Author: Ankita Singh

Filmmaker and choreographer Farah Khan recently shared insights into her evolving approach to family life, revealing that she has become less of a control freak at home.

During her visit to Kunickaa Sadanand’s house, part of her fun YouTube series, Farah explained how her experience of managing every detail on set influenced her role at home. She emphasized the importance of balancing her personal life and reducing stress by allowing her family to make their own decisions.

Farah candidly admitted that while she used to micromanage, she’s now learned to cut back. “Being on set creates a habit of controlling everything,” she said. “So, at home, I prefer to let go. Sometimes, I feel my family is grown up enough to make their own decisions and even mistakes. I can’t take unnecessary stress anymore; it just leaves you exhausted.”

This revelation came after Kunickaa shared a poignant moment when she broke down in tears after Farah had reprimanded her for her behavior on Bigg Boss 19, even labeling her a “control freak.” Kunickaa expressed, “I have to admit that I cried. Then, in the confession room, I said, ‘Call me. I didn’t like it.’ It was about my kitchen and how I care for things. She commented like that because I am very honest about my care.”

Reflecting on her experiences, Kunickaa noted, “I realized that all my life, I have put so much love into people that they suffocated. I decided to cut back. But you became so much better afterwards; I realized you were right. That made me re-evaluate my relationships, whether with boyfriends or others.”

Farah Khan’s visit was part of her YouTube series, where she explores celebrity homes, films light-hearted cooking segments, and engages in candid conversations and gossip with her guests.

Actor Sunil Lahri, known for his role as Lakshman in the epic series ‘Ramayan’, recently reflected on one of the most challenging sequences from the show.

On Monday, he shared a video on Instagram, discussing the iconic kevat scene. In the video, he expressed, “Jai Ram Ji ki! You all must be familiar with this sequence from ‘Ramayana’. Shooting this sequence was not that easy. It was very difficult. We shot this sequence in a temperature of 50 degrees Celsius. In this scene, when we got down from the boat, Ramanand Sagar wanted us to walk barefoot in the scorching sun and sand. Think about it, to walk barefoot on the sand, in the scorching sun.”

He continued, “We requested him, ‘Please, can we use footwear?’ He refused. Maybe it was Ram Ji’s wish. We walked barefoot on the scorching sand, and we got bruises on our feet. We couldn’t even wear our shoes properly. It was very painful and difficult. But your love and respect made us forget all the difficulties. Keep this love and respect. Thank you very much. Jai Shree Ram.”

‘Ramayan’ stands as one of Indian television’s most defining cultural moments. The series, which aired on Doordarshan, transformed Sunday mornings into a cherished ritual across the nation, with families gathering around their TV sets while streets cleared. Based on Valmiki’s epic, it narrates the story of Lord Ram with devotion, moral clarity, and simplicity, making it accessible to all ages and regions.

Arun Govil’s calm and dignified portrayal of Ram and Deepika Chikhalia’s serene Sita became iconic, blurring the line between actor and deity in the public’s imagination. The restrained production, traditional dialogues, and reverent pacing reinforced the epic’s spiritual significance rather than just providing spectacle.

Beyond mere entertainment, ‘Ramayan’ played a crucial role in shaping collective memory, religious consciousness, and the history of television in India.

Actress Shehnaaz Gill has shared her perspective on the significance of solitude, revealing that her time spent alone has contributed to her sense of wholeness.

In her recent Instagram post, the ‘Honsla Rakh’ actress and singer highlighted the empowering nature of embracing alone time. This, she believes, allows individuals to reconnect with themselves and discover their inner strength. On Monday, Gill shared a series of candid monochrome images along with the caption, “To be alone is to be whole……”

The first black-and-white photograph features the actress sitting candidly, dressed in a black tank top, an open shirt, and shorts. In the next image, she is seen tying her hair into a bun.

Shehnaaz Gill regularly shares glimpses from her personal and professional life through her social media.

On the professional front, her recent project, “Ikk Kudi,” tells the story of a woman from a family plagued by heartbreaks, who begins to question her arranged marriage and sets out to uncover her fiancé’s hidden past.

