Author: Ankita Singh

Megastar Shah Rukh Khan recently took to social media to share his thoughts on filmmaker Karan Johar’s movie, ‘Homebound’.

He expressed his feelings by saying, “#Homebound is gentle, honest and soulful. Lots of love and big hugs to the phenomenal team for creating something so human and engaging. You have won hearts world over by making something truly special! @ghaywan #IshaanKhatter @vishaljethwa06 #JanhviKapoor #KaranJohar @adarpoonawalla @apoorvamehta18.”

The film, released in October, stars Ishaan Khatter, Janhavi Kapoor, and Vishal Jethwa in leading roles. Recently, Karan Johar expressed his excitement about reaching the London leg of the screening for his much-acclaimed drama, “Homebound.” The special screening, organized by director Gurinder Chadha, was also attended by Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa.

Karan shared a couple of photos from the London screening on social media and wrote, “Made it to the London leg of our @homeboundthefilm campaign & it was a night filled with the warmest love, familiar and new faces, and a whole lot of support for our film.”

Earlier in November, Karan and the team of “Homebound” had attended a screening of the film in Los Angeles. He posted a series of photographs featuring Ishaan, Vishal Jethwa, and Bela, along with director Neeraj Ghaywan. Karan expressed gratitude by saying, “The journey of #Homebound around the world continues, this time in LA, with a screening attended by @belabajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, alongside the cast & crew! Super grateful & thrilled that you could be there for our film, Bela.”

Before these screenings, Martin Scorsese, the executive producer of the drama, hosted a screening of “Homebound” in New York City. Director Neeraj Ghaywan elaborated on the film’s essence, stating, “Rooted in the love for our land and our people, it carries the essence of the home we all share. To take our stories to the world and represent India at one of the biggest global stages for cinema is both humbling and a matter of pride, and for this I’m deeply grateful.”

The makers of director Sandeep Raj’s upcoming romantic action film ‘Mowgli 2025’, featuring actors Roshan Kanakala and Sakshi Sagar Mhadolkar in leading roles, have announced a new release date. The film will now debut on December 13 this year, much to the excitement of fans and film enthusiasts.

In an update shared on their X timeline, People Media Factory, the production house behind the film, stated, “The ‘LION’ roars, and #Mowgli steps back to welcome the Jungle King. #Mowgli2025 GRAND RELEASE WORLDWIDE on 13th DEC 2025. Premieres from DEC 12th! A @SandeepRaaaj Cinema, A @Kaalabhairava7 musical. Starring @RoshanKanakala @SakkshiM09 & @publicstar_bsk.”

Originally scheduled for release on December 12, the film’s launch was pushed back by one day due to the release of Balakrishna’s ‘Akhanda 2’.

This decision followed an emotional outburst from director Sandeep Raj, who, in a post on X, expressed doubt about his directorial future. He stated, “Maybe ‘Colour Photo’ and ‘Mowgli’ deserved another director instead of me. These movies were made by a group of passionate people who can do anything for their profession. The common points between both films are: 1. Facing bad luck with their release, just when everything seemed to be going well. 2. Me. Maybe I am the BAD LUCK. Even I’m starting to feel that way.”

Sandeep continued, “My dream of seeing the title ‘Directed by Sandeep Raj’ on the big screen is becoming harder day by day. I think SILVERSCREEN hates me. ‘Mowgli’ was made with the passion, sweat, and blood of so many dedicated people like Roshan, Saroj garu, Sakshi, Harsha, DOP Maruthi, Bhairava, and many more. I truly hope that all good things happen to ‘Mowgli’ at the very least for their sake.”

The trailer opens with Bandi Saroj Kumar, playing a cop, narrating a fable about a king with seven sons. He describes a situation where the seventh son questions a fish that didn’t dry after being caught. The trailer introduces Roshan Kanakala‘s character, where his friend Bunty observes, “To me, he is Kittu. To all the others, he is Mowgli.” This sets the stage for Mowgli, who knows the jungles well, as a film crew arrives to shoot in the area. Jasmine (Sakshi Sagar Mhadolkar), a background dancer in the crew, captures Mowgli’s heart, despite her being speech and hearing impaired.

Tensions escalate when a new, ruthless officer replaces the area’s Sub Inspector, creating a clash over Mowgli’s and Jasmine’s love. The trailer also highlights Mowgli’s struggles for innocence amidst these challenges.

Overall, the film appears to focus on the conflict between Mowgli, played by Roshan Kanakala, and Bandi Saroj Kumar’s character, fueled by love.

Expectations for ‘Mowgli 2025’ are soaring among fans and film aficionados.

