Author: Ankita Singh

Popular Malayalam film and television actor Urmila Unni has officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), marking a significant addition to the party’s cultural and celebrity outreach in Kerala.

The induction took place at an event in Kochi, where Urmila received her party membership in the presence of senior BJP leaders and notable figures from the film industry. Noted film producer G. Suresh Kumar was among the attendees, highlighting the growing interest from the film fraternity in mainstream politics.

Urmila, who has built a distinguished career in dance, television serials, and cinema, shared that her decision stemmed from her admiration for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “I am a Modi fan,” she expressed, emphasizing her belief in his vision for development and national progress.

She aims to remain active not just in cultural circles but also in public service through political and social engagement. Her entry into the BJP has ignited discussions within Kerala’s political landscape, especially with local body elections on the horizon.

Political observers consider her induction part of the BJP’s broader strategy to attract prominent cultural figures and enhance its influence in the state. Urmila’s move is viewed as a continuation of the trend where film personalities align with the BJP in Kerala.

Her popularity and presence in social spheres are expected to strengthen the party’s outreach, particularly among urban and culturally engaged voters. Having been a prominent figure in classical dance, television, and cinema for decades, Urmila feels now is the right moment to contribute to society through a political platform.

Her entrance is likely to energize the BJP’s campaign narrative, adding symbolic weight to its efforts in expanding its influence within Kerala’s socio-cultural realm. Her clear endorsement of the BJP’s leadership and ideology was underlined by her statement: “Yes, I am a Modi fan.”

Actor and director Pradeep Ranganathan, known for his string of blockbusters, has gifted a brand new car to his friend and fellow director Ramesh Narayanasamy.

Ramesh Narayanasamy, who co-directed the hit film Dragon alongside Ashwath Marimuthu, shared the surprise on his Instagram account through a video that quickly went viral. The clip captured Pradeep’s heartwarming gesture as he unveiled the car to his long-time friend.

An emotional Ramesh expressed his gratitude, stating, “My first car from my Nanban… Not just a gift, but a symbol of trust, belief, and the journey we’ve shared. Thank you @pradeep_ranganathan bro for this beautiful memory and for always believing in me. Love you bro. This moment will always remind me of the journey and the bond we’ve built. This is a memory that will outlive the car itself. #foreverloyal.”

In the video, Pradeep Ranganathan also remarked to Ramesh, “My gift to you for your loyalty. It’s a small one. Extraordinary work. It’s just the beginning. A long way to go ahead. Thank you so much! I love you.”

For those who may not know, Pradeep is experiencing an impressive run at the box office with his latest release, Dude, which is also turning out to be a major success. This year alone, he has had two films that have emerged as blockbusters. Dragon, directed by Ashwath Marimuthu, was released in February and set the cash registers ringing. Following that, Dude, directed by Keerthiswaran, debuted in October and has continued the winning streak.

Looking ahead, Pradeep Ranganathan has another film set to release later this year. The upcoming movie, Love Insurance Kompany (LIK), directed by Vignesh Shivan and starring Pradeep alongside Krithi Shetty, is scheduled to hit theaters on December 18. This eagerly-awaited romantic entertainer is produced by actress Nayanthara, who is Vignesh Shivan’s wife.

Miss World 2017 and Bollywood actress Manushi Chhillar is overjoyed as she marks the 8th anniversary of her Miss World win.

In a collaborative social media post on November 18, the pageant organization shared a video of her crowning moment from eight years ago. They accompanied the video with an emotional note celebrating her achievement.

The organization expressed, “Eight years ago, the world watched a young woman from India step onto a global stage with quiet confidence and a heart full of purpose,” accompanied by a crown and star emoticon. The heartfelt message continued, “And in that unforgettable moment, @manushi_chhillar brought home the Miss World crown, ending a 17-year wait and filling an entire nation with pride. Eight years later, her win still feels like a warm memory, a national heartbeat, and a reminder that dreams, when nurtured with sincerity, can change the course of history,” along with earth and blue emoticons. They concluded with, “Here’s to the queen who inspired millions, and to the legacy that continues to shine brighter with every passing year,” again featuring crown and star emoticons.

Manushi shared this special post on her social media story, adding multiple heart emoticons to express her joy.

Before entering the Miss World Pageant, Manushi was a medical student pursuing her MBBS degree. In Bollywood, she made her debut in “Samrat Prithviraj” alongside Akshay Kumar. In 2022, she acted in “Operation Valentine,” featuring Varun Tej, though the film did not resonate well with the audience. She later appeared in “The Great Indian Family,” starring Vicky Kaushal.

