Author: Ankita Singh

Television actress Deepika Singh and her team from the popular show “Mangal Lakshmi” are currently in Georgia, shooting for some special episodes. To combat the freezing temperatures, they indulged in some delicious desi parathas.

In a recent video shared by Deepika on social media, her co-stars Naman Shaw and Urvashi Upadhyay were seen enjoying the homemade parathas. Naman even suggested that they should pile on some spicy pickles to heat things up in the chilly weather.

Deepika captioned her post, “Behind the scenes in Georgia” accompanied by a red heart and folded hands emojis. She also treated fans with a few pictures from their arrival, expressing gratitude for the support of their show. “Thank you to all your love for our show ‘Mangal Lakshmi’ that today we’re here to shoot a few episodes. Keep showering your love and support at 9 pm, Mon-Fri only on (sic).”

In a previous update, Deepika shared how a choreography she had almost forgotten came to her rescue during a rushed shoot. She highlighted the advantage of being an actor-dancer by posting a video of herself and her co-star dancing to the title track of the 1999 film “Taal.”

“Nothing we learn in this world is ever wasted. If it’s good, it will serve some good purpose in the future. That happened this day when we were supposed to dance on set on the same song,” she captioned the post.

She added, “Being an Actor Dancer always helped me, many times on set. This choreography was inspired by my Odissi dancer friend @purnatamohanty’s choreography which I saw online long back. But when I got a chance to dance on ‘Taal,’ her choreography clicked for me. We hardly had 15 minutes to finish this scene, and @thearshiyasharma also followed the same choreography instructed by me.”

Divya Dutta recently took to social media to share unseen moments from the 90th birthday celebrations of renowned filmmaker Shyam Benegal.

The intimate gathering featured luminaries such as Shabana Azmi, Naseeruddin Shah, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Rajit Kapur, Atul Tiwari, and filmmaker-actor Kunal Kapoor. On her Instagram, Divya posted a nostalgic throwback image from the celebrations, captioning it, “This day..last year…but memories live on…the fondeetvones. Happy bday #shyambenegal !! Thankyou for the movies..thankyou for the life lessons..the experience, the joy of being on your sets and in your amazing company…alwqys n always lilove for you…”

The heartwarming photo features Shabana Azmi smiling and waving while seated alongside Shyam Benegal, with Divya Dutta, Naseeruddin Shah, and others posing behind them.

For those unaware, veteran filmmaker Shyam Benegal passed away on December 23, 2024, only days after celebrating his 90th birthday. Born on December 14, 1934, the legendary director succumbed to kidney-related ailments in Mumbai. He celebrated this milestone birthday in the company of Shabana Azmi, Divya Dutta, Naseeruddin Shah, Rajit Kapur, Atul Tiwari, and many others.

Benegal is celebrated for his iconic award-winning films like “Ankur,” “Bhumika,” “Manthan,” and “Nishant,” leaving behind an extraordinary legacy in Indian cinema. Making his feature film debut with “Ankur” in 1974, he starred Anant Nag and Shabana Azmi; this film received the National Film Award for Second Best Feature Film and established Benegal as a pioneering filmmaker.

His last directorial venture, “Mujib: The Making of a Nation” (2023), showcased the life of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Over his illustrious career, Benegal garnered multiple National Awards for films such as “Bhumika: The Role,” “Junoon,” “Arohan,” “Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: The Forgotten Hero,” and “Well Done Abba.”

Actress Urvashi Rautela recently opened up about the intense preparation that went into her role in “Kasoor 2.”

Intensive Preparation for a Challenging Role

Speaking on the sidelines of the Red Sea Film Festival, she revealed that this role demanded sleepless nights and pushed her to her absolute limits, both emotionally and mentally.

In an exclusive statement, Urvashi emphasized that the challenging character required deep preparation and resilience, making it one of the most demanding performances of her career. She stated, “This will be a never-before-seen avatar for me in a supernatural drama film. Portraying this role in Kasoor 2, presented by Bablu Aziz Barudgar and produced by Asif Shaikh under Practical Production Films, directed by Glen Barretto, alongside Aftab Shivdasani and Jassie Gill, demanded sleepless nights, pushing me to the absolute limits emotionally and mentally.”

A Transformational Experience

Rautela added, “To truly embody the character, I had to surrender completely, diving deep into her intensity and vulnerability. Experiencing this at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been profoundly transformative and unforgettable.”

