Patralekhaa slams body shaming after Toaster screening; says “I have just given birth”

Actor Patralekhaa has strongly responded to body-shaming comments that surfaced after her recent appearance at a screening of Toaster. The actress, who has been receiving praise for her recent work and growing production ventures, took to social media to call out insensitive remarks made about her physical appearance and to remind people about the realities of postpartum recovery.

Patralekhaa recently starred in Phule, where she essayed the role of Savitribai Phule. Her performance earned appreciation from critics and audiences alike, with the actress also receiving multiple accolades for the role. Alongside her acting commitments, she has also stepped into production. Her banner recently made its debut with Toaster, which released on Netflix and has been garnering positive responses.

However, during a recent public appearance linked to the film, some online pages focused on her body rather than her work, prompting the actress to issue a candid response on Instagram Stories. Addressing the trolling directly, Patralekhaa wrote, “Pap pages! What's happened to me!? is that I have just given birth! Yes I have gained the weight, which seems like an unnatural phenomenon to you all. I have not sat and eaten a mountain, I just delivered a baby and produced two films simultaneously which are not easy jobs. If I could I would not be this way. But that's how my body has reacted to pregnancy. For God's sake please learn to be a little kind.”

Her statement quickly drew attention online, with many users praising her honesty and calling for greater sensitivity around postpartum changes and women’s health. The actress’ message also highlighted the pressure public figures often face regarding appearance, particularly after childbirth.

Patralekhaa and actor Rajkummar Rao, who were together for over a decade before marriage, tied the knot on November 15, 2021, in an intimate ceremony at The Oberoi Sukhvilas Spa Resort in Chandigarh. In July 2025, the couple announced they were expecting their first child through a joint social media post that read, “Baby on the way.”

Later that year, on their fourth wedding anniversary, November 15, 2025, the couple welcomed their daughter. They subsequently revealed her name as Parvati Paul Rao and shared their joy with fans and well-wishers.

Patralekhaa’s recent note has reignited an important conversation around unrealistic beauty standards and the scrutiny women often face after pregnancy. By speaking openly about her own experience, the actress has once again reminded people that recovery after childbirth is deeply personal and deserves empathy rather than judgment.

Also Read: Rajkummar Rao’s birthday post for Patralekhaa is pure husband energy: “You are the heart of our home”

Kartik Aaryan to team up with Reema Kagti for new Namah Pictures project? Here’s what we know!

Kartik Aaryan is in early discussions to collaborate with Reema Kagti on a new film backed by Namah Pictures. The project is currently at a very initial stage of development. Other details about the film are being kept under wraps. A report by Variety speculates that Kartik has not yet given his final approval. However, he remains the leading contender for the role at this stage.

The possible collaboration stands out because of the different creative spaces associated with the actor and the filmmaker. Reema Kagti is known for directing projects such as Talaash, Gold, Dahaad and Superboys of Malegaon.

The report further suggests that Kartik is exploring roles that expand his screen image and allow him to take on different kinds of characters. The proposed film with Kagti could become a distinctive addition to his lineup if confirmed.

Namah Pictures developing multiple projects

The Reema Kagti project is one of three films currently being developed by Namah Pictures for the coming year. The banner, led by Shareen Mantri Kedia and Kishor Arora, has also signed directors Vishal Devrukhkar and Dnyanesh Zoting for two separate projects. Namah Pictures has earlier produced films such as Beyond the Clouds, Anandi Gopal, Lost and Satyaprem Ki Katha.

The production house is also preparing for the release of its upcoming web series Phoolan, based on the life of Phoolan Devi. The series will premiere on Prime Video later this year.

The story focuses on a key chapter in Phoolan Devi’s life during a prolonged armed siege and explores her resistance within a deeply unequal social structure.

Kartik Aaryan’s upcoming film lineup

Kartik Aaryan currently has several projects in different stages of development. He is set to appear next in a musical romance directed by Anurag Basu alongside Sreeleela. He also has Naagzilla, directed by Mrighdeep Singh Lamba, scheduled for release around Valentine’s Day weekend next year.

