Wednesday, March 11, 2026

Tiger Shroff-owned Prowl secures Rs 4 crores funding to expand men’s grooming portfolio

Actor Tiger Shroff’s active-lifestyle brand Prowl has raised Rs 4 crores in a Pre-Series A funding round led by Resolute Ventures. The investment comes months after the brand’s relaunch in June 2025 and follows its expansion into the men’s grooming segment.

Since pivoting to grooming products six months ago, Prowl has expanded its presence across major e-commerce platforms including Amazon, Myntra and Flipkart, as well as quick-commerce platforms. The brand currently offers products such as face wash, sunscreen, lip balm, body lotion, body wash and roll-ons, and has reported strong repeat purchase rates among its target audience.

According to the company, the newly raised capital will be used to expand Prowl’s product portfolio and strengthen distribution. The brand plans to introduce new science-backed formulations, starting with three serums expected to launch soon, while also building a wider range of everyday grooming products for men.

The funds will also support the brand’s efforts to deepen its reach in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities and improve delivery timelines through same-day and next-day fulfilment options.

Speaking about the development, Shroff said, “Prowl is more than just a brand; it’s a reflection of my personal philosophy of discipline and simplicity. I’ve been deeply involved in the formulation and strategy because I wanted products that actually work for the Indian skin type without a 10-step routine. This investment from Resolute Ventures validates our vision of making effective grooming accessible to every man, from the metros to the heartlands of India.”

Shriyhas Jichkar, CEO of Prowl, said the first few months helped the company test its product-market fit. “The first six months were a litmus test for our product-market fit. The data shows that the Indian man wants a routine that is easy to understand and execute. With this capital infusion, we are ready to accelerate our innovation pipeline,” he said.

The brand’s growth strategy is also supported by Lap Ventures, which manages Prowl’s marketing, communications and distribution partnerships as it continues to scale in the Indian grooming market.

Also Read: MEGA EXCLUSIVE: Tiger Shroff’s grand-scale spiritual action film with Neerja director Ram Madhvani and Mahaveer Jain gets a title – Vajra


Tisca Chopra shares heartfelt note after mother Pammi Arora passes away on March 7: “We will carry her spirit forward”

Actor Tisca Chopra is mourning the loss of her mother, Pammi Arora, who passed away on March 7. The actor shared the news on Instagram on Wednesday (March 11), posting a series of photographs featuring herself with her late mother and father along with an emotional note remembering her life and values.

Reflecting on her mother’s personality, Chopra described her as someone who brought warmth and light to everyone around her. She wrote, “On the 7th of March, we said goodbye to my mother, Pammi Arora. Those who knew her loved her, instantly, completely. And the reason was very simple, she was so very light of being. Seriousness never stood much of a chance in her company. If a problem appeared, she had a two-word philosophy ready, ‘Mitti pao’. Move on. Life was too lively to sit around nursing grievances.”

Chopra also spoke about the lessons she learned from her mother, especially about optimism and resilience. “From her I learnt one of the most useful life lessons anyone ever gave me, ‘You already have a ‘no’ in your pocket. Now go out and get a ‘yes’’. It was classic Pammi Arora, practical optimism with a twinkle in the eye. She also gave me something else that shaped my entire life: the artistic gene. The instinct to perform, to tell stories, to lean toward colour and expression rather than grey routine,” she wrote.

The actor further remembered her mother as a beloved teacher who left a lasting impression on generations of students. “To the outside world she was ‘Arora Ma’am’. To generations of children she was the teacher who was somehow almost as childlike as them. She made school feel lighter, softer and more like home,” she shared.

 

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Chopra also highlighted her mother’s strength during difficult times. “Cancer and a broken hip came, and she refused to bow. Even in the ICU, her Punjabi shoulders bobbed up and down to the beats of a song,” she wrote.

Concluding the tribute, Chopra remembered her mother as a resilient and inspiring woman. Soon after she shared the post, several celebrities and fans offered their condolences in the comments section.