Roshan Kanakala, a rising star from his acclaimed debut in ‘Bubble Gum’, takes center stage in ‘Mowgli 2025’. Directed by Sandeep Raj, known for the National Award-winning film ‘Color Photo’, this project is produced by TG Vishwa Prasad and Kriti Prasad under the People Media Factory banner.

Sakshi Sagar Mhadolkar marks her debut as a lead in this film, which features cinematography by Rama Maruthi M. Music is composed by Kala Bhairava, with editing by Kodati Pawan Kalyan and art direction by Kiran Mamidi. Action choreography is by Nataraj Madigonda, with the screenplay crafted by Rama Maruthi M and Radhakrishna Reddy.

Director Karan Razdan has opened up about his relationship with his ex-wife, Priya Tendulkar, as he works on rebooting the iconic television show of the 1980s, ‘Rajani’, in which Priya played the lead role.

Thoughts on Priya Tendulkar
In a recent discussion, Karan shared, “I trained for years in theatre, but Priya had no formal training. She learned everything through experience, doing plays written by her father, the legendary Vijay Tendulkar. Her talent was natural, gifted.” He emphasized the significance of reviving ‘Rajani’, stating, “It’s a huge responsibility, but it’s essential because awareness today is harder to spread. With endless platforms and shows, reaching every corner of the country is challenging. Still, it is necessary.”

A Special Connection
Karan reflected on the bond he shared with Priya, highlighting, “When we got married, she always felt a connection because I used to write during the original ‘Rajani’ days. She often said she saw a glimpse of her father in me, which was a great compliment. She would always tell me to write a role for her without asking; she found joy in delivering my dialogues. She used to say, ‘You speak some lines, I’ll speak some, and someday our daughter will speak some too.’”

Priya’s Legacy
Priya Tendulkar was celebrated for her bold and impactful roles on television during the 1980s and 1990s. She gained widespread recognition for her portrayal in ‘Rajani’, where she depicted a spirited homemaker battling everyday corruption and social injustice. Her compelling performance turned the character into a cultural symbol of citizen activism.

Aside from her television success, Priya also made her mark in Marathi and Hindi films and theatre. She was an ardent advocate for women’s rights and social reform, with each episode of ‘Rajani’ underscoring a common public grievance, further establishing the character as a relatable representation of citizen activism.

The series left a lasting impact as it captured real challenges faced by urban middle-class households, inspiring viewers to demand accountability. Rajani remains a cultural touchstone, remembered for its social relevance, strong storytelling, and Priya Tendulkar’s unforgettable performance.

Popular television actress Nia Sharma, known for her engaging presence on social media, recently showcased her rebellious side.

Sharing a captivating video on Instagram, the Naagin star confidently demonstrated her bold personality, proving she’s unafraid to defy rules. In the clip, Nia flaunted her dance moves while striking striking poses for the camera. The caption read, “When you’re told not to do something.. But you’re going to do it anyway.”

Nia looked stunning in a stylish see-through white outfit, enhanced by Rayelle’s trending song “Mona Lisa” as the background score.

The ‘Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai’ actress is frequently in the spotlight for her eye-catching posts. From glamorous photoshoots to glimpses of her work and personal life, she consistently keeps her followers engaged with updates from all aspects of her journey.

Recently, Nia shared another glamorous and sassy video doing her makeup, captioned, “When the Baddie B##** in me wakes up’!.” (sic)

On the professional front, Nia was last seen in “Laughter Chefs Fun Unlimited,” hosted by Bharti Singh and judged by celebrity chef Harpal Singh Sokhi. She also starred in “Suhagan Chudail,” where she took on the role of Nishigandha, a witch, in the fantasy-thriller-romance series.

Over the years, Sharma has established herself in the television industry with notable shows such as “Behenein,” “Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai,” “Meri Durga,” and “Kaali – Ek Agnipariksha.” Additionally, she has ventured into the digital space with web series like “Twisted” and “Jamai 2.0.”

Rumors are swirling that Nia may join the latest season of MTV’s popular dating reality show “Splitsvilla X6,” hosted by Sunny Leone and Karan Kundrra. Speculation intensified after she shared several photos and stories from an island resembling the Splitsvilla X6 shooting location. However, there has been no official word regarding her participation.

The singing reality show Indian Idol, now in its 16th season, is set to deliver a nostalgic musical high with a special episode titled ‘Superhit Duets of Udit Narayan & Kavita Krishnamurthy’. This episode celebrates the timeless hits of two of India’s most iconic voices.

An Emotional Tribute

Contestants will pay heartfelt tributes by performing the evergreen songs of the legendary duo, filling the stage with emotion and musical excellence.

