirs is a fun role. Hence, both the talented brothers decided to sign on the dotted line.”

Daler Mehndi is a legendary singer and songwriter who popularized Bhangra worldwide with his Indipop songs. He has also song popular film songs like 'Na Na Na Na Na Re' from Mrityudaata (1997), the title song of Rang De Basanti (2006), 'Halla Bol' from Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal (2007), 'Bhootni Ke' from Singh Is Kinng (2008), 'Zor Ka Jhatka' from Action Replayy (2010), 'Vande Mataram' from ABCD – Any Body Can Dance – 2 (2015), 'Jiyo Re Baahubali' from Baahubali 2 – The Conclusion (2017), 'Jagga Jiteya' from Uri – The Surgical Strike (2019), etc.

Mika Singh, meanwhile, also got famous through pop songs and has song hit tracks like 'Dil Mein Baji Guitar' from Apna Sapna Money Money (2006), 'Mauja Hi Mauja' from Jab We Met (2007), 'Ganpat' from Shootout At Lokhandwala (2007), 'Dhanno' from Housefull (2010), 'Subah Hone Na De' from Desi Boyz (2011), 'Dhinka Chika' from Ready (2011), 'Gandi Baat' from R...Rajkumar (2013), 'Jumme Ki Raat' from Kick (2014), '440 Volt' from Sultan (2016), 'Aankh Maarey' from Simmba (2018), 'Milegi Milegi' from Stree (2018) to name a few.

Welcome 3, interestingly, also marks the acting debut of Daler Mehndi. Mika Singh, however, has acted in films before like Mitti (2010), Loot (2011) and Balwinder Singh Famous Ho Gaya (2014).

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

Producer Dinesh Vijan buys apartments worth whopping Rs. 103 crore in Mumbai

Bollywood producer Dinesh Vijan of Maddock Films has spent a whopping Rs. 103 crore to purchase apartments. The producer purchased apartments on the 15th and 16th floors respectively at Parishram by Rustomjee on Nargis Dutt Road at Pali Hill in Mumbai.

As per a report in Money Control, the apartment units are spread across 9,000 square feet and were registered on July 25, 2023. The carpet area of the units is 7,791 sq. ft. The registration took place between Keystone Realtors and Dinesh Prem Vijan. The documents showed that a stamp duty of Rs 6.17 crore was paid.

Meanwhile, Dinesh Vijan is busy with many projects. Following Zara Hatke Zara Bachke, he is producing Stree 2 starring Shraddha Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao. He also has an untitled project with Kriti Sanon and Shahid Kapoor, Pooja Meri Jaan with Mrunal Thakur and many more. ALSO READ: Stree 2: Filming begins for Jio Studios and Dinesh Vijan’s horror comedy sequel

Exhibitor Akshaye Rathi reacts to Naseeruddin Shah’s ‘darinde’ remark; says, “I object strongly to this distasteful & factually incorrect statement”

Bollywood Hungama was the first one to report about Naseeruddin Shah’s controversial ‘darinde’ remark against exhibitors and distributors recently. Speaking at an awards function on July 26 at Mumbai’s Regal cinema organized by the Film Heritage Foundation where veteran projectionists were awarded, Shah said that those who work the hardest in the film industry get paid the least.

While making his point, the veteran actor added, “When the film gets completed and if it becomes successful, toh iski asli malaai distributors aur exhibitors naam ka darinde kha jaate hain (a large share of it is taken away by the demons called distributors and exhibitors).”

Shah’s comment hasn’t gone down well with the exhibitors. Reacting strongly to his comments, exhibitor Akshaye Rathi wrote a detailed post on Twitter. Responding to Shah’s use of the word ‘darinde’, he said, “As a film exhibitor, I object strongly to this distasteful & factually incorrect statement.”

Rathi elaborated, “As they say, ignorance is dangerous, but half knowledge is even more dangerous. Your statement, unfortunately indicates that despite having years of experience as an artiste, you are unaware about the ground realities of the entertainment sector. I hope you realise that the strike rate / success ratio of the films that your ilk (content creators ranging from actors to film makers) makes is sub 10% & an overwhelming majority of the ones that release in cinemas don’t even draw enough footfalls to help us break even on our weekly operational expenses (real estate, electricity, salaries, maintenance, taxes etc). Profits from the occasional blockbuster make up for losses incurred through weeks of playing flop / underperforming films & at the end of the year, we hope that the larger equation allows us to stay in the green.”

Rathi added that irrespective of the fate of films that release in cinemas, the exhibitors pay full salaries of the many staff members working at a cinema hall. “I’m pretty sure no darinda would have the stomach to cushion his people from the financial blows being dealt to him. My family, has done that for over 7 decades. Perhaps that is why Shri Lakhanlal Yadav, whom you felicitated at the function, has been with us for 53 years & continues to be a part of our family at work even today, like many others,” he added.

Dear #NaseeruddinShah sahab,

While I’m truly grateful to you for gracing the @FHF_Official’s function where three projectionists (one of them being from our chain of cinemas) were felicitated for decades of their service, it’s with deep regret & disappointment, that I’m having… pic.twitter.com/Wpv3HoXTMt — Akshaye Rathi / अक्षय राठी ???????? (@akshayerathi) July 29, 2023

Rathi concluded his post saying, “I sincerely hope you’ll realise someday, that more than anything else, we exhibitors & our people work to give the audiences a few hours of joy & escapism from the harsh realities of their lives. The least we deserve for doing so, is a pat on the back instead of brickbats, from the very people whose work we try and take to the widest possible audience despite tough & trying circumstances. (Not) a darinda… Just an exhibitor (folded hands emoji).”

Also Read: Naseeruddin Shah explodes, “When a film becomes successful, toh iski asli malaai distributors aur exhibitors naam ke darinde kha jaate hain”

Singer Usha Uthup to grace Star Plus show Baatein Kuch Ankahee Si starring Mohit Malik and Sayli Salunkhe

With Baatein Kuch Ankahee Si, StarPlus is all set to venture into something different and relatable. The show is to be produced by Rajan Shahi. The story is going to revolve around a girl with a unique voice trying to make a place in the music industry against all odds. Baatein Kuch Ankaheen Si, starring Mohit Malik and Sayli Salunkhe in lead roles, revolves around two middle-aged people from different backgrounds and how their worldviews collide when they meet, with music set to play an important role in their journey. It is going to be a musical, fictional love saga. Baatein Kuch Ankahee Si will be the biggest musical television show.

As we had earlier reported, Star Plus is going to bring a singer on board to promote their new show Baatein Kuch Ankahee Si, and we finally know who it is. Singer Usha Uthup will be seen promoting the show through a music video. As the show is about the protagonist, Vandana, making it big against the tides, she has a very unconventional voice and talent.

Usha Uthup herself is an unconventional talent who has made her name big in the music industry. Her story fits in perfectly and is relatable to the show. This news is going to be a treat for all the Usha Uthup fans, as they will get a chance to hear her voice. The audience will get a chance to witness the musical journey of Usha Uthup, her struggle stories and winning against all odds, in the show Baatein Kuch Ankahee Si. ALSO READ: Star Plus to explore the world of musical shows with Mohit Malik, Sayli Salunkhe starrer Baatein Kuch Ankahee Si

Kangana Ranaut accuses a “womaniser superstar” of hacking her account; requests Mumbai Cyber Police to “take action”

Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut has accused two of her colleagues of criminal activities, including hacking her social media accounts, buying fake bulk tickets, and manipulating box office collections.

In a series of Instagram stories on Sunday, Ranaut said that she was informed by a fan about a scam in which people were using her name to hack into accounts. She shared a screenshot of the scam, which showed a message from someone claiming to be Ranaut's online manager.

Ranaut said that she had nothing to do with the scam and that the people behind it were part of the "film mafia." She also made some shocking claims about two of her colleagues, whom she did not name.

"Film mafia has always indulged in criminal activities," she said. "This superstar who I dated later claimed that I was dating his imposter. He used to use different numbers and accounts to chat with me, he also hacked my account and operated in a shady way."

Ranaut said that she also had a run-in with another superstar, whom she described as a "womaniser." She said that he landed at her house and begged her to date him, but she refused. She then accused him of hacking her devices and lying about his marriage and child.

Ranaut's allegations have not been verified, but they have caused a stir.

Also Read: Kangana Ranaut attacks Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani and Karan Johar, calls it “daily soap”; advises Ranveer Singh to dress up like a “normal human”

The Storyteller to have Australian premiere at Indian Film Festival of Melbourne; Paresh Rawal REACTS

The highly acclaimed film The Storyteller, starring the renowned actor Paresh Rawal, after having been screened in Busan is now all set to have its Australian premiere at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne next month in August. Directed by Anant Narayan Mahadevan, the film is based on the legendary Satyajit Ray's short story "Golpo Boliye Tarini Khuro" and explores the themes of originality versus plagiarism. Alongside Rawal, the film features an exceptional ensemble cast including Adil Hussain, Revathi, Tannishtha Chatterjee, Anindita Bose, and Jayesh More.

The Storyteller is a cinematic gem that pays homage to the literary genius of Satyajit Ray. Based on the renowned author's celebrated short story, the film delves into the captivating conflict between originality and plagiarism. Through compelling storytelling and thought-provoking performances, The Storyteller poses important questions about creativity, inspiration, and the ethical boundaries of artistic expression.

