Author: Ankita Singh

Congratulating Superstar Rajinikanth on receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award, seven-time National Award-winning lyricist Vairamuthu revealed that Rajinikanth’s unwavering dedication to his craft has been a key factor in his enduring success.

Taking to his X timeline, Vairamuthu expressed his congratulations to Rajinikanth in Tamil, stating, “We congratulate Rajinikanth for having received the Lifetime Achievement Award.”

Having collaborated with Rajinikanth on numerous films, Vairamuthu highlighted several reasons behind the star’s continued glory and victories. He mentioned that Rajinikanth gives top priority to his work, with everything else following suit. The actor has never channeled his artistic fame into other fields, maintaining a focus on his film career.

Vairamuthu noted that Rajinikanth knows how to establish boundaries in his relationships with fans. “Through diet and exercise, he manages to maintain a slim body devoid of a paunch,” he remarked. He added that “Rajinikanth does not fall behind and journeys with upcoming generations without changing himself.”

The lyricist pointed out that despite Rajinikanth’s efforts to stay away from controversies, society often pulls him into them. “Even if society drags him into controversies, he does not plan to create controversies,” Vairamuthu emphasized.

Vairamuthu also praised Rajinikanth’s humility in public while suggesting that any arrogance he may possess stays private. He recalled lines from a song he wrote for a film, stating that Rajinikanth strives to embody those sentiments in his life.

He quoted, “My life will not leave my body until I become Mount Everest. My body will not burn until I touch the limit,” showcasing Rajinikanth’s determination.

Concluding his post, Vairamuthu expressed that Rajinikanth believes in living well and that this philosophy should extend to others as well. He ended with a heartfelt wish, “Long live Rajinikanth for several years.”

Filmmaker Subhash Ghai recently reflected on his timeless bond with the legendary composer duo Laxmikant–Pyarelal.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, he emphasized that great film music stems from the emotional harmony between the director and music composers, rather than financial transactions. Subhash narrated how a video reel of a 95-year-old village woman singing “Bada Dukh Dina” with full vigor inspired him. The touching performance prompted him to call veteran composer Pyarelal ji via video call, allowing them to reminisce about the deep emotional connection they shared while creating music in the 1980s and 1990s.

The veteran director expressed joy at their reconnection, wishing Pyarelal ji a healthy and long life, while also remembering the late Laxmi. Sharing a monochrome throwback picture, Subhash Ghai wrote, “Only emotional harmony between a director n music composers can bring great music in a Film. Not money transactions.”

He shared, “I got a video reel in social media on 95 years village woman singing ‘bada dukh dina’ in full tune n vigour that inspired me to call Pyarelal ji on video n talk about our true emotional tie up to bring such music in 80/90 s. We felt happy. God bless him healthy long life. We miss Luxmi ji too.”

Laxmikant–Pyarelal were a legendary Indian composer duo, consisting of Laxmikant Shantaram Kudalkar. Over an illustrious career that spanned from 1963 to 1998, they composed music for around 750 films and collaborated with numerous renowned filmmakers.

They began their journey by composing music for Babubhai Mistri’s Parasmani, which was a commercial success. Two songs from the film, “Hansta Hua Noorani Chehra, Kali Zulfen, Rang Sunehra” and “Woh Jab Yaad Aaye, Bahut Yaad Aaye,” became superhits, making it to the annual Binaca Geetmala list. Their prominence solidified further with the soundtrack of Rajshri Productions’ blockbuster musical drama Dosti.

Veteran actor Anupam Kher has been honored by two of India’s esteemed educational institutions for his significant contributions on and off the screen.

Recognized not only for his illustrious acting career but also for his commitment to societal betterment, Kher expressed heartfelt gratitude for the prestigious awards from DAV Schools and St. Xavier’s College Alumni Association. Sharing videos and photos, Kher wrote, “AWARDS AND HONOURS: I am deeply humbled, happy and delighted to receive two Awards/Honours from two very distinguished educational institutions of India for my work in my professional and personal capacity! Thank you Hon. Governor of #Maharashtra and #Gujarat Sh. #AcharyaDevvrat ji, a DAVian himself, President DAV Schools Sh. Poonam Suri ji, CEO Smt. Nisha Pashin ji and all the DAVdigihunt for this great Honour!”

