Author: Ankita Singh

On their third wedding anniversary, actor Gautham Ram Karthik shared a heartfelt message for his wife, Manjima Mohan, expressing gratitude for her companionship.

Taking to Instagram, Gautham wrote, “Three years. Three years of laughing, crying, learning, unlearning, falling, rising, and growing together.”

He continued, “You’ve seen it all with me, side by side. You chose to walk through the fire with me. You chose to bring peace into every storm I create in my own head. You chose to ground me when life gets too loud, and lift me when I forget my own strength.”

Praising his wife further, he mentioned, “In a world that keeps rushing me forward, you’re the one who helps me breathe in peace. Thank you for being my partner, my calm, my clarity. And most importantly… thank you for choosing me. I’m so grateful for you, now and forever. Happy anniversary, my love.”

Manjima Mohan also expressed her feelings through an emotional post. On her Instagram, she wrote, “In a world full of noise, you are my peace, my safe place. Happy Three, my love!”

The strong bond and trust between the couple are evident. Earlier this year, Gautham, a popular actor and son of well-known star Karthik, proudly celebrated Manjima’s ten-year milestone in her acting career.

On the professional front, Gautham Ram Karthik is set to star in the sci-fi crime thriller ‘ROOT,’ directed by Sooriyaprathap S. This film will also mark the Tamil cinema debut of Bollywood actor Aparshakti Khurana, known for his impressive roles in Hindi films.

Actress Bhavya Trikha plays the female lead alongside veteran actor Y Gee Mahendran in a significant role. Produced by Dhanishtan Fernando, Rajarajan Gananasambandam, Sanjai Shankar, and Shaik Mujeeb under the Verus Productions banner, the film is anticipated to be a thrilling ride that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.

Six weeks of intense competition on the singing reality show “I-POPSTAR” culminated in a thrilling finale, where Rohit Raut was crowned as the first-ever I-POPSTAR, taking home a prize of ₹7,00,000.

Rishabh Panchal, the runner-up, also earned recognition along with a prize of ₹3,00,000.

Reflections from the Judges

Rapper King, one of the judges, reflected on the season, stating, “I-POPSTAR has shown us what the future of Indian pop looks like—powerful, fearless, and honest.” He emphasized the importance of the contestants’ journeys, sharing, “Watching these young artists grow, take risks, and express themselves without holding back reminded me why independent music matters. Each one of them brought something real to the stage, and that’s what makes this movement so special.”

Rohit Raut’s Journey

Rohit Raut shared insights into his journey on the show, saying, “At I-POPSTAR, I walked in trying to find my feet as an artist, and after weeks, to see that I stand as a winner instills a ton of confidence in my craft.” He expressed gratitude towards his mentor, singer Parmish Verma, saying, “I want to thank my mentor, Parmish paaji, without whom this wouldn’t have been possible. To the fans who rooted for me and had faith in me, I dedicate this award to every regional artist who wants to step out, showcase their talent, and realize their dream. Lastly, I want to give a shoutout to Amazon MX Player for giving independent musicdigihunt like me a platform to showcase our talent and reach millions of people.”

Mentor’s Pride

In celebration of his mentee’s achievement, Parmish Verma remarked, “The passion these artists brought to the stage was extraordinary. They came with raw stories and turned them into powerful performances that connected with people across the country. As a mentor, watching them evolve has been truly rewarding.” He continued, “It makes me incredibly proud that the first-ever I-POPSTAR is from my team. Rohit has been truly incredible from day one. Seeing him grow, experiment, and own the stage has been an absolute joy. For us, this is more than just a successful season. It’s proof that India is ready to embrace independent pop on a big stage.”

Amitabh Bachchan’s granddaughter Navya Naveli Nanda recently took to social media to express her admiration for Dharmendra’s heartfelt poem dedicated to his beloved ‘pind’.

On Instagram, the young star thanked Dharmendra for sharing such a timeless and emotional poem. She wrote, “Aj bhi ji karda hai, pind apne nu jaanwa. Dharam Ji was a true son of the soil, and his words carry the essence of that soil. This poem by him is a yearning; a tribute from one legend to another. Thank you for gifting us this timeless verse. #Ikkis in cinemas worldwide on 25th December 2025.”

The final poem composed by Dharmendra was released by the makers of his last film, “Ikkis.” The emotional Punjabi verse was narrated by Dharmendra himself and titled “Aj bhi ji karda hai, pind apne nu jaanwa,” showcasing his profound yearning and nostalgia for his village.