Tarini Ranjan Bandhopadhyay played by Paresh Rawal, is an unconventional narrator, who has gained a reputation for his tendency to change professions, having transitioned between 32 jobs throughout his working life. At the age of 60, residing in Kolkata and widowed, Tarini's sole regret is his inability to fulfil his late wife Anuradha's long-standing wish for a vacation. With retirement now upon him and an abundance of free time, Tarini finds himself distanced from his loved ones. In The Storyteller, we delve into the life of a prosperous entrepreneur who enlists the services of a storyteller to alleviate his insomnia.

Paresh Rawal's portrayal in the lead role is a testament to his unparalleled talent and versatility as an actor. Known for his remarkable performances in both comedic and dramatic roles, Rawal brings depth and authenticity to his character in The Storyteller. His on-screen presence is complemented by a stellar ensemble cast, who deliver powerful performances that further elevate the film's impact.

Speaking about this news, Paresh Rawal shared his excitement, stating, "I am absolutely thrilled and delighted to be a part of the film which will premiere in Australia. My experience was very enthralling and satisfying. This kind of story itself is a rarity and the terrific bunch of talent as my co-artist is fulfilling. I am eternally grateful to my producers and my director Mr Ananth Mahadevan ji."

Also Read: Rasika Dugal starrer Lord Curzon Ki Haveli to have its world premiere at Indian Film Festival of Melbourne

BREAKING: Abhishek Bachchan-Saiyami Kher starrer Ghoomer to release in cinemas on August 18

The month of August is going to be a period of sequels when it comes to Bollywood films. August 11 will see the release of Gadar 2, starring Sunny Deol and Ameesha Patel. If OMG Oh My God 2’s censor woes are over in time, then the Akshay Kumar-starrer will also release on the same Friday, to take advantage of the Independence Day mid-week holiday. On August 25, Dream Girl 2, starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Ananya Panday, will hit cinemas. But now, the makers of a mid-sized film, Ghoomer, have decided to try their luck in August as well.

 

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Ghoomer, starring Abhishek Bachchan, Saiyami Kher and Shabana Azmi, will release on August 18. It is directed by R Balki and will be released in cinemas. An official announcement will take place soon after which a brief but effective marketing campaign will immediately commence.”

There’s no information yet about who’s distributing the film. But sources claim that all these aspects are taken care of and the makers are confident that they’ll get a sizable screen count despite their film releasing amid the other significant August releases.

Ghoomer is the story of a female cricketer, who, after an injury, is determined to chase her dream and learns to play the sport with her left hand. Abhishek Bachchan essays the role of the coach and the one who inspires the physically challenged cricketer to become a champion. Shabana Azmi plays Saiyami Kher’s cricket-obsessed grandmother in this film, which also stars Angad Bedi. Amitabh Bachchan also features in the film in a cameo appearance.

Big B and R Balki are quite fond of each other. The mega star has worked with the filmmaker in various films. In films that didn’t star him like Ki & Ka (2016), Pad Man (2018) and Chup (2022), he has appeared in special appearances. Abhishek, meanwhile, had worked with R Balki earlier in Paa (2009).

Ghoomer will have its premiere in Australia before its theatrical release. It has been selected as the opening film of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) which kicks off on August 11.

Also Read: R Balki directorial Ghoomer starring Abhishek Bachchan and Saiyami Kher set for world premiere at Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2023

Rasika Dugal starrer Lord Curzon Ki Haveli to have its world premiere at Indian Film Festival of Melbourne

Actor Anshuman Jha is making his directorial debut with Lord Curzon Ki Haveli. The film has been chosen for its world premiere at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) as the Centrepiece Spotlight Film (Official Selection - out of competition). It stars Arjun Mathur, Rasika Dugal, Paresh Pahuja, Zoha Rahman and Tanmay Dhaninia.

The film’s tale is a revelation about the Asian diaspora in the UK and is touted to be the first mainstream Indian feature film to be shot on a single lens. The film was shot in the UK last year and it is touted as a unique new age cinema experience for worldwide audiences. Paolo Bertolin, Selection Committee, Venice International Film Festival, described the film saying, “Lord Curzon Ki Haveli is a cinematic work that muses over identity & gender in a very contemporary way, within the framework of an entertaining mystery.”

Sharing his reaction at the film’s selection at IIFM, Jha said in a statement, “I am thrilled to present Lord Curzon Ki Haveli at Indian Film Festival Of Melbourne 2023. I thank the jury at IFFM 2023 for selecting us as the Centrepiece Spotlight. And I am very grateful to my team (cast & crew) & Golden Ratio Films for their trust & support through this challenging but memorable experience. We are excited to start the film's festival run in Australia & I hope the audience enjoys this cinematic journey. I hope Mr. Alfred Hitchcock is blessing us from there as this is my homage to him.”

Rasika Dugal added, “I am delighted that our film is premiering at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, which always has a discerning audience with an appetite for fun! It was an absolute joy collaborating with, and playing off, my co-actors who helped me experience Ira in a very special way - a woman who navigates and negotiates patriarchy with an undeniable spirit and with a sense of mischief. I hope the film resonates with the audience.”

Also Read: Rasika Dugal and Arjun Mathur starrer Lord Curzon Ki Haveli is shot entirely on single lens (35 mm) camera

Allegations escalate: Jennifer Mistry accuses TMKOC producer Asit Kumarr Modi of “influencing” key witness Gurucharan Singh

The controversy surrounding Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah has taken a new turn as actress Jennifer Mistry, who portrayed the character of Mrs Roshan Sodhi in the popular sitcom, has come forward with fresh allegations against producer Asit Kumarr Modi. In a series of serious accusations, Jennifer claims that Modi influenced a key witness in her sexual harassment case against him.

In May 2023, Jennifer accused Asit Kumarr Modi of sexual harassment, and recently, the Mumbai Police registered a case against the makers of the long-running show based on her complaint. Now, in an interview with ETimes, Jennifer has accused Modi of trying to manipulate Gurucharan Singh, who played the role of Jennifer's on-screen husband, into turning against her in court.

She said, “Gurucharan knows everything and in May 2023, he called me and had assured me that he would be a witness for me in the court. He had categorically told me he would not comment in the media, but he will come to the court to support me.”

Jennifer further stated, “On June 9, when I went to meet him, he told me he was called to office on June 8 all of a sudden and all his outstanding dues, which were pending since the last three and a half years, were cleared. I realised he would not speak in my favour. I did not tell him anything, but he told me that he can be the neutral person between Asit Modi and me who can get us to sit across and discuss.”

She also accused project head Sohail Ramani and executive producer Jatin Bajaj of indecent behaviour and sexual harassment, adding more fuel to the already escalating controversy.

Earlier, Asit Kumarr Modi dismissed the allegations made by Jennifer, labelling them as baseless and threatened to take legal action against her for attempting to defame him.

Also Read: Priya Ahuja calls Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah makers “sadist” after resigning; reveals husband Malav Rajda quit show due to “misbehaviour”

Bhuvan Bam is all set to lend his voice for an international animated series

Bhuvan Bam is all set to add another feather to his cap. As per sources, following the success of his show, Taaza Khabar, Bhuvan Bam is all set to enchant young audiences by lending his voice to the lead character in an upcoming international animated series. The highly anticipated animated series, is scheduled to stream at the end of this year on a digital platform.

Bhuvan Ban has been leaving hints on social media with stories of him dubbing for the said series. There are also posts where he is seen spending time at the studio. Although not many details are revealed, we hear that the show in question is a fun filled animated drama series targeted towards young kids and teenagers. A source close to the digital celebrity said, “Bhuvan has been spending time at the recording studio for the last three weeks. He worked with his voice coach ahead of recording. He’s known for embodying different roles and characters right from the start when he started with content on YouTube. This is his space and something he excels in. The show came to Bhuvan and because it connects with a huge young audience base, it was an instant yes for him”.

We also hear that Bhuvan Bam is quite excited to take the young viewers on a captivating journey filled with imagination, adventure, and valuable life lessons. Bhuvan Bam who started his career on a digital landscape gained massive popularity not only as an influencer but also as an actor with shows like Taaza Khabar.

Also Read: BH Style Icons 2023: Bhuvan Bam gets the Most Stylish Digital Entertainer (Male) award; says, “I will keep it in a special place”

Trailer of Raj & DK's Guns & Gulaabs starring Rajkummar Rao, Dulquer Salmaan, Adarsh Gourav to arrive on August 2

Netflix today dropped a teaser ahead of the trailer for the most-anticipated series of the year - Guns & Gulaabs. The trailer is set to launch with a showcase in the Capital on the 2nd of August! From the crazy minds of Raj & DK comes a gangster-comedy like no other, jahan 90s ke gaane, pyaar ke deewaane aur anokhey gangsters...sab milenge!

Pulling off a casting coup, Guns & Gulaabs is a quirky, genre-blend that stars Rajkummar Rao, Dulquer Salmaan, Adarsh Gourav, T.J. Bhanu, and Gulshan Devaiah in key roles. From the first kill to the first kiss, in Gulaabganj, anything can happen, gangs run riot, a cartel heir is reluctant to pull the trigger on his new life, a mechanic is looking for love and an officer is struggling to keep his secrets.