Most recently, she was seen in “Bade Miyaan Chote Miyaan,” featuring Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff.

Playback singer Neeti Mohan, who is celebrating her birthday, has announced her new independent single, ‘Mirza’. The song is set to release on November 19, 2025.

A Special Celebration

Talking about the song, Neeti shared, “This birthday feels extra special because I’m celebrating it with my super fans… fans who’ve given me endless love and strength. Instead of a big party, I chose an intimate listening session for my new song ‘Mirza’, where we could sit together, sing together, and share the emotions behind the music. Their energy and connection mean everything to me.”

Live Performance Announcement

Fans can look forward to experiencing this new energy live on November 22, when Neeti, along with her sisters, is set to deliver a spectacular performance. The show will feature her biggest hits as well as the first glimpses of her independent release ‘Mirza’.

A Versatile Artist

Neeti Mohan boasts an extraordinary catalogue of hits including ‘Ishq Wala Love’, ‘Jiya Re’, ‘Nainowale Ne’, ‘Tune Maari Entriyaan’, ‘Kheech Meri Photo’, ‘Saadi Gali’, ‘Nain Matakka’, and many more. She has established herself as one of India’s most defining voices of the last decade.

Her journey features impactful collaborations with some of the country’s largest composers and filmmakers, including A.R. Rahman, Pritam, Vishal–Shekhar, Amit Trivedi, Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Karan Johar, and Aditya Chopra. Through iconic tracks across Bollywood’s celebrated films, Neeti has carved out a unique space as an artist known for her discipline, consistency, and unmistakable sonic identity.

As Neeti Mohan steps into a new year, this day is not just a birthday celebration, but a recognition of her extraordinary journey defined by iconic music and unwavering passion.

Actor Ranveer Singh expressed his admiration for fellow actor Arjun Rampal, highlighting his commitment to his craft. The team of the highly anticipated spy-action film ‘Dhurandhar’ gathered recently for the trailer launch event.

Ranveer’s Praise for Arjun

At the event, Ranveer showered accolades on Arjun, who portrays a terror operative based in Pakistan and follows the footsteps of Pakistani dictator Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq in the film. Arjun’s character is depicted as ruthless and bloodthirsty, with a goal of wreaking havoc in India.

Ranveer remarked to the media, “Arjun sir is known to be the most good-looking man on earth. But, people are now realizing 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 were all head over heels for Arjun sir despite his fierce look in the film.”

He humorously added, “I used to be like, ‘How can you find someone hot in such a role?’. Your work is exceptional in the film. Thank you for uplifting me on the sets sir, with your kind words. There were times when he tripped on set, but he used to quickly get up, dust himself, and get back to work again. Thank you sir for gracing this film and being a part of the ensemble.”

An Impressive Cast

The film features a stellar lineup, including Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, and Akshaye Khanna. While Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, and Akshaye Khanna take on the roles of antagonists and dreaded terrorists from Pakistan, Ranveer portrays the protagonist who infiltrates the terror network under R. Madhavan’s guidance.

In the trailer, both Arjun Rampal and Akshaye Khanna emerge as formidable forces, embodying terror in captivating ways.

High-Octane Spy Thriller

Directed by Aditya Dhar, ‘Dhurandhar’ is positioned as one of Bollywood’s most significant action titles for 2025. The teaser previously showcased the world of covert operatives, focusing on “men operating in the shadows” as the narrative backdrop.

The film is crafted as a grand espionage saga, blending spectacle, drama, and intrigue, positioning Ranveer Singh for one of his most ambitious roles to date.

In the upcoming episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati, viewers will experience a heartwarming reunion with Bollywood star Manoj Bajpayee, who will share a cherished moment with the legendary Amitabh Bachchan.

An Overwhelming Memory

On stage, Manoj reflected on a memory that has remained with him for nearly three decades. He recounted his first meeting with the iconic superstar during the screening of the film ‘Satya’, 28 years ago. Bajpayee described the moment as so overwhelming that he initially tried to avoid facing Amitabh Bachchan altogether, but fate had other plans.

A Trick to Overcome Nervousness

The star of The Family Man revealed how a well-known film journalist tricked him into overcoming his nerves. “A well-known film journalist tricked me into stepping out of the car and locked it from inside, forcing me to stay out and meet Amitabh Bachchan instead of hiding,” he reminisced.

