Veteran actor Bharat Kapoor dies at 80 in Mumbai; family performs last rites

Bharat Kapoor, known for his extensive work in Hindi cinema across several decades, passed away in Mumbai on Monday at the age of 80. The veteran actor reportedly breathed his last at Sion Hospital in the afternoon after facing health complications in recent days.

Reportedly, Bharat Kapoor had been unwell for the last few days and was undergoing treatment. His condition worsened due to multiple organ-related complications. His last rites were held later in the evening in the presence of family members, friends, and members of the film fraternity.

Actor Avtar Gill confirmed the news and shared details about Kapoor’s final hours. Speaking about the loss, he told India Today, “I just came from the cremation, it was done at 6:30 pm. He died at 3pm today in Sion Hospital, Mumbai. He was not feeling well from last three days. From last three days his multiple organs started failing.”

Bharat Kapoor was a recognizable presence in Hindi films, particularly through the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. While he may not always have played central roles, he built a respected career with memorable supporting performances. He was often cast in authoritative characters such as police officers, lawyers, businessmen, and antagonists, bringing a distinct screen presence to each role.

Over the years, he appeared in several notable films that remain popular with audiences. His filmography includes Noorie, Ram Balram, Love Story, Bazaar, Ghulami, Aakhree Raasta, Satyamev Jayate, Swarg, Khuda Gawah and Rang.

Also Read: Asha Bhosle dies at 92; last rites to be held tomorrow

MEGA EXCLUSIVE: Firoz A. Nadiadwallah registers FIR over Hera Pheri franchise rights dispute

In February 2026, G P Vijayakumar, the Managing Director of Seven Arts International, moved the Madras High Court over noted film producer Firoz A. Nadiadwallah's decision to make Hera Pheri 3. Vijayakumar claimed that the filmmaker doesn’t own the rights to the franchise and that he is the rightful owner. He also questioned whether the sequel can actually be made without his permission. The matter has taken a dramatic turn today. Bollywood Hungama has exclusively learned from a source that a cheating and copyright infringement FIR has been registered at Amboli Police Station, Mumbai, on April 27, 2026, following a complaint by Firoz A. Nadiadwallah.

Our source says that the FIR invokes offences under sections 318(4), 356 and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. The police have named Gopala Pillai Vijayakumar and M Paul Michael, also known as Lal, as accused in the matter.

Our source further stated adds that Firoz A. Nadiadwallah mentioned in his complaint that his claims are backed by a strong documentary trail, including assignment agreements, financial records, and documents relating to the copyright and other rights of the Hera Pheri franchise. Our source also revealed that documents in Mr Firoz A. Nadiadwallah’s possession establish his position as the rightful exclusive owner, in perpetuity, of the entire copyright and all related rights of the Hera Pheri franchise.

As per legal insiders, with the registration of the FIR, the investigation is expected to examine the chain of title, contractual obligations, prior settlements, and financial dealings to determine the extent of the alleged wrongdoing.

About Hera Pheri series The first part was released in 2000 and became a cult classic thanks to its subject, fresh treatment, hilarious scenes and performances. The sequel, Phir Hera Pheri (2006), was a bigger hit and is a legendary film in the world of memes. While Hera Pheri was directed by Priyadarshan, the late Neeraj Vora helmed Phir Hera Pheri. Neeraj Vora also worked in the first part, as a writer.

Also Read: Priyadarshan REACTS to Paresh Rawal’s “Gale Ka Phanda” comment on Baburao: “He jumped at the role then”

SCOOP: Atlee to use body double of Deepika Padukone for key action sequences of Allu Arjun's Raka

Deepika Padukone recently took to social media to announce that she is expecting her second child with husband Ranveer Singh, sparking a wave of joy and excitement across the industry. However, the development also led to murmurs in trade circles, as Deepika reportedly still has around 50 days of shoot left for Atlee’s much-awaited Raka, headlined by Allu Arjun. Many assumed that the filmmaker would be concerned by the unexpected turn of events, given the scale and schedule of the project.

But we have exclusively learnt that Atlee has been more than just supportive towards Deepika Padukone. "Atlee was overjoyed when he heard the news of Deepika's pregnancy. Instead of panicking on his shoot schedule, he sat down with his team and came up with a plan B. Most of the key action sequences featuring Deepika Padukone will now be done using her body double. The actress has already given some close up sequences and the same will be merged using VFX for the final print," a source close to the production shared with Bollywood Hungama.

