Author: Ankita Singh

Actress-singer Iulia Vantur recently shared a heartfelt post on social media to celebrate the birthday of renowned writer Salim Khan.

In her touching tribute, Iulia referred to Salim Khan as a “blessing” in her life, conveying her deep respect and affection for him. On her Instagram handle, she posted several photos along with a heartfelt note that underscores the special bond she shares with the Khan family. Her caption read: “Happy birthday to my favourite human being Salim Khan: a father, a teacher, a friend, an inspiration, a motivation, a believer, a pillar, a blessing in my life. Beyond grateful Love each other or perish!”

She added, “May your heart be always full of love, happiness and compassion. May you keep inspiring and blessing more people with your wisdom and strength. I love you.”

In the first image, Iulia is seen warmly hugging Salim Khan while they sit together on a couch. The following image features her posing with Salman Khan’s parents and other family members. The last photo captures Salim Khan cutting his birthday cake.

Iulia Vantur enjoys a warm and affectionate relationship with the Khan family and is frequently spotted at their private celebrations and intimate gatherings. While rumors about her relationship with Salman Khan have circulated for years, neither has confirmed the nature of their bond. However, they are often seen together at public events and family functions.

Iulia has publicly acknowledged Salman’s pivotal role in guiding her career in India, especially his encouragement to delve into Hindi music. She has lent her voice to several songs in his films and has expressed her gratitude for the support he has offered in her personal and professional endeavors.

Recently, Iulia made headlines when she performed Salman Khan’s “Teri Meri Prem Kahani” at the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall before the Pope. She described the experience as “a prayer through music” that celebrated faith and unity.

Award-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o, known for her remarkable performance in 12 Years a Slave, shared her unique post-Oscars journey, highlighting that it did not open up a flood of diverse offers. Instead, she received roles that reflected similar themes.

Post-Oscar Experiences

“It really did set the pace for everything I’ve done since. But you know what’s interesting is that, after I won that Academy Award, you’d think, ‘Oh, I’m gonna get lead roles here and there.’ Instead, it was, ‘Oh, Lupita, we’d like you to play another movie where you’re a slave, but this time you’re on a slave ship,’” Nyong’o said.

The actress discussed this during an interview with Grammy-winning musician Angélique Kidjo on CNN Inside Africa. The opportunities she received in the months following her Oscar win were surprising.

Navigating Challenges

Nyong’o described this period as “a very tender time,” as she had to resist the noise from headlines speculating about her career trajectory.

“There were think pieces about: ‘Is this the beginning and end of this dark-skinned Black African woman’s career?’ I had to deafen myself to all those pontificators because, at the end of the day, I’m not a theory; I’m an actual person,” she reflected.

Expanding African Narratives

Born to Kenyan parents, Nyong’o expressed her desire to broaden African storytelling within the entertainment industry.

“I like to be a joyful warrior for changing the paradigms of what it means to be African,” she said. “And if that means that I work one job less a year to ensure that I’m not perpetuating the stereotypes that are expected of people from my continent, then let me do that.”

Nyong’o was recently featured in The Wild Robot and A Quiet Place: Day One. She will next appear in Lunik Heist.

Veteran filmmaker Subhash Ghai has spotlighted the significant impact of the massive box-office successes of Jawan and the newcomer-led hit Saiyaara, showcasing India’s rapidly growing theatre power.

Box-Office Benchmarks

Ghai pointed out the impressive benchmarks set by these films: Rs 800 crore for Jawan and Rs 400 crore for Saiyaara. He emphasized that these achievements demonstrate how audiences are more eager than ever to fill cinemas, providing a substantial boost of confidence to actors, directors, and producers across Bollywood.

In a post on his Instagram, Ghai shared a photograph of a theatre hall accompanied by a note. He wrote: “If a commercial film like Jawan cud do box office for 800 cr n SAIYARA for 400 cr with new comers in India- confirms that’s our housefull capacity in indian theatres if we are doing a business of any film with 100 cr means equal of 25 % of Saiyara N 12% of jawan WAKE UP SID Actors directors writers investors today Bless u.”

About Jawan

Jawan, an action thriller co-written and directed by Atlee, stars Shah Rukh Khan in a dual role as a lookalike father and son, alongside Nayanthara and Vijay Sethupathi. The film broke multiple box-office records for Hindi releases, surpassing the benchmarks set by Khan’s earlier blockbuster, Pathaan. With a worldwide gross exceeding Rs 1,148.32 crore, it became the highest-grossing Indian film of 2023, the second-highest-grossing Hindi film of all time, and the sixth-highest-grossing Indian film overall.

