Author: Ankita Singh

On account of World Mental Health Day on October 10, mental health advocate and entrepreneur Ira Khan, known as Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan’s daughter, shared a video addressing the important issue of mental health.

In her video, Ira elaborated on the causes of mental illness. “But why? Why do mental illnesses occur? They actually occur for the same reasons that physical illnesses occur in the sense that different illnesses, mental or physical, happen for different reasons.”

She explained that mental illnesses do not have straightforward answers. “You don’t usually get a straight simple answer when it comes to mental illnesses because they happen for multiple reasons, many factors coming together and a lot of them are not visible. What this means is that we can’t predict mental illness.”

Ira further remarked, “You could technically go back and try and analyze every single bit of your life and every factor and try and piece together why it happened if you had the brain of a computer, but we don’t and it’s unhelpful.” She emphasized the importance of focusing on treatment. “What’s helpful is treating the mental illness, moving forward, and getting better.”

To further explain, she highlighted three different types of factors involved in mental illnesses:

• Biological Factors: This includes the structure of your brain, genetics, hormones, and chemicals.
• Psychological Factors: This encompasses trauma, abusive experiences, conditioning, habits, and belief systems.
• Social Factors: This refers to influences such as unemployment, climate change, relocation, war, and poverty.

Ira explained, “These would be your social or environmental factors. Why is this important? Because if you understand this and if you’re able to affect and change these factors, they become part of your treatment plan. That’s how you get better, by taking control of the things that you can, working on these biopsychosocial factors, and getting better.”

Concluding the video, Ira stated, “Mental illness can be scary because we’ve recently started to figure it out and, like I said, a lot of these factors are not necessarily visible to us. But mental illness is painful, scary, but not shameful, and treatment is available.” She captioned her detailed video: “WHY DO MENTAL ILLNESSES HAPPEN? We have an answer. Even if it’s a little long and you may not like it.”

Ira stressed that mental illnesses do not stem from one event or mistake. They emerge when biological, psychological, and social factors intertwine—encompassing genetics, stress, environment, life experiences, and more. “They’re not predictable. They’re not a reflection of your worth. And they’re definitely not something to be ashamed of.”

She added, “Understanding why can help… but what’s even more powerful is focusing on what now. Because that’s where treatment, growth, and recovery begin. Mental illnesses are scary and painful, but they are not shameful. And most importantly—help and treatment are available.”

Ira Khan, who has openly shared her own struggles with mental health, is also the founder of a foundation dedicated to the mental wellness of those in need. Through her podcast series, she spreads awareness in a conversational format. The first episode of her podcast, titled “The Curious Case of…”, premiered on August 17, 2025, across multiple online platforms.

In her podcast, Ira aims to promote understanding of the complexities of mental health. Unlike many from Bollywood families, she has chosen not to pursue a path in the entertainment industry but instead makes a significant impact in society through her own means, garnering success on her own merit.

Superstar Salman Khan expressed deep sorrow over the sudden passing of professional bodybuilder and actor Varinder Singh Ghuman.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Salman shared an old photograph with Ghuman from the sets of the movie “Dabangg.” He wrote, “Rest In Peace, Pra. Will Miss You, Paaji.” In the image, Salman is seen in his iconic Chulbul Pandey policeman uniform alongside Varinder, who also featured in the film.

For those who may not know, Ghuman passed away after suffering a heart attack in Amritsar. His manager, Yadvinder Singh, revealed that the actor had been experiencing shoulder pain and was admitted to a private hospital, where he subsequently suffered a cardiac arrest. His nephew, Amanjyot Singh Ghuman, confirmed this tragic news to reporters in Jalandhar. Ghuman was widely recognized as India’s vegetarian bodybuilder.

He earned the Mr. India title in 2009 and secured second place in the Mr. Asia competition. Throughout his career, he made significant contributions to both Hindi and Punjabi cinema. Ghuman shared screen space with Salman Khan in “Tiger 3” in 2023 and appeared in the films “Roar, Tigers of Sundarbans” in 2014 and the Punjabi hit “Kabaddi once again” in 2012. Condolences have been pouring in from across the political and film fraternity.

Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu referred to him as the pride of Punjab, stating that his death represents an irreparable loss for the nation. Back in July and August 2025, Punjab faced severe floods. During that crisis, Salman Khan vocally supported the affected residents, urging people to provide as much assistance as possible.

Varinder had shared a video of Salman during that time on his social media, thanking the superstar for his concern towards Punjab. He wrote, “Salman Bhai is supporting and highlighting Punjab floods on national TV so that everyone in the country knows about this tragedy. His organisation, Being Human, is already working in Punjab for flood relief efforts. Thank you, Bhaijaan, for always standing by the needful and affected people!”

Bollywood veteran superstar Rekha, an epitome of grace and timeless beauty, was showered with love and admiration on her birthday.

Heartfelt Wishes from Manish Malhotra

Bollywood ace designer Manish Malhotra took to his social media account to send heartfelt wishes to the legendary actress, sharing a series of photographs of Rekha. He posted multiple pictures of the evergreen star, draped in exquisite ensembles, and wrote, “Happy birthday, my dearest Rekha ji. You are truly timeless, inspiring, and so full of warmth and love. It’s an honour always to create for you and share beautiful moments together.”

The photos showcased Rekha in her signature Kanjeevaram saree, accompanied by statement jewellery and elegant makeup, reflecting the aura that has made her a style icon across decades. In one picture, she looked radiant in a beautiful, tissue, baby-pink saree, exuding grace and charm.

Wishes from Hema Malini

Bollywood superstar Hema Malini, a long-time colleague and good friend of Rekha, also shared her wishes on social media. Posting a nostalgic message alongside a warm photograph of the two, Hema wrote, “Wishing my dearest friend Rekha ji a very happy birthday. You have been an inspiration with your grace, talent and beauty. May you continue to shine as you always have.”

Rekha’s Legendary Career

Rekha is not only known for her stunning traditional sarees but has also proven herself as an actor par excellence with iconic movies like “Umrao Jaan,” “Silsila,” “Khoon Bhari Maang,” and many others.

For those unfamiliar, Rekha made her Bollywood debut with the movie “Sawan Bhaadon” in the early 1970s. Initially overlooked in the industry, she defied the odds through hard work and talent, eventually becoming one of the highest-paid actresses of her time.

In a significant step towards enhancing accessibility and inclusivity, the Union government has launched several new initiatives for the National Tele-Mental Health Programme (NTMHP), popularly known as Tele MANAS. These efforts aim to make the app more user-friendly, especially for visually impaired individuals.

New Features for Accessibility

Launched by Union Health Minister JP Nadda on World Mental Health Day 2025, the upgrades to Tele MANAS include:

• A multi-lingual user interface
• An interactive chatbot named ‘Asmi’
• Enhanced accessibility features
• An emergency response module

The Health Ministry noted that the app now integrates features tailored for persons with disabilities and vulnerable groups, ensuring a more user-friendly experience for visually impaired users.

Chatbot and Emergency Support

The newly introduced chatbot allows users to seek information or assistance regarding mental health concerns. Additionally, the incorporation of emergency content ensures users receive timely guidance and support during critical situations.

Regional Language Accessibility

The Tele MANAS app will now support 10 regional languages, including Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Odia, and Punjabi, alongside English and Hindi.

Commitment to Mental Health

“Healthy mind leads to a healthy body, which is vital for a healthy nation. India is dedicated to providing equitable, affordable, and inclusive access to mental health services,” stated Nadda during the launch. He emphasized that these new features enhance preparedness for mental health emergencies and promote discussions around mental health to reduce stigma.

Seamless Information Flow

Prof. T K Srikanth, Principal Investigator of Tele MANAS at the International Institute of Information Technology, Bangalore (IIT-B), highlighted that the app’s enhancements facilitate a seamless flow of information. He assured that data security and privacy are fundamental aspects of the system, with a modular design allowing for easy updates in the future.