In their Instagram post, the makers wrote, “Aj bhi ji karda hai, Pind apne nu jaanwa.” They praised Dharmendra as a true son of the soil, with words that embody that essence. The poem serves as a tribute from one legend to another.

“Ikkis,” produced by Dinesh Vijan and Maddock Films and directed by National Award-winner Sriram Raghavan, tells the true story of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal. The film is set to release in cinemas on 25th December.

Navya has been actively promoting “Ikkis” on her social media, especially since the film features her brother, Agastya Nanda, in a pivotal role. Agastya portrays Arun Khetarpal, the young soldier who was martyred at 21 during the 1971 Battle of Basantar in the Indo-Pak war. For his bravery, Khetarpal was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, becoming the youngest recipient of India’s highest military honor at the time.

The film also stars Jaideep Ahlawat and Sikander Kher. “Ikkis” will mark Dharmendra’s final appearance on the big screen.

Bollywood actor Jaideep Ahlawat is elated to be sharing screen space with the late superstar Dharmendra in his upcoming movie “Ikkis.”

Reflecting on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Jaideep expressed, “To stand with him in the same frame on screen is something that deserves to be recorded in history. It’s a historic moment in my life that I got to do even one film with a legend like Dharmendra, despite not belonging to his era. This is a very big thing for me.”

He continued, “I wish I had done five or ten more films with him, but now he is no more.” Jaideep further shared, “Whatever I have said about him comes from such an amazing experience that I don’t even need to say anything more. He was mine, and he will always remain with me. The love he gave me will stay with me forever! The whole country will miss him.”

For those unaware, Dharmendra passed away on November 24 at the age of 89, leading to widespread mourning across the nation, especially within the Bollywood fraternity. On the same day, Jaideep took to his social media to share an emotional tribute to the late actor.

He posted a picture featuring both himself and Dharmendra, writing, “Kuch nahi hai aisa jo keh paaunga. Bas itna ki aapne jo pyar diya mujhe unn thode se dino main. Main woh Umar Bhar yaad rakhunga, Sir. Aap bahut yaad aayenge.” (There’s nothing I can really say. Just this much – the love you gave me in these few days, I will remember it for a lifetime, Sir. You will be deeply missed.)

Jaideep added, “This world will miss the one and only Jatt Yamla Pagla Deewana. RIP Dharam ji @aapkadharam.” Around mid-November, Dharmendra was admitted to Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital.

On November 27, the Deol family organized a prayer meet to celebrate Dharmendra and his enduring legacy, attended by many prominent figures from Bollywood.

Actress Tillotama Shome recently enjoyed a memorable getaway in Goa with fellow actor Jim Sarbh. She described her experience as “incredible,” noting that they didn’t visit the iconic beaches, yet their trip was filled with fun.

A Unique Experience in Goa

In her own words, Tillotama shared, “What an incredible Goa experience! We didn’t do the beach and yet it was super fun!!! (sic).”

She highlighted the elements that made her stay enjoyable, stating, “An exclusive experience in every way, indeed! @birdsongmoira has our hearts with their home away from home model.” They cycled through serene paths and kayaked through mangroves, which added to the charm of their trip.

Tillotama also mentioned the beautiful route around the villa, expressing, “Definitely coming back to you….”

Culinary Delights and Local Flavours

During their stay, the duo explored various eateries they had never heard of before. Tillotama credited @maanavdev for organizing a Panjim crawl, saying, “We ate at places we hadn’t heard of before. Definitely going back to @miskibargoa, @antonioat31, @casalusitanagoa.”

Their adventure included a boat journey to a fishing village, where they savoured the exquisite local cuisine. She described this experience, saying, “@soul.travelling took us on a boat to a fishing village for local flavours which we couldn’t get enough of!”

A Pleasant Conclusion

To round off their trip, Tillotama and Jim enjoyed their last evening with live music, good food, and cocktails. She remarked, “@village36goa: what a perfect last night with live music and top-notch cocktails + food.”

It’s interesting to note that, while Tillotama and Jim have not yet appeared on screen together, they collaborated on the film “Baksho Bondi.” This project has been co-produced by both actors, with Tillotama taking on the lead role.

Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty recently celebrated his cultural roots by proudly donning a traditional mundu.

Emphasizing Identity

The actor highlighted the significance of staying connected to one’s heritage, stating that this connection is the true essence of fashion. On Friday, Suniel took to his Instagram to share a stylish video of himself, striking various poses in a black mundu. For those unfamiliar, a mundu is a traditional garment from Kerala, India, worn by both men and women. It is commonly draped around the waist in regions such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu, the Lakshadweep islands, and the Maldives, and shares similarities with sarongs, dhotis, and lungis.

