Author: Ankita Singh

Filmmaker Subhash Ghai shared a heartfelt birthday message for Dharmendra, the ‘He-Man’ of Bollywood.

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR HE-MAN SCREEN STAR FOR 60 years…DHARMENDRA,” the creator of ‘Taal’ posted on his Instagram.

Throughout his illustrious career spanning nearly six decades, Dharmendra has embodied a diverse array of characters, ranging from a simpleton to an action hero and even a comedian. Ghai noted, “Who played variety of roles from simpleton to action hero to poet to historical to comedian to passionate lover with every top director of Hindi cinema coz of his pure heart n simplicity.”

Ghai reminisced about their collaboration on the 1981 release “Krodhi,” where Dharmendra portrayed a character transforming from a mafia leader to a spiritual guru. He emphasized this as his favorite film, stating, “He played a literate mafia into spiritual guru in my film KRODHI 1981 – a most challenging role n my still favourite film.”

Concluding his message, he wrote, “You are always with us paa ji..SG.”

The film “Krodhi” features Dharmendra in the titular role alongside Shashi Kapoor and Zeenat Aman, with Premnath, Ranjeeta, Sachin, Pran, Amrish Puri, and Vimi in supporting roles.

Ghai also delighted followers with a nostalgic photo of himself with Dharmendra, paired with a touching message: “I LOVE YOU KHUSH RAHO (sic).”

Reflecting on Dharmendra’s genuine spirit and inspiring journey, he shared, “Was the only voice from his soul to everyone he met always. One of the most genuine human beings in Indian cinema. I met him in my directorial film KRODHI in 1977. He was always inspiring. He always meets u like a family member n always smiling n hugging. He is the greatest story of no body to a national pride in cinema n inspiration to new generations n next too.”

“God bless his noble soul,” he concluded.

Actress Ayesha Raza Mishra has candidly shared her perspective on why 1990s television shows have a lasting appeal, contrasting that with the current struggle of content to capture audience attention. She attributes this shift to the pervasive influence of constant scrolling and reel consumption.

Changing Attention Spans

In an interview, Ayesha noted that audiences in the past could comfortably watch a three-hour film without distractions. Today, however, viewers find themselves toggling between movies and their phones.

“The attention span has reduced a lot. You cannot even focus on watching a movie. Now, you have to keep looking at your Instagram, then you’re watching a movie, then you’re looking at your phone, then you’re watching a movie,” Ayesha explained.

She emphasized that the rise of reels has changed the landscape: “Everything is because of reels. The scrolling, if you don’t engage within the first 2 seconds, you’ve moved up.”

Impact on Storytelling

Ayesha expressed that the pressure to capture viewer interest quickly has transformed the way stories are told.

“In a series, you have to work hard. You have to understand the story. In the first episode, you have to grasp what the person is saying. What is the story?” she pointed out.

Commercial Influences

She also raised concerns about how commercial considerations increasingly influence storytelling and casting decisions. While acknowledging that this is a natural part of the medium, Ayesha stated that it negatively affects the creative aspect of storytelling.

“Unfortunately, commercials are dictating your stories. Commercials are dictating your casting. Which is a good thing. It’s a commercial medium. But there is a creative side to our medium which is being, I feel right now, neglected.”

Ayesha believes that bringing back original, rooted narratives is essential for restoring strong recall value in storytelling.

“So, I think that let’s get back to our stories. Our stories of our country, stories of our people, stories of our land, if we make them, they will be 100% recall value,” she remarked.

The actress will soon be seen in Netflix’s “Single Papa,” alongside Manoj Pahwa, Kunal Kemmu, Prajakta Koli, and Neha Dhupia.

Actress Saiyami Kher has recently wrapped up her shooting for “Haiwaan” at a Mumbai college, which holds special significance for her as it is her alma mater. She expressed that the film brought her back to where it all began.

Emotional Connection to College

Saiyami shared her heartfelt emotions, stating, “Wrapping Haiwaan in Xaviers was such a special feeling for me. Met some of the professors, the same watchman, and staff who were beaming with pride. This college shaped me and let me dream to become an actor.”

Reflecting on her experience, she added, “Walking through those corridors again, but this time as an actor shooting my film, felt surreal. It was like life had come full circle. I felt a deep sense of gratitude to my college for shaping me, and to this film for bringing me back to where it all began. It really felt like coming back home.”

Star-Studded Cast and Locations

The film features a star-studded cast, including Akshay Kumar, Saif Ali Khan, and Sharib Hashmi in pivotal roles. It has been shot across picturesque locations, such as Kochi, Ooty, and Mumbai.