Bollywood’s Role in Mental Health Awareness

The government has also appointed Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone as the mental health ambassador to promote awareness regarding access to mental health services. Nadda noted that this partnership would help spread awareness widely, normalize discussions, and emphasize the importance of mental health in public health.

Impact so Far

Since its launch, Tele MANAS has received approximately 28 lakh calls, with trained counsellors providing support in over 20 languages. Nadda revealed that around 4,000 people reach out daily, highlighting the effectiveness of this service in addressing mental health issues. The nearly equal distribution of men and women seeking help illustrates the growing awareness across all demographics.

Bollywood superstar Govinda’s wife, Sunita Ahuja, recently took to social media to showcase her stunning gift from her husband for Karwa Chauth.

Dressed in an elegant green embroidered outfit, Sunita’s look was highlighted by a beautiful heavy gold necklace. In her first shared picture, she posed gracefully with the striking jewellery adorning her neck.

Completing her festive ensemble, Sunita sported a large red bindi, a traditional nose pin, and matching earrings, exuding charm and elegance. Her hands were embellished with vibrant green bangles and multiple rings. In another photo, she smiled at the camera while holding her gold necklace with both hands, proudly displaying the exquisite gift from her husband.

On her official Instagram account, Sunita captioned the pictures, “Sona Kitna Sona Hai, Mera Karwa Chauth Ka Gift Aaya,” tagging Govinda. Fans and well-wishers quickly flooded the comments section, sharing their praises for the couple and sending festive wishes. This post comes amidst speculation about Govinda and Sunita’s relationship, which had gained attention a few months earlier.

In August, rumors circulated on social media suggesting trouble in their marriage, leading to discussions about a potential separation. However, the couple dispelled these rumors during the Ganpati Festival celebrations, appearing united and strong in front of the paparazzi.

Sunita confidently told the media, “Nobody in the world has the guts to separate them ever.” At that time, Govinda’s manager, Shashi Sinha, addressed the divorce rumors, stating that while Sunita had filed legal documents, the matter had been resolved quickly and their relationship was back on track.

Sinha clarified, “No, someone has done this mischief. This is a very old thing. Nothing new. Nothing like a divorce is going to happen. Everything is getting better. Everything is fine. Very soon, everyone will get good news.” When questioned about the 2024 court case filed in the Bandra Family Court, he confirmed it was the same case but emphasized that it had been resolved and that people often recycle news from past events.

He assured that there is nothing to worry about and that everything has nearly been sorted out between the couple. Sinha mentioned, “We will officially confirm this with a wider media document circulation.”

The makers of the upcoming horror comedy film “Thamma” have unveiled a new soulful track titled “Rahein Na Rahein Hum.” Music composer duo Sachin-Jigar describe it as one of those songs that speaks directly to the heart.

Heartfelt Composition

Speaking about the song, Sachin-Jigar shared: “Rahein Na Rahein Hum is one of those songs that speak to the heart. We wanted to capture the quiet ache of separation—the kind that isn’t loud, but stays with you.”

The poignant new love song “Rahein Na Rahein Hum” is performed by Soumyadeep Sarkar and features lyrics by the talented Amitabh Bhattacharya. “Amitabh Bhattacharya’s lyrics express that feeling beautifully, and Soumyadeep’s voice brings it to life with such honesty. It’s a song we hope will resonate with anyone who has ever loved deeply.”

Previous Releases

The film has previously released two songs, “Tum Mere Na Huye” and “Dilbar ki Aankhon Ka.” “Rahein Na Rahein Hum” slows the tempo, inviting listeners into a realm of love, loss, and longing. It’s a track that lingers long after it concludes.

Cast Highlights

“Thamma” stars Ayushmann Khurrana as Alok, alongside Rashmika Mandanna as Tadaka, Nawazuddin Siddiqui as Yakshasan, and Paresh Rawal as Ram Bajaj Goyal, among others. The film is set for a theatrical release on October 21, coinciding with Diwali.

Plot Overview

Set in a fictional world, “Thamma” revolves around a determined historian who immerses himself in ancient manuscripts, uncovering dark secrets about local vampire myths as supernatural forces begin to stir.