Cultural Pride

In the photoshoot, Suniel Shetty showcased his cultural heritage while exuding style and confidence in the traditional mundu. He captioned the post, “Style changes, roots don’t. Wearing my Pride…my Mundu. Because identity is the real fashion. #TulunadMyPride.”

Suniel, affectionately known as Anna, comes from a Tulu-speaking Bunt family and maintains a strong connection with his South Indian roots, particularly from his hometown of Mulki, Karnataka. Proud of his Tulu culture, he incorporates traditional values, regional cuisine, and lifestyle practices into his daily life. The 64-year-old actor often celebrates his heritage and appreciates the achievements of regional Indian cinema. He credits his robust fitness and health to his diet, which is rich in traditional Mangalorean dishes.

Upcoming Projects

On the work front, Suniel Shetty is set to appear in the highly anticipated comedy entertainer “Welcome to the Jungle.” Directed by Ahmed Khan, this latest installment of the beloved Welcome franchise features a star-studded cast including Akshay Kumar, Raveena Tandon, Disha Patani, Aftab Shivdasani, Jacqueline Fernandez, Arshad Warsi, and Tusshar Kapoor, among others.

Additionally, Suniel is preparing for “Hera Pheri 3,” which will reunite him with Akshay Kumar.

Ace cricketer and commentator Dinesh Karthik recently praised actor Dhruv Vikram for his realistic portrayal of the lead character in director Mari Selvaraj’s critically acclaimed film, ‘Bison: Kaalamaadan’. He remarked, “Dhruv must have worked his backside off to do it so realistically.”

Dinesh Karthik’s Review

Taking to his X timeline, Karthik expressed his admiration for the film, which not only succeeded at the box office but also received critical acclaim. He wrote, “BISON kalamadaan – Loved the movie. What a movie maker Mari Selvaraj is! His movies are heavy and hard hitting! Dhruv must have worked his backside off to do it so realistically. All of the supporting cast were very good too. Well done and more power to all of you.”

Celebrity Praise for Mari Selvaraj

Karthik is just one of many who have lauded Mari Selvaraj and the ‘Bison’ unit. Notable figures such as Superstar Rajinikanth and Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin have also praised the film.

Rajinikanth congratulated Selvaraj, stating that the director’s hard work and skill were impressive. In a Tamil post, Selvaraj shared that Rajinikanth complimented him after watching the film, saying, “Super Mari, Super! Watched ‘Bison’. Your hard work and proficiency in film after film impresses me. Congratulations, Mari!”

In his gratitude, Selvaraj acknowledged Rajinikanth’s support, thanking him on behalf of his entire team for the recognition he received for his previous works like ‘Pariyaerum Perumal’, ‘Karnan’, ‘Maamannan’, and ‘Vaazhai’.

Udhayanidhi Stalin’s Thoughts

Udhayanidhi Stalin, the Deputy Chief Minister and a well-known actor and producer, described ‘Bison – Kaalamaadan’ as “a powerful film.” After viewing it, he shared his thoughts on X, stating, “Have watched #Bison. Director @Mari_Selvaraj sir has once again delivered a powerful film.”

He elaborated, “Bison is a heartwarming sports drama about an Arjuna award-winning Kabaddi player who rises above a violent and troubled society. Mari sir captures the journey of a young man who places his faith in sport more than anything else, which ultimately leads him to greatness.”

Stalin praised Dhruv Vikram, the son of popular actor Vikram, and the rest of the cast for their exceptional performances, stating, “A big congratulations to the entire team of Bison – Kaalamaadan.@beemji.”

About ‘Bison’

The film was produced by Applause Entertainment in collaboration with director Pa Ranjith’s Neelam Studios. Dhruv Vikram portrays a kabaddi player, alongside Anupama Parameswaran. Based on true events, ‘Bison’ unfolds a gripping tale of passion, resilience, and triumph against all odds.

Anupama Parameswaran stars as the female lead, with a talented supporting cast that includes Lal, Pasupathy, Rajisha Vijayan, Hari Krishnan, Azhagam Perumal, Aruvi Madhanand, and Kalaiyarasan in pivotal roles.

Actress Nimrat Kaur recently shared her empowering experience of playing a strong female character in “The Family Man Season 3.”

