Author: Ankita Singh

Actor Simu Liu, known for his role in Marvel’s “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” has highlighted the Hollywood industry’s inadequate representation of Asian actors in cinema.

In a recent social media post, Liu expressed his concerns about the lack of visibility for his community. He stated, “Put some Asdigihunt in literally anything right now. The amount of backslide in our representation onscreen is…. appalling. Studios think we’re risky.”

His comments came after he encountered a post advocating for more Asian men in romantic lead roles. Liu cited successful films such as “Minari,” “The Farewell,” “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” “Crazy Rich Asdigihunt,” and his own Marvel movie, emphasizing that “every single one [was] a financial success.”

He further asserted, “No Asian actor has ever lost a studio even close to 100 million dollars, but a white dude will lose 200 million TWICE and roll right into the next tentpole lead. We’re fighting a deeply prejudiced system. And most days…. [sic].”

This isn’t the first instance of Liu addressing representation issues in Hollywood. In 2023, he responded to an article that suggested he was getting “the bulk of Asian male roles.” In a Facebook post, he challenged the statement: “Way to attempt to put us against one another. What ‘bulk’ of roles are you referring to? Are there movies I’m in that I’m not aware of? Do you really think that there is a quota of ‘Asian male roles’ that is a zero-sum game?”

Liu added, “Everything I have taken post Shang-Chi was not written in Asian. We’ve been able to reshape stories to get more representation onscreen. Get your facts straight.”

Actress Kritika Kamra, recognized for her roles in Bambai Meri Jaan, Gyaarah Gyaarah, Bheed, and the upcoming Saare Jahan Se Achha, has expressed her disinterest in participating in the traditional rat race of the film industry just for visibility.

On Choosing Meaningful Roles

Kritika shared, “I have never been interested in being part of the rat race or doing projects just to stay visible. For me, every role should have purpose and depth. I would rather wait for something that challenges me and allows me to grow as an actor than do something that doesn’t add value to my journey.”

She emphasized that “visibility fades, but good work stays with people.” Kritika aspires to be remembered for the choices she makes rather than her on-screen frequency.

A Transition in Career

Known for her ability to portray complex, layered characters, Kritika has seamlessly transitioned from television to OTT and films. Her roles in Bheed, the period drama intensity of Bambai Meri Jaan, and the mystery-laced narrative of Gyaarah Gyaarah highlight her commitment to meaningful storytelling.

“I take my time before saying yes to a project. I look for stories that speak to me, roles that have something substantial to offer, and teams that are driven by passion, not pressure. I’m grateful that audiences today value sincerity and storytelling over stardom,” she noted.

Kritika added, “That shift has given actors like me the freedom to be authentic.”

Upcoming Projects

Currently, Kritika is preparing for a new project directed by Anusha Rizvi. This yet-untitled film is set in Delhi and explores the experiences of an ordinary family as they navigate generational gaps, belonging, and sisterhood, infused with gentle humor and emotional honesty.

It features female talents such as Juhu Babbar and Shreya Dhanwanthary and was shot extensively in Delhi. The project is now in post-production.

Additionally, Kritika stars in Matka King, which features Vijay Varma. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Nagraj Manjule, known for “Sairat” and “Fandry,” Matka King explores the gritty world of 1960s Mumbai.

Plot Insights

“Matka King” chronicles the journey of a cotton trader in Mumbai who introduces a new gambling game called Matka, making waves in a space traditionally reserved for the affluent.

The series also includes notable performances from Sai Tamhankar, Gulshan Grover, and Siddharth Jadhav, among others. Written by Abhay Koranne and Nagraj Manjule, the project is produced by Siddharth Roy Kapur and Manjule along with Gargi Kulkarni, Ashish Aryan, and Ashwini Sidwani, under the banner of Roy Kapur Films.

Ranveer Singh, known for his admiration of his stunning wife Deepika Padukone, is currently making headlines for his playful bromance with singer AP Dhillon.

Star-Studded Wedding Moments

Popular influencer Orry recently shared a delightful video on his official Instagram account, capturing moments from a star-studded wedding. The clip showcases Dhillon performing his hit track “With You” for the wedding guests, while Ranveer appears utterly enchanted by the performance.

The chemistry between Ranveer and Dhillon is evident as they share eye contact and enjoy their playful camaraderie throughout the video. Orry cheekily commented on the situation by adding text to the clip that reads, “When you realize there is more chemistry between these 2 than the bride and groom.” He humorously captioned the post, “@deepikapadukone come get your mans (Enraged Face emojis).”