He further added, “Also THANKS to St. Xavier’s College Calcutta Alumni Association for the wonderful recognition! I consider these honours are also for whatever little contribution I try to make to our society! Not just as an ACTOR. But also as an INDIVIDUAL! Jai Ho! Jai Hindi! #Awards #Gratitude #Humbled.”

In other news, Anupam Kher’s recent directorial venture, “Tanvi The Great,” has made a return to theatres. The film features an ensemble cast including Jackie Shroff, Arvind Swami, Boman Irani, Pallavi Joshi, Karan Tacker, Nasser, and Kher himself, alongside Iain Glen. “Tanvi The Great” tells the story of a 21-year-old woman on the autism spectrum who lives with her mother and grandfather. Inspired by her late father, Captain Samar Raina, an Indian Army officer, she dreams of saluting the national flag at Siachen Glacier.

Looking ahead, Kher recently announced his collaboration with filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya for his 549th project. On the first day of shooting, Kher presented Barjatya, known for “Hum Saath-Saath Hain,” with an auspicious shawl from Ayodhya. Describing the filmmaker as an “icon, an amazing person and an amazing director,” Kher shared, “ANNOUNCING MY 549th FILM: Delighted to share that my 549th untitled film started today with one and only SOORAJ BARJATYA! Presented him the auspicious shawl which I got from #Ayodhya!”

One of Tamil cinema’s most talented music directors, N R Raghunanthan, has revealed that the final mix for the film ‘Lockdown’ is currently in progress. Raghunanthan, who is collaborating with Siddharth Vipin on the music for this gripping drama directed by A R Jeeva, stars actress Anupama Parameswaran in the lead role.

In a post on his X timeline, Raghunanthan, known for his exceptional work in films like the National Award-winning ‘Thenmerku Paruvakaatru’ and ‘Neer Paravai’, shared, “Lockdown movie final mix going on.”

A woman-centric film, ‘Lockdown’ has created significant anticipation as it is based on a true story.

Trailer Insights

The trailer opens with Anupama Parameswaran, who portrays Anitha, expressing her fear of going home, hinting at a troubling issue she can’t discuss with her family. Compounding her struggles are unwanted advances from men.

As a 21-day nationwide lockdown is announced to contain the COVID outbreak, Anitha is forced to stay home. Her increasingly anxious behaviour raises concerns for her parents, particularly when her mother notices Anitha frequently checking her phone and losing her temper.

The trailer also depicts Anitha and her friend trying to reach out to a doctor, only to discover he is isolated due to contracting the virus. Additionally, Anitha’s desperate attempts to borrow money from friends worry her parents, who question her intentions.

The trailer concludes with Anitha apologising to her father, promising not to repeat her actions.

Film Production Details

Produced by Subaskaran of Lyca Productions, ‘Lockdown’ features a talented cast that includes Charlie, Nirosha, Priya Venkat, Livingston, Indhumathi, Rajkumar, Shamji, Lollu Sabha Maran, Vinayak Raj, Vidhu, Abhirami, Ravathi, Sanjivie, Priya Ganesh, and Asha, among others.

The film’s music is created by the gifted NR Raghunanthan and Siddharth Vipin, with cinematography by K.A. Sakthivel, editing by V J Sabu Joseph, and art direction by A Jayakumar.

Choreography is handled by Sherif and Sri Girish, while stunts are choreographed by Om Sivaprakash. Costumes have been designed by Meenakshi Shreedharan.

With rising expectations, ‘Lockdown’ is set to hit screens on December 5.

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has cleared director Boyapati Sreenu’s highly anticipated action entertainer, Akhanda 2: Thaandavam, featuring actor Nandamuri Balakrishna in the lead role, with a U/A certificate.

The film has successfully completed its censor formalities and has been approved for release, boasting a runtime of 166 minutes (2 hours and 44 minutes). The production team confirmed this development, stating that the Censor Board has given the green light for the film’s release.

On social media platform X, 14 Reels Plus, the company behind the movie, announced, “U/A for #Akhanda2. The Thaandavam shall rule the world from December 5th. #Akhanda2 MASSIVE THAANDAVAM TEASER out now!”

Scheduled to hit screens on December 5, Akhanda 2: Thaandavam has generated excitement with a recently released teaser. The teaser highlights the themes of divine fury and the fight against the country’s enemies, showcasing Balakrishna in a powerful role. He is seen dressed as a sadhu, delivering the impactful line, “Where there is a bad, parallely, there is a God! Be brave.”