Also Read: Radhika Apte highlights the role of nature in Tisca Chopra’s crime thriller Saali Mohabbat: “Plants and gardening were characters in themselves”


Hansika Motwani and Sohael Khaturiya granted divorce; no alimony sought, says lawyer

Actor Hansika Motwani and businessman Sohael Khaturiya have been granted a divorce by a family court in Mumbai’s Bandra suburb. The development was confirmed by the actor’s lawyer, Adnan Shaikh, according to a report by NDTV. The couple’s separation comes months after speculation about trouble in their marriage began circulating online. In August last year, social media was abuzz with rumours that the two had been living separately for some time.

Confirming the development, Shaikh said in a statement, “Our client, Hansika Motwani, has been granted a decree of divorce by the Hon’ble Family Court Bandra. The divorce was granted by mutual consent after both parties acknowledged that the marriage had irretrievably broken down.”

He further added, “Our client had initially approached her now former husband seeking an amicable separation, which ultimately culminated in the present decree. The respondent filed his affidavit before the court today confirming his consent to the dissolution of the marriage.”

Shaikh also clarified that the actor did not seek any financial settlement from her former husband. “It is pertinent to clarify that our client has made no claims whatsoever for alimony or maintenance, as her sole intention was to bring a dignified and peaceful closure to the marriage. The reasons for the breakdown of the relationship were placed before the Hon’ble Court in the petition. Our client now wishes to move forward with her life and professional commitments,” he said.

Hansika Motwani married Mumbai-based businessman Sohael Khaturiya on December 4, 2022, in a lavish ceremony held at Mundota Fort and Palace. The wedding had attracted significant attention online.

Before their wedding, Khaturiya had proposed to the actor in front of the Eiffel Tower in November 2022. At the time, Hansika had shared pictures of the proposal on Instagram with the caption “Now and Forever.”

Speculation around their separation intensified last year after the actor deleted several wedding photos from her social media handle. Hansika has not yet publicly commented on the divorce.

Also Read: Hansika Motwani deletes wedding photos with Sohael Khaturiya; adds to divorce rumours


Akshay Kumar hangs upside down in spooky new Bhooth Bangla poster; teaser to drop on March 12

The makers of Bhooth Bangla have unveiled a brand-new poster featuring Akshay Kumar, offering fans another intriguing glimpse into the film’s quirky horror-comedy world. The poster announcement also comes with exciting news — the teaser of the film is set to be released on Thursday, March 12.

Shared by Balaji Motion Pictures, the newly released visual highlights the film’s playful blend of spooky thrills and comedy. In the poster, Akshay Kumar is seen hanging upside down from a tree branch, sporting a hilariously eerie expression that mixes mischief with madness. The unusual pose instantly grabs attention and hints at the film’s unconventional narrative style.

The background further enhances the spooky vibe, with a dark forest setting and bats fluttering around the actor. Despite the eerie elements, the image maintains a light-hearted tone, suggesting that Bhooth Bangla will lean heavily into comic mayhem while playing with supernatural themes.

 

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The film marks the much-awaited reunion of Akshay Kumar and filmmaker Priyadarshan, a duo known for delivering several memorable comedy hits in Hindi cinema. Over the years, the actor-director pair has collaborated on popular entertainers that continue to enjoy a loyal fan following, making their latest project one of the most anticipated comedy releases in recent times.

With Bhooth Bangla, the duo appears ready to revisit their trademark blend of chaotic humour, quirky characters, and fast-paced storytelling. The new poster hints that the film will combine horror elements with Priyadarshan’s signature comedic style, creating a unique genre mix.

Apart from Akshay Kumar, the film features an ensemble cast including Wamiqa Gabbi, Paresh Rawal, Tabu, and Rajpal Yadav. The presence of seasoned performers known for their comic timing has further heightened expectations from the film.

Bhooth Bangla is produced by Akshay Kumar along with Shobha Kapoor and Ektaa R Kapoor under the banner of Balaji Motion Pictures, a division of Balaji Telefilms Ltd. The film is also presented in association with Cape of Good Films.