About Saiyaara

On the other hand, Mohit Suri’s Saiyaara features debutants Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda in lead roles. Produced by Yash Raj Films, the movie is loosely inspired by the 2004 Korean film A Moment to Remember. This film emerged as a significant commercial success, earning over Rs 5.79 billion (US$68 million) worldwide. Saiyaara has established itself as the second highest-grossing Hindi film of 2025 and the highest-grossing Indian romantic film in history.

Hollywood star Antonio Banderas enjoyed his time on the sets of the “Anthony Bourdain” biopic, despite the “fishy” odors surrounding him.

Reflecting on the experience, Banderas mentioned, “We spent a month and a half filming in Cape Cod and Newport, constantly surrounded by the smell of fish. Every time I came back to the hotel, I had to shower because I absolutely reeked — I was cleaning fish every single day!”

At the Torino Film Festival, Banderas shared insights about the film “Tony,” directed by Matt Johnson, which reimagines the life of the renowned chef and globetrotter Bourdain as an aimless young man.

“He originally wanted to become a writer after finishing university,” Banderas explained. “But almost immediately, he began struggling with depression and drug addiction, so the film explores the very difficult early years of his life.”

In the film, Banderas portrays a Brazilian-born restaurateur who mentors the young Tony, played by breakout star Dominic Sessa from “The Holdovers.”

“Through this relationship, Tony begins to truly learn how to cook,” Banderas added. “So the film is not just about cuisine or culinary techniques; it’s about his life, his identity, and his way of being — shaped by this unique mentor.”

While the real Bourdain started his journey washing dishes at a restaurant run by Ciro Cozzi in Provincetown, Banderas’ character is a composite figure. He described this mentor as “a man from Brazil who works in the United States and has travelled the world.”

“My character studied at the finest institutions, graduating from the best gastronomy schools, yet he always remained an outsider,” Banderas continued. “He created his own restaurant outside the traditional world of elite chefs, developing his own dishes with ingredients accessible to ordinary communities — simple food for everyday people.”

During his time in Turin to accept a lifetime achievement award, Banderas emphasized the importance of mentors in his life.

“I am a theater actor,” he stated. “Cinema came by chance, thanks to Pedro Almodóvar — a ‘chance’ that led to 130 films, but still, it was chance. Theater was my first love, and for the past seven or eight years, I’ve returned to my home in Malaga and to my true home on the stage. My life has changed, and now I am finally doing what my life’s project was always meant to be.”

He also reminisced about actor Paul Newman, whose work is celebrated in a 24-film retrospective at this year’s Torino Film Festival. “I worked for a year in New York doing a musical,” Banderas recalled. “One day I was on stage, singing, and at a certain point, I saw Paul Newman with those eyes staring at me. I froze completely — it was incredibly powerful. We made a couple of films together, and I worked with his wife, Joanne Woodward, in ‘Philadelphia.’ He liked me, so we often went out to dinner in New York.”

Banderas fondly remembered Newman’s quirky habit: “He would always ask for a very specific beer and tell the waiter, ‘In exactly 2 minutes and 45 seconds, please bring me another!’ I still think about that.”

Singer Papon dedicated his 49th birthday to music, prioritizing his passion over taking a break. He shared that celebrating the day through his art brings him immense joy.

A Passion for Music

Papon expressed, “Music has always been my biggest celebration. I don’t feel the need to take a break on my birthday when I get to spend the day doing what I love.”

Fresh from the success of his Sham-E-Mehfil 2025 tour, he is in the final stages of completing a new album that fuses fresh poetry with soulful melodies, showcasing the signature depth he’s renowned for.

Heartfelt Creations

He mentioned, “This new ghazal album is very close to my heart, and the energy of the shows keeps me inspired. Of course, I’ll steal a little time to be with my family too—because they’re my grounding force. But for me, creating music is the best gift I can give myself and my listeners.”

Upcoming Projects

On the work front, Papon is preparing to release his upcoming ghazal album, featuring original compositions with contemporary poetry from today’s poets.

A Musical Journey

Papon began his musical journey in 1998 with the Assamese song “Nasaba Sokule” from the album Snigdha Junak. In 2004, he launched his first album, Junaki Raati.

He made his Bollywood debut with the song “Om Mantra” from the film Strings – Bound by Faith in 2006. His breakout hit, “Jiyein Kyun,” was featured in the 2011 film Dum Maro Dum.

In 2014, he sang “Lakeerein,” a poem by Gulzar, for the film Kya Dilli Kya Lahore, and “Sun Ri Bavli” for Nagesh Kukunoor’s Lakshmi. His successful tracks include “Moh Moh Ke Dhage” from the 2015 film Dum Laga Ke Haisha and “Humnava” from Hamari Adhuri Kahani. Papon also lent his voice for “Bulleya” in the 2016 film Sultan.

