Anjali Arora gives her take on the ongoing Ranbir Kapoor - prasad controversy; says, “Prasad is God’s blessing, it doesn’t increase weight”

An old video of Ranbir Kapoor from a past Ganpati celebration has resurfaced online, sparking a fresh social media debate around prasad and celebrity conduct. In the clip, the actor is seen visiting a pandal, seeking blessings, and accepting a box of sweets from the priest. However, he then turns to the photographers and says, “Main diet par hoon. Aap log kha loge (I am on diet, will you guys eat?),” before handing the box over when they agree, and walking away.

The moment quickly drew criticism from netizens, with many calling it disrespectful to refuse prasad, which in Hindu tradition is considered food blessed by the Gods. The incident has since become a reference point in conversations around faith, fitness and public image.

 

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Amid this backdrop, actress Anjali Arora offered a contrasting perspective during the trailer launch of Mahakavya Shri Ramayan Katha, the upcoming epic in which she features in the role of Goddess Sita. When asked about her opinion on prasad, she emphasized her personal devotion and love for sweets. “Main toh khud Ganpati rakh kar aayi hoon ghar pe. And I love meetha. Main toh itna meetha khati hoon (I have brought Ganpati home myself. And I love sweets. I eat so many sweets),” Anjali said.

She added, “Aur waise bhi jo Prasad humein milta hai woh aashirvaad hota hai. Usse na humara weight badta hai. Usse humein sadbhudhi hi milti hai (And anyway, the prasad we receive is a blessing. It doesn’t increase our weight. It only gives us good sense/wisdom).”

Continuing, she advised, “Toh jitna prasad aapko mile, yeh nahi hai ki bahut saara khana hai, par thoda thoda khaya karo. Kyunki woh bhagwan ka aashirvaad hota hai. Aur aapko nahi pata kab kya mil jaye. Suna hai na kisi bhi roop mein Narayan mil jayenge (So whatever prasad you get, it’s not that you have to eat a lot, but have a little bit. Because that is God’s blessing. And you never know when you might receive something in any form. You’ve heard, right, that Narayan can appear in any form).”

Anjali’s comments arrive as the industry gears up for a festive clash. Her movie Mahakavya Shri Ramayan Katha is being positioned as a big-budget epic, while Ranbir Kapoor’s film Ramayana is slated for a Diwali release. With both projects drawing from the same mythological universe, the conversation around faith, representation and public gestures has gained additional traction.

While Ranbir’s prasad moment continues to divide opinion online, Anjali’s stance underscores a belief shared by many devotees: prasad is less about calories and more about aashirvaad.

Also Read: Ramayana’s NEVER-before-seen 15-minute footage STUNS exhibitors at Big Cine Expo 2026 in Chennai: “VFX at par with a big-scale Hollywood film like The Lord Of The Rings”

Luv Ranjan unveils first look of Pehla Pyaar Doosri Baar featuring six debutants, film to release on October 23

The first poster of Pehla Pyaar Doosri Baar has been unveiled, introducing six new faces who are set to make their big-screen debuts with the upcoming friendship-comedy. Directed by debutant Anuj Saini and backed by Luv Films, the film is scheduled to release worldwide in cinemas on October 23, 2026.

The film stars Alisha Chopra, Sparsh Walia, Sakshi Vaidya, Kunal Vaid, Sargun Kaur Luthra and Tushar Chhibber in their acting debuts. The first-look poster brings the six newcomers together, offering a glimpse of the ensemble at the centre of the film.

The poster features the six actors in a colourful setting, with their individual styles and playful poses giving it a youthful look. It marks the first official introduction of the cast ahead of the film’s theatrical release.

 

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Luv Ranjan, who has previously launched new faces through his films, spoke about the experience of introducing the newcomers. He said, “Introducing newcomers is always a challenge, but it’s the one I genuinely look forward to. Fifteen years ago, I got that opportunity with Pyaar Ka Punchnama, and when something similar came along with Pehla Pyaar Doosri Baar, I knew I didn’t want to let it pass. As a writer, creating a world for six new faces and watching them find their own rhythm within it was something I really enjoyed. When the people feel right, the story finds its own energy, and I’m excited for audiences to meet them.”