With the teaser scheduled to arrive tomorrow, the makers seem set to kick off the promotional campaign for the film in style. Bhooth Bangla is slated for a theatrical release on April 10, 2026, promising audiences a dose of supernatural fun mixed with Priyadarshan-style comedy chaos.

Also Read: Assets of Bhooth Bangla, Raja Shivaji, Cocktail 2 attached with Dhurandhar: The Revenge


Tuesday, March 10, 2026

Hurun Global Rich List 2026: Ramayana producer Namit Malhotra joins India’s Billionaire Club as nation reaches 308 billionaires

India’s billionaire ranks continue to expand, with the latest Hurun Global Rich List 2026 adding 57 new names and pushing the country’s total tally to 308 billionaires. Among the notable entrants this year is filmmaker and visual effects entrepreneur Namit Malhotra, whose journey from a modest editing setup in his father’s garage to heading one of the world’s most celebrated VFX studios that will now be producing the much-awaited Ranbir Kapoor, Yash starrer Ramayana, has become a remarkable success story.

Malhotra is the founder and CEO of DNEG, the global visual effects and animation company known for its work on several award-winning international films. Over the years, DNEG has earned multiple Academy Awards for its groundbreaking VFX contributions to Hollywood productions, cementing its reputation as a powerhouse in the global film industry.

Beyond his work in visual effects, Malhotra has also been actively involved in large-scale film production. He is currently backing one of the most ambitious projects in Indian cinema—Ramayana, a two-part cinematic retelling of the ancient epic. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, the film is designed as a grand mythological spectacle aimed at both Indian and global audiences. The first installment is expected to release during Diwali 2026, with the second part planned for a Diwali 2027 release.

The film features an impressive ensemble cast that brings together actors from across Indian cinema. Ranbir Kapoor will portray Lord Ram, while Sai Pallavi plays Sita. Yash, widely known for the KGF franchise, will appear as Ravana, and Sunny Deol takes on the role of Hanuman. Actor Ravi Dubey has been cast as Lakshman.

What makes the project particularly noteworthy is its scale. With a reported budget of around $100 million (approximately Rs.835 crore) for the first instalment alone, Ramayana is being positioned as one of the most expensive films ever produced in India. The production also relies heavily on cutting-edge technology, including advanced motion-capture techniques and large-scale visual effects.

Malhotra’s DNEG is overseeing the film’s VFX work, ensuring world-class visual storytelling. He has previously emphasised that the project has been developed with a “reverence-first” approach, with years of pre-production dedicated to honouring the epic’s cultural significance while presenting it with global cinematic standards.

With his entry into the Hurun billionaire list and the mounting anticipation around Ramayana, Namit Malhotra’s influence across both technology and filmmaking continues to grow on the world stage.

Also Read: Namit Malhotra to introduce all characters of Ramayana at a grand event on Ram Navami, deets inside


Rakul Preet Singh and Jackky Bhagnani launch global brands easyGym, 5àsec and Blenz Coffee in India

Actor and entrepreneur Rakul Preet Singh and producer-entrepreneur Jackky Bhagnani have announced the launch of three international franchise brands in India—easyGym, 5àsec and Blenz Coffee. The announcement was made during a special launch event held in Mumbai, where the duo introduced the brands in collaboration with Invision Brands, part of the Franchise India Group.

At the event, Rakul and Jackky unveiled the brands and shared their vision of bringing globally recognised lifestyle, fitness and service concepts to the Indian market. The initiative marks another step in their entrepreneurial journey, expanding their presence beyond the entertainment industry.

Through the collaboration, the partners aim to offer global-quality consumer experiences while also creating business opportunities through a franchise-led expansion model. With the support of Invision Brands’ franchising ecosystem, the brands are expected to gradually expand across key urban markets in India.