Reactions on Social Media

The post drew various reactions from Instagram users. One user questioned, “But why are they looking into each other’s eyes??? (sic).” Another remarked, “If only someone looked at me the way Ranveer looks at AP.” A third comment read, “Hahahhaaha and Orry made it more obvious with his eyes.” One amused follower mentioned, “DP doesn’t have to worry because everything is happening in closed eyes.” Another added, “Orry is camera bombing between AP and RS!”

Ranveer’s Upcoming Film

On the professional front, Ranveer Singh is set to star in Aditya Dhar’s highly anticipated film “Dhurandhar.” This movie also features an impressive cast, including Sara Arjun, Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, and R Madhavan. “Dhurandhar” is set to hit theaters on December 5.

During the trailer launch event for the movie, Ranveer praised his co-star Arjun Rampal for his dedication and talent. He expressed, “Arjun sir is known to be the most good-looking man on earth. But, people are now realising his depth and range as an actor. This look and presentation as an actor, I don’t know how Aditya managed to achieve this. On set the female crew members used to be all head over heels for Arjun sir despite his fierce look in the film.”

Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff expressed his deep gratitude for the opportunity to perform for soldiers and their families, calling it an experience he will cherish forever.

Memorable Performance

Tiger shared a video on Instagram of himself dancing to “Vande Mataram” by Vishal Mishra. He thanked Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Amruta Fadnavis for inviting him to this special occasion. The atmosphere was filled with pride and emotion, making the evening truly unforgettable.

In his caption, Tiger wrote: “What an honour to perform for our soldiers and their families, and at such an iconic venue. Thank you to our honourable Chief Minister @cmomaharashtra_ and dear Amruta ji @amruta.fadnavis for including me in this unforgettable evening.”

Upcoming Projects

Tiger was recently featured in the film Baaghi 4, an action thriller directed by A. Harsha. The film stars Tiger Shroff, Sanjay Dutt, Harnaaz Sandhu, and Sonam Bajwa. This installment is an unofficial remake of the 2013 Tamil film Ainthu Ainthu Ainthu.

The plot revolves around a grieving man who awakens from a coma and embarks on a quest to uncover the truth about his missing girlfriend, whom no one believes even exists.

Career Highlights and Challenges

As the son of actor Jackie Shroff, Tiger made his acting debut in the action romance Heropanti in 2014. He gained recognition for his roles in commercially successful action films like Baaghi, Baaghi 2, and War.

However, recent years have seen a series of unsuccessful big-budget projects, including Heropanti 2, Ganapath, and Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, contributing to a decline in his career.

Earlier this year, Tiger also appeared in a music video titled “Bepanaah.” The vibrant track was written and composed by Avitesh Shrivastava, son of the late music maestro Aadesh Shrivastava. This marked Tiger’s first on-screen collaboration with Nimrit Kaur Ahluwalia.

Oscar-winning actress Nicole Kidman recently shared her thoughts on the movie business and the unique opportunities it offers.

In a chat with Ariana Grande for Interview magazine, Kidman expressed her admiration for the industry. She said, “There are so many people that want to do it and are insanely talented, and just don’t get the lucky break.”

The Excitement of Acting

Kidman highlighted the unpredictability of the entertainment world: “What’s fantastic about our industry is that, actually, there is that chance. We’re not in business or something, where you have to keep working your way up. Sometimes that lucky break can just fall from the heavens and your whole life changes.”

She elaborated, “Maybe you’ve been auditioning for 20 years, and then you get that role. It’s like you’re always on the precipice of everything changing. That’s what’s so wonderful about being an actor or a singer or an artist.” Kidman emphasized the thrill of potential success, noting, “It could be just around the corner, that big break. And I’ve seen it happen for so many people, close friends of mine, later in life, too.”

Sharing Experiences Instead of Advice

Despite her success, Kidman believes in a gentle approach to sharing wisdom. As she mentioned to Harper’s Bazaar, “I’m not big on telling people what to do, but I’m more than happy to share. Then, people can take tidbits because we all know you tell somebody to do something, and they’re going to do what they want to do anyway. That’s true, right? So it’s more about sharing your own experiences, saying this is what I’ve learned, take from it what you will.”

Embracing Personal Features

In addition to her thoughts on the industry, Kidman spoke about embracing her appearance. When asked if she has grown to appreciate aspects of herself that she once disliked, she mentioned, “My fair skin. I used to hate it. It’s still not my favourite thing, but I appreciate it because it’s very good on film, so I use it that way.”

She added, “My height (is another thing I’ve learned to appreciate). I’m lucky to be tall, and I have so much leeway with what I eat because there’s so many more places for it to go!”

In sharing her insights, Kidman reflects a journey of self-acceptance and a passion for the art of acting.