Udit Narayan, moved by the talented young singers on the show, remarked, “Indian Idol feels like coming home to music. Every season, I am amazed by the passion and purity these young singers bring to the stage. This platform doesn’t just find talent; it shapes future legends. It is a joy to witness the next generation carry forward the legacy of Indian music with such sincerity.”

Kavita Krishnamurthy shared similar sentiments, saying, “Indian Idol brings out the soul of music in every performance. Watching these young singers pour their heart into each note reminds me why our industry continues to thrive. Their sincerity, discipline, and passion are truly uplifting, and I feel privileged to witness their journey on this iconic stage.”

Memorable Moments

One of the standout moments of the evening features contestant Shreenidhi expressing her admiration for the classic “Tu Hi Re.” To her surprise, Kavita joins her on stage for an unforgettable duet. The host of the show, Aditya Narayan, tells Shreenidhi, “You are so lucky to be singing Tu Hi Re with Kavita Ji.”

This episode serves as a heartfelt tribute to melody, legacy, and the golden era of Bollywood music, beautifully brought to life by legends and reimagined by the stars of tomorrow.

Star comedian Kapil Sharma is overjoyed as his little girl, Anayra, celebrates her 6th birthday today. The proud father took to social media to express his heartfelt wishes for his darling daughter.

A Special Birthday Wish

In a touching post, Kapil shared an adorable picture of himself hugging Anayra and penned a beautiful message for his ‘Laado.’ He wrote, “Wish u a very happy birthday my laado I can’t believe you are turning 6 today. I have been making people laugh for so many years, but it’s you who made me realise what true happiness is. Also, it’s the meaning of your name, Anayra. Thank you for bringing happiness and joy into our lives. Papa is on a shoot right now and will finish it and will come straight to your birthday party. You know your papa loves you a lot; for now I’m putting your favourite song on our pic. God bless my laado. #happybirthdayanayra.”

Kapil and Ginni’s Journey

Kapil and Ginni, who dated for several years, got married on December 12, 2018, in a traditional Punjabi ceremony in Jalandhar, Punjab. Their grand wedding was a close-knit affair attended by family and friends, followed by a lavish reception in Mumbai. On their anniversary in 2024, Kapil shared a sweet moment of them walking hand in hand, captioning it, “5 saal kab nikal gye pata hi nahin chala, aise lagta hai jaise abhi 50 saal pehle ki baat hai. Happy anniversary, Mrs Sharma @ginnichatrath. Love and happiness always #blessings.”

The couple embraced parenthood in December 2019 when they welcomed Anayra. They expanded their family further with the birth of their baby boy in 2021.

Kapil’s Declaration of Love

In 2017, Kapil officially announced his relationship with Ginni by sharing a cute photo of them together on social media. He expressed his feelings with the words, “Will not say she is my better half… she completes me… love you, Ginni… please welcome her… I love her so much.”

As Anayra turns 6 today, the Sharma family continues to embody joy and love.

Bollywood’s rising star Ahaan Panday recently shared joyful moments on social media celebrating his mother’s birthday.

Cherished Memories

In one heartwarming photo, Ahaan posted a cherished childhood memory of his mother teaching him to swim. Young Ahaan, equipped with a baby float, is seen in a pool as his mother, Deanne Panday, lovingly holds him and guides him through the water.

Birthday Wishes

In other pictures, Ahaan and Deanne pose adorably together for a selfie. Earlier the same day, Ananya Panday, Ahaan’s first cousin and a successful Bollywood actress, took to her social media to wish her ‘Chachi’ a happy birthday. Sharing a picture of herself with Deanne, Ananya wrote, “Happy Birthday, Chachi.”

Ahaan’s Debut and Success

Ahaan, who made his Bollywood debut with “Saiyaraa” this year, became an internet sensation almost overnight. The film received an enthusiastic response from audiences, particularly among the youth, and critics also applauded it. Ahaan reminisced about the first time his mother saw a billboard featuring him for “Saiyaraa.” Deanne shared her excitement on social media, posting photos and videos of herself admiring the billboard three months prior.

Expressing her gratitude for the love surrounding “Saiyaraa,” Deanne wrote, “It’s been a little over 3 months since Ahaan & I saw his first ever billboard. What a joyful ride that night & ever since for our son & family. So much gratitude for all the love you all have shown our son. Blessed to have experienced the purest form of joy.”

She also thanked everyone, saying, “Thank you from our hearts. God bless you and your families always & forever.”

With the success of Mohit Suri’s “Saiyaraa”, Ahaan is reportedly set to star in Ali Abbas Zafar’s upcoming action romance.

Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan, currently attending the Red Sea Film Festival, had a memorable encounter with the legendary filmmaker Darren Aronofsky.

On Wednesday, Kartik shared a delightful video on his Instagram, where he and Aronofsky enjoyed some light-hearted moments over “a cup of chai.”