The teaser emphasizes Balakrishna’s character as someone who will battle both internal and external forces threatening peace and harmony in the nation.

Boyapati Sreenu, known for his track record of blockbusters, is directing this sequel, which is being produced on an ambitious scale by Raam Achanta and Gopichand Achanta under the 14 Reels Plus banner, with M Tejaswini Nandamuri presenting the project. Sources indicate that the sequel promises to be a grand cinematic spectacle, featuring a larger-than-life narrative crafted by Boyapati Sreenu.

S Thaman’s exhilarating background score is expected to enhance the film’s high-voltage scenes, delivering the adrenaline rush that fans anticipate. Balakrishna’s fierce and spiritually charged portrayal has already captivated audiences.

The film stars Samyuktha as the female lead, with Aadhi Pinisetty in a powerful role, and Harshali Malhotra portraying a key character.

C. Ramprasad and Santoshh D Detakae are responsible for cinematography, while Tammiraju will handle editing and AS Prakash is the art director.

Ace filmmaker Karan Johar recently took to social media to share his new love.

In a humorous and light-hearted Instagram story, he referred to ChatGPT as his “new lover.” Karan mentioned that he was initially hesitant about using AI but has now developed a fondness for it. His cheeky comment about hoping it’s not “ek tarfa pyar” suggests he wishes for the affection to be mutual and that ChatGPT “loves him back.”

Karan Johar’s post read, “Chat GPT is my new lover… I took a while to warm up to this force… now I am in love! Deeply… I hope it’s not ek tarfa pyar I want Chat GPT to love me back…” Known for sharing amusing posts, he followed this up with a stylish mirror click.

On the professional front, Karan Johar’s latest production, “Homebound,” premiered in the Un Certain Regard section of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival on 21 May. The film received rave reviews, earning a nine-minute standing ovation after its screening. Written and directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, it has been selected as the Indian entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards.

“Homebound” stars Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor in pivotal roles, focusing on the journey of two childhood friends as they attempt to clear the national police exam.

Recently, Karan Johar was present at the London leg of the “Homebound” screening, hosted by Gurinder Chadha. Sharing moments from the event, he expressed, “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.”

Prior to this, acclaimed director Martin Scorsese, who served as the Executive Producer of the drama, held a screening of “Homebound” in New York City.

Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur fondly remembered his mother, Sheel Kanta Kapur, on her birth anniversary by sharing a special throwback photo.

The nostalgic black and white image posted by the ‘Mr India’ director features a young Shekhar alongside his parents, his uncle Dev Anand, and his aunt Mona.

Reflecting on this cherished memory, Shekhar wrote on Instagram, “It’s my Mom’s birthday today and wanted to post a picture of her… looking really happy. … not just a portrait… but a happy picture for that’s what she always was as I remember her…(sic).”

Despite the joyous atmosphere in the photo, Shekhar found himself perplexed about why he appeared sulky while everyone else seemed cheerful. “But why am I sulking? From what my cousins told me, I was too high energy for anyone to handle… so why do I look as if I’m sulking in every pic that I can find?” he pondered.

Offering his own explanation, Shekhar mentioned, “Maybe it’s because I was always shy of the camera… still am.”

He concluded his heartfelt post with, “So here’s my mom happy to be with her favourite brother… Dev Anand, his wife, Mona Aunty, and my elder sister Neelu… and sulky shy me… Happy Birthday… Mama.”

For those unfamiliar, Sheel Kanta Kapur was a talented journalist and actress. She was the sister of the legendary actor Dev Anand and was married to Dr. Kulbhushan Kapoor. Sadly, Sheel Kanta Kapur passed away on November 25, 2014, due to liver failure after enduring multiple transplants.

Actress Preity Zinta is feeling nostalgic as she spends Thanksgiving away from her loved ones. Making the best of her situation, the ‘Kal Ho Naa Ho’ star celebrated through video and phone calls.

Her Instagram post expressed, “This Thanksgiving weekend has been celebrated over video calls & phone calls. It’s not ideal to be away from the family but I cannot complain as I have so much to be grateful for.”

Preity remains thankful for her family and friends despite the distance. She appreciates the challenges that come her way, which help her grow.

