EXCLUSIVE: Vashu Bhagnani vs Tips-Dhawans row gets UGLIER; a source hits back, "Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai has NOTHING to do with Biwi No. 1; Dhawans paid Rs. 16 cr. from their own pocket to save Coolie No. 1 vendors from suffering"

Vashu Bhagnani held an explosive press conference on May 22 with select media members, alleging that producer Ramesh Taurani of Tips can’t use the songs from the former’s film, Biwi No 1 (1999). The producer also alleged that the story of Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai may be similar to Biwi No. 1. Meanwhile, Bollywood Hungama spoke to a source who provided the other side's version.

Bollywood Hungama spoke to a source, who provided the other side’s version. The source said on condition of anonymity, “Vashu Bhagnani has lost the case in the Supreme Court today. That itself explains why the Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai team is confidently going ahead with the trailer launch tomorrow. If there was any merit in his allegations, would the makers have gone ahead in this manner? Mr. Bhagnani said that he planned to make Biwi No 1 Part 2 with David and Varun. However, Varun had never signed any film with Puja Entertainment after Coolie No 1, not even Biwi No 1. So where is the question of Varun being committed to such a film?”

In the press conference, Vashu Bhagnani claimed, “I was just a namesake producer on Coolie No 1 (2020). It was David ji who 100% handled the production and expenses. I paid David ji big money to make that film; almost Rs. 70 crores, which was not even his worth.”

Reacting sharply to this, the source said, “This is laughable. Vendors were not paid for Coolie No 1. It was Mr. Bhagnani who had to pay them. Yet, the Dhawans ended up paying nearly Rs. 16 crores from their own pocket to clear vendor dues because their reputation was being dragged into the mess. They did it so that people who worked on the film were not left helpless. And now, instead of acknowledging that, Mr. Bhagnani is making these claims in public.”

The source further remarked, “Also, David Dhawan was never paid Rs. 70 crores. If that had happened, David Dhawan would have been the highest-paid director in the country at that time. Can Mr. Bhagnani show any document or put any proof in the public domain to back this claim? Let him release the agreement, the payment proof or any paperwork. Till then, this remains nothing but a wild claim.”

The source continued, “He’s saying that the Dhawans did not call him. But did he call them? He also didn’t. Some people were trying to reach out to Mr. Bhagnani, but he didn’t answer their calls. So to now suggest that only one side should have reached out is unfair. Communication is a two-way street. It is also bewildering that it was known months ago that ‘Chunari Chunari’ is a part of Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai. Yet, he decided to file the case just a month before the release. Why wait till the last minute? Why create noise only when the film’s trailer launch and release campaign are about to begin? The timing itself raises questions.”

The source then added, “Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai is in no way connected to Biwi No 1. That film was about a married man having an extramarital affair. Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai is about a double pregnancy. The two stories are poles apart. Just because David Dhawan is directing the film and a popular old song is being used, one cannot randomly claim that it is a remake or spiritual successor of Biwi No 1. Anyway, the trailer will be out tomorrow, after which everyone will know the truth. Once the trailer is out and people see that the film has nothing to do with Biwi No 1, will Mr. Bhagnani and Puja Entertainment apologize?”

The source signed off on a pointed note, saying, “The Dhawans have maintained silence for long, but that should not be mistaken for weakness. They have protected their dignity, paid people from their own pockets when required and moved on. But if false narratives are being created now, then the facts also need to come out.”

Also Read: EXPLOSIVE: Vashu Bhagnani claims, “I suffered Rs. 27 cr loss on Coolie No 1; Varun Dhawan never bothered to ask about it…paid David ji Rs. 70 cr…he was to make Biwi No 1 part 2 with me”

Namit Malhotra contemplating a masterstroke to prepone Ramayana to October 30, 2026, a week before Diwali

The Namit Malhotra-produced Ramayana is all set for a Diwali 2026 release. For the film, the producer has put together a magnum opus star cast by getting Ranbir Kapoor, Yash, Sai Pallavi and Sunny Deol together under the direction of Nitesh Tiwari. The first teaser dropped earlier in the year, and grabbed eyeballs all across.