Arjun Rampal’s partner, Gabriella Demetriades, celebrated the Bollywood star’s birthday with a heartfelt post on social media.

Sharing a few unseen photos of Arjun alongside her and their two sons, Gabriella expressed her gratitude towards him for teaching them how to truly enjoy life. She wrote on her Instagram, “Happy birthday to our guy, thank you for showing us how life is meant to be lived (Blue heart emoji) (sic).”

For those who may not know, Arjun was previously married to model Mehr Jesia in 1998, with whom he has two daughters, Mahikaa and Myra. After nearly two decades together, the couple decided to part ways in 2018. Not long after, Arjun introduced Gabriella to the world, and they are now the proud parents of two boys.

On the professional front, Arjun is set to make an impact in the upcoming film “Dhurandhar.” The recently released trailer of this much-anticipated drama showcases Arjun’s character in a gripping scene, where he tortures a captive while discussing the motives of Pakistani dictator Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq to “bleed India by a thousand cuts.”

Arjun described his role in “Dhurandhar” as unlike anything he has encountered before. He stated, “This film isn’t anything like I have seen before. It’s a well-researched and fantastically made film with every department of the unit putting in their best. I hugged Aditya soon after seeing the incredible outpour of love.”

The actor mentioned that the film’s narrative contains various shades of grey. “The story carries a certain level of grudge and grey shade, and that is something very new and unseen for the audience. I couldn’t believe the way Aditya Dhar pulled it off and made all of us look unbelievable,” he added.

“Dhurandhar” features an impressive ensemble cast, including Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, and Sara Arjun. Directed by Aditya Dhar, the film is expected to hit theaters on December 5.

The makers of MayaSabha unveiled its first motion teaser on Wednesday morning. The film’s director, Rahi Anil Barve, shares that this upcoming project boldly delves into territory where symbolism intertwines with suspense.

MayaSabha’s Release Date

Set for theatrical release on January 16, 2026, MayaSabha marks Barve’s return nearly a decade after the critically acclaimed film Tumbbad. Renowned for his atmospheric cinematic style, Barve again explores themes of myth, mystery, and psychological depth, creating a visually rich universe filled with detail, philosophy, and tension.

Barve expresses, “MayaSabha promises a journey into guarded truths and power structures far more dangerous than they appear at first glance. The film steps boldly into territory where symbolism meets suspense, and where silence reveals more than dialogue.”

Production Team

Produced by Zirkon Films, the project features producers Girish Patel and Ankoor J. Singh, alongside co-producers Shamrao Bhagwan Yadav, Chanda Shamrao Yadav, Kewal Handa, and Manish Handa. MayaSabha is poised to be one of the most compelling and mysterious cinematic offerings in the upcoming year.

Plot Overview

This psychological thriller revolves around a theater owner now residing in a dilapidated theater. The cast includes Jaaved Jaaferi, Mohammad Samad, and Veena Jamkar.

About Tumbbad

Tumbbad, which released in 2018, was directed by Barve and Anand Gandhi. The film features Sohum Shah in the lead role of Vinayak Rao, following his quest for a hidden 20th-century treasure in the Indian village of Tumbbad, Maharashtra.

Barve began writing the script in 1993, inspired by a tale from Marathi writer Narayan Dharap. He completed the first draft in 1997, at just 18 years old. From 2009 to 2010, he developed a 700-page storyboard for the film. Filming commenced in 2012, but after editing, Barve and Shah were dissatisfied with the results. The film underwent extensive rewriting and reshooting, wrapping up in May 2015.

Over time, Tumbbad has amassed a cult following and is regarded as one of the best Hindi horror films.

Actress Jaya Bhattacharya, known for her recent role in “Delhi Crime Season 3,” recently shared a lively snapshot of her day at home, surrounded by her playful dogs.

In the candid picture, Jaya is seen with four energetic pups, and her sense of humor shines as she notes that her footwear didn’t quite survive the chaos. Capturing the delightful moment, she quipped, “Boarding squad: 1, Human: 0,” alluding to the lively takeover by her furry companions.

She elaborated that she typically boards one or two “munchkins” at a time but faced an unexpected situation when two additional pups arrived on short notice, turning her home into a spontaneous pet playground. “Yes, we board 1/2 munchkins at a time. Two babies came in an emergency and we are having great fun,” she shared.

Jaya also introduced her temporary housemates, Brownie, Elfie, Coco, and Kuber.

“Delhi Crime” is an Indian police procedural crime drama written and directed by Richie Mehta. The show features actors Shefali Shah, Rasika Dugal, Adil Hussain, and Rajesh Tailang. The first season is set against the backdrop of the 2012 Delhi gang rape, while the second season revolves around the Chaddi Baniyan Gang. The current season tackles the serious issue of human trafficking, drawing inspiration from the 2012 Baby Falak case.

