Author: Ankita Singh

Actress and singer Shruti Haasan, who has expressed that this is her favorite time of the year, recently shared a delightful video of herself setting up her black Christmas tree.

In her Instagram post, Shruti wrote, “It’s my favourite time of the year!!! I love putting up my black Christmas tree in the first week of December itself so I’m a little late this year! Thanks to Surekha and Vaishnavi, we had it all done in less than forty minutes. This year you added a lot more white to the tree and I’m loving it. Wishing you and yours a beautiful Christmas and an incredible year ahead. Love and peace to all!”

The versatile actress was also in the spotlight for her mesmerizing performance at the title announcement event for director S.S. Rajamouli’s upcoming project, ‘Varanasi.’ She recently shared how Oscar-winning music director M.M. Keeravani surprised her during a recording session.

On Instagram, she reflected, “It was a pleasure to sing for MM Keeravaani sir’s musical. What a powerful track… LET IT BANG, GLOBETROTTER.” She continued, “I was seated quietly listening to sir on the keys. He said he usually begins his sessions with the Vigneswara mantram before anything starts, so I assumed that’s what he was starting to play. Suddenly, I realised it was appa’s song … ! and that moment was super special. Thank you sir for your kindness and the love and warmth of the entire team that day. Can’t wait for you all to listen to the track.”

Just a few days later, Shruti shared a video of her performing her first independent single on her Instagram. She wrote, “I would have never shared this song if it wasn’t for the lovely evening I had performing Sanchari. We have the great fortune of performing for thousands but the silence before that applause is where the art meets the artist. When I went to record this epic track for ‘Varanasi’ / Globetrotter, @kaalabhairava7 said he loved your song ‘edge,’ and it meant the world to me as an independent musician – so here’s the real deal. Every time I have a great big flash of fortune, I will always remember where I began. This is the video I sent to @karanparikh27 during lockdown saying let’s make this – this was my first independent single. Thankful for the music and even more for the musicdigihunt!”

Sara Ali Khan recently extended heartfelt birthday wishes to her grandmother, the legendary Sharmila Tagore, whom she endearingly called the “Chanda and Suraj of the family.”

Warm Birthday Wishes on Social Media
Sharing glimpses from the birthday celebration, Sara took to her official Instagram account and expressed, “Happiest birthday to the Chanda and Suraj of our family ❤️ (two hearts, love hands, and full moon face emojis). Love you beyond words Badi Amma ❤️ (sic).”

According to Sara’s latest post, the birthday gathering was attended by family members including Saif Ali Khan and Soha Ali Khan. Alongside the joyous birthday cake and loved ones, a Christmas tree added a festive touch to the backdrop.

Kareena Kapoor’s Tribute
Earlier that day, Kareena Kapoor also shared a loving birthday message for her mother-in-law, Sharmila Tagore, on social media. She noted how she always aims to follow in her “amma” Sharmila Tagore’s footsteps. Kareena posted some cherished family photos featuring the veteran actress, captioning it, “Happy birthday dearest Mother in law.”

One of the main photos highlighted Saif smiling alongside his mother, Sharmila, who lovingly held little Jeh in her arms. Another image showcased Kareena walking with Sharmila, captioned, “Always trying to follow in your footsteps.” In a candid moment, Sharmila was seen playing with her grandson Jeh at a park.

Saba Pataudi’s Heartfelt Tribute
Sara’s aunt and Sharmila Tagore’s daughter, Saba Pataudi, also honored her mother with a touching tribute. Her post featured a collection of family photos with Saif, Kareena, Soha Ali Khan, and more members of the Pataudi family.

“Happy Birthday Ma! Diva to many, Mother to us. Moments and memories, Treasured so much! A journey of a lifetime, Growing up with you, Learning the ropes, And surviving each other too! With love and blessings, Wishing you the best of health, Happiest Birthday Ammu! Love you always and forever. Ayu baba… Happyyyy Birthday to u too!,” Saba’s heartfelt birthday wish read.

Actor R Madhavan took to social media to share a heartfelt birthday tribute for producer Vijay Moolan, whose production house is behind his much-anticipated film ‘G.D.N’. Madhavan expressed deep gratitude for Moolan’s unwavering trust in his abilities.

A Special Birthday Wish

Posting a picture with Moolan, Madhavan wrote, “Wish you the HAPPIEST BIRTHDAY EVERRRR, my dear brother. I’ve always been so grateful to have you in my life, but with every passing year, your importance and influence in my life has been greater than ever. I have seldom met anybody who has so much trust in my abilities… you see in me more than I can see in myself and forget I’m so grateful. God bless you and I pray that our closeness and adventurous journey continues forever. Love you, my man.”