Manoj continued, “I panicked. I knew that if I stood there longer, Amitabh Sir would see me. So, I ran straight into the washroom and locked myself inside. After some time, thinking Bachchan might have left, I stepped out only to find Abhishek Bachchan waiting outside.”

He added, “Abhishek told me he had seen me run in and had waited to say hello. And then, this tall, towering figure appeared right in front of me: Amitabh Bachchan himself. Time just stopped. I couldn’t hear anything. My mind went blank. The man who inspired me all the way back in fifth grade was standing right in front of me. Amitabh sir was holding my hand and talking to me, and I had gone deaf; I could not process the whole scene. Overwhelmed, I mustered the courage to ask, ‘Sir… can I… may I hug you?’”

A Beautiful Moment

Manoj added, “Seeing all of this, Amitabh Sir warmly hugged me.” Recalling that unforgettable memory on the stage of Kaun Banega Crorepati, he once again asked Amitabh Bachchan for a hug, creating a beautiful full-circle moment.

As for Manoj, he is all set for the third season of his highly anticipated OTT series The Family Man, which releases on November 21.

Actor R. Madhavan, who plays a spy in the upcoming film ‘Dhurandhar’, recently revealed that a simple yet significant piece of advice from director Aditya Dhar helped him achieve the perfect look for his character.

### Inspired by Reality

In ‘Dhurandhar’, R. Madhavan’s role is inspired by India’s National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval. During the trailer launch, he expressed deep admiration for Aditya’s keen attention to detail. Madhavan mentioned that he spent 3-4 hours getting his makeup and prosthetics done, but he felt something was still off when it came to resembling the NSA.

### A Game-Changing Tip

It was Aditya who suggested a subtle yet effective change—Madhavan should make his lips thinner while speaking. This small adjustment had a transformative impact on his overall appearance.

### An Impressive Ensemble Cast

The film boasts a star-studded cast, including Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, and Akshaye Khanna. Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, and Akshaye Khanna take on the roles of terrifying antagonists, portraying deadly terrorists from Pakistan. In contrast, Ranveer plays the protagonist, who infiltrates the terrorist network at the behest of Madhavan’s character.

### Action-Packed Trailer

The trailer showcases Arjun Rampal and Akshaye Khanna as formidable villains, underscoring their roles in a narrative filled with intensity. Packed with action, the trailer features gunfights, blasts, and widespread destruction.

### A Major Action Title

Directed by Aditya Dhar, ‘Dhurandhar’ is poised to be one of Bollywood’s biggest action films of 2025. The earlier teaser introduced viewers to the world of covert operations, highlighting “men operating in the shadows” as a central theme. Its vibrant title track, which combines hip-hop and Punjabi influences featuring rapper Hanumankind, has already heightened anticipation, showcasing Ranveer in explosive action scenes.

### A Potential Franchise

Reports suggest that the extensive storyline might pave the way for a two-part franchise, framing the film as an elaborate espionage saga that intertwines spectacle, drama, and intrigue. This positions Ranveer Singh for one of his most ambitious roles to date.

Bollywood actor Vijay Varma is renowned for his spine-chilling portrayal of a villain in the superhit movie ‘Pink’ in 2016. His character, despite being widely disliked, garnered immense praise from both audiences and critics alike.

Recently, Vijay shed light on the challenges he faced while embodying the negative character in ‘Pink’. He mentioned, “It tends to take a bit of time to adjust, and it can be difficult.” Reflecting on the casting process, he noted, “I remember when Sujith Da cast me in Pink. It was a very powerfully written but dangerously written scene—a very gruesome one in a car with Taapsee (Pannu) and the other two boys.”

Vijay candidly expressed the difficulties he encountered, stating, “I couldn’t ever imagine myself pulling that scene off because I felt I didn’t have it in me. But you know, you are a trained actor, and you are supposed to deliver.” He recalled the director’s brief: “If after watching this, a girl doesn’t feel like slapping you, you haven’t done it right.”

In a light-hearted moment, he added, “No one slapped me, but people did say they really felt like doing so. So, sometimes I take very stupid challenges too as an actor.”

Now, Vijay is gearing up for his upcoming release, Gustaakh Ishq. Known for his intense and layered performances, his transition into a soft-spoken lover in this film has surprised many.

The recently released trailer of Gustaakh Ishq highlighted Varma’s quiet glances and restrained expressions, capturing the hearts of viewers and generating buzz about his screen presence. With this film, he ventures beyond his typical intense roles, embracing themes of romance and old-school love.