And now, Bollywood Hungama has learnt that Ramayana: Part One won't release on Diwali. Before one concludes, let us confirm that the film release could be pre-poned by a week and it might now hit the big screen on October 30, 2026. "Namit Malhotra wants the film to establish itself before the Diwali period. He wants the word of mouth to spread all across, so that the business peaks in the second week. He is here to redefine business by not just bringing a pre-Diwali release, but also a film that scores a bigger second week than the first due to the festive period. The conversation to pre-pone by a week is underway, and a final decision will be taken soon," a source told Bollywood Hungama anonymously.

The source also informs that the release date will be announced once the makers lock the distribution deal for Ramayana. Reportedly, they are negotiating a Rs. 450 crore offer from top distributors, and a final call on whom to sell the film will be taken shortly.

Ramayana's second part will meanwhile release on Diwali 2027, a year after the first instalment of the epic.

Also Read: Ramayana is not just a film; it is Bollywood’s biggest faith test in years

Sonu Nigam’s ‘The Revolution’ world tour to begin in Abu Dhabi on August 21, 2026

Abu Dhabi is set to host the region’s first mega Bollywood live entertainment event of the year, featuring global music icon Sonu Nigam. The legendary singer will officially launch his highly anticipated world tour, ‘The Revolution,’ at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island on Friday, 21 August 2026.

The landmark event is brought to the UAE capital by premier entertainment agency Blu Blood, in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Miral, the leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences in Abu Dhabi.

Dubbed the ‘Lord of Chords’ and ‘Ruler of Hearts,’ the Padma Shri laureate will deliver his first-ever massive, standalone solo arena production in Abu Dhabi. Known for his career-spanning romantic ballads, timeless classics, and high-energy dance numbers, Sonu Nigam’s debut performance at the Etihad Arena marks a historic milestone for South Asian entertainment in the capital. The mega-concert underscores Middle East's rapidly growing footprint as a premier global entertainment hub, offering world-class culture and live music experiences for international and regional audiences alike.

Sonu Nigam states, "Abu Dhabi holds a special place in my heart, and I am thrilled to launch 'The Revolution' tour in a city that has always shown me so much love. This tour is a celebration of our shared musical journey over the last 30 years, and I cannot wait to share this completely new arena experience with my fans."

Osman Osman & Shaaista Khan Osman, Managing Director & CEO, Blu Blood state, “Bringing the global launch of Sonu Nigam’s Revolution Tour to Abu Dhabi is exactly what Blu Blood is known to do. As the first major Bollywood event to return to the region, this next Blu Blood experience illuminates the magical moments that define global culture. It brings the exact grandeur that can only be brought to life in the UAE entertainment scene with full government support”

'The Revolution' World Tour represents the absolute pinnacle of Sonu Nigam’s touring career, serving as a massive, high-octane international arena tour that celebrates his historic 30-year legacy as India’s most celebrated vocalist. The show is meticulously curated to take audiences on an emotional journey, seamlessly fusing his timeless, generation-defining Bollywood classics with high-energy fan favourites and powerful new material. Backed by a world-class live band and an immersive, premium audio-visual design, the tour will witness a multi-continental run with a highly anticipated debut in Abu Dhabi before heading to United Kingdom, North America, Australia and New Zealand.

Also Read: Sonu Nigam sells five Karjat land parcels for Rs 95 lakhs: Report

Richa Chadha And Ali Fazal to launch New Zealand’s first Indian Film Festival; Girls Will Be Girls screening planned for June 2

Actors Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal are set to attend the official launch of New Zealand’s first-ever Indian film festival, The Indian Film Festival of New Zealand (TIFFNZ), on June 2, 2026. The launch event will also feature a special screening of Girls Will Be Girls, the first feature film produced by the actor-producer duo, which has previously received recognition at several international film festivals, including Sundance and the Independent Spirit Awards.