The ‘Sanam Re’ actress was invited to Saudi Arabia to promote her upcoming film “Kasoor 2.” The film stars Urvashi alongside Aftab Shivdasani and Jassie Gill and is a sequel to the 2001 hit Kasoor, which was directed by Vikram Bhatt and featured Aftab Shivdasani and Lisa Ray in lead roles.

Aftab Shivdasani’s Exciting Announcement

On his birthday, June 25, Aftab Shivdasani revealed that he would be returning with the sequel to “Kasoor.” Sharing photos from the sets of ‘Kasoor 2,’ he wrote, “On this special day, as I turn a year older, the only gift I ask for is your love and blessings. Thank you for all the love over the years. I’m very grateful and blessed to be working on this birthday on a very special film that means a lot to me. Love and gratitude. #kasoor (sic).”

Veteran actor and politician Shatrughan Sinha paid tribute to the “greatest showman” Raj Kapoor on his birth anniversary through a heartfelt social media post.

A Source of Inspiration

Shatrughan expressed his admiration on his X (formerly Twitter) timeline, stating, “Forever in our hearts, thinking of you today, ‘the greatest showman’ legendary & best #RajKapoor the great source of inspiration for me always. (sic)” He fondly recalled his collaboration with Raj Kapoor in the 1976 film “Khaan Dost.”

Reminiscing About ‘Khaan Dost’

Reflecting on their time together, he mentioned, “Reminiscing about working together in ‘Khaan Dost’ You are truly missed. Profound regards to the great Kapoor family. Long Live Raj Kapoor! #BirthAnniversary.”

About ‘Khaan Dost’

Directed by Dulal Guha, “Khaan Dost” narrates the story of Ramdin Pandey, portrayed by Raj Kapoor, a naive constable in Nasik striving to make ends meet. His life takes a dramatic turn when notorious inmate Rehmat Khan, played by Shatrughan, persuades him to aid in an escape.

Notable Cast

The film also features Mithu Mukherjee, Yogeeta Bali, Satyendra Kapoor, Sulochana Latkar, Asit Sen, Jagdish Raj, Maruti, and Chandulal in significant roles.

Raj Kapoor’s Legacy

Raj Kapoor, the eldest son of Prithviraj Kapoor, began his acting career at the tender age of 10 with the 1935 film “Inquilab.” In 1948, he established his own production company, R. K. Films, and made his directorial debut with the musical drama “Aag,” which starred Nargis, Premnath, and Kamini Kaushal.

Inspired by Charlie Chaplin, Raj Kapoor frequently embodied characters reminiscent of The Tramp in films like “Awaara” (1951), “Shree 420” (1955), and “Mera Naam Joker” (1970). His remarkable contributions to Indian cinema were recognized when the Government of India awarded him the Padma Bhushan in 1971, followed by the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1988.

Raj Kapoor’s grandchildren—Kareena, Ranbir, and Karisma—continue to make their mark in Bollywood, carrying forward his illustrious legacy.

Bollywood actress Raveena Tandon recently shared glimpses from her visit to the iconic Babulnath Temple in Mumbai through her social media.

On Instagram, the ‘Mohra’ actress posted a series of photos capturing her serene and spiritual outing, simply captioning it, “Sunday early mornings be like!” The first candid image features Raveena with a tilak on her forehead, posing with a friend in the car. Other pictures showcase her striking poses with her girl gang, along with candid moments and snapshots of the temple.

Earlier this year, Raveena embarked on a remarkable spiritual journey, visiting all 12 Jyotirlingas across India with her daughter, Rasha Thadani. She shared photos from significant temples, including Kedarnath, Mahakaleshwar, and Rameswaram. Her pilgrimage spanned from Uttarakhand to Tamil Nadu, concluding in Gujarat at the final Nageshwar Jyotirlinga.

Rasha also shared images from their visits on Instagram, captioning them, “Nageshwar, my 12th Jyotirling, and Dwarkadhish. Feeling blessed and thankful Har Har Mahade.” Notably, before making her debut with “Azaad,” Rasha had visited 11 Jyotirlingas throughout India.

Raveena and Rasha frequently visit religious sites together, showcasing their strong spiritual inclination and shared faith.

On the professional front, the ‘Patna Shukla’ actress was last seen on the big screen in “Ghudchadi,” directed by Binoy Gandhi. This film featured an ensemble cast that includes Sanjay Dutt, Parth Samthaan, Khushalii Kumar, and Aruna Irani.

In the digital realm, Raveena recently appeared in “Karmma Calling,” which starred Namrata Sheth, Varun Sood, and Vikramjeet Virk. This series is the Indian adaptation of Mike Kelley’s “Revenge,” inspired by Alexandre Dumas’ 1844 novel “The Count of Monte Cristo.”