Kasam paida karne wale ki, we can't contain our excitement for Raj & DK's first Netflix series! #GunsAndGulaabs ki romanchak aur manoranjan bhari duniya mein aapka swagat hai. Trailer arrives on August 2nd! ????????#GunsAndGulaabsOnNetflix pic.twitter.com/gSVZd1ppOD — Netflix India (@NetflixIndia) July 28, 2023

The Netflix series brings together the very best with Raj & DK at the helm, so mark your calendars because this trailer launch is going to be out of this ganj! ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE: Dulquer Salmaan confirms reshooting the climax of King of Kotha; watch

Ram Kamal to direct Rukmini Maitra in magnum opus Draupadi

Dev Entertainment Ventures and Pramod Films once again collaborates to bring in the magical tale of Mahabharata on big screen. Produced by Bengal's superstar Dev Adhikari and Prateek Chakravorty from Mumbai, the film promises to be Bengal's biggest visual extravaganza.

The production houses have roped in Bollywood filmmaker Ram Kamal Mukherjee to helm this magnum opus. While Rukmini Maitra will play the title role. The film is based on noted author Pratibha Ray's award winning Odiya novel Yajnaseni. "When director Ram Kamal approached me for the film rights of Yajnaseni through my publisher Rupa Publications, I was delighted that even today Indian filmmakers are interested in the story of Mahabharata. My book, Yajnaseni, is about Mahabharata from Draupadi's point of view with contemporary relevance. Yajnaseni is an epitome of Patience, Penance and Power. It's a creative collaboration, and Ram Kamal being an author himself, will definitely do justice to Yajnaseni and her story. I feel we are at the right time to revisit our epics and tell the new generation about our culture and heritage, winner Pratibha Ray says.

Producer Dev Adhikari from Dev Entertainment Ventures says, "After watching Ram Kamal's work in Binodiini Ekti Natir Upakhyan, I realized that he has an amazing sense of aesthetics and visual presentation skill. When he shared his dream of making Draupadi, I felt that he would certainly do justice to the scale and subject. I have also witnessed the range of Rukmini as a performer in Binodiini, and I knew why Ram Kamal wanted to cast her as Draupadi. As a producer uniqueness of his narrative attracted me. It's going to be a mind-blowing experience for all."

Producer Prateek Chakraborty from Pramod Films says, "Mahabharat is one of the most epic tales ever told. The characters, their journey, their redemptions are life lessons. An attempt to recreate this grandiose saga is both intriguing, exciting and nerve wracking and we attempt to say it in Bangla in it's most ambitious form. Having worked with Ram Kamal Mukherjee on Binodiini Ekti Natir Upakhyan; reinstated my faith in him as a master storyteller who produces what he presents and his vision of Mahabharata bowled me away to start this new magnificent journey. And Rukmini Maitra who has encapsulated the essence of 'Nati Binodini' beyond expectations is here only to fly further and her as Draupadi only takes the bar several notches higher. So I am looking forward to the responsibility of creating this magnum opus with Dev, Ram Kamal and Rukmini."

Bengal's leading actress Rukmini Maitra says, "It's pleasure to reunite with Ram Kamal after Binodiini Ekti Natir Upakhyan, because he makes me feel comfortable in characters that are extremely challenging to portray on screen. Guess, these are the little perks that you enjoy while working with a friend. He has been wanting to make Draupadi, but he waited for the right time. It's an honour to be a part of Mahabharata, a subject that is so close to every Indian. Needless to say, this will definitely be one of the most challenging roles in my career after Binodiini."

The production houses released a motion poster designed by Ekta Bhattacharjee from Ekta Tales with background score composed by Sourendro and Soumyojit duo. The Sanskrit verses in Draupadi motion poster are written by Ram Kamal. Currently the director is wrapping up his postproduction work on Binodiini Ekti Natir Upakhyan, and simultaneously working on the research and screenplay of the film. "I am thankful to my producers Dev and Prateek for standing by my vision once again, this time on a much larger scale. I am grateful to Pratibhaji (Ray) for giving us the official filming rights of her best seller novel Yajnaseni. And finally, I am overwhelmed to reunite with my most favourite Rukmini as Draupadi. I know for a fact that we both will have to work hard on this film. I don't remember when was the last time Bengali cinema produced a mythological film? Hats off to Dev and Prateek for taking that leap of faith with me and Rukmini," says director Ram Kamal Mukherjee. He will be working along with Paawaan Aagarwal as co-researcher and screenplay writer for this film. He worked as my Chief Associate Director in Binodiini Ekti Natir Upakhyan. The remaining cast and technical team will be finalized after completion of screenplay. "This film needs four months pre-production and rigorous workshop before we hit the floor," added Mukherjee.

Also Read: Ek Duaa producer Esha Deol and director Ram Kamal Mukherjee are delighted as film earns international award

Myntra announces Khushi Kapoor and Vedang Raina as the faces of their platform FWD

Myntra, a prominent fashion, beauty, and lifestyle destination in India, has exciting news to share as they welcome young actors Khushi Kapoor and Vedang Raina as the newest brand ambassadors for their innovative platform, FWD. FWD is a first-of-its-kind immersive fashion experience specially curated for the Gen-Z audience. In this collaboration, Khushi and Vedang will star in a campaign film, portraying the roles of effortless trendsetters.

Khushi Kapoor and Vedang Raina are about to make their much-awaited acting debut. With their fashion flair and immense popularity among today's youth, they perfectly embody the unbridled spirit, lifestyle, and aspirations of Gen-Z. Khushi, known for her quintessential fashionista image, has already made waves with her distinctive personal style. On the other hand, Vedang exudes a versatile and suave fashion sense, staying true to his unique personality. Their exceptional fashion sensibilities perfectly encapsulate the essence of Gen-Z and align seamlessly with Myntra FWD's fresh, edgy, and on-trend fashion offerings.

By appointing Khushi and Vedang as the faces of FWD, Myntra aims to strengthen its connection with the Zoomers, further solidifying FWD's position as the go-to destination for the latest trends and fashion experiences.

Speaking of the onboarding of Khushi Kapoor and Vedang Raina as FWD's Brand Ambassadors, Vijay Sharma, Senior Director - Marketing said, “With Myntra FWD, we are building the hottest trends destination for the Gen-Z of India. We are thrilled to have the young trendsetters - Khushi Kapoor and  Vedang Raina - as the faces of FWD. Their fresh and bold fashion choices, ‘with-it’ attitude, youthful aesthetic and authentic representation of Gen-Z’s fashion expectations make Khushi and Vedang the perfect ambassadors for FWD.”

Speaking on her association with FWD, Khushi Kapoor, said, “I am super excited to be a part of Myntra FWD and it couldn’t be more fitting as my first-ever brand endorsement. FWD is built on the core principles of freshness, individuality, and trendiness, and these are the tenets that perfectly encapsulate the essence of fashion as I perceive it. Myntra is at the forefront of driving fashion-tech fusion for an immersive shopping experience, and FWD is an extension of that. I look forward to connecting deeper with my fans that share the mutual admiration for all things fashion through this association.”

Adding on, Vedang Raina, said, “Fashion is a relatively simple but a strong way for people to express their true selves. A unique offering like FWD is enabling millions of Zoomers to unlock their personal sense of style, giving them more confidence to be their authentic selves. I am thrilled to join Myntra’s squad of brand ambassadors and look forward to a stellar association where individuality is celebrated.”

Solving for the inspiration, discoverability, and access to emerging global fashion trends, FWD features some of the most popular brands on the platform, including H&M, Trendyol, bebe, Tokyo Talkies, Sassafras, Hersheinbox, Street 9, Athena, Bonkers Corner, Freakins and Boohoo, among others. FWD simplifies a user's shopping journey from trend-spotting to purchase, while also having a large influencer army to create relatable, stylish and inspirational content, for the digitally-savvy zoomers.

Making up 52% of the country's population, the Gen-Z and Millennials have emerged as one of the largest consumer groups in India. Characterized by distinct traits, the cohort has also amassed considerable purchasing power and a strong digital footprint, making it crucial for brands to cater to their demands. Relatable faces like Khushi Kapoor and Vedang Raina and pioneering offerings like FWD will enable Myntra to tap into this cohort and solve for their needs.

Also Read: Boney Kapoor’s Instagram shines bright with his “Anmol ratan” – Janhvi, Khushi, Anshula, and Arjun Kapoor

SCOOP: The INSIDE reason why Oh My God 2 has been asked for 20 cuts and ‘Adults only’ certification; ULTRA SENSITIVE premise

Akshay Kumar, Yami Gautam and Pankaj Tripathi's Oh My God 2 is just 15 days away from its release now. And yet we await a clear picture of the film's release scenario. As everyone is aware, Oh My God 2 is stuck at the censor board and no one has been able to dwell deep into the real reason for the reservations from CBFC. Bollywood Hungama has now got inside access to the delay in certification for OMG 2.

According to a source close to CBFC, the issue with OMG 2 is the core plot itself. "While OMG 2 speaks about sex education on the face of it, there is a major conflict in the film that deals with masturbation. While it's an extremely brave subject and tackled with the utmost sensitivity, the CBFC feels that the religious angle could hurt the sentiments of the Indian audience. They are hence being super cautious to grant a certificate," a source told Bollywood Hungama. The CBFC doesn't want OMG 2 to be another film after Adipurush to hurt religious sentiments.

The reports from the censor board on OMG 2 are extremely positive and are all going gaga over Akshay Kumar for yet again selecting such a bold and unique subject. "However, they aren't sure if the Indian audiences are ready for a bold film like OMG 2 that mixes masturbation and sex education with God and religion. OMG 2 is essentially a courtroom drama that pushes a father to fight for a child against all odds and the case has the connection of sex education," the source shared.