The Anticipation of ‘G.D.N.’

Madhavan recently wrapped up the filming of the highly awaited biopic on renowned scientist and industrial pioneer Gopalaswamy Doraiswamy Naidu, widely recognized as G D Naidu. In November, he was busy shooting the final schedule of the film abroad, while the first look teaser was unveiled in October.

Teaser Highlights

The teaser features Madhavan in the role of Gopalaswamy Doraiswamy Naidu, diligently working in his workshop. Initially shown with a welding shield, he later reveals an aged, bold avatar adorned with spectacles, embodying the ‘Edison of India’.

Alongside the teaser on a photo-sharing platform, Madhavan shared, “The spirit of G.D.NAIDU is now officially unveiled. A story of unmatched vision, towering ambition, and unwavering resolve. We proudly present the First Look Teaser of G.D.N.”

About G.D.N.

The film chronicles the extraordinary life of Gopalaswamy Doraiswamy Naidu, a self-taught engineer, inventor, and industrialist from Coimbatore. He is celebrated for revolutionizing the Indian industry by creating the country’s first indigenous electric motor, alongside other inventions like petrol engines, ticket machines, and agricultural equipment.

Production Details

Directed by Krishnakumar Ramakumar, ‘G.D.N.’ is produced by Varghese Moolan Pictures in collaboration with Tricolour Films. The core cast includes Priyamani, Jayaram, and Yogi Babu in significant roles, among others.

Actress Krithi Shetty, a prominent figure in Tamil and Telugu cinema, believes that the film industry is not a “one size fits all” environment. According to her, the choice of working only eight hours or longer varies from person to person.

In an exclusive interview, Krithi Shetty discussed the ongoing debate surrounding the working hours in the film industry, particularly regarding some actresses insisting on shooting for only eight hours a day, while others are open to longer schedules.

Individual Preferences Matter

Krithi Shetty stated, “I think cinema has never been one size fits all. Every single person here is different. Everyone’s working process is different. No two people are the same. Obviously, no two actresses can be the same. Because I think actresses are a little more different in their process of living and a little more clear because they are so conscious of what they do. So I think it all depends on what works for you.”

Her Personal Stance

Using her own experiences as an example, she shared, “Personally, I can work 24 hours because I might have the energy to. I don’t have as many family responsibilities to take care of. I am willing to. I am a director’s actor. If the director requires me to work 13 hours, I am completely willing to. In fact, while shooting for this film, I was doing double shifts. One in Hyderabad and one here in Chennai. Right now, I am willing to work because I have the energy. But if someone doesn’t, I particularly don’t see it as a wrong thing.”

Importance of Communication

Krithi emphasized that working hours should not pose any issues if discussed upfront. “If the director and the producers know in advance that an actor is willing to work these long hours, then there is no issue. If not, they can look for another person. So, I think it depends on the individual. And it’s healthier if it’s discussed in prior.”

Bhojpuri star Pawan Singh has filed a police complaint after reportedly receiving threats from someone claiming to be a member of the Bishnoi gang.

The threats included warnings against sharing the stage with Salman Khan and demands for money, prompting authorities to launch an investigation. Pawan Singh has lodged two separate complaints with the Mumbai Police concerning extortion threats linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Both complaints are now with the Anti-Extortion Cell of the Mumbai Crime Branch.

Singh’s team approached the police to file a written complaint. Authorities have confirmed that they are investigating to track the source of the threats and ensure the actor’s safety.

The controversy arose shortly after Pawan Singh announced on Instagram that he would be sharing the stage with Salman Khan for the “Bigg Boss 19” finale. He wrote, “Bhaijaan ke saath Bigg Boss 19 ke Grand Finale mein humare saath judenge Powerstar Pawan Singh.” During the show, the Bhojpuri singer performed alongside Salman Khan and former contestant Neelam Giri.

Reports indicate that unknown individuals demanded money from Pawan Singh and sent threats using multiple phone numbers, with links traced from Bihar to Mumbai. Members of Singh’s team and those managing his work also received similar threatening messages.

Pawan Singh received a phone warning not to share the stage with Salman, with the caller allegedly threatening “serious consequences” if he proceeded with the scheduled performance.

This is not the first time the Bishnoi gang has targeted celebrities; earlier, they had warned comedian Kapil Sharma against sharing the stage with Salman Khan during his appearance on “The Kapil Sharma Show.”

Veteran actress Sharmila Tagore has shared her insights on her taste in adult literature, shedding light on her literary journey.