In the video, Darren expressed his admiration, stating, “My old friend Kartik, we want to say hello to all of his fans. You know, I’ve been to India a few times. And one of my favorite actors is right here. I think he’s going to be a big star in India. In America, we’re big fans. I think India will learn from us soon.”

Darren playfully asked, “You’re going to bring me to India?” to which Kartik enthusiastically replied, “I’m going to bring you to India.”

The conversation continued as Aronofsky inquired about the type of movie they should work on. Kartik suggested, “I think we need a song and dance. I want to do a commercial movie with you.”

Darren humorously added, “Just a random guy on the street. Honored to know you.”

In the caption of his post, Kartik wrote, “Aaryanofsky Brothers.” This prompted Darren to comment, “Should we announce our collab here?”

Darren Aronofsky is celebrated for his intense, psychologically driven storytelling and visually stylized approach. His breakout film, ‘Requiem for a Dream’, received acclaim for its raw portrayal of addiction. He continued to explore extreme emotional states in movies like ‘The Wrestler’, ‘Black Swan’, and ‘Mother’, often blending realism with surreal, symbolic imagery.

His distinctive style is characterized by bold editing, immersive sound design, and powerful performances, making him one of contemporary cinema’s most provocative directors.

In another exciting moment, Kartik also snapped a fun selfie with Hollywood star Johnny Depp. The actor posted the photo on Instagram, showcasing his casual look and signature mischievous expression, while Depp looked dapper in his iconic beanie and sunglasses.

Make-up and prosthetics artist Preetisheel has crafted the distinct looks of actors in the recently released film ‘Dhurandhar,’ focusing particularly on Akshaye Khanna’s character, Rehman Dakait.

Insights from the Artist

On Wednesday, she shared a series of pictures showcasing Khanna’s character on her Instagram, along with a detailed note explaining how the character was brought to life with prosthetics and make-up.

She expressed, “Designing the legendary #akshayekhanna’s look for Dhurandhar was all about capturing the subtle intensity he brings to every frame. We built his appearance around clean structures, controlled detailing and tones that highlight his strong features without overpowering the character. Watching the look come alive through his performance made the entire process incredibly rewarding.”

Balancing Individuality and Consistency

The film features a star-studded ensemble, including Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, and Arjun Rampal. Preetisheel emphasized the necessity for individuality and consistency. She mentioned that the script required a visual universe where each character’s look felt rooted in the same world while still communicating their distinct personalities.

She noted, “I put a lot of thought into even the secondary and tertiary characters as well because they each had their own quirks and unique traits.”

Bringing Characters to Life

Preetisheel highlighted the importance of showing rawness through make-up. “Adding detailed layers and textures helped bring out who they really were, making even the briefest appearances feel real and lived-in. Hair became a key storytelling tool, evolving across the film to depict time, pressure, and emotional shifts. Even little elements like scars, tanning, sweat, and dust were added with purpose and matched meticulously for continuity. The blood work and prosthetics took things to another level; some of it is genuinely stomach-churning.”

With her careful attention to detail, Preetisheel has contributed significantly to making ‘Dhurandhar’ a captivating visual experience.

Bollywood actress Sonakshi Sinha recently took to social media to express her heartfelt birthday wishes for the two most significant men in her life: her father, veteran actor Shatrughan Sinha, and her husband, Zaheer Iqbal. Their birthdays fall just a day apart, with Shatrughan celebrating on the 9th of December and Zaheer on the 10th.

Sharing a joyful picture of the three together, beaming with happiness, Sonakshi posted, “The only men that matter. Ilysm. Happy birthday! So lucky you were born,” accompanied by three heart emoticons.

While her post showcased the deep affection she holds for both her father and husband, fans couldn’t help but read between the lines. Her comment referring to them as “the only men that matter” sparked curiosity, prompting speculation about her relationship with her brothers, Luv and Kush, which may still be strained.

For those unaware, rumors of a rift between Sonakshi and her brothers first emerged when they were noticeably absent from her wedding. This intimate ceremony, held at her home in Mumbai, included just close family and friends, which raised eyebrows about the brothers’ absence during such a significant occasion in their sister’s life.

Many reports suggested that the brothers’ absence could be linked to discomfort over Sonakshi’s personal choices, particularly her interfaith marriage. Despite this, Luv and Kush have both publicly denied any feud. Luv mentioned that he missed the wedding due to personal reasons, while Kush asserted he attended one of the ceremonies. However, he was not visible in any photos or videos from the wedding, further fueling speculation.

Sonakshi and Zaheer’s marriage, being inter-religious, faced considerable backlash on social media. Nevertheless, the couple chose to prioritize their love and relationship amidst the negativity.