The source further added that OMG 2 got a unanimous standing ovation from the censor board. "The film got a standing ovation too, but the ovation and claps were in the closed corridors in the dark at the screening. It's easy to appreciate the content in closed corridors but difficult to take ownership in the larger scheme of things in bright sunlight. Once the members came out of the darkness, they were compelled to think about the cons of this subject," the source further told us.

As things stand today, Akshay Kumar and the team have been asked to have 20 cuts [including audio, video, or audio visual combined] to OMG 2 and are willing to grant it an Adult Only Certificate. "Akshay and team are however fighting and appealing for a U/A certificate from CBFC," the source concluded.

OMG 2 is slated to release on August 11, 2023.

Also Read: BREAKING: 20 cuts and ‘Adults only’ certificate for OMG Oh My God 2 as suggested by the CBFC’s Revising Committee

Rahul Bhatt, Sunny Leone starrer Kennedy gets chosen as the closing film at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne

The 14th Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) is thrilled to announce that the highly anticipated film Kennedy starring Rahul Bhatt and Sunny Leone, directed by filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, has been selected as the prestigious closing night film. The festival, celebrating the best of Indian cinema, will conclude with the screening of this neo-noir thriller on August 20, 2023 in Melbourne.

Kennedy had its grand world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year, and it also received a lot of critical acclaim and attention for its gripping storyline and for the performances of Sunny Leone and Rahul Bhatt. The closing night ceremony promises to be a star-studded affair, as it will be graced by the director himself, Anurag Kashyap, who is known for his bold and unique storytelling. Alongside him, the lead cast of Kennedy, Sunny Leone and Rahul Bhatt will also be present to share their experiences and insights into their roles in the film. But that's not all; A day ahead of the closing night, that is, on August 19, Anurag Kashyap and the cast will participate in an exclusive conversation session about the film with a live audience.

Talking about Kennedy, the film follows the enthralling tale of a long-thought-to-be-dead, insomniac ex-cop, who finds himself entangled in a corrupt system while seeking redemption. Talking about the recent developments, Anurag Kashyap said, “I am delighted that Kennedy is the closing film at IFF, Melbourne. It’s the first Indian film festival we are playing in the world, and I am excited to know the response of the audience. I will be there to attend the same and gauge the response, and am sure that they’ll like the film, like the global audience who’s seen the film till now.”

Founder and Festival Director of IFFM, Mitu Bhowmick Lange, also shared her enthusiasm for the film, adding, "Anurag Kashyap is known for his groundbreaking work, and Kennedy is no exception. It is a powerful film that engages the audience from start to finish. We are proud to have 'Kennedy' as our closing night film and look forward to welcoming Anurag Kashyap and the talented cast to the festival."

The 14th Indian Film Festival of Melbourne will run from August 11 to August 29, showcasing an array of outstanding Indian films across various genres and also films from the Indian subcontinent.

Also Read: Sunny Leone to be honoured at IFFSA Canada for her performance in Kennedy

Kriti Sanon launches own skincare brand “Hyphen” on her 33rd birthday!

In the ever-expanding world of celebrity beauty brands, a new entrant has emerged. Bollywood star and birthday girl Kriti Sanon is the latest celebrity to jump on the bandwagon, as she recently launched her own skincare line named “Hyphen.” The expectations are naturally high when it comes to celebrity brands, and Kriti Sanon's venture into the beauty industry has created a buzz.

Today, Kriti took to her Instagram and shared a post announcing her brand. Talking about it, Kriti said in the video, “Why do we put people in a box? And say, this is who you are? Why can't we be everything we want to be in life? I refuse to be a full stop or be limited by a bracket. I'd rather be a hyphen. Hyphen has hope! Hope that there's going to be something more after it. Hyphen is a hope of possibilities, opportunities of adding more chapters to my life. I'm an engineer, a model, an actor, an entrepreneur, a producer, a separately poet, a fitness enthusiast, a skin nerd and a lot more. And I don't want to stop. I like that I can hyphen anything to my life. They say you can't have it all. But why not? Just hyphen it.”

Sharing the post, the actress wrote in caption, “|-| appy Birthday to me! ????

IT’S FINALLY HERE!

Today, on 27th July 2023, my heart is filled with joy and gratitude as I welcome you all to our world of HYPHEN !“

Talking about her brand, Kriti wrote, “HYPHEN is a hope of possibilities, opportunities and of adding more chapters to life! And this chapter of my life is super special!

Turning my obsession of skincare into passion and then into a dream- a dream of getting a lot of amazing ingredients together to make power-packed products that actually work!

We’ve hyphened the power of nature and potency of science to give multiple benefits from each product.

People say “You can’t have it all!”

But why not?

Just HYPHEN it!!

Here’s to glowing and growing together!”

Expressing her gratitude, Kriti wrote, “I cant thank the entire team of Hyphen and my co-founders enough who’ve worked endlessly to get our baby out on my birthday Best birthday gift ever!!!!

@always_brewing @tarunsharma88 @mohitjain.3110 @vikas.lachhwani @saurabh2014_ism

We are LIVE! Check out all the products on letshyphen.com.”

 

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Kriti (@kritisanon)

Teaming up with PEP Technologies, the parent company of mCaffeine, Kriti Sanon has transformed her passion for skincare into a thriving business with the creation of Hyphen. As a co-founder of the brand, she expressed her deep-rooted interest in skincare, which has grown even stronger over the years. Hyphen, according to Kriti, is the perfect culmination of her love for beauty and her entrepreneurial spirit. “From a young age, I've been passionate about skincare, and as I've grown older it has only intensified. Hyphen serves as the perfect amalgamation of these two aspects,” said Kriti Sanon in a statement.

The skincare line, Hyphen, has debuted with three daily products, thoughtfully priced between Rs 450 and Rs 650. The range includes the Barrier Care Cream, available in two variants catering to oily skin and normal to dry skin types, the Golden Hour Glow Serum, and the All I Need Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++. The brand boasts an impressive reach, being available in 18,000 pin codes right from its launch.

Moreover, as Kriti has truly arrived as more empowered and more full of spirit with the announcement commercial of her beauty brand HYPHEN, the ideology of the same indeed resonated extensively with her personality. The actress has certainly written the advertisement herself. While she has been working on the product for a year now, she has been involved in every bit of developing the product right from, testing all the products to using them all for 4 months.

On the film front, Kriti was last seen in Om Raut directorial Adipurush. Produced by T-Series, Bhushan Kumar & Krishan Kumar, Om Raut, Prasad Sutar, and Rajesh Nair of Retrophiles, it was released worldwide on June 16, 2023. The actress will be next seen in Ganapath with Tiger Shroff, The Crew alongside Kareena Kapoor Khan and Tabu, and an untitled next with Shahid Kapoor, which is set to release on December 7. There have also been reports about the yet-untitled film that will see Kriti as a robot and Shahid as a scientist, who falls in love with the former. Dharmendra is also part of the project.

Also Read: Kriti Sanon rocks the Khaki power suit, embarking on a new cinematic journey as a producer

Sunny Leone and Ameesha Patel skip meeting amid non-payment of dues issues of Rs. 21 lakh and Rs. 1.2 crore respectively; IMPPA to take strict action against them

Actors Sunny Leone and Ameesha Patel are making headlines for non-payment of dues of Rs. 21 lakh and Rs. 1.2 crore respectively with producers. Both the actresses were summoned before the Arbitration Tribunal of the Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPPA) on July 25 in response to the complaints by the producers about their pending dues. However, the actresses failed to appear before them and now IMPPA plans to take strict action.

Reports stated that producers Haresh Patel of M/s AD Films and Vinod Bachchan of M/s Soundarya Productions had filed complaints against Sunny Leone and Ameesha Patel respectively. As per ETimes, IMPPA has “directed them to pay the entire claim payable to the aforementioned producers within 7 days of the meeting failing which there will be consequences.’

Meanwhile, on the work front, Ameesha Patel will be next seen in Gadar 2 alongside Sunny Deol wherein she reprises the role of Sakeena. The trailer was launched on Wednesday. It will release on August 11 in theatres.

On the other hand, Sunny Leone was last seen in Anurag Kashyap’s Kennedy which premiered at Cannes Film Festival 2023. The actress will next star in Rangeela and Veeramadevi in her kitty. ALSO READ: Gadar 2 trailer launch: Ameesha Patel opens up about playing a mother at the beginning of her career in Gadar: “This was the time when I was doing films with Salman Khan, Ajay Devgn and Hrithik Roshan; in all these films, I was playing a college girl”

EXCLUSIVE: Yami Gautam starrer Dhoom Dhaam opts for direct-to-digital release; sold to JioCinema

The makers of Yami Gautam-Pratik Gandhi starrer Dhoom Dhaam were in a happy dilemma for a long time whether to release the film in theatres or on OTT and after a lot of discussions, the film has been sold to an OTT platform JioCinema for a direct-to-digital release.

As per the industry source, “The producers of the film (Aditya Dhar, Lokesh Dhar, Jyoti Deshpande) have been extremely confident about the film and have been aware that they have a winner at hand thanks to the multiple focus group/trial screenings that have been held by them. The unanimous feedback from all these screenings, which had people from different walks of life has been phenomenal. It is after a very long time that, such a good, fun film, family-entertainer, new age caper comedy will be released for the audiences. It will definitely be a breath of fresh air in a time when there is so much dark, gritty content available online.