Speaking about the venture, Jackky Bhagnani expressed enthusiasm about introducing the brands to Indian consumers. “I’m thrilled to finally bring easyGym, 5àsec and Blenz Coffee to India. These brands have achieved incredible success globally, and now it’s our turn to create something special for Indian consumers. With the right partners and a strong franchise network, we’re focused on building businesses that are sustainable, impactful, and full of opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs. I’m excited for this journey and what lies ahead,” he said.

Rakul Preet Singh also spoke about the vision behind the collaboration, emphasising the lifestyle and experiential value the brands bring. “I’m beyond excited to officially bring easyGym, 5àsec and Blenz Coffee to India. These brands represent global-quality lifestyle experiences that I believe Indian consumers will love. From fitness to coffee culture, each brand offers something unique and inspiring. This launch is just the beginning, and I’m looking forward to seeing these experiences reach more cities and create opportunities for entrepreneurs,” she said.

Gaurav Marya, Chairman of the Franchise India Group, said the collaboration aligns with the company’s goal of introducing iconic international brands to India. “As we continue building a platform that brings global brands across fitness and wellness, lifestyle services and café categories, it was important to partner with individuals who genuinely understand these spaces. Rakul and Jackky bring a strong entrepreneurial mindset and a deep personal commitment to wellness and brand building,” he said.

The partnership introduces three well-known global brands to India. easyGym, part of the UK-based easyGroup, is recognised for its modern gyms and accessible pricing model. Also entering the market is 5àsec, a French textile care and dry-cleaning brand with decades of international experience. Completing the portfolio is Blenz Coffee, a café brand from Vancouver, Canada, known for its handcrafted beverages and relaxed café culture.

According to the partners, the brands will be rolled out across major Indian cities through a franchise network, with plans to gradually expand their presence and build long-term consumer engagement in the country.

Also Read: Rakul Preet Singh speaks about discipline, injury recovery: “This is about longevity. I’m not here for a moment”


Aamir Khan Productions unveils new poster of Ek Din ahead of trailer launch on March 11

Aamir Khan Productions has released a new poster for its upcoming romantic film Ek Din, building anticipation ahead of the film’s trailer launch. The poster offers a glimpse of the film’s lead pair, Sai Pallavi and Junaid Khan, hinting at the tone and visual aesthetic of the love story. Along with the poster reveal, the makers confirmed that the official trailer will be released on March 11, 2026.

The upcoming preview is expected to offer audiences a clearer look at the film’s narrative and the dynamic between the lead characters. Sharing the new poster on social media, the production house captioned the post, “All it takes is one chance at love. Ek Din Trailer Out Tomorrow. Watch #EkDin only in theatres on 1st May 2026.”

 

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The film has also drawn attention because it marks a reunion between actor-producer Aamir Khan and filmmaker Mansoor Khan. The two have collaborated on several well-known films in the past, and their association has often been linked with memorable romantic and coming-of-age stories in Hindi cinema. Over the years, their creative partnership has resulted in films such as Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar, Akele Hum Akele Tum, and Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na. With Ek Din, the duo returns to the romance genre, a space that previously produced some of their most recognized work.

While Mansoor Khan is involved as a producer on the project, the film is directed by Sunil Pandey. The project is backed by Aamir Khan Productions, with Aamir Khan, Mansoor Khan, and Aparna Purohit serving as producers. The casting of Sai Pallavi and Junaid Khan has also generated curiosity among audiences. Sai Pallavi, known for her performances across multiple Indian film industries, joins Junaid Khan in what is expected to be a central romantic narrative.

With the trailer scheduled to drop tomorrow, the promotional campaign for Ek Din is set to pick up momentum in the coming weeks. The film is slated for a theatrical release on May 1, 2026.

Also Read: Aamir Khan Productions drop new Ek Din poster featuring Junaid Khan and Sai Pallavi on Valentine’s Day 2026


Tiger Shroff-owned Prowl secures Rs 4 crores funding to expand men’s grooming portfolio

Actor Tiger Shroff’s active-lifestyle brand Prowl has raised Rs 4 crores in a Pre-Series A funding round led by Resolute Ventures. The inves...