TIFFNZ is scheduled to debut in October 2026 and is being positioned as New Zealand’s first dedicated Indian film festival. Founded by Petrina D’Rozario, the festival aims to celebrate Indian cinema while encouraging stronger creative and cultural collaborations between India and New Zealand.

The launch event is expected to place significant focus on Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal, who have increasingly expanded their presence beyond acting into film production. Over the years, the duo has backed projects that balance mainstream appeal with independent storytelling, while also supporting content-driven cinema with global reach.

Speaking about their participation in the launch event, Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal said in a joint statement, “We’re very happy to be part of the launch of TIFFNZ. Film festivals play an important role in building dialogue and creating space for diverse stories. The idea of bringing Indian cinema to New Zealand in a structured, celebratory way feels both timely and meaningful. We’re looking forward to supporting this new chapter and engaging with audiences there.”

The festival is envisioned as a four-day event that will take place across Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. Apart from film screenings, TIFFNZ is also expected to host workshops, cultural events, and industry conversations aimed at connecting filmmakers, audiences, and creative professionals from both countries.

According to the organisers, the inaugural edition of the festival is expected to showcase nearly 30 films across feature-length and short film categories. The programming will focus on highlighting the diversity of Indian cinema while also amplifying South Asian voices in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Meanwhile, Girls Will Be Girls continues to remain a significant milestone in Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal’s journey as producers. The film garnered attention on the international festival circuit for its coming-of-age narrative and has helped establish the couple’s production ambitions on a global platform.

With TIFFNZ preparing for its first edition later this year, the launch event featuring Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal is expected to mark the beginning of a new cultural and cinematic exchange between the Indian and New Zealand film industries.

Also Read: Ali Fazal set for big action leap after Mirzapur The Film, to collaborate with top superstar?

Ronit Roy warns fans about online impostor using his name to target women and asking for money; says, “Cops are coming for you”

Actor Ronit Roy has issued a strong public warning after discovering that an unidentified individual has allegedly been misusing his identity online to contact people, particularly women, and asking for money. The actor took to social media to alert fans and followers about the scam while also sharing screenshots and details connected to the alleged impostor.

In a detailed note posted online, Ronit Roy revealed that the individual had allegedly been reaching out to people using his name and even attempting to take bookings fraudulently. Sharing specifics about the accounts involved, the actor wrote, “WARNING!!!! It has come to my notice that someone has been using my name and reaching out to people, especially girls and asking for money. This person has been trying to take bookings in my name. The number involved is a Zangi number 3318085685 The email id being used is ronitroybookings@hotmail.com. Everyone be careful. As for the perpetrator....."cops are coming for you”.”

The actor further clarified that neither he nor his official representatives would ever contact people privately for money or personal favours. Stressing the importance of caution on social media platforms, Ronit added, “Please note I will never approach women on social network or otherwise. Obviously I will never ask anyone for money. If y'all come across anyone like that please bring it to my notice immediately.”

 

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Along with the statement, Ronit Roy also shared a series of screenshots that allegedly showed the fake interactions being carried out in his name. These included close-up images of the phone number involved, WhatsApp chats, Facebook messages, and other communication attempts reportedly used by the scammer to approach women online.

Captioning the post, the actor once again urged people to stay vigilant against such fraudulent activities that misuse celebrity identities to exploit unsuspecting individuals. He wrote, “Be very careful of people using celebrities identities to fool people and take advantage of them. In case you come across such instances it’s always a good idea to bring it to the celebrities notice. Me nor my representatives will ever reach out asking for money or for any such favors.”

With online impersonation scams becoming increasingly common, several celebrities in recent years have issued warnings about fake accounts and fraudulent booking agents operating in their names. Ronit Roy’s latest statement serves as another reminder for social media users to verify identities carefully before engaging in conversations or financial transactions online.

Also Read: Ronit Roy recalls serious incident with Kareena Kapoor Khan after Saif Ali Khan’s stabbing; says, “Saif was on his way home after being released from the hospital, Kareena’s car was slightly attacked”

Saswata Chatterjee joins Rajkummar Rao starrer Sourav Ganguly biopic Dada: Report

The upcoming film Dada, based on the life of former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly, continues to generate buzz with fresh casting developments emerging from the film’s sets. After the makers officially announced the project earlier this year with Rajkummar Rao stepping into the lead role, the latest reports suggest that acclaimed Bengali actor Saswata Chatterjee has now joined the cast of the highly anticipated biopic.