Shehnaaz commenced her career as a model with the 2015 music video “Shiv Di Kitaab” and made her acting debut in the 2017 Punjabi film “Sat Shri Akaal England.” Her journey to stardom began with her participation in the 13th season of Bigg Boss, which garnered her widespread fame and recognition.

The actress has been a part of various films, including “Kala Shah Kala,” “Daaka,” “Honsla Rakh,” “Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan,” and “Thank You for Coming.”

In addition to her acting career, she has starred in numerous music videos, such as “Maar Kar Gayi,” “Pindaan Diyaan Kudiyaan,” “Je Haan Ni Karni,” “Putt Sardaran De,” “Lakh Laanhta,” “Viah Da Chaa,” “Jatt Jaan Vaarda,” “Gusse Ho Ke Nahiyo Sarna,” “Jatti Hadd Sekhdi,” “Gunday Ik Vaar Fer,” “Peg Paun Wele,” “Gedi Route,” “Shona Shona,” and “Habit.”

Actress Geeta Basra has lauded the Mumbai Police for their effective management of Lionel Messi’s recent event, which contrasted sharply with the reported chaos during his appearance in Kolkata.

Smooth Experience for Fans

The “Train” actress expressed her appreciation for the police force, highlighting their role in ensuring a seamless experience for both fans and attendees. Geeta took to her Instagram to share a few photos and videos of herself alongside Argentine footballer Lionel Messi, her husband Harbhajan Singh, and their children. In one of the clips, she captured a moment posing with Messi for the paparazzi, along with solo images featuring the football star.

In her post, Geeta Basra wrote, “G.O.A.T @leomessi and standing with our G.O.A.T @harbhajan3 .. great meeting @luissuarez9 and @rodridepaul too.. Thank you @satadrutravel and #CCI Mumbai for making this possible. Well done @mumbaipolice for such a smooth event #harbhajansingh #messi.”

Kolkata Incident

In stark contrast, chaos emerged during Messi’s Kolkata event, where frustrated fans at the Salt Lake Stadium destroyed seats and threw objects onto the pitch after his appearance. Recent reports indicate that Satadru Dutta, the main organizer and promoter of Messi’s G.O.A.T. Tour of India, has been denied bail and is currently held in 14-day police custody due to the violence.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her distress over the incidents, stating on her X handle, “The [enquiry] committee will conduct a detailed enquiry into the incident, fix responsibility, and recommend measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.”

Bollywood Meets Football Legend

Meanwhile, several Bollywood stars converged in Mumbai to meet football legend Lionel Messi on December 14. Kareena Kapoor attended with her children, Taimur and Jeh, at an event held at the Cricket Club of India (CCI). Later that evening, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff also greeted Messi at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.

Notably, Shah Rukh Khan interacted with Messi during a special meet-and-greet session with his son AbRam during the controversial Kolkata leg of the GOAT Tour of India 2025.

Television actor Gautam Rode is truly embracing one of the most joyful chapters of his life: fatherhood. In a recent social media post, the ‘Saraswatichandra’ actor was caught in a playful scuffle with his 2-year-old daughter, Radhya.

As little Radhya attempted to hit her dad with her tiny hands, Gautam pretended to reprimand her, saying, “You be a good kid, listen to your dad.” He humorously captioned the post: “Daddy daughter fights” along with a red heart and laughing with tears emoji.

In a lighthearted exchange, he told her, “Do not slap me. I will not be slapped by you. I am your father, you are not my father.” He affectionately referred to his little princess as ‘hulk,’ questioning if she has any anger issues.

As Radhya playfully tried to hit him again, Gautam lovingly acted scolding her once more. Both Gautam and his wife, Pankhuri Awasthy, frequently share delightful moments with their twins on social media.

In July, when Radhya and her twin brother Raditya celebrated their second birthday, Gautam shared a heartfelt note for his “bundles of joy.” On his official Instagram, he posted a series of birthday party photos with the caption, “My jaans have turned 2 years old Mumma and Daadu love you the mossssttttttttt (sic).”

Gautam married his ‘Suryaputra Karn’ co-star Pankhuri in February 2018 in Alwar. The couple welcomed their twins—a boy and a girl—in July 2023. Following the birth, Pankhuri posted a video of Gautam amusingly confused about their newborns’ identities. She also shared a reel highlighting her journey of bringing their babies into the world, featuring moments from both before and after their arrival.

