Author: Ankita Singh

Actor Vishal Jethwa has clinched the prestigious Snow Leopard Award for Best Actor at the Asian World Film Festival (AWFF) for his role in Homebound. He expressed that dreams do indeed come true when one refuses to give up.

Vishal’s Heartfelt Gratitude

Sharing his appreciation, Vishal remarked, “Dreams do come true when you refuse to give up. Receiving the Snow Leopard Best Actor Award is a surreal moment. As actors, we may be the face, but the entire cast and crew of Homebound deserve this honour.” This marks Vishal’s first win in the Best Actor category.

“It’s my first Best Actor and first international award, truly special. Thank you so much… bohot bohot dhanyawad. Jai Hind,” he added.

Significance of Homebound

Vishal emphasized that Homebound provided him a global platform to convey a story that resonates both personally and universally. “To be recognised among such remarkable international talent at AWFF is incredibly humbling. This win reminds me that honest storytelling always finds its way to people’s hearts,” he said.

About the Film

Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and produced by Dharma Productions, Homebound follows two childhood friends from a small village in North India who aspire to become police officers, hoping the job will bring them the respect they have always lacked. However, as they strive toward their goal, pressures and struggles threaten their friendship.

The film, which also stars Janhvi Kapoor and Ishaan Khatter, had its world premiere in the Un Certain Regard section of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, receiving a remarkable nine-minute standing ovation following its screening.

Vishal’s Acting Journey

Vishal began his acting career in 2013, securing the lead role of Akbar in Bharat Ka Veer Putra – Maharana Pratap. In 2015, he portrayed Bali in Sankatmochan Mahabali Hanuman, and a year later, he took on an important role as a terrorist in Diya Aur Baati Hum.

On the occasion of veteran screenwriter Salim Khan’s 90th birthday, Bollywood superstar Salman Khan expressed his heartfelt wishes for his father, whom he affectionately referred to as his “galaxy.”

Arpita, Salman’s sister, took to Instagram to share a cherished photograph featuring her husband Aayush, their father Salim Khan, mother Salma Khan, and children Ahil and Ayat.

In her heartfelt caption, she wrote: “Happiest 90th Birthday Daddy, we are truly blessed to celebrate you today & everyday. You are a living legend, & we are your legacy.”

She further expressed her gratitude: “Thank you for being the wind beneath our wings, thank you for being the calm in a storm, thank you for being the strength we all need, thank you for teaching us the values of family & thank you for always being our safe place. You are our Galaxy. Love you forever & ever.”

Salim Khan is renowned for his contributions to numerous Bollywood films, especially as part of the iconic screenwriting duo Salim–Javed, alongside Javed Akhtar. Together, they played a pivotal role in transforming Indian cinema during the 1970s, with major hits like Seeta Aur Geeta, Zanjeer, Deewaar, Sholay, Trishul, Kranti, and the Don franchise.

In 2024, Prime Video is set to release a three-part documentary series titled Angry Young Men, exploring the partnership between Salim and Javed, their significant influence on Indian cinema, and their individual journeys beyond their collaborative work.

Salim Khan wed Salma on 18 November 1964, and the couple has four children: three sons—Salman, Arbaaz, and Sohail—and one daughter, Alvira.

On a separate note, Salman Khan is currently hosting “Bigg Boss 19” and will soon appear in the film “The Battle Of Galwan.” This film is based on the Galwan stand-off between India and China that occurred on June 15, 2020, during the height of the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic in India.

Veteran Bollywood star Zeenat Aman, renowned for her groundbreaking performances in classics like “Hare Rama Hare Krishna,” “Qurbaani,” and “Satyam Shivam Sundaram,” believes that the conversation around “superficiality” in cinema has evolved over time.

Changing Perceptions in Cinema

Reflecting on past sentiments, she recalls how glamour was often mistaken for superficiality. However, her characters, from Hare Rama Hare Krishna to Satyam Shivam Sundaram, resonated with emotional rebellion that went beyond mere aesthetics. When asked if she observes a resurgence of nuance in contemporary cinema, she responded, “Yeah. You know, I think we have not just Hindi cinema, we have regional cinema. And I think there are so many different stories that are being told on so many different platforms.”

The Impact of Streaming Platforms

Zeenat further emphasized the transformation brought about by streaming services, noting how they have provided opportunities for voices that were previously sidelined. “Especially now with OTT and the streaming platform, I think there are all kinds of stories and all kinds of wonderful opportunities for young actors and all actors to perform,” she stated.