The project began filming in August this year and marks the reunion of Bollywood superstars Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan after 18 years. Back in August, Akshay shared a behind-the-scenes video on Instagram where he and Saif were seen chatting casually with director Priyadarshan.

He captioned the post, “Hum sab hi hain thode se shaitaan… Koi upar se Saint, koi andar se Haiwaan :)) Starting the shoot for #Haiwaan today with my absolute favourite captain of the ship, @priyadarshan.official Sir. Great to be working with Saif after nearly 17 years. Let’s get the haiwaniyat rolling!! @kvn.productions @thespianfilms_ind.”

Previous Collaboration

Saif and Akshay last worked together in ‘Tashan’, which was both a commercial and critical disaster.

In addition, Priyadarshan and Akshay Kumar are collaborating on a project titled ‘Bhoot Bangla’. This horror drama is expected to release towards the end of 2025, marking another reunion for Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan, who are among the most commercially successful actor-director pairings in Hindi cinema.

Academy Award-winning actress Helen Mirren has shared her thoughts on her beauty legacy, emphasizing that she prefers the term “swagger” over “beauty.”

In a recent conversation at an event, Mirren revealed her dislike for the word “beauty.” She hopes to be remembered for something more significant regarding her personal aesthetic. “I don’t like the word beauty. I’ve always preferred the word swagger. So my legacy would be: ‘She had good swagger,’” she stated.

Mirren has previously discussed her key style tip for the red carpet, highlighting the importance of footwear. “I’ve learned over the years, your shoes have to be bearable,” she mentioned during the Cannes Film Festival in May. She continued, “They don’t necessarily have to be comfortable. In fact, comfortable sometimes is a bit boring, and you want cool shoes. But they have to be bearable because if you’re in unbearable pain, that is going to reflect on your face and your posture. So you start with the shoes, and just make sure that you’re secure in them and they’re bearable.”

The actress expressed that she has reached a stage in her career where comfort in fashion is crucial, a shift from her earlier perspective. “I’ve come to a point where I just want (my red carpet outfit) to be comfortable as well,” she said at Cannes. “Beauty knows no pain. I have been there more than once, you know, sucking up the pain for my vanity. But again, it reflects on your face if you’re comfortable.”

Mirren also described the red carpet as a performative experience. “(A red carpet is) a performance. It is like going onstage, really, and I treat it as such. It’s a sort of wonderful, fun, silly performance. It’s not going to last forever. It has huge meaning for a second or two, and then the meaning is gone, and we’re onto something else,” remarked the Queen actress.

In an interview last October, Mirren reflected on aging and why she considers reaching the milestone age of 80 “beautiful.” “I find everything about it (fabulous),” she expressed. “I’m alive and I’m working and I can drink a glass of wine and I can wear makeup and I can listen to music and I can watch a beautiful sunset and I can go to the theater and I can watch a movie and I can binge Netflix and I can live life. It’s a beautiful thing.”

One of Bollywood’s most legendary actors, Dharmendra, would have turned 90 years old on Monday.

Abhay Deol Remembers Uncle Dharmendra

In celebration of this special day, his nephew and fellow actor, Abhay Deol, shared a cherished memory of his uncle. Abhay took to his official Instagram handle to post a throwback photo featuring a young Abhay and Dharmendra, both gazing into the distance.

He revealed the story behind the image, stating, “Must’ve been 1985 or ‘86. I had just been scolded so I was upset. He called me to him, sat me down by his side and said, ‘look at the light’, and had the photographer click this pic.”

Abhay added, “I look forward to the moment I hear him say those words to me again, when my time comes. Today was his birthday.”

Esha Deol Honors Her Father’s Legacy

For those who may not know, Dharmendra’s younger brother, Ajit Singh Deol, is Abhay’s father. Esha Deol also marked her father’s birthday with a heartfelt post, vowing to carry forward Dharmendra’s legacy with “pride & respect.”

Reflecting on her relationship with her late father, who passed away on November 24, she wrote on her Instagram, “To my darling Papa…Our pact, the strongest bond. ‘Us’ through all our lifetimes, all the realms and beyond… We are always together papa. Be it heaven or earth. We are one.”

Esha continued, “For now I have very tenderly, carefully & preciously tucked you in my heart… deep deep inside to carry on with me for the rest of this lifetime. The magical precious memories… life lessons, the teachings, the guidance, the warmth, the unconditional love, the dignity and the strength you have given me as your daughter cannot be replaced or matched by any other.”

Health Update on Dharmendra

Recently, Dharmendra was admitted to Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital after experiencing breathlessness. Thankfully, after receiving the necessary treatment, he was discharged on November 12 and is continuing his recovery at home.

