Author: Ankita Singh

Actress Rukmini Vasanth, known for her role as Kankavati in ‘Kantara – Chapter 1’, recently praised director and lead actor Rishab Shetty for his exceptional ability to manage multiple roles in the film.

A Cakewalk for Rishab Shetty

Rukmini expressed her admiration during an exclusive chat, stating that watching Rishab balance the demands of acting and directing such a large-scale film seemed like a “cakewalk” for him. She noted, “I think what has been really beautiful in the process of shooting ‘Kantara’ is the degree of detail that I have seen Rishab Shetty Sir take on.”

Unimaginable Scale and Authenticity

Rukmini emphasized the immense scale of the film, which not only involved significant financial investment but also a historical narrative that traces back to the 4th century. She elaborated, “The buildings that were made, the structures that were created, all had to look authentic. So, in that sense, this film required a lot of intellectual investment and a lot of imagination.”

Rishab’s Multitasking Marvel

Praising Rishab’s multitasking skills, she noted, “Rishab Sir was not only overseeing all of that – he was overseeing performances, he was overseeing takes, he was overseeing VFX, dubbing, SFX, and all of these things.” Rukmini expressed her newfound appreciation for the sheer number of responsibilities he undertook, adding, “I have walked away with just so much appreciation. The fact that he seamlessly took care of it all was just beyond my imagination.”

Positive Reception for ‘Kantara – Chapter 1’

‘Kantara – Chapter 1’ was released on October 2 and has been garnering positive reviews from both audiences and critics alike.

Actor Tiger Shroff has described his 2019 action thriller “War” as ‘a life-changing experience and movie’ as the film celebrated six years since its release in cinemas.

In a recent Instagram post, Tiger shared a couple of videos from Siddharth Anand’s direction, expressing gratitude to both his director and co-star, Hrithik Roshan. The post read, “6 years of a life changing experience and movie. From growing up idolizing my hero to kicking ass alongside him @hrithikroshan ❤️. And thanks to my fav who guided me throughout the journey @s1danand ❤️. #war #6yrs.”

In “War,” Tiger played a dual role as Captain Khalid Rahmani and Captain Saurabh Patil, showcasing his skills alongside Hrithik Roshan’s character, Major Kabir Dhaliwal. The film, part of the YRF Spy Universe, follows an Indian RAW agent assigned to eliminate his rogue former mentor.

Released on October 2, 2019, “War” received positive reviews from critics, particularly praising its action sequences. Tiger also made a cameo as Captain Khalid Rahmani in the recently released sequel, “War 2.”

Recently, Tiger shared a cozy dinner outing with his family on social media. The photo captured him enjoying quality time with his father, Jackie Shroff, mother Ayesha Shroff, and sister Krishna Shroff. He posted a cheerful picture on Instagram, smiling alongside his parents as they made victory signs.

In terms of work, Tiger last appeared in the action entertainer “Baaghi 4,” directed by Harsha, which was released theatrically on September 5.

Looking ahead, Tiger is reportedly gearing up for his international debut, and if the rumors are true, he will share the screen with Hollywood stars Sylvester Stallone and Tony Jaa in his upcoming project.

Bollywood and Bengali actress Rituparna Sengupta recently shared her go-to food during her favorite festival, Durga Puja.

In an exclusive interaction, the ‘Teesra Kaun?’ actress was asked about her favorite Bengali dish during Durga Puja. Rituparna emphasized that food plays a significant role in the celebrations.

“We always make Dal-Chal ki Khichdi with vegetables as bhog to offer Maa Durga, and then we eat it later. Apart from that, we used to enjoy street food—golgappas, sweets, rolls—everything!” she revealed.

Traditional Attire

When it comes to clothing during Durga Puja, Rituparna expressed her fondness for traditional sarees.

“Traditional sarees are a must! Especially when we offer Anjali on Ashtami, wearing a white saree with a red border feels so special. Women look beautiful in sarees, and during Puja, it is almost like a ritual to wear them,” she explained.

Memories of Celebration

Reflecting on her cherished memories of Durga Puja, the ‘Main, Meri Patni Aur Woh’ actress shared, “Eating street food, hopping from one Pandal to another, and spending time with friends. We didn’t follow any routine—mornings with school friends, evenings with dance school friends, afternoons with coaching classmates. We would just roam around and enjoy. Times have changed now, but those childhood memories remain very special.”