Classic Films and Their Themes

Discussing her iconic film Hare Rama Hare Krishna, released in 1971 and directed by Dev Anand, she highlighted its exploration of the decadence of the hippie culture and its anti-drug message, influenced by the 1968 American psychedelic film Psych-Out.

Her 1980 hit Qurbani, featuring Vinod Khanna, Amjad Khan, and others, was inspired by the 1972 Italian-West German movie The Master Touch. Meanwhile, the 1978 romantic drama Satyam Shivam Sundaram, alongside Shashi Kapoor, delves into the distinctions between physical and spiritual love.

Latest Projects

Zeenat Aman’s recent work includes narrating a compelling 10-part documentary series titled “Embers of Hope: The Fight for Our Future” for Discovery Channel. Filmed at over 60 locations, each episode tackles critical issues such as global warming, waste and pollution, population balance, water conservation, and biodiversity loss.

Global star Priyanka Chopra believes that narratives like “Born Hungry” illustrate that ambition and compassion can coexist, even in a world that prioritizes speed and success.

When asked if stories like “Born Hungry” remind audiences of the human journey behind ambition and achievement, Priyanka shared, “I don’t think they’re mutually exclusive. Ambition and achievement can happen along with a balanced life and without human sacrifice. There is a balance to be found, and that’s what we all need to strive for.”

She elaborated on the significance of purpose, emphasizing it shouldn’t come at the cost of one’s well-being. “I think it’s really, really important to have a sense of ambition, a sense of achievement, a sense of purpose for every human being — whatever that version might be for you in your life. But at the same time, not at the cost of others, not at the cost of your well-being, not at the cost of your mental health or your health.”

Priyanka sees “Born Hungry,” which will stream on JioHotstar, as a testament to the resilience people possess, while also acknowledging the role of fate. “I think what a movie like Born Hungry reminds us is that each human being has tenacity within ourselves, and if we want to achieve something, we can — but also that there has to be some element of divinity involved, like it was with Sash’s life,” explained the actress, who produced the film.

Reflecting on Sash Simpson’s journey from abandonment to achievement, Priyanka said, “His life changed, and like I said, so many children’s lives don’t. His story deserves to be told because of what he made out of it, what he built himself, and how he pulled himself out of, I don’t know, maybe the abandonment issues that he must have had or the fear that he must have lived with. As a mother of a young child, I can’t imagine… if she was out there in the world all by herself… what kind of fear she must have felt.”

She often contemplates Sash’s early years and remarked, “So, I always think about Sash’s younger self and how dark and bleak that time in his life must have been, and how he’s been able to come out of that and become the incredible success that he is.”

Hollywood actress-singer Jennifer Lopez made a stunning appearance in Indian attire at the high-profile wedding of Netra Mantena and Vamsi Gadiraju in Udaipur.

Dressed in a beautiful pink lehenga, she was photographed alongside the bride’s father, Raj Mantena. Raj, a billionaire businessman born in India and based in the US, is often referred to as the “pharma king” of the United States. He holds a degree in computer science engineering from JNTU, India, and later earned a pharmacy degree in the U.S. In 2005, he founded P4 Healthcare.

His pharmaceutical company, Ingenus Pharmaceuticals, is renowned in the U.S. for producing and distributing various essential medications at affordable prices. The extravagant wedding has attracted significant attention due to its lavish celebrations.

On the work front, JLo is set to appear in the movie adaptation of the 1993 Broadway musical ‘Kiss of the Spider Woman.’ In a recent appearance on the ‘Howard Stern Show,’ she discussed her experience filming and her initial reservations about her transformation for the role. Stern complimented her performance and remarked on her character’s hairstyle, to which JLo responded by sharing her concerns about going platinum blonde for the film.

In the film, she portrays Ingrid Luna, whose character’s storyline emerges from the imagination of two prisoners in a repressive South American prison: a Marxist revolutionary played by Diego Luna and a gay window dresser, Tonatiuh, who is jailed for “immoral behavior.” “I like you as a platinum blonde,” Stern noted, highlighting her transformation. JLo admitted she had never tried platinum blonde hair before, expressing worry that it might not suit her skin tone.

Previously, she had experimented with blonde wigs but felt they didn’t complement her appearance. “I thought this would be bad. But it was a whole transformation. The skin needed to be transformed. I had to put more pink in my foundation,” she explained. She also mentioned that her usual lipstick choices didn’t align with her new look, signaling a complete makeover not only in hair but also in her overall style.

Pop icon Taylor Swift recently flew to London to film a music video, and the details have now emerged.

Music Video Shoot

The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter arrived in the UK last weekend on a private jet from New Jersey. She shot the music video at unique locations, including the Whitgift Centre, a shopping mall in Croydon, South London, as reported by ‘Female First UK’.