Actor-philanthropist Sonu Sood recently engaged in an insightful interaction with a tyre repairman in Dalkhola, near Siliguri, underscoring Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to support small businesses.

Sonu shared a video on Instagram where he was seen chatting with Mohammad, who operates a roadside tyre shop offering 24-hour service.

In the clip, Sonu said, “Today we are near Siliguri, in Dalkhola. Dada, have a cup of coffee for yourself. This is our brother Mohammad. He has a tyre shop here. And when do you wake up in the morning?”

To this, the repairman replied, “5 or 6 in the morning.”

Sonu praised the hard work of early-rising tradesmen, emphasizing the need to support small enterprises to help them grow. “A lot of people, our brothers and sisters, sleep at this time. You should wake up early in the morning, have a cup of coffee and work,” he remarked.

Inquiring about the daily rush of puncture repairs and the challenges of running the shop, Sonu asked, “Dada, tell me one thing. You have a tyre shop. You get punctured. Do you believe that if you get a puncture, you will come here? Tyre. Do you throw nails there?”

The repairman replied, “No,” adding that “There is 24-hour service in the system.”

Sonu appreciated Mohammad’s dedication to providing round-the-clock service, asserting that trades like these are essential for local economies and warrant broader support.

“There is 24-hour service, brother Mohammad. Keep serving like this. But it is good if people’s tyres are less punctured. By the way, keep coming to meet you… Our honorable PM Mr. Modi says that small scale businesses should be supported so that they can do bigger business.”

Popular television actress Urvashi Dholakia has beautifully captured the essence of womanhood.

Taking to Instagram, Urvashi shared a series of stunning photos from a short getaway. Renowned for her role as the iconic Komolika in “Kasautii Zindagii Kay,” she looked radiant in a striking blue saree that complemented the sea in the background.

“To be a woman is to play a thousand roles & still know exactly who you are,” she captioned the post.

Urvashi began her acting career at the young age of six with a TV commercial alongside Revathi. As a child artist, she portrayed Rajlaxmi in the Doordarshan series Shrikant. Her first adult role came in Doordarshan’s “Dekh Bhai Dekh,” followed by “Waqt Ki Raftar.” Throughout the 2000s, she featured in popular shows like “Ghar Ek Mandir,” “Kabhii Sautan Kabhii Sahelii,” “Kasautii Zindagii Kay,” and “Kahiin To Hoga.”

In 2012, Urvashi participated in the sixth season of the controversial reality show “Bigg Boss,” where she emerged as the winner. She later appeared in the historical fantasy series “Chandrakanta” as Queen Iravati. Last year, she made a notable return to the fiction genre in “Naagin 6.”

Earlier this year, in March, Urvashi made her television comeback with her role in “Pushpa Impossible.” Speaking about this return, she expressed, “Returning to Pushpa Impossible as Devi Singh Shekhawat feels like coming home. Devi has always been a strong, independent woman who stands firmly for what’s right, and this time, she’s back to support Pushpa when she needs her the most.”

Her latest project is “Power Of Paanch,” featuring a talented ensemble cast that includes Riva Arora, Jaiveer Juneja, Aditya Arora, Anubha Arora, Bianca Arora, Yash Sehgal, Barkha Bisht, and Urvashi Dholakia. The storyline follows a young girl named Bela, who learns that her four friends—Ranveer, Ali, Baggu, and Jhanvi—inherit elemental powers on their 16th birthday.

Actress-politician Smriti Irani has shared a heartfelt note celebrating the formalization of the relationship between her “Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi” co-stars Ashlesha Sawant and Sandeep Baswana.

A Journey of Realism

Smriti took to Instagram to post a beautiful picture of Ashlesha and Sandeep. She reflected on how the couple’s journey began “not with rituals, but with realism” and highlighted that their bond is rooted in companionship and truth.

She wrote: “Some love stories take the most interesting turns. They begin not with rituals, but with realism. They promise nothing except companionship. They bring nothing to the table except the honest truth that love may ebb with time, but friendship doesn’t. And from that truth begins a beautiful—albeit different—journey.”

Unique and Unconventional Love

Calling the couple “different, unconventional, wonderfully their own,” Smriti added: “Ashlesha and Sandeep have always been that way: different, unconventional, wonderfully their own. Madly in love, deeply in sync, and constantly driving friends like me up the wall as we kept breathing down their necks to get married.”

She humorously said, “Well… it seems irritating idiots like me finally got their way! So happy to see them now bound by love and celebrating it through rituals. #theygotmarried @ashleshasavant @baswanasandeep.”