Looking ahead, Raveena will be seen in a film tentatively titled Suriya 46, an action thriller featuring Suriya and Mamitha Baiju in lead roles. The project was officially announced in April 2025 and marks Suriya’s 46th venture as a lead actor.

Actress Sonali Bendre has shared her book picks for December, providing a festive dose of literary inspiration.

SBC Book(s) of the Month – December Edition

Sonali has recommended three captivating titles:

• Hercule Poirot’s “Christmas” by Agatha Christie
• “We Do Not Part” by Han Kang
• “The Wood at Midwinter” by Susanna Clarke

She encourages readers to join in online discussions for one, two, or all three books, inviting everyone to wrap up the year immersed in stories, magic, and wonder.

In her post, Sonali wrote, “SBC BOOK(S) OF THE MONTH – DECEMBER EDITION We’re ending the year with a bang… and a bundle of books! Because it’s the holidays (and we couldn’t pick just one!), we’re reading three incredible titles this month: Hercule Poirot’s Christmas by Agatha Christie – a perfectly twisty, snow-dusted murder mystery starring everyone’s favourite detective. We Do Not Part by Han Kang – a haunting, dreamlike story of friendship, memory, and a forgotten chapter of Korean history.”

She continued, “The Wood at Midwinter by Susanna Clarke – a magical, illustrated winter tale from the author of Piranesi, filled with woods, creatures, and wonder. We’ll be hosting three separate online textual discussions, so you can read one, two, or all three. Let’s end the year on a strong, story-filled note together. Which #SBCBookOfTheMonth are you picking up first?”

Sonali, recognized for her engaging presence on social media, regularly shares her love for books and literary recommendations with her followers.

On the professional front, Sonali recently co-hosted the reality show “Pati Patni Aur Panga – Jodiyon Ka Reality Check” alongside Munawar Faruqui. The show concluded with Rubina Dilaik and Abhinav Shukla emerging as the winners.

On the big screen, Sonali Bendre was last seen in the 2022 film “Love You Hamesha,” directed by Kailash Surendranath, featuring Akshaye Khanna in a lead role.

It has been over 40 years since Anil Kapoor shared the screen with Jackie Shroff in Raj N. Sippy’s 1984 action film “Andar Baahar.”

Through a recent Instagram post, Anil reflected on how the movie laid the groundwork for their enduring friendship. He noted that what began as a healthy rivalry gradually transformed into deep respect and unconditional love.

Sharing some cherished unseen moments from “Andar Baahar” on social media, Anil wrote, “On and off sets, ours was a friendship that grew in strength, quietly but surely. What was once a healthy rivalry gently faded into the deepest respect and love for each other… #41yearsofAndarBaahar and a friendship I’ll cherish forever.”

The film, a remake of the 1982 Hollywood classic “48 Hrs,” also featured Moon Moon Sen, Kim, and Danny Denzongpa in significant roles.

“Andar Baahar” revolves around a gangster named Shera (played by Danny Denzongpa), who refuses to share the loot from a bank robbery with his accomplice Raja (Anil Kapoor). The tension escalates when Shera shoots Raja, leading to both their arrests. After escaping from prison, Shera kidnaps Raja’s sister, prompting Inspector Ravi Khanna (Jackie Shroff) to enlist Raja’s help to capture Shera.

Over the years, Anil and Jackie have appeared together in several notable films, including “Ram Lakhan” (1989), “Karma” (1986), “Kabhi Na Kabhi” (1998), “Parinda” (1989), “Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja” (1993), “1942: A Love Story” (1994), “Trimurti” (1995), “Kala Bazaar” (1989), and “Shootout at Wadala” (2013), further cementing their bond along the way.

Anil is set to star in Suresh Triveni’s upcoming film “Subedaar.” Co-produced by Vikram Malhotra and Anil Kapoor, the drama explores the life of Arjun Singh, a former soldier grappling with civilian life and trying to mend his strained relationship with his daughter Shyama (played by Radhikka Madan).

Power couple Ankita Lokhande and Vikas Jain recently celebrated their four-year anniversary, sharing a heartfelt post reflecting on their journey of love, commitment, and togetherness.

In their message, the duo highlighted the importance of choosing love even during challenging times. They took to Instagram to share a heartwarming video that showcased their enduring love through photos and cherished memories from the past years. One touching moment captured them cutting a cake, while the video also featured candid cozy moments, vacations, and romantic highlights, beautifully reflecting their journey together.