When asked if she celebrated Durga Puja with the same excitement during her childhood, Rituparna responded, “We used to wait eagerly for Puja all year—counting when the schools would close, when exams would end, and when the holidays would begin. We would also count the number of new clothes we got. I used to compare with my friends—if they got ten new outfits and I only had five, I would complain to my mother! She would always remind me that she had to give to others as well, so I had to be happy with what I had.”

She concluded by sharing that this year feels especially tough for her since her mother recently passed away. “Puja feels very different without her,” Rituparna said.

Actor-director Umapathy Ramaiah, who garnered acclaim for his directorial debut ‘Raja Kili’, has officially commenced work on his next film. The project kicked off in the city with a traditional pooja ceremony.

Untitled Project

The film, which is being produced by Kannan Ravi Groups in collaboration with Gantaraa Studios, is currently untitled and is referred to as Production Number 6. It aims to deliver a political satire infused with humour and entertainment.

Star-Studded Cast

Leading the cast is Natty Subramaniam, supported by a remarkable ensemble that includes Umapathy Ramaiah’s father Thambi Ramaiah, Shrrita Rao, Chandini Tamilarasan, Viji Chandrasekar, Vadivukkarasi, Ilavarasu, M.S. Bhaskar, Kingsley, John Vijay, Aadukalam Naren, VJ Andrews, Sathyan, Jawa Sunderasan (Chaams), Kingkong, and Devi Magesh. This film has generated considerable excitement as it marks the first collaboration between Natty Subramaniam and Thambi Ramaiah.

Producer’s Insights

Speaking about the project, Producer Kannan Ravi remarked, “This film is a political satire that reflects contemporary situations with humour. Umapathy has already proved his versatility as a filmmaker. When he narrated this script, we found it to be instantly engrossing. Natty Subramaniam has emerged as a content-driven star and a producer-friendly actor, ensuring strong trade reception. It is an honour to work with National Award winners like Thambi Ramaiah and M.S. Bhaskar, along with such a talented cast. We are delighted to begin this journey today.”

Director’s Vision

Director Umapathy Ramaiah expressed, “It’s a privilege to collaborate with Kannan Ravi, whose passion for cinema makes him a true asset to the industry. This film will be an entertainer rooted in realism and humour. It’s great to have Natty sir playing the protagonist. Just a few minutes into the narration, he instantly agreed to do this film, which gave me immense satisfaction. At the same time, it brought upon me a sense of responsibility to ensure we make the film as narrated. We have begun the shoot and are working towards wrapping it at the earliest.”

Father-Son Collaboration

A unique aspect of this film is the collaboration between the father-son duo. Actor Thambi Ramaiah has written the story and dialogues, while his son Umapathy is at the helm as director.

Technical Team

Cinematography for the film is being handled by P G Muthaiah, with music composed by Darbuka Siva. Thangamani will oversee editing, while Sandy is responsible for choreography. Magesh Mathew joins the team as the stunt choreographer.

Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor Khan recently shared an adorable birthday wish for Neha Dhupia and Angad Bedi’s son, Guriq, on her social media account.

Heartfelt Birthday Wish

Posting a heartwarming picture, Kareena wrote, “Happy birthday to our darling Gugu. Too much love and lots of blessings always,” tagging Neha Dhupia and Angad Bedi.

A Captivating Moment

The picture shows a sweet moment where Kareena is seen hugging two children, identifiable by their personalized caps. One cap has ‘Jeh’ written on it, referring to Kareena’s younger son, Jehangir Ali Khan, while the other reads ‘Guriq’ – Neha and Angad’s son. Both kids are dressed in matching cartoon-themed night suits and caps adorned with superhero patches, creating an endearing scene. Kareena’s smile adds warmth to the occasion as the boys embrace her affectionately.

Playful Celebrations

The celebrations seem to have coincided with Soha Ali Khan and Kunal Kemmu’s daughter Inaaya Naomi Khemu’s 8th birthday, which took place a week ago, evident from the cheerful backdrop and decorations in the frame. Starkids Jeh Ali Khan, Inaaya Kemmu, and Guriq frequently make appearances at birthday celebrations, school events, and playdates, reflecting the close friendship among their parents.