Presented by Luv Films, Pehla Pyaar Doosri Baar is directed by Anuj Saini and produced by Luv Ranjan and Ankur Garg. The film is set to release worldwide in cinemas on October 23, 2026.

Also Read : EXCLUSIVE: Here’s why Aditya Chopra and Luv Ranjan are mentioned under ‘Special Thanks’ in Ikka

EXCLUSIVE: Abundantia Entertainment and Almighty Motion Picture join hands for Kodaikanal Mercury thriller Heavy Metal

Abundantia Entertainment, led by Vikram Malhotra, and Almighty Motion Picture, led by Prabhleen Sandhu, have joined hands to produce Heavy Metal, a feature film based on Ameer Shahul’s investigative book Heavy Metal: How a Global Corporation Poisoned Kodaikanal, published by Pan Macmillan. The film is currently in pre-production, with principal casting underway and filming expected to begin soon.

The project will explore the mercury contamination controversy in Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu, and the events surrounding a thermometer factory operated by Hindustan Unilever. The issue came into focus in 2001 following allegations related to the disposal of mercury-contaminated waste from the facility.

Over the years, the controversy developed into a prolonged campaign involving former factory workers, local residents, environmental activists and Greenpeace. The issue also attracted international attention, raising questions around worker safety, corporate accountability and environmental responsibility.

Based on Shahul’s investigative account, the film is being developed as a corporate-environmental thriller with an investigative narrative and a strong human element. The makers are looking to explore the events through the experiences of those affected by the controversy and the larger questions surrounding industrial practices and environmental impact.

According to those familiar with the project, the creative approach draws inspiration from films and series such as Erin Brockovich, Dark Waters and Chernobyl, while focusing on the specific events surrounding the Kodaikanal controversy.

For Almighty Motion Picture, Heavy Metal adds to its slate of projects inspired by real-world events, people and institutions. The production house recently backed the streaming series Made in India: A Titan Story.

The collaboration with Abundantia Entertainment brings together two production banners for a project that combines elements of a corporate thriller, investigative mystery and human drama.

The film is expected to go on floors shortly. Details about the director, cast and other members of the production team are expected to be announced in the coming days.

Also Read : Abundantia Entertainment CEO Vikram Malhotra says audiences want rooted stories and unique characters: “Indians want stories that reflect the world they live in”

Amaal Mallik warns trolls amid ‘Main Hoon Hero Tera’ credit controversy: “Music ka SRK hoon, magar gussa mera Salman Khan wala hai”

Amaal Mallik has responded strongly to social media users targeting his family amid the ongoing discussion surrounding his song ‘Main Hoon Hero Tera’. The composer took to social media to address the criticism and made it clear that while he may respond to comments directed at him, he would not accept remarks aimed at his family.

On Wednesday, Amaal shared a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, drawing a distinction between criticism of his work and comments about his family. He wrote, “A statutory warning to the entire audience on each & every social platform of the world… Not a word about my family will be tolerated.”

Amaal was referring to the controversy surrounding ‘Main Hoon Hero Tera’, the 2015 song sung by Salman Khan. Addressing the discussion around the song's credits, he explained the contributions of everyone involved in its making. Amaal wrote, “Firstly, know that Armaan Malik has sung the main version, because of which it could be presented to the actor-producer Mr Salman Khan and director Mr Nikhil Advani. I made it, @kumaarofficial sir wrote it, @ArmaanMalik22 sang it; hence it got approved and then @BeingSalmanKhan sir sang it. That’s how the cookie crumbles, and that’s exactly how it happened, okay? FYI, without Me & Kumaar sir, there would be no song to sing. Without Armaan, there would be nothing to play to Salman, sir. Without SK’s face & voice version, the song wouldn’t be where it is today; never denied that. But does anyone even pause to think how much goes into creating a song and then get left out of every celebration post every year.”

A statutory warning to the entire audience on each & every social platform of the world…

Not a word about my family will be tolerated.