As per the source, the film has been sold at the highest price compared to the previous Yami Gautam starrers that have been released on OTT. The actress had a phenomenal two years with the back to back releases including A Thursday, Dasvi, Lost, Chor Nikalke Bhaga. Even Pratik Gandhi, who rose to fame and broke out with Hansal Mehta’s Scam 1992 has been really appreciated for his acting performances.

Dhoom Dhaam is Yami Gautam’s first collaboration with her husband Aditya Dhar as a producer. This will also mark Yami Gautam’s return to the comedy space after Bala. 

Meanwhile, Yami Gautam will next star in OMG 2 alongside Akshay Kumar, and Pankaj Tripathi. The film will release on August 11 in theatres. ALSO READ: Yami Gautam reunites with husband Aditya Dhar for a new project after Uri: The Surgical Strike and Dhoom Dhaam: Report

BREAKING: 20 cuts and ‘Adults only’ certificate for OMG Oh My God 2 as suggested by the CBFC’s Revising Committee

Bollywood Hungama has been at the forefront to report about the developments with regards to the censor process of OMG Oh My God 2. On July 13, we were one of the first ones to report that the Examining Committee (EC) of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) referred the Akshay Kumar-starrer to the Revising Committee (RC) due to its content. We also reported how the team of the film is trying its best to get the film and trailer cleared this week or by Monday, July 31 latest so that it can make it in cinemas on August 11.

Bollywood Hungama has now heard that the Revising Committee has suggested several modifications in the films, which the makers are not comfortable with. A source told Bollywood Hungama, “In all, the RC has asked for 20 cuts. These include both visual and audio deletions. On top of it, they have also suggested the makers opt for an adults-only certification.”

The source continued, “However, the makers are not comfortable with these cuts as they believe that it’ll affect the essence of the film. They are also not okay with an ‘A’ certificate. After all, they feel that the topic of sex education should be seen by people of all ages. Also, the first part, OMG Oh My God (2012), is very popular with kids. To have an adult certificate for a film in a kid-friendly franchise just doesn’t feel right, in their opinion.”

The source signed off by stating, “There’s a deadlock between the two parties as of now. It remains to be seen if they are able to reach a consensus and whether that happens sooner so that OMG Oh My God 2 can release comfortably on August 11, as scheduled.”

Besides Akshay Kumar, OMG Oh My God 2 also stars Pankaj Tripathi and Yami Gautam.

Also Read: With 18 days left for release, Akshay Kumar’s Oh My God 2 still awaits censor clearance; marketing campaign likely to be affected

Priya Ahuja calls Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah makers “sadist” after resigning; reveals husband Malav Rajda quit show due to “misbehaviour”

Actress Priya Ahuja, who is widely known for playing Rita Reporter in Sab TV’s Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, made a public announcement about her official resignation from the show. For the unversed, Ahuja, who is also the wife of TMKOC’s former director Malav Rajda, has been absent from the show for the last eight months. 

During an interview with Hindustan Times, Priya commented on her absence from the Sab TV comedy show and asserted, “It’s been eight months and I have not heard from the makers or informed whether or not I am part of the show. I tried to contact producer Asit Modi and operations head Sohil Ramani enquiring about their plan, but they didn’t bother to reply to my messages.”

She further added, “I then dropped them an official resignation, clarifying that I am no longer a part of the show. They didn’t even reply to it. I think they were waiting for me to get tired and take a step like this. And after my resignation, I was sure that the makers will replace me with some other actor within two days. And that’s what has happened. They have brought back the track of Rita and have cast another actor. That’s how they are. They are sadists who like to do such things.”

She continued and said, “I was removed from the show because I am Malav’s wife. But I did not come to this city to be someone’s wife. How can they do that to an artist? Even though my husband was the director of the show, I never crossed the boundary. I always behaved like any other actor on the set. But Asit ji definitely mixed up my personal and professional life. Because Malav left the show, they did all this to me.”

Priya also shed some light on Malav’s exit from the show. She recalled, “Malav had been part of the show since the start. He gave 14 years to it despite being unhappy with certain things. There were several episodes of misbehaviour which left him disappointed, and he was contemplating quitting for a long time. But Asit ji jaane nahi dete the. However, one day he finally decided to put in his papers after his patience reached the saturation point.”

She explained, “He was on a one-month notice period but 15 days later, Asit ji told Malav through Sohil not to come to the set from the next day. He anyway was leaving, but the way Asit ji made it a point to remove him from the show, all of a sudden, was disheartening for Malav and he cried that day. TMKOC was like a child to him.” 

Also Read: Former Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah stars Priya Ahuja and Jennifer Mistry collaborate for music video featuring Paras Chabbra; deets inside

Is there a sequel to RRR on the anvil? Writer Vijayendra Prasad spills the beans

There has been a lot of talk lately on a sequel to A S Rajamouli’s international blockbuster RRR, which has broken nearly every box office record of Indian cinema. So the talk of a sequel seemed more like wishful thinking than reality. However when I asked the RRR writer Vijayendra Prasad to throw light on the ostensible sequel to RRR, he replied, “Sir, it’s both a yes and a no...After the release of RRR I shared an idea of the sequel where the story continues with Sitarama Raju (Ram Charan) and Komaram Bheem (NTR Jr) set in Africa.”

Vijayendra Prasad, who is a regular writer on his son Rajamouli’s projects, says the idea of the sequel appealed to Rajamouli. “My son liked it and asked me to develop it into a full script.”

Vijayendraji says the sequel is likely to happen after Rajamouli completes his film with Mahesh Babu. “Right now he is fully into the movie with Mahesh Babu...and knowing my son’s temperament he will not pay any attention to the sequel-idea till the movie with Mahesh is finished...After that if he likes my script and if both the heroes like the script and if they have the time ....Insha Allah!”

I hope this ends all speculation on the RRR sequel that we all wish would happen.

Also Read: SS Rajamouli and Mahesh Babu film to be bigger than RRR, reveals writer KV Vijayendra Prasad

Varun Dhawan defends Auschwitz, Hitler analogies in Bawaal, takes a dig at Bhagavad Gita scene in Oppenheimer: “Don't understand where that sensitivity or the trigger goes when they watch an English film”

Bawaal starring Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor released on Prime Video on July 21. Helmed by Nitesh Tiwari, the film has opened to mixed reviews. While many applauded the performances of the actors, they were equally criticized for the analogies related to Auschwitz, Hitler and World War II references. The makers were being called insensitive for using a highly sensitive topic as analogies in a romance drama. Varun Dhawan recently defended Bawaal saying that people can’t have different yardstick for films.

Speaking to Pinkvilla, the actor said, “I'm not new to criticism. My films Judwaa, Main Tera Hero, and ABCD2, have been criticized which is totally cool. I respect the criticism. What I don't understand like how Sir (Nitesh Tiwari) said that it's a context and the protagonist is from Lucknow and it's showing that the character which is Ajju Bhaiya is initially a tone-deaf character. This is how it has been shown and it's not showing the character as a hero but as a negative. That's why all the praise is coming for the character that a hero for the first time gets to do a negative character. So the character is supposed to be negative. So the way Nisha (Janhvi's character) will explain him in a way that he should understand.”

He added, “Secondly, I respect everyone's opinions and everyone has a right to have an opinion. Some people got triggered and sensitive about this but I don't understand where that sensitivity or the trigger goes when they watch an English film. They are allowed to do and show everything and you will find that in a correct way.”

Without mentioning the name Oppenheimer which is embroiled in controversy surrounding Bhagavad Gita appearance during a sex scene between Cillian Murphy and Florence Pugh, Varun Dhawan said, “I know people who felt very triggered after watching the small scene from a recently released film but it's a scene that is very important to our culture and our country but that is okay for you. So where does the criticism go then? But with us, you wanna get personal. You cannot have a different yardstick to measure everyone and it should be the same. There is no need for judging films this way.”

Starring Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor, Bawaal is a love story by Sajid Nadiadwala’s production banner Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment in collaboration with Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari and Nitesh Tiwari’s Earthsky Pictures. ALSO READ: Bawaal: Janhvi Kapoor shares unseen photos with Varun Dhawan, pens heartfelt note: “What matters is not what you have but what you are”

Mumbai court drops extortion charge against Javed Akhtar filed by Kangana Ranaut

A Mumbai court on Tuesday dismissed the extortion charge against lyricist Javed Akhtar which was filed by Kangana Ranaut. The case revolves around her public dispute with Hrithik Roshan. According to her plea, she alleged that Akhtar had called her and her sister Rangoli Chandel to his house in March 2016, and demanded an apology from her to Hrithik Roshan.

"Asking a person to give a written apology will not come under the definition of valuable security....because no legal right is created, extended, transferred, restricted, extinguished or released," a Magistrate court said in Mumbai, as reported by India Today.

"However, the accused, with a malafide intention and ulterior motive, called her and her sister Rangoli Chandel at his house in Juhu in the month of March 2016 and criminally intimidated and threatened the complainant (Kangana Ranaut) as well as forced her to tender a written apology to the co-star thereby forcefully seeking to create a document (valuable security) in favour of her co-star," the plea alleged.

It began when Ranaut allegedly made certain defamatory remarks against Akhtar in an interview after actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s demise on July 14, 2020. Following this, Akhtar filed a defamation case against her in 2020. After this, Ranaut filed the present complaint against Akhtar claiming that she was asked to apologise to Hrithik Roshan.