The film features an action packed role for Deepika, and the makers don't want to risk by pushing her to perform all those stunts. "Deepika has a stellar entry, as also a big action moment with Allu Arjun. All of those will now be done by a double, whereas Deepika will continue to shoot the dramatic moments. Her role stays intact, with no deletion what so ever. She is a key protagonist of Raka, and nothing changes due to pregnancy."

The team of King too has fast tracked the shoots with Deepika Padukone to ensure that all the action and song moments are done in the early stages, without wanting her to push too much. All in all, the actress is on a roll, unstoppable and slaying like a boss.

Also Read: “She’s my lucky charm”: Atlee on Deepika Padukone, says she will be seen in a “very different” avatar in AA22XA6

Richa Chadha to head crime thriller series, set to play detective

After leaving a lasting impression with her powerful portrayal of Lajjo, the courtesan in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s grand period drama series Heeramandi, Richa Chadha is all set to surprise audiences once again with a completely different avatar.

According to reliable industry sources, Richa will soon be seen heading a gripping crime thriller series for a leading OTT platform. In a sharp departure from her recent period role, the actress is reportedly stepping into the shoes of a detective for the upcoming project.

While details about the series are being kept tightly under wraps, it has been learnt that Richa has already begun shooting. The show is expected to explore a layered narrative set against the backdrop of crime and investigation, with Richa’s character said to be central to the unfolding mystery.

A source close to the development shared, “After Heeramandi and post pregnancy, Richa was keen to explore something radically different. The role of a detective allows her to tap into a sharp, restrained, and cerebral space. It’s a character that demands both emotional intelligence and quiet intensity qualities she naturally brings to the screen. She has already started filming, and the look and tonality are very distinct from anything she has done before.”

Known for choosing unconventional and performance-driven roles, Richa Chadha’s foray into the crime thriller space as a detective is expected to further showcase her versatility.

Also Read: Richa Chadha slams indie casting trends; says quality stories need credible actors, not expensive star faces

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Karnataka HC accepts Ranveer Singh’s unconditional apology in Kantara mimicry case

The Karnataka High Court has accepted Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh’s unconditional apology in the controversy linked to his alleged mimicry of a character from Kantara: Chapter 1 during a public event last year. The court orally indicated that it is likely to dispose of the matter after taking note of the revised affidavit filed by the actor.

The case was heard before Justice M. Nagaprasanna, where senior advocate Sajan Poovayya, appearing for Ranveer Singh, informed the court that a fresh affidavit had been submitted without any conditions attached. According to the counsel, the actor had also undertaken to visit the concerned temple as a mark of respect.

The controversy began after an FIR was registered against Singh over remarks made during the 56th International Film Festival of India held in Goa. During the event, the actor was accused of mimicking a character associated with Kantara: Chapter 1 and allegedly referring to the Chamundeshwari temple deity in an objectionable manner. The complaint claimed that the remarks hurt religious sentiments and offended a deeply held belief system.

During the hearing, complainant Prashant Methel reportedly told the court that the issue was not just a legal dispute but one involving faith and community sentiment. Responding to this, the court observed that this was one reason it had not stayed the FIR earlier.

The bench also indicated that while closing the case, it may record Singh’s commitment to visit the temple within the next four weeks. The complainant further argued that public figures should treat such matters seriously and that celebrities should not take faith-related sensitivities lightly.

The court noted that it would issue an order while recording the contents of the affidavit. It also remarked that a cautionary observation may be made in the matter.

Earlier this month, Ranveer Singh had informed the court that he was willing to coordinate with the complainant regarding the language of his apology after concerns were raised that his previous affidavit did not reflect genuine remorse. The actor had approached the High Court seeking quashing of the FIR filed under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita related to promoting disharmony and hurting religious feelings.

With the court now taking note of the unconditional apology, the matter appears to be heading toward closure.

Also Read: Ranveer Singh teams up with adidas Originals to launch India-inspired Superstar sneaker

Riteish Deshmukh SLAMS Bageshwar Baba over Shivaji Maharaj comment: “Unacceptable and infuriating”

Actor Riteish Deshmukh has strongly reacted to controversial remarks made by spiritual leader Bageshwar Baba about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The statement triggered backlash online, with many expressing anger over the portrayal of the revered Maratha warrior king. Riteish, who is set to portray Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in his upcoming historical film Raja Shivaji, also joined the criticism and shared a powerful response on social media.