Gustaakh Ishq boasts a talented cast, featuring Naseeruddin Shah and Fatima Sana Shaikh alongside Vijay. The film is produced under ace fashion designer Manish Malhotra’s new banner, Stage5 Production. Set against the backdrop of the bylanes of Purani Dilli (Old Delhi) and the fading kothis (vintage houses) of Punjab, Gustaakh Ishq tells a love story steeped in passion and unspoken desire, where memory is intertwined with architecture and longing resonates through music.

Directed by Vibhu Puri, with a captivating score by Vishal Bhardwaj, lyrics by Gulzar, sound design by Resul Pookutty, and cinematography by Manush Nandan, Gustaakh Ishq is scheduled to release on the 28th of November.

Actress and politician Kangana Ranaut is currently enjoying the beauty, culture, and authenticity of Gujarat.

Exploring Gir National Park

During her visit, the ‘Queen’ actress was spotted exploring the stunning wildlife at Gir National Park, where she claimed to have seen various exotic species. Kangana appeared jungle-ready in a safari jacket paired with a hat, and she was seen holding binoculars while riding in a jeep.

Adventurous Travels

The ‘Emergency’ actress was accompanied by a young companion during her journey. They shared numerous photos, reveling in the picturesque landscape and diving into the local culture. Kangana expressed her excitement on Instagram, writing, “Gujrat is so wholesome. Speechless at its beauty, culture and authenticity. (sic)”

She continued, “Today in Gir National Park and sanctuary with my little friend Prithavi, who is my favourite travel buddy now. We are very thrilled to get sightings of various species aur vaise bhi Gujrat Lion toh world famous hai” (Slightly smiling face emoji).

A Sanctuary for Asiatic Lions

Gir National Park is renowned as the only habitat of the Asiatic lion. The lion population has seen a remarkable increase from fewer than 200 in the late 1960s to 674 lions according to the 2020 census. Aside from lions, the park also hosts a diverse range of wildlife, including leopards, spotted deer, nilgai, and over 300 bird species.

Social Media Presence

Known for her candidness, Kangana is extremely active on social media. During Gandhi Jayanti this year, she highlighted the significance of khadi in Indian culture. Emphasizing the need for self-reliance, she stated, “Today, I am wearing a khadi saree and a khadi blouse, which is our indigenous garment and is being discussed all over the world as a handmade product. As the Prime Minister says, yes, it is unfortunate that we have to depend on other countries. Now is the time to become fully self-reliant.”

Choreographer Shakti Mohan recently shared a heartfelt birthday message for her sister Neeti Mohan, expressing deep gratitude for the unwavering strength and joy Neeti brings into her life.

A Heartfelt Tribute

Taking to social media, Shakti referred to Neeti as her “life’s biggest blessing and strength.” She thanked her sister for being a constant “powerhouse” of support through every stage of life.

Shakti also posted a series of images featuring Neeti, their sister Mukti, and their parents. Among these, several pictures showcased Neeti’s adorable son, Aryaveer.

In her touching caption, Shakti wrote: “You are my life’s biggest blessing & strength @neetimohan18 Thanks for being there as my powerhouse forever & for giving me the bestest joy by bringing Aryaveer in my life.” She added, “Happy birthday dooooo Love you sooooo much Wishing for all the love, happiness and success for you.”

Shakti Mohan’s Accomplishments

Following her impressive victory in the second season of Dance India Dance, Shakti produced dance-themed calendars for 2012 and 2013. In 2011, she starred as the lead character in the fictional dance series Dil Dosti Dance. Two years later, she launched a YouTube channel featuring dance instruction videos. Additionally, she was a contestant and finalist on Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa.

Shakti later became a judge and mentor on Dance Plus for Seasons 1 to 4, and she also judged the show Dance Singapore Dance. Her Bollywood choreographic debut came with the song “Nainowale Ne” from the film Padmaavat. In 2020, she choreographed a song for Ranbir Kapoor in Karan Malhotra’s film Shamshera.

Her choreographic work includes popular music videos like Kamli, Akh Lad Jaave Nritya Jam, Kanha Re, Aakhri Baar, ‘The Chamiya Song,’ and ‘Saaton Janam.’

She most recently choreographed the track “Hunkara” for “Shamshera,” a period action drama featuring Ranbir Kapoor in a dual role, alongside Sanjay Dutt, Vaani Kapoor, Ronit Roy, and Saurabh Shukla. The narrative centers around the captivity of an oppressed warrior tribe during the British Raj.