His lineup also includes a sports drama directed by Kabir Khan and the action thriller Captain India directed by Shimit Amin. Apart from these, he is also reported to be in talks for upcoming films with Luv Ranjan and Aanand L. Rai. Another installment of the Bhool Bhulaiyaa franchise is also in development, with Anees Bazmee expected to return as director, with production planned for mid-2027.

Also Read: Kartik Aaryan starrer Naagzilla to release during Valentine’s Day weekend 2027

Bombay High Court urges amicable settlement in Aditya Dhar-Santosh Kumar dispute over Dhurandhar The Revenge script

The Bombay High Court on Thursday indicated that the defamation suit filed by writer-director Aditya Dhar against Santosh Kumar over plagiarism allegations related to Dhurandhar 2 – The Revenge should not escalate further. Justice Arif Doctor suggested that both sides try to resolve the matter amicably.

The court observed that disputes of this nature can often be resolved without escalating into extended defamation litigation. Court advises restraint in public allegations The case began after Santosh Kumar publicly claimed that the script of the sequel was copied from his earlier work. Aditya Dhar denied the allegation and called the claims defamatory. He then approached the High Court seeking relief.

During the hearing, Justice Doctor said that if Kumar believes his intellectual property was copied, he is free to pursue civil remedies through proper legal channels. However, the court made it clear that such concerns should not be raised through public statements in the media.

The court also noted that disagreements over authorship can be addressed through structured legal procedures rather than public exchanges. Counsel clarifies position on authorship claim Kumar’s advocate told the court that his client’s grievance was limited to asserting authorship of the story. The court acknowledged that Kumar is entitled to make such a claim. At the same time, it stressed that any such assertion must be pursued legally.

Senior Advocate Birendra Saraf, appearing for Dhar, argued that allegations of plagiarism should not be repeated publicly and must be handled through the appropriate legal process. Kumar’s counsel informed the court that he would seek instructions from his client regarding the suggestion to restrict the matter to legal remedies.

Earlier, on April 8, the High Court had restrained Santosh Kumar from repeating the allegedly defamatory statements about the script. Dhar had moved the court seeking an injunction and damages after Kumar allegedly failed to respond to a legal notice that rejected the plagiarism claims.

Also Read: Several single-screen cinemas yet to open bookings for Bhooth Bangla from April 17 due to show-sharing dispute with Dhurandhar The Revenge

Bombay High Court urges amicable settlement in Aditya Dhar-Santosh Kumar dispute over Dhurandhar The Revenge script

King calls ‘Bulletproof’ track a personal milestone ahead of Lukkhe

Prime Video India, in collaboration with Warner Music India, has released ‘Bulletproof’, a high-energy hip-hop track from its upcoming original series Lukkhe. The song, composed by King, Amira Gill and Karan Kanchan, is now available across music streaming platforms.

Positioned as a bold anthem, Bulletproof blends sharp lyricism with pulsating beats, capturing themes of resilience, self-belief and perseverance. Performed by King and Amira Gill, with lyrics penned by King and Manreet Khara, the track reflects an unapologetic tone, aiming to connect with listeners through its raw, high-impact energy.

Speaking about the song, King described it as a personal milestone. “Bulletproof is a deeply personal track, shaped by my journey, my struggles, wins, and the mindset to keep pushing forward. Lukkhe gave me the chance to not only create music but also step into acting for the first time, which feels like a big milestone. Grateful to Amira, Karan, and the entire team for bringing this to life, this one’s truly special,” he said.

Lukkhe, directed by Himank Gaur and produced by Vipul D Shah and Rajesh Bahl, marks King’s acting debut. The series also stars Raashii Khanna, Palak Tiwari and Lakshvir Singh Saran in key roles, alongside an ensemble cast. Backed by Optimystix Entertainment and White Guerrilla LLP, the series is created and executive produced by Agrim Joshi and Debojit Das Purkayastha.