Singer Armaan Malik recently expressed his heartfelt admiration for his brother, Amaal Mallik, celebrating his determination and authenticity during the challenging experiences of “Bigg Boss 19.”

Armaan shared two pictures with Amaal from the Family Week episode of the popular reality show, hosted by Salman Khan, on Instagram. He captured his feelings in an emotional caption: “Onwards and upwards, no looking back! You walked this path with such courage and strength, and the world watched your truth and your journey unfold. I cannot wait for you to come back home so we can make magic with our music again! So proud of you, I love you @amaal_mallik.”

Amaal secured a spot in the top five of the show, which concluded with actor Gaurav Khanna taking home the trophy during the grand finale. Alongside Amaal and Gaurav, contestants Pranit More, Farrhana Bhatt, and Tanya Mittal also reached the Top 5. Gaurav won a cash prize of Rs 50 lakh along with the trophy.

“Bigg Boss 19” premiered on August 24, 2025, and featured 16 contestants, including Ashnoor Kaur, Zeishan Quadri, Awez Darbar, Nagma Mirajkar, Nehal Chudasama, Baseer Ali, Abhishek Bajaj, Natalia Janoszek, Neelam Giri, Kunickaa Sadanand, and Mridul Tiwari. The season also welcomed two wild-card entries, Shehbaz Badesha and Malti Chahar.

On December 3, Armaan released another unforgettable track, “Chal Musafir,” from the upcoming project “Gustaakh Ishq.” Describing his creative journey as transformative, he shared insights about entering the world of “Gustaakh Ishq.”

Reflecting on his collaboration with Vishal Bhardwaj, Armaan described the experience as ‘refreshing.’ He stated, “Stepping into Vishal sir’s musical world was both an honour and a refreshing shift in perspective. His music asks for two things at once—vulnerability and precision—and he somehow makes that balance feel completely organic.”

“What I loved most was the freedom he gave me. He didn’t over-explain anything; he shared a feeling, a world, and trusted me to find my own truth within it. As a singer, that kind of space is rare and incredibly inspiring.”

On the occasion of Dharmendra’s 90th birth anniversary, actor Jackie Shroff, who collaborated with the legendary star in films like “Return of Jewel Thief,” “Mard Ki Zabaan,” and “Sikka,” paid tribute to him, saying he will be “always in our hearts.”

Jackie shared a monochrome picture of Dharmendra on his stories section, reminiscing about the actor, who passed away at the age of 89 on November 24th. He captioned the post: “Remembering Dharmendra ji on his Birth Anniversary. Dharmendra ji… always in our hearts!”

Dharmendra is celebrated as one of the greatest, most handsome, and commercially successful stars in the history of Indian cinema. With a career spanning over six decades, he featured in more than 300 films. He holds the record for starring in the highest number of hit films in Hindi cinema and was honored with the Padma Bhushan in 2012.

He made his debut in 1960 with “Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere,” gaining popularity in the mid-1960s through films like “Ayee Milan Ki Bela,” “Phool Aur Patthar,” and “Aaye Din Bahar Ke.” Throughout the late 1960s to the 1980s, Dharmendra starred in several blockbuster Hindi films, including:

– Ankhen
– Shikar
– Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke
– Jeevan Mrityu
– Mera Gaon Mera Desh
– Seeta Aur Geeta
– Raja Jani
– Jugnu
– Yaadon Ki Baaraat
– Sholay

In the late 1990s, he transitioned into character roles in acclaimed films like “Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya,” “Life in a… Metro,” “Apne,” “Johnny Gaddaar,” and “Yamla Pagla Deewana.”

Dharmendra will be posthumously featured in the upcoming film “Ikkis,” directed by renowned filmmaker Sriram Raghavan. The movie stars Agastya Nanda and Simar Bhatia and is a war drama based on the life of Arun Khetarpal, the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra. It also includes Jaideep Ahlawat and Sikandar Kher in pivotal roles and is scheduled for release in December.

Actress Kritika Kamra, who will star in Anusha Rizvi’s “The Great Shamshuddin Family,” expresses her appreciation for being featured in a narrative crafted by a female writer.

Excitement Surrounding the Film

Kritika shared her enthusiasm about the film and her journey in portraying a character shaped by a female filmmaker with a unique perspective. She commented, “Being at the centre of a story written by a woman, especially someone as sharp, thoughtful and fearless as Anusha, is a privilege I deeply value.”

Authentic Storytelling

When Kritika first encountered the script for The Great Shamshuddin Family, she was captivated by the authenticity and depth of the characters. She remarked, “Women on screen are often boxed into stereotypes, but this story gives women the space to be flawed, funny, messy, vulnerable, assertive… everything at once.”