A Lifelong Passion for Reading

In an interview with Prasar Bharati, Sharmila fondly recounted her love for reading, which began at a young age. She revealed her affinity for adult books and classic literature, highlighting how these choices influenced her curiosity and intellectual development.

A Humorous School Incident

Sharmila reminisced about an amusing incident from her school days when she was “hauled up” for cheating. The teacher had assigned the students to write a modern poem, and Sharmila chose to copy one from a collection titled Adhunik Kavita Sankalan. When confronted, she owned up to her actions but defended herself by saying it was a famous poem by Rabindranath Tagore, arguing that everyone recognized it, which she believed demonstrated her good taste.

Her Literary Interests

Reflecting on her literary pursuits, Sharmila Tagore mentioned, “I was very fond of reading and I think I read a lot of adult books. I remember being hauled up in school for cheating because they had asked us to write, you know, modern poetry. So, I went home and found this Adhunik Kovita Shankolon, meaning a collection of modern poems.”

She continued, “So, I copied something from there and went to school. The teacher asked if I had written it, and I said yes. She gave me plenty of chances to confess, and I admitted I had copied it but insisted it was such a famous poem of Tagore that everyone knew it. So, I told the teacher, ‘Why are you penalizing me for God’s sake? At least I copied Tagore.’”

Sharmila added that at a young age, she was already reading works by literary giants like Tagore, Bumke, and Sarat Chandra, delving into the classics of Bengal while also exploring other genres.

A Legacy of Excellence

For those unfamiliar, Sharmila Tagore comes from a distinguished Bengali family and is a distant relative of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. She made her acting debut in Bengali cinema with Satyajit Ray’s Apur Sansar in 1959. Although she was born in Hyderabad, her father hailed from an aristocratic Bengali family, reflecting the rich artistic and intellectual heritage of Bengal.

On the occasion of his father Dharmendra’s birthday, Bobby Deol delivered a heartfelt tribute, celebrating the iconic actor’s life and lasting legacy.

Emotional Reflections

In his touching message, the actor from ‘Animal’ honored his father’s cinematic journey and the invaluable lessons imparted to their family. Bobby expressed profound love and admiration for Dharmendra, recalling the unwavering support he provided through smiles, tears, and challenges.

A Star’s Journey

Bobby emphasized his father’s career as a star who uplifted everyone around him, celebrating the pride he brought to their hometown, Punjab, as well as to the nation. Sharing a heartfelt image, he wrote in Hindi:

“Mere Pyaare Papa aur Hamare Pyaare Dharam, Aapki soch main yeh likh raha hoon. Duniya mein itna pyaar nahi jitna aapne hum sabhi ko diya. Har muskurahat, har tapakte aansoo mein saath nibhaya, Har mushkil mein haath badhaya. Us tarah jis tarah sirf hum sab ke Dharam kar sakte the.”

Bobby continued, “Aap star banne toh sabko saath leke haath thaam ke aage badhe, Kisi ka haath nahi chhoda. Aapke humare Punjab ke Dango ka, Sahnewal ka, Bharat ka jhanda garv se lehraya. He-Man ho aap sab ke, Lekin bachpan se hi aap mere hero ho. Aap hi se humne sapne dekhna seekha, Aap hi se humne atmvishwas karna seekha, Aapke sanskaar se hum Deol banne. Dil ho to aapke jaisa, Junoon ho to aapke jaisa, Pyaar karo to aapke jaisa, Insaan bano to aapke jaisa. Papa ho aap mere, Lekin Dharam ho aap hum sab ke. Proud to be yours. Happy Birthday, my precious Papa. Love you forever and always.”

Celebrations and Wishes

Social media was abuzz with birthday wishes for Dharmendra, pouring in from celebrities, fans, and the Deol family. Sunny Deol, along with his sons Karan and Rajveer, and other family members like Hema Malini and Esha Deol, shared heartfelt notes honoring the legendary actor on this special day.

Actor Neil Nitin Mukesh recently had an unexpected yet delightful encounter while traveling. Mid-air, he bumped into his long-time friend, actress Shilpa Shetty.

Neil, who often describes himself as a “nervous flyer,” took to Instagram to share a joyful moment with Shilpa. He posted a picture together from the same flight, noting that her presence instantly lifted his spirits. He captioned the post: “Nothing better than bumping into friends on a flight… especially when you’re a nervous flyer and she’s the epitome of confidence. My dearest, the ever so beautiful @theshilpashetty. Loads of love and blessings always. All the very best for all new beginnings.”