A Long-Lasting Bond

Ashlesha and Sandeep tied the knot after being together for 23 years. The couple married on November 16 in Vrindavan.

Sandeep made his television debut with the show Kuchh Jhuki Palkain and later appeared in Kkoi Dil Mein Hai. His role as Sahil Virani in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi made him a household name. He also took on the character of Munna in Hitler Didi and appeared in Udaan as Ishwar Rawat. Recently, he played Girdhar Shukla in Apollena – Sapno Ki Unchi Udann.

Ashlesha made her acting debut in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi as Teesha Mehta Virani. She is renowned for her roles in Saat Phere – Saloni Ka Safar, Pyaar Ka Dard Hai Meetha Meetha Pyaara Pyaara, Kumkum Bhagya, and Anupamaa.

Actress Eva Longoria believes becoming a mother later in life has been “perfect” for her, attributing this to the added “wisdom and patience” that comes with being in your 40s.

Longoria and her husband, Jose Baston, welcomed their son Santiago when she was 43. In an interview with The Sunday Times’ Culture Magazine, she shared her sentiments on motherhood. “You have so much more wisdom and patience when you become a mother in your 40s,” she stated.

Reflecting on her life before motherhood, she said, “It was all about me for so long. 40 years of me was enough time, so I was really blessed to have my child later in life because I had travelled, I’d done everything I needed to do for my career. Now everything I do is just icing on the cake, and I get to do that with my son.”

Family comes first for Longoria, who insists that she’ll only accept roles that are fulfilling. She noted, “If I’m saying yes to something and it’s taking time away from them, it’s got to be something I’m really going to enjoy and people I really want to work with.”

Previously, Longoria was married to the late actor Tyler Christopher and former professional basketball player Tony Parker. She and Jose Baston were introduced by mutual friends in 2013, and he proposed to her during a romantic getaway in Dubai in 2015. They tied the knot on May 21, 2016, in a sunset garden ceremony attended by 200 guests at his lakeside home near Mexico City.

As a stepmother to Jose’s daughter Natalia and twins Mariana and Jose from a previous relationship, Eva feels fortunate to have him in her life. She expressed, “I’m busy and my career is very important to me, but I’m really fortunate that I met my match in that. He’s totally supportive of my dreams and my goals and what I want to get done.”

Actress Lara Dutta Bhupathi recently shared a delightful moment from her professional life, highlighting that while working with her husband, tennis player Mahesh Bhupathi, is a joy, getting him to smile for the camera presents a unique challenge.

On Instagram, Lara posted pictures where both are seen twinning in black outfits and sporting big smiles. She captioned the photos, “Working alongside my husband @mbhupathi is a pleasure…… getting him to smile for a photo though??? That’s a whole different story!!!”

Lara and Mahesh got engaged in 2010 and tied the knot in a civil ceremony in Mumbai the following year, followed by a Christian ceremony in Goa. They welcomed their daughter, Saira Bhupathi, in 2012.

Lara, who won Miss Intercontinental 1997 and Miss Universe 2000, made her acting debut in 2003 with “Andaaz.” She has appeared in several commercially successful films, including popular comedies like “Masti,” “No Entry,” “Bhagam Bhag,” “Partner,” “Housefull,” and “Chalo Dilli,” along with the action film “Don 2.”

After a brief hiatus, she starred in the British drama miniseries “Beecham House” and portrayed Indira Gandhi in “Bell Bottom.” Lara has also taken up roles in streaming series such as “Hundred,” “Kaun Banegi Shikharwati,” and “Ranneeti: Balakot & Beyond.”

Her most recent appearance was in the 2021 film “Bell Bottom,” featuring Akshay Kumar as the lead, alongside Vaani Kapoor and Huma Qureshi. The film is based on real-life hijacking events in India by Khalistani terrorists during the 1980s, including the Indian Airlines Flight 423, 405, and 421 hijackings.

Lara is set to star in the upcoming comedy film “Welcome To The Jungle,” directed by Ahmed Khan. This film boasts an impressive cast, including Jackie Shroff, Akshay Kumar, Sanjay Dutt, Suniel Shetty, Arshad Warsi, Raveena Tandon, Disha Patani, Jacqueline Fernandez, Shreyas Talpade, Aftab Shivdasani, Paresh Rawal, Johnny Lever, Rajpal Yadav, Krushna Abhishek, Kiku Sharda, Daler Mehndi, Tusshar Kapoor, Mika Singh, Mukesh Tiwari, Zakir Hussain, Yashpal Sharma, and Sayaji Shinde in pivotal roles.