Plot Overview

Set over the course of a single day in Delhi, the narrative follows Bani as mothers, aunts, cousins, and former romantic interests gather at her apartment, each bringing their own dilemmas. As Bani navigates interfaith complexities, generational conflicts, and family expectations, she faces a pivotal choice: to pursue international career opportunities or remain with her family.

Talented Cast

The film also features renowned actors such as Farida Jalal, Shreya Dhanwanthary, Juhi Babbar Soni, and Sheeba Chadda. Kritika noted that this project is especially meaningful to her, as it allowed her to collaborate with a remarkable team of women both in front of and behind the camera.

Cherished Experiences

“Sharing screen space with legends like Farida ji and Dolly ji and performing alongside phenomenal actors like Sheeba ma’am, Juhi, and Shreya has been a learning experience I will always cherish,” she stated.

Meaningful Narrative

Kritika emphasized, “I truly believe our film has warmth, joy, and, at the same time, something deeply meaningful to say. I’m proud to be part of a narrative that celebrates complexity, womanhood, and identity in such an honest way.”

Release Information

The Great Shamshuddin Family is set to premiere on JioHotstar on 12th December.

After a gruelling three-month journey on “Bigg Boss 19,” popular television actor Gaurav Khanna lifted the winner’s trophy, a moment described by his team as an emotional culmination of “every high, every setback, every moment of strength and dignity.”

Heartfelt Message from Team Gaurav Khanna

Sharing a heartfelt note on Instagram, Team Gaurav Khanna expressed that the journey was “overwhelming in the most beautiful way,” adding that supporters often wondered, “What will GK do?”

The post stated: “The three-month journey has finally come to an end… and what an end it has been. The trophy is home. They kept asking, ‘What will GK do?’ And like we always said, GK will bring the trophy home for all of us. He did. This journey has been overwhelming in the most beautiful way.”

It continued: “We have lived every single day with Gaurav, every high, every setback, every moment of strength and dignity. And today, this win feels personal. This is a win for every person who believed, who voted, who stood by him, who made his dream theirs.”

Celebration of Togetherness

Calling it a celebration of “faith, love and togetherness,” the note concluded with: “Today, we are not just celebrating a trophy. We are celebrating faith, love, and togetherness. We are winning together. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts. Signing off with love ~Team Gaurav Khanna.”

Gaurav was declared the winner by Bollywood superstar Salman Khan in the early hours of Sunday. He was in the top five along with Amaal Mallik, Tanya Mittal, Farrhana Bhatt, and Pranit More.

In addition to the trophy, the actor received a cash prize of Rs 50 lakh, while Farrhana was named the first runner-up.

“Bigg Boss 19” premiered on August 24, 2025, featuring 16 contestants including Ashnoor Kaur, Zeishan Quadri, Awez Darbar, Nagma Mirajkar, Nehal Chudasama, Baseer Ali, Abhishek Bajaj, Natalia Janoszek, Neelam Giri, Kunickaa Sadanand, and Mridul Tiwari. The season also introduced two wild-card entries from Shehbaz Badesha and Malti Chahar.

Filmmaker Karan Johar took to social media to candidly discuss his experiences with travel anxiety. Despite the risk of being trolled, he expressed his hope that many others could relate to his feelings, which some might dismiss as a “champagne problem.”

In his latest post, the director of ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ illustrated what travel anxiety entails for him. He explained, “First I have a desperate need to reach the airport early (sometimes even before the ground staff have arrived). Then in the lounge, I check my passport and my boarding card 50 times. And once I am seated, I wait for the pilot to announce the duration of the flight, as if my life depends on it.”

Karan also noted that announcements about weather conditions greatly impact him. He shared, “If we are told it’s ‘a smooth ride’ I can breathe, but some pilots say ‘few bumps on the way.’ Then right through the duration, I wait at the edge of my seat for those expected bumps.”

During short-haul flights, he finds himself checking the map every 10 minutes. On long-haul flights, the ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham’ director resorts to taking a pill and hoping to drift off to sleep, even as his subconscious mind remains aware of potential turbulence.

As part of his travel anxiety, Karan feels an overwhelming need to be excessively polite to the cabin crew, often smiling like he’s in a toothpaste advertisement.

Regarding his landing routine, KJo said, “An hour before we land, I am all ready (though not at all prepared for any circling or air traffic). Then I rush out and want to overtake every passenger like it’s a limbo race… (no particular reason at all).”

Actress Soni Razdan chimed in with her thoughts in the comments section. She wrote, “Resonate and how. But it’s getting better with time the more I travel. Turbulence is not my friend, but after going to Antarctica, I can do anything.”