Lukkhe is set to premiere on May 8 on Prime Video in Hindi, streaming across India and in more than 240 countries and territories. The release of Bulletproof serves as an early glimpse into the show’s tone, setting the stage for a narrative driven by ambition, grit and music.

Also Read : Salman Khan’s Maatrubhumi undergoes major sanitising; no China mention in new version

Several single-screen cinemas yet to open bookings for Bhooth Bangla from April 17 due to show-sharing dispute with Dhurandhar The Revenge

The horror-comedy Bhooth Bangla was scheduled for release on April 10, but it was pushed by a week after it failed to secure the desired number of shows amid the Dhurandhar The Revenge wave. The makers, as well as the industry at large, hoped that with Bhooth Bangla releasing on April 17, there would be no issues with regard to showcasing. However, that’s not the case. Less than 24 hours remains for the release and yet, most of the single screens are yet to commence bookings.

A trade source told Bollywood Hungama, “Jio Studios has requested that Dhurandhar The Revenge be allotted 50% showcasing in single screens. Their argument is that the film continues to perform well and still has a lot of gas left in the tank. The fact that it collected Rs. 6.50 crores on Tuesday has further strengthened their case for retaining shows. On the other hand, Bhooth Bangla’s distribution team has requested full showcasing. They believe that Dhurandhar The Revenge has already enjoyed a dream run for four weeks and that it is now time for their film to get its fair share of shows. Moreover, they have cited ticket sales for the paid previews and the overall advance booking trends to argue that Bhooth Bangla, too, has the potential to succeed, as there is clearly demand for it.”

Bhooth Bangla will have paid previews from tonight, Thursday, April 16. The source added, “Single-screen cinemas have been permitted to host one night show of Bhooth Bangla as part of the paid previews. However, due to the ongoing showcasing dispute, they are yet to open bookings for Friday, April 17.”

As of 8:00 am on April 16, several single-screen cinemas in Mumbai, including Inox Dadar, Citylight, Plaza, Chitra, New Excelsior, MovieTime Star City, Roxy, MovieTime Dahisar, Maratha Mandir, Mukta A2 Orion Santacruz, Gold Cinemas (Dadar, Thane, Santacruz and Borivali), PVR Le Reve, MovieMax Andheri, Bharatmata, MovieTime Suburbia and Anand Thane, are yet to commence advance booking for Bhooth Bangla for April 17. Even certain two-screen cinemas like Mukta A2 Jai Hind Lalbaug, Sun City, Topiwala Goregaon and Ajanta CineX have not yet started selling tickets for Friday.

The issue is not limited to Mumbai. In other cities, too, the issue persists. Delhi’s Delite and Liberty, as well as Jaipur’s iconic Raj Mandir, have also not yet opened bookings for Bhooth Bangla from April 17.

Also Read: Akshay Kumar pays tribute to legendary Asrani on working with him in Bhooth Bangla: “It was like a masterclass every single time”

Ranbir Kapoor makes history as only Bollywood star on TIME 100 list

In a major global milestone, Ranbir Kapoor has been named among TIME Magazine’s 100 most influential people, becoming the only Bollywood actor to feature on this year’s prestigious list. The recognition places him alongside global icons across industries, further cementing his growing international impact.

The superstar, last seen in Animal, continues to balance a thriving career with his personal life, embracing fatherhood with daughter Raha. While his on-screen choices have consistently drawn attention, this latest honour highlights his influence beyond the box office, particularly in shaping contemporary storytelling in Indian cinema.

Adding a special touch to this achievement, actor Ayushmann Khurrana penned the biographical note for Kapoor in the magazine. Reflecting on his craft and impact, Khurrana wrote, “There are actors who chase legacy and there are actors who become one through their craft. Ranbir Kapoor is the latter. In an industry as prolific and passionate as Indian cinema, we often measure greatness in decibels—box-office numbers, fan frenzy, opening weekends. But every once in a while, an actor shifts something quieter yet far more enduring: our emotional vocabulary as an audience”.