Extras were also spotted at the Mildmay Club in Stoke Newington, North London. Notable figures like singer Lewis Capaldi and actor Domhnall Gleeson are expected to make cameos in the video, which is believed to be for the track “Opalite” from her upcoming project, ‘The Life of a Showgirl’.

Secrecy and Security

An insider shared with ‘The Sun’ that the video shoot was highly secretive. “Taylor’s security team worked day and night to ensure she wasn’t seen at any point. It was like a military operation. But she IS the most powerful woman in pop, so if she wants to go unseen, she’ll make it happen,” the insider said.

An onlooker recounted, “Extras in retro dress were spotted exiting the venue, along with festive props like Christmas trees, glitter cannons, and tinsel. Banana milkshake was used for eggnog, while grape juice stood in for posh champagne.”

Budget and Ambiance

According to ‘Female First UK’, the ‘Fate of Ophelia’ singer reportedly spent around $1 million on the music video, which is described as having a nostalgic feel, reminiscent of “Love Actually meets a John Lewis advert.”

The report continued, “Security was really tight. Taylor and her cast were given numbers instead of names, and were whisked between cars and buildings under a fortress of umbrellas and screens to maintain secrecy. You’ve never seen secrecy like it. Some shops were informed of filming, but they were told it was for an insurance commercial, something suitably boring that wouldn’t arouse suspicion. The overall budget was massive, roughly $1.3 million.”

They added, “Hiring out the shopping centre alone would have cost several hundreds of thousands of pounds, even if it is tiring. Of course, it was decorated to look festive. It has a nostalgic feel, like Love Actually meets a John Lewis advert.”

Actress Girija Oak is gearing up for the release of her upcoming streaming series, ‘Perfect Family,’ and is emphasizing the significance of informed and socially aware parents in a child’s life.

New Promo Released

On Sunday, the makers of ‘Perfect Family’ unveiled a new promo featuring Girija, who plays the role of Neeti Karkaria in the series. The show also stars prominent actors such as Manoj Pahwa, Seema Pahwa, Neha Dhupia, and Gulshan Devaiah, and revolves around the theme of childhood experiences.

Childhood Trauma Insights

Speaking about the series, Girija remarked, “It is interesting how childhood trauma is perceived. When you are living it, you do not realise it; you are simply dealing with situations the best you can. I think every set of parents understands what is good and bad for their kid, but we often get stuck in what people will say. If you remove that and think only about your kids, you will know what to allow and what not. That is why the responsibility lies with the adult, who has the foresight and emotional balance to understand how something might impact a child. With more aware and emotionally conscious parents today, far fewer people will need to address childhood trauma through therapy later.”

Connection to the Project

Girija expressed what attracted her to this project, stating, “This topic was very important, good or bad. While reading the script written by Pallath, I got hooked and felt like I was reading a fiction book. When you feed a bitter pill to someone, sugar coating is important, and the way it is written is effective, entertaining, and engaging, taking you through experiences that connect you to the script. The topics are important and well-written, and that is the standout quality. This medium requires you to make it engaging, and the script reads very well and felt exciting, which is why I was drawn to it.”

Shooting Experience

Reflecting on her shooting experience, she shared, “By the time we got to the therapy scene, we had shot a lot, so we were very comfortable. By then, we were actually playing family. We had internal jokes and enjoyed a lot of fun moments.”

Release Details

‘Perfect Family’ is produced by Ajay Rai of JAR Pictures, with Mohit Chhabra and Pankaj Tripathi making his debut as a producer. The series is created by Palak Bhambri and directed by Sachin Pathak.

Mark your calendars, as the show is set to release on November 27, 2025, on the JAR Series YouTube channel.

Filmmaker-producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra has expressed strong criticism towards social media influencers and the entire ecosystem surrounding social media fame, particularly regarding how brands engage with these influencers.

During a masterclass at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, he highlighted his concerns about the burgeoning culture of social media stardom and its impact on cinema.

Chopra remarked, “What word can I use? These are a***. They go on the Internet and stand in a certain way. Someone has 5 million followers, someone has 10 million, another has 20 million.”

He elaborated on the mindset of social media influencers: “The social media influencer thinks that he is a legend. And then brands go to that fellow and say, ‘Please sell our product’. The influencer stands again, and says, ‘Hey, buy this tiffin. Buy whatever’. What the f*** is going on? You as an individual have to choose whether you want to be that or you want to really strive for happiness and joy.”