Kangana Ranaut had sought the complaint under Sections 383, 384, 387, 503, 506, 509, 44, 30 of the IPC. However, it was issued under sections 506 and 509. ALSO READ: Court directs Javed Akhtar to appear on August 5 in response to Kangana Ranaut’s complaint: Report

Dream Girl 2: Ayushmann Khurrana's Pooja look is finally REVEALED!

Get ready to be swept off your feet, because the wait is finally over! Brace yourselves for an electrifying experience as Balaji Motion Pictures, led by Ektaa R. Kapoor, is all set to unleash the much-anticipated blockbuster sequel - Dream Girl 2!

Hold onto your seats as Ayushmann Khurrana, takes the stage alongside Ananya Panday. But wait, there's more! The excitement meter is off the charts as Ayushmann astounds us with not one, but TWO mesmerizing personalities - the suave Karam and the vivacious Pooja!

Prepare to have your jaws drop as the mind-blowing poster is revealed! Ayushmann's transformation into Pooja is nothing short of magic. His seamless transition between these contrasting characters has left his fans in awe.

Dream Girl's success at the box office and its wholesome entertainment delighted audiences. Ayushmann's portrayal of a girl's voice was a key highlight, impressing all. Now, in the sequel, Ayushmann's transformation as 'Pooja' promises to take the entertainment to even greater heights, captivating everyone with his appearance and mannerisms.

Directed by Raaj Shaandilyaa the film promises to be a laugh riot. With Ektaa R. Kapoor and Shobha Kapoor at the helm of this project, you can rest assured that Dream Girl 2 is going to be an absolute riot! The comedy-drama is slated to release on August 25.

Also Read: Ektaa R Kapoor engages in a fun banter with Karan Johar as they cross promote Dream Girl 2 with Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani

Singham and Vaastav actor Jayant Savarkar passes away at 87

Veteran actor Jayant Savarkar passed away on Monday morning at a hospital in Thane due to age-related issues. He was 87.

Savarkar had a long and illustrious career in Marathi and Hindi cinema, theatre, and television. He began his career in Marathi theatre as a backstage artist and eventually got an opportunity to act in acclaimed playwright Vijay Tendulkar's stage production Manus Navache Bet.

Savarkar's film career spanned six decades and included notable films such as Hari Om Vithala, Gadbad Gondhal, 66 Sadashiv, and Bakaal in Marathi, and Yugpurush, Vaastav, and Singham in Hindi. He was also known for his work in television, having appeared in several popular serials such as Astitva, Dekh Bhai Dekh, and Zabaan Sambhal Ke.

Savarkar is survived by his wife, two daughters, and a son. His last rites will be held on Tuesday morning. In a conversation with PTI, Savarkar's son Kaustubh said, “He was admitted to a hospital due to low blood pressure about 10-15 days ago in Thane. Suddenly, his health deteriorated last night. He was put on a ventilator, and he passed away around 11 am due to age-related issues.” 

Also Read: Rohit Shetty casts 15 Marathi actors in Singham

Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani: Alia Bhatt reacts as CBFC asks to remove abusive words, references to Mamata Banerjee and Khela Hobe: “The final cut is seamlessly flowing regardless of these minor cuts”

Bollywood actors Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt have been busy promoting their upcoming movie Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. Billed as a new era of love, the film is helmed by Karan Johar. The fourth song 'Dhindhora Baje Re' was launched in Kolkata as the song features sindoor khela during Durga Puja. The two were accompanied by Tota Roy Chowdhury and Churni Ganguly. However, CBFC had asked for several cuts in the movie. From scenes containing abusive words to references to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, including the dialogue ‘Khela Hobe’ (Game on) which was the slogan for TMC during the 2021 Assembly elections, were asked to be removed. While interacting with the media, Alia addressed the CBFC cuts.

When asked about the cuts in the movie, Alia Bhatt said that they followed the protocol but also said that even after those cuts, the final film flows seamlessly. She said, “There have been some minor cuts that have been asked by the board and we respect that completely and that has been coordinated but whatever cut (of ‘Khela hobe’) you’re talking about is not the case. I think we should let everybody watch the film and not talk about what’s been cut. The final cut (of the film) is seamlessly flowing regardless of these minor cuts.”

For unversed, Bollywood Hungama had reported that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) passed the romantic family drama after enforcing certain cuts. The report read, “To begin with, the abusive word ‘b******d’, used multiple times in the film, was replaced by ‘behan di’. The popular rum brand Old Monk was mentioned in the film and it was changed to ‘Bold Monk’. ‘Lok Sabha’ was also mentioned in a dialogue and the CBFC asked the makers to remove it and not even replace it with any other term.”

Adding to that, it read, “A certain word was replaced with ‘Koi filter’ in the Rabindranath Tagore scene. In the absence of exact detail, its not clear whether or not the mention of the legendary figure has been retained. Then, an entire dialogue about West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamta Banerjee, was asked to be deleted. Lastly, a certain dialogue in the lingerie shop scene, which was termed as ‘degrading women’ and ‘vulgar’, was removed. In the same scene, ‘bra’ was replaced with ‘item’. After these changes were made, the CBFC handed over the certificate to the makers on Wednesday, July 19. The length of Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, as mentioned on the censor certificate, is 168 minutes. In other words, the film is 2 hours and 48 minutes long.”

Viacom18 Studios and Dharma Productions present A Dharma Productions film, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, produced by Hiroo Yash Johar, Karan Johar, and Apoorva Mehta is all set to hit the big screen on 28th July, 2023. ALSO READ: Alia Bhatt says Ranveer Singh would put his puffer jacket on her in freezing weather in Kashmir during ‘Tum Kya Mile’ shoot for Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani

The first song of Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Jawan that will be out is titled ‘Zinda Banda’; expected to be launched in the first week of August

The much-awaited film Jawan has generated tremendous hype among the moviegoers, industry and trade. It stars Shah Rukh Khan in the lead and after the blockbuster success of his last film Pathaan (2023), the hype for the action entertainer had gone up by many notches. But the excitement went through the roof after the teaser was unveiled last week. And now, fans are excited to see the trailer as well as the songs of the film before it releases on September 7.

Bollywood Hungama has stumbled upon an interesting update. A source told us, “Before the trailer, the makers of Jawan will launch a song. It’s titled ‘Zinda Banda’ and it’s a catchy track. It features Shah Rukh Khan and is shot on a grand scale. The makers are confident that the grandeur of the track will leave viewers astonished. At the same time, they believe that the audio of ‘Zinda Banda’ will also catch on as it is well-tuned by reputed composer Anirudh Ravichander.” Interestingly, Jawan also marks Anirudh’s first Hindi film album.

When asked when the song will be out, the source replied, “The makers haven’t locked a date yet, but it is expected to be launched in the first week of August. The trailer has also been cut but that will be unveiled close to the release.”

Besides Shah Rukh Khan, Jawan also stars Nayanthara, Vijay Sethupathi, Priyamani, Sanya Malhotra, Sunil Grover and others. Deepika Padukone features in a special appearance. Reportedly, Sanjay Dutt and Thalapathy Vijay, too, will be seen in the film in cameos. Jawan is directed by Atlee and will also release in Tamil and Telugu.

Interestingly, Shah Rukh Khan will have one more release this year after Jawan, that is, Dunki. In other words, SRK will have as many as three releases in 2023. Dunki is directed by blockbuster filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani and also features Taapsee Pannu, Vicky Kaushal and Boman Irani.

Also Read: Jawan: Vijay Sethupathi is the ‘Dealer of Death’; Shah Rukh Khan says, “There’s no stopping him”

Punjab '95: Jaswant Singh Khalra biopic starring Diljit Dosanjh to premiere at Toronto International Film Festival 2023

Ronnie Screwvala's RSVP is set to captivate audiences with their latest venture, Punjab' 95, a biopic based on the life of eminent human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra. Starring the immensely talented Diljit Dosanjh, Punjab '95 is the only film this year to get a gala premiere from India, at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

In an era where real stories have struck a chord with audiences, Punjab '95 promises to be another thought-provoking masterpiece from the house of RSVP. With Diljit Dosanjh, Arjun Rampal, and Surinder Vicky leading the cast, the film is expected to be a gripping portrayal of Jaswant Singh Khalra's life and his remarkable journey as a human rights activist.

World Premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival! Presenting the first look of Punjab ‘95, a compelling story based on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra Ji ????????@honeytrehan @rampalarjun @Suvinder_Vicky #GeetikaVidyaOhlyan @kukuhere @ronniescrewvala… pic.twitter.com/PmTC1Fxxhz

— DILJIT DOSANJH (@diljitdosanjh) July 24, 2023

The anticipation surrounding the film's world premiere at TIFF 2023 is palpable, as audiences eagerly await the opportunity to witness this compelling tale on the big screen. The Toronto International Film Festival is renowned for showcasing outstanding works of cinema, and Punjab 95 is set to make its mark among global cinephiles. The film is stuck at CBFC and is currently under the proceedings at Bombay High Court.

In the thick of a troubled and hostile decade in Amritsar, in the early 1990s in Punjab, our protagonist Jaswant Singh Khalra, a bank employee and human rights activist lives with his wife - a librarian, and their two little kids. Inclined to stay detached from the hostility that surrounds them, he wanted nothing more than a regular, middle-class existence when his hopes of living such a life are thrown into turmoil when he learns of the disappearance of his late friend’s mother, Bibi Gurpej. And so begins his journey to find his old aunt, and he soon realises that the deeper he digs in his search, the murkier and more dangerous the situation becomes, for him as well as his family.