Targeting me is part of your game plan, gives you some likes and eyeballs - GREAT!

You are welcome ;)

Last few days I have been seeing… pic.twitter.com/nEx3qvLr3e — Amaal Mallik (@AmaalMallik) September 16, 2026

The composer further warned that he would publicly address those who make comments about his family. He also spoke about standing by his father, Daboo Malik, and his family despite their estrangement.

“I will expose each one of you here if I find you saying anything against my family. Also, if anyone from the film industry, without probable cause or reason, stands up against me and mine, watch out, I’ll be coming for you… Music ka #Srk hoon main, Magar gussa mera #SalmanKhan Aur #SanjayDutt wala hai. Yeh sab doosro ko saath chalta hoga, Daboo Malik aur unki family ke saath Bilkul nahi… Amaal Mallik unke saath khada tha, hai aur rahega bhi. So, bhidna at your own risk. (This might happen with others, but definitely not with Daboo Malik and his family… Amaal Mallik stood with them, stands with them, and will continue to stand with them. So, clash at your own risk).”

The controversy began after Salman Khan Films shared a social media post marking 10 years of ‘Main Hoon Hero Tera’ without initially mentioning Amaal Mallik as the composer. Amaal subsequently called out the omission, following which the post was edited to include his credit.

The incident also led to criticism of Amaal on social media, with some users calling him ‘ungrateful’ towards Salman Khan. Amaal and his singer-brother Armaan Malik subsequently defended his position publicly, resulting in further discussion online.

Also Read : Sau Aasmaan Turns 10: Amaal Malik, Armaan Malik and Neeti Mohan reflect on ‘Baar Baar Dekho’ song˝

BREAKING: Government of India reconstitutes CBFC; Suniel Shetty, Preity Zinta, Priyadarshan, Pankaj Tripathi among 18 members

The Government of India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has reconstituted the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). As per an official notification dated September 16, 2026, the reconstituted Board will come into effect immediately and will remain in place for a period of three years or until further orders, whichever is earlier. Bollywood Hungama has learned these members will constitute the Revising Committee of the CBFC.

The notification has been issued in exercise of the powers conferred under Section 3(1) of the Cinematograph Act, 1952, read with Rule 3 of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024.

The new CBFC Board comprises 18 members from varied fields, including cinema, music, literature and the arts. Among the prominent names on the list are actors Suniel Shetty and Pankaj Tripathi, actress Preity Zinta, filmmaker Priyadarshan, musician Ricky Kej, singer Hansraj Hans, filmmaker Nila Madhab Panda and actor-director Rupali Ganguly.

The complete list of members includes Vinod Anupam, Manoj Joshi, Abhishek Jain, Ricky Kej, Priyadarshan, Suniel Shetty, Hansraj Hans, Supriya Yarlagadda, Yatindra Mishra, Rupali Ganguly, Preity Zinta, Nila Madhab Panda, Pankaj Tripathi, Prosenjit Chatterjee, Pallavi Joshi, Nishigandha Wad, Waman Kendre and Ramesh Patange.

The inclusion of several personalities from the entertainment industry is particularly noteworthy. Suniel Shetty and Preity Zinta bring acting experience to the Board, while Priyadarshan and Nila Madhab Panda represent filmmaking. Grammy Award-winning composer Ricky Kej represents the music fraternity.

The reconstitution comes as the CBFC continues to operate under the framework of the Cinematograph Act and the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024. The Board plays a key role in examining films submitted for public exhibition and granting certification based on the applicable rules.

The notification was issued from New Delhi on September 16, 2026.

Also Read: Shri Mahakavya Ramayan Katha producer and team meet Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, discuss the film being shot in various locations in the state

SHOCKING: Gurugram youth takes inspiration from Vikrant Massey’s Pritam And Pedro character to allegedly con student of Rs. 24.60 lakhs

The web series Pritam And Pedro, produced by Rajkumar Hirani and starring his son Vir Hirani alongside Arshad Warsi and Vikrant Massey, has been appreciated for its humour, writing, performances and, most importantly, its message about cybercrime. Ironically, a youth in Gurugram allegedly took inspiration from the series to commit a crime himself. His plan, however, was short-lived as the police tracked him down and arrested him.