At the festival, Chopra also conducted a masterclass focusing on filmmaking. He reflected on the 8K restoration of his classic film 1942: A Love Story, sharing a behind-the-scenes anecdote where his then-assistant Sanjay Leela Bhansali scattered breadcrumbs on a mountain to attract birds for a song sequence.

He further criticized the contemporary film industry for often prioritizing presentation over storytelling, asserting that his films authentically represent the social realities of their time.

The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) showcases over 240 films from 81 countries, featuring 13 world premieres along with international and Asian debuts. This year, the opening ceremony breaks tradition with a grand parade along the Mandovi River, celebrating a vibrant convergence of cinematic art, culture, and technology.

Mega star Chiranjeevi recently surprised Anil Ravipudi, the director of his upcoming film ‘Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu’, with a special watch on the occasion of his birthday.

Sources close to the actor revealed that the team celebrated the director’s birthday by cutting a cake. Anil Ravipudi was visibly moved by the thoughtful gift and heartfelt wishes from the Megastar.

Chiranjeevi took to his X timeline to express his birthday wishes, stating, “Many Many Happy Returns of the Day to my Director @AnilRavipudi. Your warmth on set and your joyous filmmaking style make every moment special. Excited to celebrate the festive magic with you and our #ManaShankaraVaraPrasadGaru team this Sankranthi 2026 in theatres.”

The anticipation surrounding ‘Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu’ has been growing, especially among fans and film enthusiasts.

The film’s unit began shooting the climax fight sequence at the start of this month. Sources indicated that this action sequence, featuring Chiranjeevi and a team of fighters in Hyderabad, is set to be stylish. They described it as crafted with a unique and visually captivating approach, overseen by renowned choreographer Venkat Master to ensure precision in every moment.

With Chiranjeevi’s unmatched charisma and Anil Ravipudi’s signature touch, the film promises to deliver a memorable experience.

The title teaser for the film, released on Chiranjeevi’s birthday, showcased a sharply dressed Chiranjeevi arriving in a vehicle, closely followed by a group of armed commandos. The teaser’s background music highlighted the word ‘Boss’ multiple times, hinting that he leads a security-focused entity.

Initially referred to as #Mega157, the film is being produced by Sahu Garapati and Sushmita Konidela under the banners of Shine Screens and Gold Box Entertainments.

Notably, after ‘Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy’ and ‘Godfather’, Nayanthara will share screen space with Chiranjeevi for the third time. Additionally, actor Venkatesh will make a cameo, marking their first appearance together in a film.

Bheems Ceciroleo will handle the music score, with cinematography by Sameer Reddy. Editing is by Tammiraju, while A S Prakash serves as the art director. The story is co-written by S Krishna and G Adi Narayana, with S Krishna as the executive producer.

The film is scheduled for release during Sankranti 2026.

Pop icon Beyonce ignited the race track alongside Sir Lewis Hamilton as they achieved a remarkable 200 mph hot lap during the 2025 Formula 1 Heineken Las Vegas Grand Prix.

Sporting a custom racing suit, the ‘Crazy in Love’ hitmaker and her husband, rap mogul Jay-Z, made a rare public appearance together in Sin City during the qualifying session, as reported by Female First UK.

Beyonce and Jay-Z were seen in the paddock among a star-studded crowd gathered for one of the final races of the F1 season on the Las Vegas Strip.

Before the race kicked off, Beyonce strapped into a Ferrari 296 for a thrilling Pirelli Hot Lap experience, riding as a passenger with Scuderia Ferrari’s Hamilton. This high-speed lap provided an exhilarating taste of Formula 1’s intensity, with Beyoncé later sharing a clip of the ride on Instagram, captioned, “Give it to Mama.”

Throughout the years, Beyonce and Hamilton have crossed paths at various celebrity events, with the former Destiny’s Child star previously attending the 2009 Singapore Grand Prix. The Vegas Grand Prix attracts big names each year, and this weekend’s guest list included Travis Scott, Jake and Logan Paul, and Cynthia Erivo.

Earlier this year, Beyonce reunited with former band members Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams onstage for a surprise Destiny’s Child performance. They sang a medley of their iconic hits, captivating the crowd at Allegiant Stadium.

“Destiny’s Child b****,” Beyonce announced to the audience before joining Rowland and Williams for their 2004 hit ‘Lose My Breath.’ The group then showcased Beyonce’s 2022 hit ‘Energy’ before taking on the infamous Mute Challenge.

They wrapped up their performance with their 2001 anthem ‘Bootylicious,’ as Beyonce embraced Williams and Rowland onstage. Concluding the song, she encouraged the audience, saying, “Give it up for Destiny’s Child!” before they exited the stage.