Helmed by Honey Trehan, Punjab '95 is produced by Ronnie Screwvala in association with MacGuffin Pictures. ALSO READ: Arjun Rampal and Diljit Dosanjh’s film Ghallughara secures A certification despite 21 cuts from CBFC

With 18 days left for release, Akshay Kumar's Oh My God 2 still awaits censor clearance; marketing campaign likely to be affected

Akshay Kumar, Pankaj Tripathi, and Yami Gautam's upcoming social comedy, OMG 2 (Oh My God 2) is among the most awaited films of 2023. The film was recently in the news for not getting clearance from the censor board in India due to its bold subject of sex education. There was hope for the revising committee to clear the film, but it seems that producers are still in the wait-and-watch mode.

According to sources close to the development, the Oh My God 2 team is still awaiting a go-ahead from CBFC. "The OMG 2 team has a trailer cut ready, which they are willing to launch on July 27 and attach to the prints of Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. However, neither the trailer nor the film has been cleared by the CBFC. The censor board believes that the content of OMG 2 is slightly controversial in today's time and age," revealed a source close to the board to Bollywood Hungama.

The OMG 2 team is hoping to get a go-ahead from the censor board in the next 2 days so that they can go ahead with their marketing plan by unveiling the trailer. "It's less than 20 days to go for release and the team is literally on fire to spread awareness around the film. The latest that they can wait is till coming Monday; after that, there will be very little time to release. A 10-Day campaign is needed for OMG 2 from trailer to release and the team is hoping all of it to be settled. Right, there is ample panic amongst the team, and Akshay Kumar too is pulling all his contacts to get OMG 2 cleared for a theatrical release," a source further told us.

The idea is to launch the trailer on July 27, two weeks prior to its theatrical release but if that date is missed, the second launch option is on July 31. It would be interesting to see how the censor board functions in the coming 3 days to clear OMG 2 for its theatrical launch.

Also Read: Oh My God 2 actor Pankaj Tripathi REACTS to Censor Board putting Akshay Kumar starrer on hold: “The truth will be out”

Jaya Bachchan urges government to address Manipur violence; says, “It is a shame that they don't want to have a discussion”

Actress-turned-politician Jaya Bachchan has raised her voice against the government's silence regarding the disturbing Manipur incident. In a scathing criticism, she expressed her dismay that while the world was discussing the violence in the northeastern state, India's leaders were not addressing it in Parliament.

The incident in question involved a horrifying viral video showing two women being paraded naked by men in Manipur amid the ongoing violence. Jaya Bachchan reacted strongly to the distressing footage, admitting that she was unable to watch the entire clip and felt deep shame. Despite the gravity of the situation, she pointed out that no words of sympathy were uttered by the authorities.

While speaking to the media, the Samajwadi Party MP asserted, “Manipur ke vishay mein internationally sab log charcha kar rahe hain, hamare desh mein nahi ho rahi hai. Iss se zyada main kya keh sakti hoon? It is a shame, charcha woh karna nahi chahte hain.”

#WATCH | "What more can I say that Manipur is being discussed internationally but not in our country... It is a matter of shame," says Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan in Parliament. pic.twitter.com/aFVoD11sJY — ANI (@ANI) July 24, 2023

The veteran actress further added, “Aur house ke andar aap jo states ki baat kar rahe hain, woh apke strong opponents hain. Aap unki baat kar rahe hai. Aapke rajya mein kya ho raha hai, aap ke states mein kya ho raha hai? Kya ho raha hai UP mein, Madhya Pradesh mein, aap batayiye. Baki jo kuch bhi unka bacha hai, aage toh bachega bhi nahi.”

Earlier, several other Bollywood celebrities, including Akshay Kumar, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Kiara Advani, Sanjay Dutt, Sonu Sood, Richa Chadha, Uorfi Javed, Riteish Deshmukh, and Urmila Matondkar, have also reacted to the shocking incident, expressing their concern and standing in solidarity with the victims.

Also Read: Akshay Kumar, Kiara Advani, Richa Chadha, and other celebs react to Manipur video of Koki women being paraded around naked going viral

Aahana Kumra slams BMC for neglected Mumbai roads and taxpayer money misuse; says, “Do better than putting your posters”

Actress Aahana Kumra recently took to Twitter to vent her frustration over the deplorable condition of Mumbai's roads and questioned the utilisation of taxpayers' money by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Her fiery tweets not only garnered widespread attention but also triggered a heated debate among netizens about the city's crumbling infrastructure.

In a series of scathing tweets, the Lipstick Under My Burkha actress directed her ire towards the BMC and expressed her concerns about the ongoing plight of Mumbai's roads. The actress minced no words as she wrote, "Bombay roads don't deserve our taxes! That's our hard-earned money going into putting up posters of corrupt politicians! We pay for their expensive cars, expensive houses, Z plus security! Where is my tax money going!?" In a clear message to the authorities, she tagged @mybmc and Bharati Lavekar, the MLA of Mumbai, Maharashtra.

The Khuda Haafiz actress's frustration with the situation was palpable as she urged the authorities to take immediate action and improve the city's infrastructure. "Enough is really enough! We need better infrastructure!! It's the same story year after year! We get damber roads instead of concrete! We can't walk! We can't drive! We are crippled because you guys are so bloody corrupt! Do better @mybmc! Do better than putting your posters!" she voiced in another tweet.

Enough is really enough! We need better insfrastructure!! It’s the same story year after year! We get daambar roads instead of concrete! We can’t walk! We can’t drive! We are crippled because you guys are so bloody corrupt! Do better @mybmc ! Do better than putting your posters! — Aahana Kumra ❤︎❤︎ (@AahanaKumra) July 22, 2023

The 38-year-old actress didn't shy away from drawing attention to the recurring issues faced by the citizens due to the deteriorating condition of Mumbai's roads. In a third tweet, she lamented, "This is 2023, and this is the plight of our roads every year! They put dambar and expect us to drive our cars, walk on these roads! I am not paying taxes for these sh*t roads! That's it! @mybmc @MMRDAOfficial @BJP4Maharashtra @LavekarBharati! Give us our basic infrastructure!"

This is 2023 and this is the plight of our roads every year! They put daambar and expect us to drive our cars. Walk on these roads! I am not paying taxes for these shit roads! That’s it! @mybmc @MMRDAOfficial @BJP4Maharashtra @LavekarBharati ! Give us our basic infrastructure! pic.twitter.com/U9bHxQS1Ad — Aahana Kumra ❤︎❤︎???? (@AahanaKumra) July 23, 2023

Kumra's critique of the BMC's handling of the city's infrastructure problems struck a chord with citizens who are also demanding better living conditions. As the issue gained momentum on social media, numerous individuals voiced their grievances, sharing personal experiences of the challenges they face daily due to poor road conditions.

Also Read: Aahana Kumra opens up on campism in Bollywood; says, “Our industry is too superficial”

Bigg Boss OTT 2: Falaq Naaz gets evicted during recent Weekend Ka Vaar

The Weekend Ka Vaar yet again brought in a lot of drama in the ongoing web reality show Bigg Boss OTT 2. With Salman Khan as the host, audiences were eager to see a new name getting evicted this week but were in for a disappointment when the housemates kicked out Falaq Naaz. Interestingly, she got kicked because of lack of votes from housemates and not because of lack of votes from the public.

Amid brewing relationship between Naaz and co-contestant Avinash Sachdev and Falaq also creating some bonds, fights within the house, the actress was expected to have a longer stint on the show. During the Weekend Ka Vaar episode, Falaq Naaz was among the lowest three contestants along with Avinash Sachdev and Jad Hadid. Later, host Salman Khan asked the housemates’ opinion regarding the least interested or disinterested person on the show among the three nominated contestants. Maximum votes were directed towards Falaq Naaz with Abhishek Malhan, Manisha Rani, Pooja Bhatt, wildcard entry Elvish Yadav voting for the actress. Hence, within 30 minutes of the episode, Naaz was asked to quit after a majority of the contestants believed that Naaz had lost interest or rather ‘seemed disinterested’ in the show.

After the eviction, Salman Khan was seen interacting with contestants wherein he advised Jad Hadid to reciprocate the love he has been receiving from Indian audiences and play the game well, considering that he has been gaining popularity among them. Khan also quizzed Manisha Rani and wildcard entry Aashika Bhatia regarding their ongoing game on the show and passed on a few words of wisdom.

Besides this, the show also saw influencer Abhishek Malhan and Elvish Yadav taking to stage as they were roasting each of the contestants on the show. Talking about the reality show, Bigg Boss OTT 2 streams all-day on JioCinema app.

Also Read: Cyrus Broacha compares Bigg Boss OTT 2 house with “concentration camp” in first podcast after exit; shares his “painful, horrible” experience

Manish Malhotra confirms he is making Meena Kumari biopic, says Rekha inspired him: “We are still working on the script”

Fashion designer Manish Malhotra is turning to direction. Ready to launch his production house Stage 5 with three movies, one of the projects will be a biopic on veteran legend, late Meena Kumari. The ace designer recently confirmed that he is indeed working on the biopic and that the scripting is currently underway.

In an interview with Film Companion, Manish Malhotra said, “I don’t know how it got out but it is happening. We are still working on the script. The script is key, always. I have been reading her books. The film is based on her books. I have always been fascinated by Meena Kumari.”

