Friday, November 14, 2025

HISTORIC: Dubai Tower named after Shah Rukh Khan, Shahrukhz By Danube, launched; to have a statue of King Khan; SRK says, “Meri maa zinda hoti toh bahut khush hoti!”; adds, “Eid ke chand ki tarah main bahar kam aata hoon. Lekin jab aata hoon, tab kamaal aata hoon!”

Yesterday, Bollywood Hungama was the first one to predict that Rizwan Sajan, the founder and chairman of Danube Group, will launch a tower named after Shah Rukh Khan at an event held in Mumbai on November 14. Our news break came to be true. SRK himself graced the occasion for the launch of the skyscraper, called Shahrukhz By Danube, and as expected, raised laughs and touched hearts with his quotes. Rizwan Sajan spoke highly of Shah Rukh and how he had a long chat with his wife on Zoom when he told her that she was ill. But the event went on another level when King Khan made an entry.

Shah Rukh Khan warmly greeted Rizwan Sajan and gave a peck on the cheek to the host, Farah Khan. Farah joked, “I know you are all very jealous. Once more, please!” SRK smiled and kissed her cheeks again!

Shah Rukh then said, “Main Eid ka chand jaisa ho gaya hoon. Bahar kam aata hoon. Lekin jab aata hoon, tab kamaal aata hoon!” As expected, there was applause and hoots.

He revealed, “I asked Rizwan bhai if the event would be held in Dubai. He told me, ‘Nahin. Mera desh mere bahut kareeb hai. Hence, I want to launch it in Mumbai’. He meant it.”

Rizwan’s son, Adel Sajan, Managing Director, Danube Group, then took over and explained the salient features of Shahrukhz By Danube. He revealed that it’s a 55-storey office tower. He added, “Not only do we have a helipad, but also an air taxi station. In 2026, Dubai will be introducing Air Taxi station and you could be entering in style in Shah Rukh’s tower!”

Interestingly, the entrance of Shahrukhz By Danube will have a statue of Shah Rukh in his signature pose. Adel explained, “The idea is not just to have an office tower but my father’s vision was that he wanted it to be like a tourist destination. When my mother comes to Mumbai, the first thing she has to do is to go outside Mannat and take a picture. Likewise, millions of Indians go to Dubai. When we created Shahrukhz By Danube in the heart of Sheikh Zayed Road, we are anticipating that people are going to queue outside and take a picture with the King himself!”

After the presentation, Shah Rukh Khan was asked for his reaction. The superstar was too overwhelmed and he said, “What can I say? Meri maa zinda hoti toh bahut khush hoti! It’s a very big honour. When I take my kids to Dubai, I’ll tell them, ‘Yeh dekh. Papa ki building hai’ although the building is owned by Rizwan bhai! Lekin naam toh mera likha hoga (smiles).

Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan’s heartwarming gesture in Dubai restaurant wins fans over: “Humble king”


Tere Ishk Mein trailer out: Dhanush’s intensity and Kriti Sanon’s range anchor Aanand L Rai directorial, watch!

The much-awaited trailer of Tere Ishk Mein has finally arrived, offering a clear look into Aanand L Rai’s return to direction after two years. Starring Dhanush and Kriti Sanon, the film appears to anchor itself in high emotional stakes, personal conflict, and a layered love story shaped by music and memory.

The trailer opens with a scene that immediately sets the tone—dark, charged, and visually sharp—drawing viewers in with an undercurrent of tension. Many early reactions online point to this very moment as a “goosebump-inducing” start that quickly reveals the emotional weight the film carries.

Dhanush steps into a role that blends vulnerability and rage, shifting from a quiet lover to a man driven by revenge. The performance mirrors the intensity he brought to Raanjhanaa, leading fans to describe him as a “Raanjhana boy turned into a revenge guy.” His screen presence remains one of the trailer’s most striking elements.

Kriti Sanon, who marks her first collaboration with Aanand L Rai, delivers a performance that has already begun receiving praise for its range. Viewers have highlighted her emotive scenes, noting that she “killed it” and “proved once again how versatile she is.” The trailer positions her character as central to the story’s emotional core.

A.R. Rahman’s background score adds another dimension, with Arijit Singh’s voice amplifying the film’s sense of yearning. The combination of strong visuals and expressive music shapes the trailer into a piece designed to stay with the audience long after it ends. Several reactions specifically pointed out the blend of “too many emotions and Arijit’s voice,” describing it as the element that ties the trailer together.

Produced by Gulshan Kumar, T-Series, Colour Yellow Productions, Aanand L Rai, Himanshu Sharma, Bhushan Kumar and Krishan Kumar, Tere Ishk Mein is written by Himanshu Sharma and Neeraj Yadav. The film will release worldwide in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu on 28 November 2025.