Jaya is widely recognized for her portrayal of antagonistic roles in television series, including her memorable character Payal in Ekta Kapoor’s iconic soap opera, “Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi.” Her extensive repertoire includes shows like “Kasamh Se,” “Jhansi Ki Rani,” and “Gangaa.”

She made a significant comeback with her role as Vasundhara Pandey in “Thapki Pyar Ki” and has also appeared in “Silsila Badalte Rishton Ka” and its sequel “Thapki Pyar Ki 2.” Jaya has made her mark in Bollywood as well, with notable performances in films such as Shah Rukh Khan’s “Devdas” and Madhuri Dixit’s “Lajja.”

Her latest appearance on television is in “Kumkum Bhagya,” featuring a talented cast including Sriti Jha, Shabir Ahluwalia, Mugdha Chaphekar, Krishna Kaul, Rachi Sharma, Abrar Qazi, Pranali Rathod, and Namik Paul. This series is known as one of the longest-running Indian soap operas, originally inspired by Jane Austen’s novel “Sense and Sensibility.”

Actress Chitrangda Singh states that 2025 has been a pivotal year, defined by her choice of stories that push her boundaries. She admits that this year has been about saying yes to projects that “scare” her a “little” and “challenge” her “a lot.”

Exploring Diverse Roles

Reflecting on her varied characters in 2025, Chitrangda expressed, “I wanted my work to feel honest again, whether it’s a big commercial film like Housefull 5 or an intense character piece like Parikrama, and now a crime thriller like Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders.”

For Chitrangda, 2025 has been a “dream year.”

A Dream Year for Chitrangda

She elaborated, “It feels like a dream year as an actor, especially to be able to work with directors from different schools of cinema. I feel like I’m finally playing to my full strength as an actor and, more importantly, reclaiming the kind of career I always wanted to build.”

Housefull 5 and Other Projects

Chitrangda was featured in Housefull 5, a comedy thriller helmed by Tarun Mansukhani, which is the fifth installment of the Housefull franchise. The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast including Akshay Kumar, Abhishek Bachchan, Riteish Deshmukh, Sanjay Dutt, Fardeen Khan, Shreyas Talpade, Nana Patekar, Jackie Shroff, Dino Morea, Jacqueline Fernandez, Nargis Fakhri, Sonam Bajwa, Soundarya Sharma, Chunky Pandey, Nikitin Dheer, and Johnny Lever.

In this murder mystery comedy, multiple imposters claim to be the son of a recently deceased billionaire as they compete for his fortune aboard a luxury cruise ship.

Besides Housefull 5, she is expanding her artistic footprint with Parikrama, an art-house drama directed by Goutam Ghose, featuring Marco Leonardi and Cristina Donadio. She will also star in Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders, her upcoming Netflix project, where she takes on a complex and gritty role.

Additionally, Chitrangda is set to appear with Salman Khan in “Battle Of Galwan,” a film grounded in real-life events with deep roots in military history.

Actress Elnaaz Norouzi, known for her work across various industries and countries, recently shared her experiences navigating challenges in a new land with a different language and unfamiliar film environment.

Embracing Languages

Reflecting on her initial struggles, the Iranian-German actress born in Tehran highlighted that mastering languages was her quickest pathway into diverse markets.

Elnaaz remarked, “When you think you are a citizen of the world and want to work in different markets, learning the language is the quickest way in.”

She proudly shared her multilingual capabilities: “You must have read I speak Hindi, English, Punjabi, Urdu, Farsi, German, and French – yes, I make a great travelling companion. It does make my life easy.”

Choosing the Right Projects

Her approach has always been to select projects that resonate with her without being overly concerned about fitting into predefined roles. She explained, “I choose projects I can do and not worry how I will fit in. It does have challenges sometimes because people think it is not possible for me to be able to do so but once they get over that doubt, it’s all good.”

According to Elnaaz, auditions and meetings are the best ways to dispel any uncertainties about her versatility. “I am patient like that so I wait for them to catch up. Auditions and meetings – best way for anyone to know if you have what that role needs.”

Latest Work

Best known for her role as Zoya Mirza in the Indian crime thriller Sacred Games, Elnaaz was recently featured in “Mastiii 4,” which hit theaters on 21 November.

The film revisits the trio of Amar, Meet, and Prem, who find themselves trapped in the monotony of married life and yearn for the excitement of their youthful days. Their adventure begins when they learn about a “Love Visa” that promises a week of unrestricted fun, propelling them into a plan filled with mischief. However, their escapades soon spiral out of control when their wives decide to break the rules in their own unique ways.