Best known nationwide for portraying the chilling Bob Biswas in Kahaani, Saswata is reportedly set to essay the role of Sourav Ganguly’s father, Chandi Ganguly, in the film. According to reports, the actor has already joined the ongoing shoot alongside the rest of the cast currently filming in Mumbai. The film’s supporting cast is also gradually taking shape. Reports suggest that Aparajita Auddy and Rahul Dev Bose have come on board to portray Sourav Ganguly’s mother Nirupa Ganguly and brother Snehashish Ganguly respectively.

The ensemble is expected to play an important role in showcasing the personal side of the cricketing icon’s journey beyond the stadium. “All three actors are currently shooting in Mumbai. Dada was present on set during the shoot on Sunday. The production team will shoot in Kolkata from the end of this month”, a source was reported saying to Bombay Times.

The biopic officially went on floors in April this year after Rajkummar Rao confirmed the development on social media. Sharing behind-the-scenes photos, including a glimpse of the film’s clapperboard, the actor had written, “And it begins … The one and only #DADA ?? ???? @souravganguly @motwayne #LuvRanjan @gargankur82 @luv_films”.

 

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The film, directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, is expected to chronicle Sourav Ganguly’s inspiring journey from his early aspirations of becoming a cricketer to eventually leading the Indian national team and transforming Indian cricket during his captaincy era. Apart from focusing on his professional milestones and achievements on the field, the narrative is also expected to explore his personal life, particularly his relationship with wife Dona Ganguly. Meanwhile, reports also suggest that Tanya Maniktala, who gained attention for her performance in Kill, has been finalised to play Dona Ganguly after several Bengali actresses reportedly auditioned for the part.

With filming now progressing steadily and the team preparing for an extensive Kolkata schedule, Dada remains one of the most anticipated sports biopics currently in development.

Also Read: Rajkummar Rao reveals major career shift after becoming father: “I plan to do only two films a year”

Court grants interim relief to Pooja Entertainment in ‘Chunari Chunari’ rights dispute with Tips Music

The ongoing legal dispute between producer Vashu Bhagnani’s Pooja Entertainment and Tips Music has reignited the long-standing debate over ownership of film music rights in the Indian film industry. The controversy erupted after Pooja Entertainment approached the court alleging that Tips recreated the iconic track ‘Chunari Chunari’ for the upcoming film Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai without obtaining permission. The song originally featured in Biwi No.1 (1999), produced by Pooja Entertainment. The court has currently granted interim protection in favour of Vashu Bhagnani.

While reacting to the matter on social media, Tips Music insisted that they remain to be “lawful owner” of the music rights and termed the allegations made by Pooja Entertainment as “malicious.” Responding to Tips’ statement, a legal spokesperson representing Vashu Bhagnani said that all music rights, songs, and films referred to in the suit are presently covered under the court’s “status quo” order. The spokesperson further maintained that, at this stage, the issue of lawful ownership or the validity of agreements cannot be determined as the matter is now under the jurisdiction of the court.

The spokesperson also stated that actors, filmmaker David Dhawan, producers, technicians, and everyone associated with the matter may be required to appear before the court and submit their responses, failing which they could face contempt proceedings.

Calling the interim relief a significant development, the spokesperson described it as a win for film producers and said that producers across the industry should unite to safeguard their rights. According to the statement, music companies have generated massive revenues over the years from rights and investments that originally belonged to producers, making it important for producers to collectively assert their claims. The spokesperson added that this interim order is only the beginning and expressed hope that complete justice would eventually be delivered.

Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai stars Varun Dhawan, Mrunal Thakur and Pooja Hegde in lead roles.

Also Read: Puja Entertainment court order seen as landmark moment for producer rights; protection of film IP and legacy rights takes centre stage