Singer Amaal Mallik has recently opened up about his family struggles on the reality show “Bigg Boss 19.”

Personal Family Challenges

Amaal shared deeply personal experiences, revealing his father Daboo Malik’s career challenges, their financial troubles involving a Rs. 3.5 crore loan, mistreatment faced by his mother, and his grandfather’s illness. In an exclusive interview, he expressed his commitment to sharing his family’s journey candidly.

Speaking His Truth

When questioned about his choice to discuss such intimate family matters on a public platform, Amaal affirmed that he is dedicated to being honest about his experiences and unafraid to speak his truth.

“If someone asks me about my entire journey, I will answer honestly. I’m not afraid to speak my truth. People worry about their image or their following. I don’t. If I’m telling my story, I will tell it fully. Some things my parents felt I could have said differently—naturally, their perspective is different from mine. They weren’t living inside that house. But I spoke from my heart,” he stated.

Financial Struggles Explained

During his time on the show, Amaal discussed his family’s financial difficulties. He recounted a period when they were burdened with a significant loan, emphasizing that they received no support from anyone, not even family. Amaal remarked, “During that time, we had a loan of Rs 3.5-4 crore because of multiple reasons and no one, neither my uncle, nor anyone helped us.”

Beyond the Name

He also highlighted that these challenges were intensified by his grandfather’s serious health issues and reinforced that he has never depended on his father’s name to propel his career.

Actor-director Kunal Kemmu, known for his remarkable work in the recently released streaming series “Single Papa,” shared an insightful glimpse into his journey with acting. He reflected on the moment his passion for the craft ignited and solidified his decision to pursue a career in acting.

Kunal has been in the industry since he was just 9 years old, marking an impressive career that spans three decades. His portfolio includes some of the most entertaining blockbusters in Hindi cinema, along with critically acclaimed films like “Zakhm.”

During a promotional conversation for “Single Papa,” Kunal expressed, “I think it’s like a constantly burning desire. It’s like you got to keep adding fuel to it and make sure that it doesn’t die out. And I don’t think even dying out is in your hands. It’s just your personality. It’ll be different for everybody.”

Recalling what drew him to acting, he said, “I didn’t even know if I wanted to be an actor as a child. But, I saw my parents on stage and I saw them act and I was like, ‘I love films’. And I was like, ‘How will it feel to be on a big screen?’. So, I went for it. Then I really enjoyed it. By the age of 15, I was like, ‘I want to be an actor’. And so even when I did college, I was on stage. I did a lot of theatre. I got a chance to kind of do a film like ‘Kalyug’. And that’s when I fell in love with the entire workings of how films are made.”

Kunal emphasized the significance of patience in an actor’s career, highlighting how it can lead to better decision-making. He mentioned, “In an actor’s life, there are often times that you’re working 24×7. And there are times like six months or a year, when you don’t have work as an actor, and you are at home. That’s when, you know, you go through this maturing phase of how do you deal with things that are not in your control? How do you deal with these ups and downs, happiness and sadness? I loved the entire process of making films; I had stories in my head that I was forced to, in case of ‘Madgaon Express,’ put down on paper.”

He continued, “So I trained the writer within me. And then years later, I didn’t know if it was going to be fruitful. I was just doing it as a therapeutic exercise. But I kept writing. And I think I really enjoyed it.”

“Single Papa” is currently streaming on Netflix.

Ranveer Singh, who faced challenges with films like “83”, “Jayeshbhai Jordaar”, and “Cirkus”, has made a remarkable comeback at the box office with his latest release, “Dhurandhar”. In the midst of this success, the vibrant star shared a reflective note on fate and patience.

Trusting the Journey

Taking to his Instagram Stories, Ranveer—known for his infectious energy—opened up about trusting the process and waiting for the right moment after experiencing a lull following the release of Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani in 2023. He wrote, “Kismat ki ek bohut khoobsurat aadat hai, ki woh waqt aane par badalti hai… Lekin filhal…Nazar aur sabr,” expressing his thoughts on destiny, perseverance, and patience.

Box Office Success

“Dhurandhar” has made history at the box office during its second weekend, grossing over Rs 100 crore in just two days. As of now, the film has amassed a total of Rs 351 crore, according to reports.