“Ranbir has been doing that film after film. In a world where performances are often amplified, Ranbir internalizes. He shows our culture through quiet restraint. He represents the India that is finally learning how to listen to itself and leaves a mark through simple authenticity. Globally, actors like Ranbir become important cultural bridges. He embodies an India that is evolving not just in scale but also in sensitivity”, the note on the website further read.

Khurrana went on to write, “Our cinema is influencing the world. Ranbir isn’t just a movie star—he’s a storyteller talking to a global audience and telling them stories of a fabled, mythical country where epics like The Ramayana have inspired other civilizations and cultures”.

On the professional front, Kapoor has an exciting slate ahead. He is set to headline Ramayana, a two-part epic directed by Nitesh Tiwari, which boasts a massive ensemble cast. Additionally, he will reunite with filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali for Love & War, marking their collaboration after his debut film in 2007.

The TIME 100 list also features other notable Indian names, including chef Vikas Khanna and Sundar Pichai, reflecting India’s growing global influence across diverse fields.

With this recognition, Ranbir Kapoor not only reinforces his standing as one of Bollywood’s most nuanced performers but also emerges as a significant cultural voice representing Indian cinema on the world stage.

Also Read: Alia Bhatt shares glimpse of anniversary trip with Ranbir Kapoor in Lech: “Tu saath hain toh din raat hain”

Assi set for digital premiere on ZEE5 on April 17 after theatrical run

After sparking conversation and earning critical acclaim during its theatrical run, Assi is set for its digital premiere on Hindi ZEE5 on 17th April. Directed by Anubhav Sinha and produced by Benaras Media Works and T-Series Films, Assi features a powerful ensemble cast including Taapsee Pannu, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Kani Kusruti, Revathy, Manoj Pahwa, Kumud Mishra, Naseeruddin Shah, Supriya Pathak, and Seema Pahwa.

A hard-hitting courtroom drama, Assi follows a lawyer (Taapsee Pannu) who takes on a brutal rape case, confronting not just the crime but the systemic apathy surrounding it. In a striking moment, the film underscores a grim reality—nearly 80 rape cases reported in a single day—amplifying the urgency of its narrative. It traces the journey of a survivor and her partner (Kani Kusruti and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub), whose lives are shattered by violence, as they navigate trauma, societal judgment, and an unforgiving legal system. Anchored in the reality of rising sexual violence and delayed justice, Assi shines a light on the emotional and social aftermath often left unspoken.

Raw and unflinching, the film goes beyond the courtroom to explore the human cost of such crimes—the resilience it demands and the silence it challenges. Its honesty and emotional depth struck a chord with audiences in theatres, and it now aims to reach a wider global audience on ZEE5.

Kaveri Das, Business Head – Hindi ZEE5 and Chief Channel Officer, &TV, said, “Assi is the kind of film that naturally sparks quiet, difficult, yet necessary conversations. At Hindi ZEE5, we are committed to stories that invite reflection and meaningful engagement without being overtly didactic. We believe cinema can create space for such moments, leaving a lasting impact well beyond the screen”.

Director and Co-Writer Anubhav Sinha added, “Assi is not just a film, it’s a reflection of the times we live in. We wanted to tell a story that doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable truths, while also focusing on the resilience of the human spirit. I’m glad that with Hindi ZEE5, the film will now reach an even wider audience and get the merit it deserves”.

Taapsee Pannu shared, “Playing this character was one of the most challenging experiences for me as an actor. Assi is not an easy watch, but it’s an important one. It’s a story that needs to be told with honesty and sensitivity, and I hope audiences connect with its intent and message as it reaches them on Hindi ZEE5”.

With its gripping narrative and powerful performances, Assi is a thought-provoking film that lingers long after the credits roll.

Don’t miss the digital premiere of Assi on 17th April, only on Hindi ZEE5.

Also Read: What should Taapsee Pannu do to return to the big league? Trade experts share their views: “She needs to reinvent herself like Shah Rukh Khan and offer audience something new. Had she done intense love story like Tere Ishk Mein, it would have worked for sure”