Director’s Vision

Directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, known for ‘Munjya,’ “Thamma” is expected to have a worldwide release this Diwali. The director also has “The Girlfriend” by Rahul Ravindran lined up.

Ayushmann’s Insights

In a recent conversation, Ayushmann expressed his nostalgic connection to the story of Vikram Betaal. He shared insights about his character in “Thamma,” describing it as the most powerful Betaal endowed with superpowers. “Of course, I have watched Vikram Betaal as a child. In Thamma, I am playing a Betaal, and it is like a superhero film for me because it portrays how a common man reacts upon suddenly gaining superpowers,” he explained. “He is unable to handle it. That’s the fun part of it.”

Bollywood superstar Ajay Devgn recently wished his “De De Pyaar De” co-star Rakul Preet Singh a happy birthday on social media.

Warm Wishes and Cherished Moments

The actor shared a delightful picture showcasing the pair enjoying each other’s company, radiating charm and chemistry. Ajay, in a crisp white shirt, and Rakul, in a stunning white outfit, looked luminous together under soft glowing lights.

In his social media story, Ajay wrote, “Happy birthday! Wishing you 2x Pyaar for you this year!” while tagging Rakul Preet Singh. For those unaware, the duo lit up the screen in the 2019 romantic comedy “De De Pyaar De.” Ajay portrayed Ashish, a middle-aged man in love with a younger woman, while Rakul played Aisha, a spirited and independent character.

A Memorable Film

The film’s unconventional love story centers around complications involving Ajay’s ex-wife, portrayed by Tabu. It became a commercial hit and garnered a fan following thanks to its blend of humor, romance, and emotional depth. Fans are eagerly anticipating their reunion in the sequel, “De De Pyaar De 2,” which has already created a significant buzz.

Heartfelt Tribute from Jackie Bhagnani

On Rakul’s special day, her husband, actor-producer Jackie Bhagnani, shared a touching birthday post, which included a beautiful video montage of unseen moments with Rakul. His heartfelt message expressed deep affection: “My Love, My Universe. Happy birthday — this day means more than words can say. On this very day, God chose to send you my way. A blessing wrapped in grace and light, you make every wrong feel right… The world’s a kinder place with you.”

Jackie’s tribute continued with, “Best wife, best daughter, daughter-in-law too, best sister — there’s nothing you can’t do. My best friend, my calm, my guide, my therapist, my life — my pride. So today, I pray and truly mean, may all your dreams paint life serene. You deserve the brightest, the grandest part — for you are the queen of every heart.”

Looking Ahead

Fans can mark their calendars, as “De De Pyaar De 2” is currently set to release in theaters on 14th November 2025. In addition to this project, Rakul is also busy with her upcoming films, including “Pati Patni Aur Woh 2” alongside Ayushmann Khurrana and Nitesh Tiwari’s ambitious “Ramayana,” featuring Ranbir Kapoor and Yash.

Filmmaker Hansal Mehta has raised an important issue regarding the demanding working hours in the film industry and their detrimental impact on both physical and mental health for everyone involved.

Expressing his concerns on social media, Mehta shared, “In our line of work, a 12-hour day is politely called a ‘shift.’ The truth is, between the chaos of shoots, the endless commute, hurried meals, and barely a few hours of broken sleep, there’s little left of us. Where does our mental health or physical well-being fit into this equation? Weekends are rarely weekends. Breaks are looked down upon. Somewhere along the way, exhaustion became normalised and rest became a privilege.”

He emphasized that daily wage workers suffer the most from such harsh working conditions. “Sometimes I wonder: can this really be called an industry if it runs on the relentless draining of its people? The hardest hit are those who have the least power—the daily wagers. They are always the first to arrive and the last to leave, surviving in conditions we’d call inhuman anywhere else.”

Mehta highlighted that the situation is even grimmer in the television industry. He remarked, “On television, it’s worse, and now even OTT and films have slipped into the same pattern. We often celebrate the arrival of global corporations believing they’ll bring better systems. But more often than not, they simply adapt to the broken ones we already have. Because it’s profitable.”