Family Ties

For those unfamiliar, Neha Dhupia and Angad Bedi, who tied the knot in a private ceremony in May 2017 in Delhi, welcomed their first child, daughter Mehr, in November 2017. They became parents for the second time in October 2021 with the arrival of their son, Guriq. These families often celebrate milestones with close industry friends, with Kareena, Soha, and their children forming a close-knit circle. The kids are regularly seen at football games and annual school functions.

Actress Patralekhaa has announced that she will commence work on her next project this December.

In an exclusive statement, the ‘Phule’ actress shared her excitement about stepping into a new role. Reflecting on the overwhelming response to Phule, Patralekhaa expressed, “I’m incredibly grateful for all the love that’s come my way after Phule. It’s a film that holds a very special place in my heart.”

She continued, “I’ve been receiving some amazing scripts and exciting opportunities over the past few weeks, and I’m taking the time to read. I’m taking a little time to go through everything. There’s a lot I’m looking forward to, and I’ll be starting work on my next project this December. Thank you to everyone who’s believed in me and supported my journey.”

Patralekhaa was recently seen portraying Savitribai Phule in the film Phule, directed by Ananth Mahadevan. The movie, which also featured Pratik Gandhi as Jyotirao Phule, was released in theatres on April 11, coinciding with the 197th birth anniversary of Mahatma Phule.

Earlier, in an interview, the actress had spoken about the emotional journey of bringing Savitribai Phule to life in the biopic. Describing the experience as transformative and deeply inspiring, Patralekhaa noted the immense responsibility in capturing Savitribai Phule’s struggles, strength, and legacy on screen.

She mentioned, “My thoughts were clear from the moment I was approached for the role. When I first spoke to Anand sir, he sent me the script, and it was quite thick. I remember calling him, saying, ‘Sir, this script is huge. I have so much to read!’ But he reassured me, saying that it was just the first draft and that they would refine it further. After a year and a half, I received the final script, and it was beautifully written. It was a human drama, and I couldn’t say no. From there on, it felt like a journey, and I just knew I had to be a part of it.”

Actress Sanya Malhotra reflected on her journey in Bollywood and the fulfilling roles she has portrayed.

In an exclusive interview, the ‘Dangal’ actress shared how each project has influenced her as an actor and contributed to her growth in the industry. Discussing her career, Sanya remarked, “It’s been a beautiful journey so far. I’ve had the privilege of working with great people and playing incredible characters. I’m proud of everything I’ve achieved so far. I’ve learned so much from every project.”

Recently, Sanya has been busy promoting her film “Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari,” which features Varun Dhawan, Janhvi Kapoor, Maniesh Paul, and Rohit Saraf. Directed by Shashank Khaitan, the movie released alongside “Kantara Chapter 1” on October 2.

Describing the lively atmosphere on set, Sanya said, “We had a blast. There were food breaks, fitness sessions, dance routines—both on-screen and off-screen. And we’d have these fun little parties and games between shots.” When asked about playful pranks during filming, Sanya mentioned, “I just watched others get pranked. I stayed in my own little world, too busy to get caught up in the madness!”

On the topic of whether she believes opposites attract, like the characters in her film, the ‘Sam Bahadur’ actress laughed and expressed some uncertainty. Sanya elaborated that relationships involve more than just being opposites or similar. “Sure, opposites can create some exciting clashes, but at the end of the day, there has to be a lot more to make it work,” she explained, emphasizing the deeper dynamics necessary to sustain a relationship.

Actor Ronit Roy, a celebrated television star known for his roles in films like ‘Udaan’, ‘2 States’, and ‘Ugly’, has been somewhat reserved when it comes to discussing his passion for music.

Recently, the actor shared a delightful video on his Instagram, where he showcased his talent by playing the flute. In this post, he performed the beautiful track “Kora Kagaz Tha Yeh Man Mera.” He mentioned in the caption, “No I haven’t left training in flute. I don’t post because I’m still not good at it. Still a lot to learn.”

Ronit had previously revealed that his interest in learning musical instruments was sparked by watching a music reality show.

In a more emotional note, the actor recently experienced a poignant moment as the storyline surrounding his character, King Someshwar, neared its conclusion in the show ‘Chakravarti Samrat Prithviraj Chauhan.’ Viewers had to say goodbye to King Someshwar, a character marked by power and dignity. Ronit has captivated audiences with his commanding screen presence, bringing depth, grace, and gravitas to this noble king, earning the admiration of fans spanning multiple generations.