For their caption, they wrote, “4 years of us. Of growing, learning, falling, rising side by side… We’ve held each other through the loud days and the quiet ones, choosing love even when it wasn’t easy. What we’ve built is more than time; it’s trust, patience, friendship, and home. If this is what four years feel like, we’re ready for the long, long lifetime ahead. Always us. #AnVI ki Kahani #HappyAnniversary #BetterTogether.”

Ankita Lokhande and businessman Vicky Jain tied the knot on December 14, 2021, in a lavish traditional ceremony in Mumbai, following several years of dating. Their wedding celebrations spanned multiple days and featured mehndi, sangeet, and a reception, attended by numerous celebrities from the Bollywood and television industry.

Both Ankita and Vikas appeared together as contestants on the reality show “Bigg Boss 17.” They also teamed up for a new music video titled “Laa Pila De Sharaab,” which starred actor Saurabh Sachdev.

In April, Ankita and Vicky celebrated six years since they first met and began dating. To commemorate the occasion, the ‘Pavitra Rishta’ actress shared her initial uncertainties about how they had arrived at this point, but emphasized that they were truly enjoying their journey together.

Sharing their images, Ankita wrote, “Last night we celebrated six years of ‘we met, we dated, we’re still not sure how we ended up here, but we’re lovin’ it’ kind of love.”

As one of Bollywood’s most iconic films, “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham” has now completed 24 years since its release. Kajol took to Instagram to share a heartfelt message for all the Anjalis out there, encouraging them to stay hopeful.

She advised, “To all the Anjali’s out there, keep being loud and proud! Rahul is out there somewhere but he might be late because of traffic 🙏 #KabhiKhushiKabhieGham #24years (sic).”

In her post, Kajol included a nostalgic image of herself as Anjali and a group picture featuring the entire cast, including Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Hrithik Roshan, and Kareena Kapoor sharing a warm embrace.

Karan Johar, the writer and director of the film, also celebrated this milestone by sharing a video montage of memorable moments from “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham” on social media. He reflected, “All these years and it continues to make everyone feel the power of family, love, lots of khushi and thoda gham! Celebrating #24YearsOfK3G!”

Produced by Yash Johar under the Dharma Productions banner, the film centers on a wealthy Indian family that faces turmoil when their adopted son Rahul, played by Shah Rukh Khan, is disowned by his father for marrying a woman of lower socio-economic status. The family’s separation eventually finds resolution when the younger son Rohan, portrayed by Hrithik Roshan, endeavors to reunite them.

With its memorable dialogues and songs, the film has achieved cult status among movie enthusiasts.

Kajol and Shah Rukh Khan, a beloved on-screen pair, have collaborated on several successful films over the years. Another landmark film featuring them, “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge,” recently celebrated 30 years since its release. To commemorate this occasion, Kajol and Shah Rukh Khan unveiled a bronze statue of their iconic characters, Raj and Simran, in London’s Leicester Square.

Popular TV actor Rithvikk Dhanjani recently took to social media to share highlights from his vacation in Amsterdam.

Exploring Amsterdam’s Charm

During his stay in the heart of the city, Rithvikk immersed himself in its rich art, history, and music. He enjoyed leisurely strolls, cozy cafés, and the vibrant cultural ambiance surrounding him at every turn. On his Instagram, the ‘Pavitra Rishta’ star posted a series of pictures showcasing his exploration of Amsterdam’s artistic and cultural landscapes.

In his post, Rithvikk captioned, “Stayed two nights in the centre of Amsterdam and accidentally walked into art, history, music, cafés, and excellent decisions. Found a hotel right in the centre of it all. Where culture knocks before you leave the room, music hums outside the window, and the city, literally a short walk away… in every direction. If you’re coming to Amsterdam, this shall be your ‘start here’ button.”

Stylish Look and Joyful Vibes

In the images shared, Rithvikk sported a black jacket paired with blue denims and stylish sunglasses. His candid poses exuded relaxation and happiness, perfectly capturing the vacation mood.

Rithvikk frequently shares glimpses of his life via social media, offering fans moments from his travels, work commitments, and everyday experiences.

Recent Projects

On the work front, the actor recently appeared in the series “Half Love Half Arranged S2,” alongside Karan Wahi and Maanvi Gagroo. Reflecting on his role, Rithvikk expressed, “Stepping into the world of Half Love Half Arranged has been a thrilling ride. Ved is a character who embraces life with a certain lightness and joy, which I think will appeal to viewers. It’s been a blast working alongside such talented actors, and I feel this season is sure to be a rollercoaster of emotions!”