“I’m grateful for my family and friends, thankful for all the opportunities and struggles that make me a better version of myself,” she shared.

Highlighting her gratitude, the ‘Koi… Mil Gaya’ actress noted, “most of all I’m thankful for having a partner that understands me and my crazy working schedule now that I’m back on set ❤️.”

Preity added, “Cannot wait to get back home. Till then, Happy Thanksgiving weekend to all of you who celebrate ❤️ #Thanksgivingweekend #Throwback #Ting.”

Since marrying Gene Goodenough in February 2016, Preity has relocated to the U.S., but she frequently travels back for her work commitments.

On the professional front, she is poised to return to the big screen in “Lahore 1947,” directed by Rajkumar Santoshi. The film features Sunny Deol in the lead role, alongside Shabana Azmi, Ali Fazal, Abhimanyu Singh, and others.

Produced with backing from Aamir Khan, “Lahore 1947” is set against the historical backdrop of India’s partition.

Taking a break from her busy work schedule, global icon Priyanka Chopra has returned home for a “quick minute” to celebrate Thanksgiving with her husband Nick Jonas, daughter Malti Marie Chopra Jonas, mother Madhu Chopra, and the rest of her family in L.A.

A Cherished Family Time

Priyanka’s latest Instagram post offers a glimpse into her quality time with loved ones. She expressed her gratitude for the beautiful aspects of life, stating, “Back home for a quick minute. Sometimes I catch myself being in complete awe of the beauty, wonder, and love all around me.”

This Thanksgiving, Priyanka reflected on the small things in life that often go unnoticed. She shared her appreciation for her family, friends, and everyone who makes her life a little easier, saying, “This Thanksgiving I’m so grateful for health, joy, togetherness and the simple pleasures of life that we tend to take for granted sometimes.”

Gratitude and Realizations

Emphasizing the importance of loved ones, she noted, “After spending so long away from home, I’m just reminding myself one of the best things in life is being able to be surrounded by your loved ones.” She conveyed her immense gratitude with heart, folded hands, and “OK” hand emojis.

PeeCee extended Thanksgiving wishes to her followers, saying, “Happy Thanksgiving to everyone celebrating. Sound on (Speaker High Volume emoji).”

Precious Family Moments Captured

The pictures and videos shared by the ‘Varanasi’ actress reveal delightful family moments. Malti is seen enjoying playtime with her parents, colouring with crayons, trying her hand at baking, and singing among the trees. Some clips also show Priyanka having a fun game of darts with Nick and her mother.

This heartwarming celebration underscores the importance of family and togetherness during this festive season.

Actor Jaideep Ahlawat has recently shared his thoughts on working with Bollywood stars Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan in their respective films, ‘Jewel Thief’ and ‘Jaane Jaan’. He reflected on the contrasting experiences he had with the couple as colleagues.

Different Approaches

“Both the films had a very different premise and were extremely different from each other,” Jaideep explained. This variety prompted him to adopt distinct approaches while working with both actors.

He mentioned, “I had a lot of fun working with them. I didn’t talk to Kareena much. I was scared of whether to talk to her or not, because my character of Naren Vyas in ‘Jaane Jaan’ was such. So in a way, it was in my interest not to talk to her.” Maintaining this distance helped him stay in character, which was essential given the film’s restrained premise.

Fun with Saif

In contrast, Jaideep described his experience with Saif Ali Khan as a memorable one. “In ‘Jewel Thief’, it was all fun and absolutely memorable. So we had a lot of fun there.”

He praised both actors, stating, “Both of them are very beautiful people, and I had a lot of fun working with them.”

Film Highlights

For those unfamiliar, ‘Jaane Jaan’, which released in September 2023, featured Jaideep as Naren Vyas, an introverted mathematics teacher whose quiet intensity served as the emotional core of the film. His performance received special acclaim from critics.

In ‘Jewel Thief’, Jaideep took on the role of a charismatic and unpredictable antagonist opposite Saif Ali Khan. Although the film garnered mixed reviews, Jaideep again received praise for his portrayal, particularly for his dance sequence in the song ‘Jaadu’. His exceptional dance skills surprised audiences, making him an instant sensation and overshadowing others in the scene.

Current Projects

Currently, Jaideep is being widely celebrated for his role as Rukma, an antagonist in the third installment of the popular web series ‘The Family Man’.