Neil made his debut as a child artist in “Vijay” in 1988 and “Jaisi Karni Waisi Bharnii” in 1989. He transitioned to a full-fledged role with the title character in “Johnny Gaddaar” in 2007. Since then, he has appeared in several notable films including “New York,” “Prem Ratan Dhan Payo,” “Golmaal Again,” and “Saaho.” He also made his Tamil film debut with “Kaththi” and his Telugu debut with “Kavacham.”

On the work front, Neil’s latest release is the black comedy thriller titled “Ek Chatur Naar,” written by Himanshu Tripathi and directed by Umesh Shukla. The film also features Divya Khosla. Set in a quaint small-town Indian backdrop, it tells the story of a seemingly charming woman whose naivety conceals her razor-sharp wit. Ambitious and cunning, she outsmarts everyone around her, diving into a lucrative opportunity that spirals into unpredictable twists and darkly comedic scenarios that challenge her intelligence at every step.

Shilpa, on the other hand, will be seen in “KD: The Devil,” directed by Prem. The film stars Dhruva Sarja in the titular role, alongside Sanjay Dutt, V. Ravichandran, Ramesh Aravind, Reeshma Nanaiah, Jisshu Sengupta, and Nora Fatehi.

She was last featured in “Sukhee,” directed by Sonal Joshi in her debut film. This humorous slice-of-life tale follows 38-year-old Punjabi housewife Sukhpreet “Sukhee” Kalra, who, tired of her routine life, travels to Delhi for her high school reunion.

Sunny Deol’s son, Rajveer Deol, recently shared a touching message on social media revealing that he still hears his grandfather, Dharmendra’s voice in his head.

On his birthday, Rajveer posted a heartfelt note along with a childhood picture of himself with his beloved “bade papa.” He wrote, “Happy birthday bade papa. Love you so much, I still hear your voice in my head, I know you’re always around me.” In the nostalgic image, young Rajveer is seen embracing Dharmendra with affection.

Karan Deol also took a moment to honor his ‘Bade Papa’ on what would have been Dharmendra’s 90th birthday. In his emotional tribute, he expressed, “Bade Papa, I grew up watching you, how you carried yourself, how you treated people, how you stayed grounded no matter what life threw at you. Everything I try to be today… a calmer mind, a kinder heart, a stronger person… it all comes from you.”

He further added, “Your hugs gave me warmth, that quiet reassurance. You made everything feel okay without even saying a word. I miss that more than I can explain. There will never be anyone like you, Bade Papa. Thank you for shaping me in ways I understood only when I grew up. Thank you for loving me the way only you could. I carry you with me every day. I love you. And I miss you, always. Happy Birthday!”

Sunny Deol also shared an emotional tribute to his father, indicating that he will always feel Dharmendra’s presence. On Instagram, he wrote, “Today is my father’s birthday. Papa is always with me, inside me. Love you papa. Miss you.” The ‘Gadar’ actor included a nostalgic video of Dharmendra enjoying the serene beauty of the mountains.

Veteran actor Dharmendra, known for his extensive career featuring over 300 films, passed away on November 24 at the age of 89.

Shanaya Kapoor recently took to social media to share an adorable close-up selfie, proudly showcasing a tiny pimple on her cheek.

The young star stayed true to herself, embracing the relatable essence of the moment on Instagram. She posted a video and several photos from her cozy movie night at home, captioning the post, “Nothing beats a cozy movie night at home, and yes, I have a pimple on my cheek!”

In the image, the Aankhon Ki Gustakhiyan actress is seen lying on a bed while capturing the selfie. Additionally, she shared a close-up video highlighting the tiny pimple. In this playful clip, Shanaya can be seen relaxing and even winking charmingly.

Recently, Shanaya celebrated her birthday on November 3, marking another year in her life. She offered a rare glimpse into her intimate celebration with photos shared on social media. Among the series of images, she is seen enjoying time on a luxury mini yacht, with one picture capturing a special moment alongside her pet dog.

For her birthday caption, Shanaya wrote, “the only birthday photos I took this year my camera roll couldn’t keep up with the fun!! thank u for all the love!”

Discussing her birthday plans, she mentioned, “I don’t like to go OTT with my birthdays. Just a nice dinner with my loved ones is exactly how I like to spend the day. I want it to be easy and relaxed — chill vibes, good food, and me just enjoying the moment with family and friends. That’s what makes the day special for me.”

On the professional front, Shanaya made her debut in the industry with “Aankhon Ki Gustakhiyan,” starring alongside Vikrant Massey. She is currently preparing for her upcoming film, “Tu Yaa Main,” in which she will act opposite Adarsh Gourav and is directed by Bejoy Nambiar.