Film Details

Directed by Aditya Dhar, “Dhurandhar” features a star-studded cast including Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, Sara Arjun, Rakesh Bedi, Manav Gohil, Danish Pandor, Saumya Tandon, Gaurav Gera, and Naveen Kaushik.

The film is the first installment of a two-part series, showcasing an Indian intelligence mission that unfolds over ten years. An undercover agent infiltrates Karachi’s criminal and political landscape to dismantle lethal cross-border terror networks.

Inspiration and Context

“Dhurandhar” draws inspiration from real-life events, including geopolitical tensions, the 1999 Indian plane hijack, the 2001 Indian Parliament attack, the 2008 Mumbai attacks, and covert operations conducted by India’s R&AW linked to Operation Lyari, as well as the crackdown on criminal syndicates.

The film is gaining momentum at the box office and is on track to become the third highest-grossing Hindi film of 2025, as well as the fourth highest-grossing Indian film of the same year. The sequel, “Dhurandhar: Part 2 – Revenge,” is set to release in 2026.

Actor and fitness enthusiast Milind Soman has emphasized the importance of active ageing, urging grandmothers to challenge long-standing stereotypes through fitness and active participation.

Breaking Stereotypes

Milind, known for his role in ‘Paurashpur,’ believes that life shouldn’t slow down with age. He pointed out that when older women remain active, they inspire not only their peers but also younger generations to reimagine what growing old looks like. He stated, “There’s this stereotype that grandmothers sit at home, making dough or knitting. We want to break this stereotype and also encourage grandmothers to live more active lives by inspiring them through each other.”

Encouraging Active Lifestyles

He added, “Just because you’re over 60 or 70 doesn’t mean life has to slow down. You can still participate in events, represent your country, and do whatever you want. This event isn’t just for grandmothers; it’s also for those watching them. We want younger people to see this and say, this is how I want to grow old.”

Grandmothers 10K Run

Recently, over 50 senior women participated in a special Grandmothers 10K run at the Vivekanand Education Society grounds in Chembur. Organized by Zydus Pinkathon, India’s largest women’s run, this event highlighted a changing mindset in urban India regarding ageing and fitness.

Inspiring Everyday Women

Ankita Konwar, Milind’s wife and founder of Invincible Women, shared her thoughts on the event, stating, “What’s beautiful about the Grandmothers’ Race is that these are not professional athletes. These are everyday women from all walks of life, coming together, inspired by each other. When you see someone you know doing something incredible, you think, ‘If she can do it, maybe I can too.’”

On the Work Front

On the professional side, Milind Soman has recently been in the spotlight for his association with the web series “The Royals,” where he focused on fitness rather than taking on an acting role. His latest on-screen performance was in the period drama “Paurashpur.”

As Messi fever sweeps across the nation, contestants from ‘Laughter Chefs Season 3’, Jannat Zubair and Elvish Yadav, had the incredible chance to meet the football legend.

Sharing their once-in-a-lifetime experience on social media, Jannat and Elvish posted, “We met Messi!! What an amazing day ✨ Welcome to India 🇮🇳 So much love ❤️ Special Thanks To @officialpuch.ai 😊❤️ (Sic).”

Messi arrived in Mumbai as part of his India tour but faced an awkward situation in Kolkata, where he could only stay for 20 minutes, despite being scheduled for 2 hours. The brief encounter was due to unexpected disruptions at Salt Lake Stadium, where political and influential figures disrupted the event, leaving many fans disappointed after spending thousands on tickets.

Following Kolkata, Messi proceeded to Hyderabad and then Mumbai on his tour. While in Mumbai, he met several Bollywood stars.

Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor Khan brought along her two sons, Taimur and Jeh, to meet Messi at the Wankhede Stadium. After their meeting, Kareena was seen exiting the venue, dressed sharply in formals, while her sons sported football jerseys. Taimur proudly wore a jersey featuring Messi’s name, and Jeh opted for one with Argentina’s logo.

Actress Shilpa Shetty also took her son, Viaan-Raj Kundra, to meet the football icon at the Wankhede Stadium. Later, Shilpa shared her joy with the media outside the stadium, stating, “It was very nice. Iska (Viaan) ka toh dream poora ho gaya.” (Viaan’s dream has been fulfilled).