Also Read: “Mere do anmol ratan”: Aanand L Rai REACTS to Dhanush-Rahman’s surprise performance at Tere Ishk Mein audio launch


Nora Fatehi joins The Script, Diplo and Tyga on Shillong’s Cherry Blossom Festival 2025 lineup

The streets of Shillong are buzzing with excitement as a massive billboard featuring global sensation Nora Fatehi alongside The Script, Diplo, Tyga, Jason Derulo, and Aqua has become the newest hotspot for festival frenzy. The Cherry Blossom Festival 2025, is officially the biggest music event India has seen, and Nora’s presence at the front and center of the lineup has fans thrilled.

From international pop icons to chart-topping DJs and rap powerhouses, the star-studded lineup promises an unforgettable two-day musical carnival. Nora is walking into this festival on a global high. Just weeks ago, she headlined UNTOLD Dubai, where fans raved about her explosive stage presence, precision choreography, and power-packed live vocals. That momentum has now spilled into India, making her one of the most anticipated performers of the Shillong lineup.

For fans, Nora’s appearance isn’t just exciting, it’s the performance everyone is looking forward to. Fresh off the release of her newest track 'What Do I Know (Just A Girl)', the viral hit 'Snake,' and her global smashes 'Oh Mama! Tetema,' Nora is walking into the festival with a power-packed catalogue tailor-made for a live arena stage.

With her unmatched stage presence and a setlist full of international hits, Nora Fatehi is unquestionably one of the most anticipated acts of the festival. Shillong is ready with a lineup that’s massive and Nora is all set to bring the fire.

Also Read: Nora Fatehi thanks fans after electrifying performance at UNTOLD Dubai: “Thank you to my fans… it means the world to me!”


Veteran actress Kamini Kaushal passes away at 98

Veteran actress Kamini Kaushal, one of the earliest leading ladies of Hindi cinema, has passed away at the age of 98. Known for a career that spanned more than seven decades, she was last seen on screen in Kabir Singh, where she played Shahid Kapoor’s grandmother, followed by a brief appearance in Aamir Khan’s Laal Singh Chaddha.

Kaushal emerged as a prominent heroine between 1946 and 1963, delivering performances that became milestones of early Hindi cinema. Her memorable roles include Do Bhai (1947), Shaheed (1948), Nadiya Ke Paar (1948), Ziddi (1948), Shabnam (1949), Paras (1949), Namoona (1949), Arzoo (1950), Jhanjar (1953), Aabroo (1956), Bade Sarkar (1957), Jailor (1958), Night Club (1958) and Godaan (1963).

After transitioning to character roles in the mid-1960s, she continued to receive praise for her work, notably for Shaheed (1965). She appeared in several significant films through the decades, including Do Raaste (1969), Anhonee (1973), Prem Nagar (1974), and Maha Chor (1976).

Her passing marks the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy deeply woven into the fabric of classic Indian cinema. A source close to the family said, “Kamini Kaushal’s family is extremely low profile, and needs privacy.”

Bollywood Hungama extends heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones during this difficult time.

Also Read: Dharmendra shares pic of first meeting with first-ever co-star Kamini Kaushal


Thursday, November 13, 2025

Hospital staffer arrested for leaking private video of Dharmendra in the hospital bed as Deol family battles rumours and health scare

The past week has been an emotionally turbulent one for the Deol family, as veteran actor Dharmendra’s hospitalisation sparked widespread concern — and eventually, controversy. After the 88-year-old star was admitted to Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital, a video recorded inside his room began circulating online, triggering outrage among fans and the film fraternity.

According to HT City, police have arrested the hospital staff member responsible for secretly recording and leaking the clip, acting under charges of invasion of privacy. The arrest was made on Thursday, signalling a serious response to what the family and many others deemed a deeply insensitive breach.

The video, which surfaced earlier this week, appeared to show Dharmendra surrounded by his family, including first wife Prakash Kaur. Several medical devices were attached to him, and the atmosphere in the room was visibly tense. Prakash Kaur was seen in tears while Sunny Deol attempted to comfort her. The private moment soon went viral on several social media platforms thus leading to the family taking legal action.

Dharmendra’s health had already been surrounded by speculation and misinformation, with several false reports suggesting a critical condition and even triggering premature death hoaxes. His children, Sunny Deol and Esha Deol, repeatedly urged fans not to pay attention to rumours, sharing reassurances and requesting calm. The wave of inaccurate updates also deeply distressed Hema Malini who criticised sections of the media for what she described as “insensitive coverage” during a vulnerable time for the family.

On Wednesday, more concrete information emerged when reports confirmed that Dharmendra had been discharged. The Deol family released a collective statement addressing fans and the press. “Mr. Dharmendra has been discharged from the hospital and will continue his recovery at home,” the note read. “We kindly request the media and the public to refrain from any further speculation and to respect his and the family's privacy during this time. We appreciate everyone's love, prayers, and good wishes for his continued recovery, good health, and long life. Please respect him because he loves you.”