Navigating a Male-Dominated Writer’s Room

Reflecting on her journey, she discussed the unique challenge of working in a predominantly male writer’s room while adding depth to her role. “I think it’s fascinating that the writer’s room is all men. We are meeting a woman in a man’s world who’s running a show like a man and is written by men. You know, I find that fascinating, and it is so empowering to take that position and then fly with it and then look at your own self,” said Nimrat.

Personal Insights and Character Reflection

She also pondered the contrast between her character’s confidence and her own life, stating, “And many times, I used to actually think about my own self and I used to be like you know it would be kind of cool to be this self-assured about so many situations which otherwise I would just, you know, be under a quilt about.”

Nimrat emphasized how her profession provides her with a sense of freedom and empowerment. “It is so interesting that what I’m trying to sell as an idea or as a character on screen, I’m not sure if I can pull it off in real life. I really don’t know if I have it in me with my conditioning, my upbringing, all of that. This is the freedom of being an actor,” she remarked.

About Her Role in The Family Man

In “The Family Man Season 3,” Nimrat Kaur takes on the role of antagonist Meera. The show, directed by Raj & DK, also stars Manoj Bajpayee, Priyamani, and Jaideep Ahlawat. The highly anticipated third season premiered on Prime Video on November 21, 2025.

Speaking about the show, Manoj Bajpayee described his return as a “true homecoming.” He shared, “For the past four years, fans have hounded me with the question, ‘Kab aa raha hai Srikant Tiwari?’ And we finally have the answer with a new season that’s not only bigger, bolder, and more exciting but also raises the stakes higher than ever for Srikant, as he finds himself cornered with no respite in sight.”

Actress and producer Niharika Konidela has shared insights on the unwavering support she has received from her uncle, Pawan Kalyan, and cousin, Ram Charan, both prominent figures in the entertainment industry, throughout her cinematic journey.

When asked about the role her family plays in her career, Niharika acknowledged that the backing from Pawan Kalyan and Ram Charan fills her with immense strength. She expressed, “I know they are always there for me, even without saying much.”

Niharika elaborated that although they may not engage in formal discussions about life lessons, she learns a great deal just by observing their lives. “That silent guidance is invaluable to me,” she added.

Addressing the pressure that comes with being part of such a celebrated family, she admitted, “Yes, I do feel it. I come from a family of very respected actors, including my uncles.” Nevertheless, she views this pressure as a motivating force. “Whenever I step onto a set or select a film to produce, I carry the thought that I need to make them proud,” she stated.

Despite the high expectations, Niharika explained why she does not view it as a burden. “It never feels too stressful because my family’s fans have always treated me like their own. Even before my first film as a producer or actor, I felt like I already had an extended family. I’m extremely grateful for that love,” she said.

Additionally, Niharika shared the most valuable piece of advice she has received from her family: the importance of discipline. “Almost everyone in my family has told me how crucial discipline is. No matter how good the script is or how talented the team is, if discipline is missing—whether on set, in the story, or in the work ethic—things can easily fall apart. I always ensure that everyone on my team works with sincerity and discipline,” she concluded.

Actress-politician Smriti Irani recently took a moment to reflect on her personal and professional journey in an emotional Friday flashback post.

Revisiting her milestones, she shared valuable lessons learned along the way and expressed gratitude for the experiences that have shaped her. On Friday, Smriti shared a fan-edited collection of pictures on her Instagram handle. In the caption, she highlighted how, in the rush of life, we often overlook the significance of the moments we experience. The ‘Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi’ actress remarked that seeing a photograph years later can evoke fresh and meaningful memories.

Sharing her photos, Smriti Irani wrote, “In the rush of becoming, you rarely realise the weight of the moments you’re living. Then, years later, a photograph finds you — and the memories that millions once shared with you feel new all over again. This Friday Flashback carries a gentle nostalgia… a reminder of milestones arrived at, lessons learned, and a journey I’m still grateful for #friday #flashback.” The fan-edited throwback pictures feature the veteran actress in a red saree, radiating warmth with her smile.

Meanwhile, Smriti Irani has stayed in the spotlight since returning to television with “Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2.” She currently stars alongside Amar Upadhyay in the show, which premiered in July. The new season focuses on Tulsi, portrayed by Smriti, as she navigates the challenges of motherhood and societal expectations, exploring various moral dilemmas. The storyline emphasizes how mothers in Indian society are often held accountable for their children’s shortcomings, while fathers rarely face similar scrutiny.

Smriti Irani made her television comeback after a 15-year hiatus, having stepped away from the screen in 2010.