As per an article in the Times of India, the accused, Alok K, posed as a student counsellor and met a 21-year-old person earlier this year, who was enrolled in a distance-learning programme for an MBA (finance) with a prestigious management institute. The student and the accused met at a cafe in Juhu, Mumbai and the latter helped the former complete his admission formalities. As a result, the student started to trust him.

A few months ago, the victim was appearing for an online exam when an alert appeared on his device screen that copying had been detected. According to the report in the Times of India, the student called the accused and clarified that he was not copying. The same alert popped up on the last day of the exam, and this time, the application crashed.

The article then states, “Alok called up the student and inquired whether he had been copying again. At this, the student once again denied any wrongdoing. The student grew nervous when Alok warned him that he would be debarred and blacklisted and would never be able to get admission in any other university in future. Alok offered to sort out the matter and started demanding money. He also promised to refund the money if he was unable to do the job.”

The student then transferred Rs. 24.60 lakhs in installments, out of which Alok refunded him only Rs. 1.15 lakh. Meanwhile, the student passed the exam and yet, the accused kept on demanding money. This is when the student realized that he had been conned. He told his parents about it and subsequently lodged a complaint at the Bangur Nagar police station earlier this month.

The cops surveilled Alok’s phone records and the money trail, which helped them track his location to Gurugram. He was arrested on September 11. The article revealed, “Police said Alok used to previously work at a call centre that had been contracted by the management institute to coordinate with all students regarding admissions and counselling. He got the victim’s phone number from the call centre’s database and targeted him. Police have seized two cellphones from him.”

Once arrested, the accused revealed to the cops that he was inspired by the antagonist, essayed by Vikrant Massey, in Pritam And Pedro and intended to use social engineering and impersonation to deceive the victim.

Also Read: Rajkumar Hirani’s Pritam and Pedro becomes India’s most-watched web series of 2026 with 23 million viewers

SCOOP: Shah Rukh Khan saw Dhurandhar The Revenge a day before release at Salman Khan’s preview theatre

Yesterday, Shah Rukh Khan conducted an ‘Ask SRK’ session after nearly 10 ½ months, and it left the X users excited. As always, the superstar gave witty replies, and this time he also shared updates about his much-awaited next, King. That’s not all. A fan asked whether he had seen Dhurandhar. To which Shah Rukh Khan replied, “Loved both the parts....fantastic by the whole team!!!”

Bollywood Hungama enquired from a source from the actor's team on this and he said, “Shah Rukh Khan saw Dhurandhar The Revenge a day before the release, that is, before the whole world. He asked director Aditya Dhar to arrange for the screening and the writer-director-producer gladly did it for him.”

The source further said, “The screening took place at a preview theatre owned by Salman Khan. Shah Rukh attended the screening with his whole family. Karan Johar also joined him.” However, the source had no idea whether Salman also joined the fellow star and KJo for the screening of Dhurandhar The Revenge.

Incidentally, this is the same preview theatre where Salman Khan showed a rough cut of his upcoming film, Maatrubhumi, to prominent people in the industry like Subhash Ghai, David Dhawan, Sooraj Barjatya, Kabir Khan, Riteish Deshmukh, Rumy Jafry, Siddharth Roy Kapur and others. Director Apoorva Lakhia and Salman’s co-star Chitrangda Singh were also present at the screening.

The source added, “After the screening, Shah Rukh Khan spoke to Aditya Dhar and communicated to him how much he enjoyed the flick. Aditya was quite touched to receive such feedback from one of the biggest stars in the country.”

Dhurandhar and Dhurandhar The Revenge starred Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, R Madhavan, Sara Arjun, Rakesh Bedi and others. The film tells the story of an Indian spy who infiltrates Pakistan and a notorious gang in Lyari, Karachi. The story centres on how he gradually rises through the ranks and wreaks havoc.

Also Read: AskSRK: Shah Rukh Khan reveals his ‘King’-like habit, ADMITS what still makes him nervous and shares his current read!