With the arrest now made and Dharmendra recuperating at home, the family hopes the focus will return to his recovery rather than sensationalism. For fans across the country, the priority remains the beloved actor’s well-being — and the hope that he returns to good health soon.

Also Read: Dharmendra discharged from hospital; family requests for privacy


Kanu Behl urges audience to speak up as Agra struggles for shows amid ‘big blockbuster’ dominance

Filmmaker Kanu Behl, whose much-discussed film Agra is finally set to release in theatres on November 14, has voiced his disappointment over the film being denied sufficient shows across multiplexes. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the Titli director wrote, “Update on Agra, the film: We’re being denied shows because of the so-called ‘big blockbusters’ and because small films ‘don’t fit into’ multiplex chain programming. It’s up to you the audience now! Speak up and tag the chains. Say that you want to see the film!”

In a follow-up post, Behl further expressed concern about the diminishing space for unconventional cinema. He tweeted, “Spread the word. Or this will just go on and on. And the space for anything else other than mindless ‘infantilised cinema’ will disappear.”

Spread the word. Or this will just go on and on. And the space for anything else other than mindless ‘infantilised cinema’ will disappear. — Kanu Behl (@KanuBehl) November 13, 2025

When a user suggested exploring niche theatres for screening smaller films, Behl asserted that the issue was larger than that. “This is not about trying to find some tiny space, somewhere anymore. This is about reclaiming what we need. We HAVE to speak up. A film like this should get fair visibility,” he replied.

This is not about trying to find some tiny space, somewhere anymore. This is about reclaiming what we need. We HAVE to speak up. A film like this should get fair visibility. — Kanu Behl (@KanuBehl) November 13, 2025

Earlier today, Bollywood Hungama reported that Agra faced cuts from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) before securing an ‘A’ certificate. The censor board reportedly asked the makers to replace a frontal nudity scene and delete two sexually explicit visuals from the film. Additionally, certain obscene words were replaced. Following these modifications, the film was cleared on May 17, 2024, with a final runtime of 115 minutes.

Agra marks the debut of Mohit Agarwal and features Rahul Roy, Priyanka Bose, Ruhani Sharma, Vibha Chibber, Sonal Jha, and Aanchal Goswami in key roles. The film tells the story of a sexually repressed young man navigating complex family dynamics in a cramped home in Agra, Uttar Pradesh.

Also Read: Kanu Behl says, “My faith in journalism is deeply restored” as Despatch explores investigative reporting


Wednesday, November 12, 2025

EXCLUSIVE: CBFC censors frontal nudity scene and 2 sexually explicit visuals in Agra

After touring various festivals, Titli (2015) director Kanu Behl’s Agra will finally arrive in cinemas tomorrow, that is, November 14. The film is known not for its realism but also sexually explicit content. Several moviegoers and journalists watched the uncut version of the film at the 21st MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2023 and were wondering if the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) would allow its theatrical release without any cuts.

Bollywood Hungama has learned that as expected, the CBFC has asked for some modifications. Agra is a rare Hindi film to have frontal nudity and the Examining Committee of the CBFC asked the makers to replace the scene. Similarly, two sexually explicit visuals in the second half of the film were asked to be deleted. Lastly, the CBFC members asked the makers to replace obscene words. Once these changes were made, Agra was handed over an 'A' certificate on May 17, 2024. The length of the film, as mentioned on the censor certificate, is 115.05 minutes. In other words, Agra is 1 hours, 55 minutes and 5 seconds long.

Agra marks the debut of Mohit Agarwal and also stars Rahul Roy, Priyanka Bose, Ruhani Sharma, Vibha Chibber, Sonal Jha and Aanchal Goswami in pivotal roles. It is the story of a sexually repressed young boy, who lives in a small house in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, with his mother, father and his father’s mistress.

Bollywood Hungama had spoken to Kanu Behl after the MAMI premiere of Agra in November 2023. When asked if he was worried that the explicit sexual scenes might be cut by the CFC, he replied, “We’ll see. Hopefully, the censor board will see the film for what it is, how important the film is and what it’s trying to convey. I am hoping that they’ll be reasonable about the film. The sexuality in the film isn’t titillating. We are not trying to use sexuality for any other purpose. It is there to explore people’s sexual lives. The gaze of the film is correct, and I hope the censor board sees it that way and they assess the film through that lens.”

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Rahul Roy-Priyanka Bose starrer Agra is a RARE Hindi film to depict frontal nudity; director Kanu Behl says “I am hoping that the Censor Board will be reasonable. The sexuality in the film isn’t titillating”


Ramesh Taurani recalls Alka Yagnik’s rise in the ’90s: “She was getting the most songs”

Producer Ramesh Taurani recently reflected on the changing dynamics of Hindi film music in the 1990s and recalled how Alka Yagnik emerged a...