Emphasizing the importance of well-being, Mehta noted, “I truly believe that if we cared about well-being—ours and especially those who hold up the base of this pyramid—we’d not only work better but live better. The irony is that quality, efficiency, and even profit would follow. But first, we need to stop scoffing at the simple idea of rest. Because without that, what are we really building?”

Ace filmmaker SS Rajamouli is celebrating another birthday on Friday.

Wishing the iconic ‘Baahubali’ creator a happy birthday, Mahesh Babu shared a rare photo with him from their upcoming drama, tentatively titled “SSMB29.” In this delightful image, the actor and director are embracing in a joyful hug.

On his X handle, Mahesh Babu penned a heartfelt message: “Wishing the one and only @ssrajamouli a very Happy Birthday…The best is always yet to come..(Love eyed emojis) Have a great one sir (Hug and red heart emojis).”

As a gesture of celebration, Rajamouli had previously marked Mahesh Babu’s birthday on August 9, revealing that the team is preparing something special for their film, set to be unveiled in November. He expressed gratitude to cinema lovers and fans saying, “Dear Cinema Lovers in India and around the world, as well as fans of Mahesh, It has been a while since we began shooting, and we appreciate your eagerness to know about the film.”

He further added, “However, the story and scope of this film are so vast that I feel mere pictures or press conferences cannot do it justice. We are currently working on something to showcase the essence, depth, and immersive world we are creating. This will be unveiled in November 2025, and we are trying to make it a NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN reveal. Thank you all for your patience.”

Rajamouli’s ‘RRR’ actor Ram Charan also sent his wishes, stating, “Happy Birthday to one of the greatest filmmakers of our time, my dearest @ssrajamouli garu (Red heart emoji).”

NTR, Ram Charan’s co-star, took to his X handle to share a behind-the-scenes glimpse from their period action drama. The picture captured NTR and Ram Charan engaged in conversation.

Wishing Rajamouli, the ‘War 2’ actor noted, “Wishing you a very Happy Birthday Jakkana @ssrajamouli !! Loads of love (red heart emoji).”

Filmmaker Gopichandh Malineni added, “Happy Birthday to the maverick visionary who redefined Indian cinema! Much love and respect to the pride of nation @ssrajamouli garu. #HBDSSRajamouli.”

Actress Kriti Sanon embraced a heartwarming tradition this Karwa Chauth by becoming her mother’s personal mehendi artist.

The ‘Mimi’ actress delighted her followers on Instagram by posting a picture of herself lovingly applying mehendi on her mother’s hand. In her caption, she wrote, “Meet Mom’s personal mehendi artist! ❤️ @geeta_sanon Happy Karva Chauth! ❤️”.

Kriti also shared another photo showcasing the final mehendi design, extending her wishes with a simple yet heartfelt message: “Happy Karva Chauth to everyone celebrating” along with two red heart emojis.

In an exclusive conversation, Kriti hinted at an exciting performance at the Filmfare Awards 2025. She described the upcoming event as truly magical and expressed her enthusiasm about paying tribute to an extraordinary woman, though she did not disclose any names.

“Filmfare has always been close to my heart; it’s where we celebrate the love for cinema, the stories, and the people who make them come alive. Performing this year, at the 70th edition, feels truly magical. I’m giving a very special tribute to an incredible woman this time and can’t wait for everyone to experience it,” Kriti shared.

On the professional front, Kriti recently completed the Italy schedule for her much-anticipated sequel, “Cocktail 2.” She shared a couple of vibrant pictures from Italy with the caption, “Ciao my Bellas. And just like that we’ve wrapped #TheSicilianChapter of #Cocktail2. Sunshine, rain and ending with a beautiful rainbow. See you guys super soon.”

These images captured Kriti enjoying precious moments with her team, including director Homi Adajania. In her next project, she will star alongside Shahid Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna.

Additionally, Kriti will also feature in “Tere Ishk Mein,” directed by Aanand L. Rai and co-starring Dhanush.