The controversy began after Bageshwar Baba claimed in a speech that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had grown tired of fighting wars and once placed his crown before Ramdas Swami, asking him to take charge of the kingdom while he rested. The remarks were widely criticised by many who felt they misrepresented history and undermined Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy.

Responding to the issue, Riteish took to X, formerly Twitter, and posted a message in Marathi. Expressing his views as a devotee and admirer of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the actor strongly objected to what he described as distorted statements.

Translated into English, Riteish wrote that when someone spreads false and twisted claims about a beloved figure like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, it is unacceptable and deeply angering for every Shiv-bhakt and Shiv-premi. He added that attempts to diminish such a towering legacy would never succeed.

He further stated that just as the Sahyadri mountain ranges have stood strong for millions of years, the name of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj would continue to inspire generations for crores of years to come. He described the Maratha ruler as the pride of the Kshatriya lineage, the Lord of the Throne, and the Emperor of Emperors.

कोणीतरी येतो आणि आपल्या आराध्य दैवताबद्दल काहीतरी विकृत बरळतो, एक शिवप्रेमी-शिवभक्त म्हणून हे अमान्य आणि संतापजनक आहे. असले चौकटीत अडकवण्याचे फोल प्रयत्न काळाच्या उदरात गडप होतील. पण सह्याद्रीच्या पर्वतरांगा जशा लाखो वर्ष आधी होत्या तसंच ‘ते’ एकच नाव करोडो वर्ष भविष्यातही राहील.… — Riteish Deshmukh (@Riteishd) April 26, 2026

Meanwhile, the actor is preparing for the release of Raja Shivaji, one of the most anticipated historical dramas of the year. In the film, Riteish essays the role of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The project is backed by Jyoti Deshpande and Genelia Deshmukh under the Mumbai Film Company banner and presented by Jio Studios.

Scheduled to release in theatres on May 1, Raja Shivaji will focus on the early life of the legendary ruler, tracing his dream of Swarajya and his resistance against powerful empires. The film also features an ensemble cast including Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Vidya Balan, Bhagyashree, Mahesh Manjrekar, and Boman Irani.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Riteish Deshmukh explains cinema cannot be limited to one format after Dhurandhar success; says, “You cannot blind yourself to the changes”

Dug Dug trailer out: Ritwik Pareek’s debut explores faith, mystery and a "wish-granting" bike

A lost bike, a found belief system. The trailer of debutant filmmaker Ritwik Pareek’s Dug Dug offers a first glimpse into the film’s whimsical world— a comedy-mystery satire that playfully navigates faith, magic and logic. The trailer was unveiled by its four executive producers, Anurag Kashyap, Nikkhil Advani, Vikramaditya Motwane and Vasan Bala, who have come together to present the film.

“God only knows what games he plays,” opens Dug Dug, as a character recounts the death of a villager—setting the tone for what follows. The mystery deepens when the bike the man was riding goes missing from a police station, only to reappear at the exact spot where he died.

Inspired by true events, Dug Dug traces a bizarre phenomenon in a village where a deceased man’s motorbike is believed to grant wishes—provided devotees pray to it and offer alcohol. As word spreads and prayers begin to be “answered,” belief spirals into a full-blown, commercialised religion.

The trailer establishes the film’s whimsical, magical tone, unfolding through trippy, fantastical visuals shot by DOP Aditya S. Kumar, which complement Ritwik Pareek’s script. The film is slated to hit Indian screens on May 8.

Dug Dug is produced by Bottle Rocket Pictures, led by Prerna Pareek and Ritwik Pareek, and will be released in Indian theatres in association with Ranjan Singh’s Flip Films.

 

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Following its premiere at TIFF, Dug Dug screened at several international festivals, including the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles, MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, and the International Film Festival of Kerala.

The film stars Altaf Khan, Gaurav Soni, Yogendra Singh and Durga Lal Saini.

Also Read: Anurag Kashyap, Nikkhil Advani, Vikramaditya Motwane, Vasan Bala-backed Dug Dug locks May 8 India release