He revealed that Rekha inspired him to go ahead with the Meena Kumari project. He added, “Rekha told me once that you know when you turn 40, you will understand the genius of Meena Kumari. And that is true. But I was young and I was busy working but when I turned 40 I not only understood the genius of Meena Kumari but even Nargis ji and Dilip Kumar and Guru Dutt. I started watching that cinema and understanding it so much better. I think Meena Kumari is phenomenal with her expressions, the way she uses her eyes and her adah.”

Meena Kumari passed away at the age of 38 from liver cirrhosis. She had worked in 98 films and is considered one of the legendary stars of Indian cinema. While the project is underway, Meena Kumar’s husband Kamal Amrohi’s son Tajdar Amrohi has raised concerns over the biopic. Speaking to Bollywood Bubble, he recently said, “My lawyer asked me has the film even started. I told him no, I have just heard about it. Even big production houses like to be in news. So, he told me that in case they decide to shelve the project in future, it would come across as I am publicity hungry. I am making enemies in vain. I don’t want to do that. People would think I am publicity hungry, but I am not that way.”

He added, “Is this the only couple in Bollywood left to make a film on? With all due respect to Nargis ji, Vyjanthimala ji, Reena Rai, Madhubala, Parveen Babi, Geeta Bali, there are many names. Why aren’t they making films on them? Why are they only behind my parents?”

Reportedly, Kriti Sanon has been signed for Meena Kumari biopic. Speaking of her, he said, “All I know is that she is a very good and beautiful actress. Whenever I meet her, I will tell her I am sorry if whatever I said hurt her. All that I said was for the person who is going to do the film, be it you or someone else. I’ll tell her you are a very popular and good actress and you might think of me as an enemy, but I am not one. Please treat me as your friend and advisor.” ALSO READ: Ranveer Singh shares BTS moments from Manish Malhotra’s show; watch

Brands excited about Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani; to buy nearly 50,000 tickets for Ranveer Singh & Alia Bhatt film

After the success of Gully Boy, Ranveer Singh, and Alia Bhatt are reuniting on the Karan Johar-directed Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. But obviously, the film is keenly awaited by everyone - from the audiences to the industry - as everyone is hoping for Karan Johar to set the cash registers ringing at the box office in India. The excitement of the film release has extended itself to the brands as well, as several top brands across India have come together to support Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani.

"Rare are the films which can be watched by an entire family and Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani is one of those. Hence, brands are planning to reward their consumers with free tickets over the weekend. Two of Ranveer Singh's biggest brands, Kajaria and Pepsi, will be partnering with PVR, Inox, and Cinepolis to treat their consumers with Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani," revealed a trade source to Bollywood Hungama, adding further that a leading biotechnology company will also be partnering with Karan Johar, PVR, Inox and Cinepolis for Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani.  "The biotech firm owner has close ties with Karan Johar, and this is a mark to showcase the friendship."

"Apart from brands and biotech companies, Dharma Productions, and Ranveer will be teaming up with some colleges across the country to experience Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani on the first day. The idea is to have youth on board and lead to a faster spread of word of mouth. The team is very confident in the content and wants word of mouth to reach the target audience as soon as possible. This is Karan's masterstroke to sample the film to a wider segment of the audience and build things up for a big Sunday," the source informed, adding further that the idea to sample the film for college kids came from the reactions that Ranveer got from the youth. "Some colleges reached out to Karan's team for promotions at their campus. Karan and Ranveer are obliging to demand for a visit by stars by treating some of the college kids with the film."

While the exact count is not known yet, the excited brands are confident to have over 50,000 people watch Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani via them, since there is a lot of anticipation around the film in the audiences. With 4 days to go, the excitement is clearly around the corner for the release of Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani with tremendous demand for tickets across the sectors. The advance bookings open tomorrow all across the nation.

Zeenat Aman to return to silver screen with Bun Tikki, set to join Shabana Azmi and Abhay Deol

Veteran actor Zeenat Aman, who has been garnering a lot of attention due to her Instagram, will return to the silver screen with Faraz Arif Ansari’s next, Bun Tikki. Last seen in Panipat, she will join actors Shabana Azmi and Abhay Deol in the upcoming movie. The plan is to take the movie on floors by November of this year in Himachal Pradesh. The director plans to talk about parenting and gender identity throughout the movie. Abhay Deol will play the role of a father.

According to a report in Mid-Day, a source from the creative team revealed, “Though Bun Tikki revolves around Abhay and his on-screen son, Shabana and Zeenat form the film’s backbone. Casting for the child is underway. When Faraz approached Zeenat, she loved the script. She always knew that if she made a comeback, it would be with a story that aligned with her ideas and beliefs. Bun Tikki was just that. She told Faraz she had to be a part of this film as it explores many causes she feels strongly about.”

The source further revealed, “Children have to deal with many issues today, which also play a role in creating their identity as an adult. Often, the onus is on children to behave better and achieve certain goals, but the film places equal responsibility on parents. It celebrates the power of love, kindness and friendship.”

Manish Malhotra is set to produce the film under the banner Stage 5. The designer wants to focus on lesser-told stories through his production house. ALSO READ: Zeenat Aman impresses fans with rap debut in new ad; watch

Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani has a runtime of 168 minutes, gets U/A certificate from CBFC

Karan Johar is all set to return as a director after almost seven years with Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. His last directorial venture Ae Dil Hai Mushkil had released in 2016. His latest film stars Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt in lead roles and the two have been religiously promoting the film in different parts of India these days in various events. As the film readies itself for release, more details about the movie have emerged.

Veteran trade analyst Taran Adarsh has revealed on Twitter that the runtime for Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani is 168 minutes and 33 seconds, which comes down to 2 hours, 48 minutes and 33 seconds. He also mentioned that the movie has been granted U/A certificate by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

Bollywood Hungama was the first one to recently disclose the censor details of the movie. The CBFC asked the makers to remove the abuse ‘b******d,’ which is used several times in the film, with ‘behen di’. The rum brand ‘Old Monk’ is changed to ‘Bold Monk.’ The makers were also asked to remove an entire dialogue about the West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, among few other cuts.

Apart from Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani also stars Dharmendra, Jaya Bachchan and Shabana Azmi. The film is all set to release in theatres on July 28.

Also Read: Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani: CBFC replaces ‘b******d’ with ‘behan di’, ‘bra’ with ‘item’ and Old Monk with ‘Bold Monk’; removes Lok Sabha and Mamata Banerjee’s references

Kajol opens up on the success of The Trial: Pyaar, Kaanoon, Dhokha; says, “Being able to represent the strength of a woman and being appreciated for that portrayal is empowering for me”

Kajol’s web series debut The Trial: Pyaar, Kaanoon, Dhokha is garnering a positive response from the audience. Streaming on Disney + Hotstar, the show trails the journey of Noyonika played by the stunning Kajol, as she embarks on a journey that truly makes her stand the test of time after her husband’s betrayal.

Kajol’s portrayal of a vulnerable woman who takes the rein of her life in her own hand has been unanimously appreciated by audiences. The show’s esteemed star cast Sheeba Chaddha, Jisshu Sengupta, Alyy Khan, Kubbra Sait and Gaurav Pandey have raised the bar with their impactful performances in this gripping journey of Noyonika’s life.

Directed by Suparn S Varma, the show has reached a remarkable number of views and has been receiving good word of mouth.

Elated with the response Kajol has garnered for the series, she shared, “Noyonika’s character is very close to my heart. She is a strong and practical woman who is always ready to tackle every situation in her life. Hearing the kind of response, The Trial: Pyaar, Kaanoon, Dhokha has received is absolutely humbling. Being able to represent the strength of a woman and being appreciated for that portrayal is empowering for me as a woman and as an actor.”

Talking about the love and appreciation, The Trial has been receiving, Suparn S Varma shared, “It was an emotional moment bringing love, The Trial: Pyaar, Kaanoon, Dhokha to all of you. The kind words and love that all of you have showered - whether it is the intricacies of the background score and dialogues or our strong and fabulous cast that stole the show, the past few days have been one of my best days so far. Even the industry and my peers, that have shared their love for our show and the response has been overwhelming. I can't wait for all of you to witness what happens next! The love and positivity that all my friends, family and fans have given me for The Trial: Pyaar, Kaanoon, Dhokha truly adds a feather to my cap, after The Family Man, Rana Naidu, Sirf Ek Banda Kaafi Hai and now The Trial: Pyaar, Kaanoon, Dhokha. It just empowers me to create pathbreaking content and bring new stories to entertain all of you!”.

Appreciation like this is encouraging for producer, Deepak Dhar, CEO of Banijay Asia. He shared, “Our only aim is to bring entertainment to audiences through every project we make. The Trial: Pyaar, Kaanoon, Dhokha is a special one for us and it’s encouraging for us to see that audiences have loved what we have presented to them. The response to this show is a testament to all the hard work put in by all the teams. And we aim to create more such meaningful and entertaining content for the audiences in the future.”.

Produced by Banijay Asia and Ajay Devgn Ffilms with director and showrunner Suparn S Varma, The Trial - Pyaar, Kaanoon, Dhokha is now streaming exclusively on Disney+ Hotstar.

Also Read: Director Suparn Verma opens up on Kajol starrer The Trial: Pyaar, Kaanoon, Dhokha; says, “I can’t wait for all of you to witness what happens next!”