His portrayal of King Someshwar, a ruler grappling with duty, destiny, and love for his son Prithviraj, has left an enduring impact on the show. As the narrative unfolds, King Someshwar faces an untimely demise, paving the way for a new chapter in this epic saga.

Reflecting on his experience playing King Someshwar, Ronit shared, “Portraying King Someshwar has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my career. It’s not just about the costume or the crown, it’s about carrying the weight of a father, a ruler, and a man torn between duty and emotion.”

He added, “I poured my heart into every scene, and I am looking forward to what comes ahead in the story. I’m walking away with a lot of memories, lessons, and love. I wish the entire team continued success and hope the show reaches even greater heights in the times to come.”

Filmmaker-producer Anubhav Sinha, renowned for works like ‘Mulk’, ‘Thappad’, and ‘Bheed’, recently shared a poignant experience reflecting on Mahatma Gandhi’s historic presence.

A Glimpse of History

Sinha took to Instagram to post a photograph from his visit to All India Radio. The image features the very microphone Gandhi used during his singular live address to the nation on November 12, 1947.

In his heartfelt caption, Sinha wrote, “November 12, 1947 he visited All India Radio the only time to address the nation. He wasn’t celebrating. He was on his way to Punjab. He was advised to postpone the trip by the Home Department for security concerns. He would never reach there. This is the microphone he spoke on. That is the closest I have been to his physical presence.”

A Historic Address

On that fateful day, Mahatma Gandhi addressed the refugees affected by the Partition of India at the Kurukshetra refugee camp. Although he couldn’t physically visit the camp due to a prior Congress Working Committee meeting, Gandhi used radio to convey his deep empathy for the displaced individuals. He urged them to face their hardships with courage and to find joy in serving others, likening it to celebrating Diwali through love and compassion. This significant broadcast is annually commemorated as Public Service Broadcasting Day in India.

Coincidentally, the address coincided with Diwali. Gandhi noted the irony of celebrating the festival of lights amidst the “deep darkness of displacement” and rising communal tensions.

Capturing Paris

In a separate post, Sinha shared a captivating photograph taken in Paris, showcasing the Eiffel Tower against the city’s picturesque backdrop. The shot appears to be from the Pont Alexandre III or Place de la Concorde area, identifiable by the ornate lamp posts. Additionally, recognizable Paris street signs, including “TAXIS” and the round red no-entry sign, can be seen in the image.

He expressed admiration for Paris’s rich culture, heritage, and history.

Actor Randeep Hooda, co-owner of the Prithviraj Yodhas alongside his wife Lin Laishram in the Archery Premier League, has highlighted the significance of archery as a sport.

The Essence of Archery

Randeep emphasized that archery instills essential values such as focus, patience, and resilience. His wife, Lin Laishram, is a former national-level archer, and their team serves as Delhi’s franchise in the inaugural Archery Premier League (APL). This 10-day league is scheduled to take place from October 2 to October 12, 2025, at the Yamuna Sports Complex.

Speaking about the sport, Randeep expressed, “We are proud that Delhi is home for the Prithviraj Yodhas and we couldn’t have been more happier to be associated with them. For me, when it comes to sports personally, it connects me to my roots in Haryana where sports have always been such an integral part of our lives right from our childhood.”

A Cultural Connection to Sports

He continued, “Wrestling, hockey, boxing—you grow up surrounded by stories of athletes who’ve made the country proud, and that spirit of discipline and dedication stays with you. We as a duo have a strong association and inkling towards sports, with Lin having had such close association with archery in her life. Archery as a sport instils the values of focus, patience, resilience. These are very familiar to me from Haryana’s sporting culture. To now be part of a league where Lin returns to the sport she has lived and breathed, and to help archery find more recognition, feels like a meaningful extension of that same sporting tradition.”

Lin Laishram’s Journey

For Lin, this venture represents a homecoming to the sport that shaped her childhood. Inspired by her father, who served as President of the Archery Association of Manipur, Lin began shooting arrows at the age of 10 and competed in her first Sub-Junior Nationals shortly after. She refined her skills at the Tata Archery Academy, where she won multiple medals and claimed the Junior National Championship in 1998. Although an injury forced her to step away from competitive archery, her passion for the sport has never waned.

Vision for Indian Archery

Dr. Vikas Garg, Owner of Prithviraj Yodhas and Chairman at Ebix Group, stated, “The launch of the Archery Premier League represents a transformative milestone for Indian archery—turning it into a dynamic, fan-friendly sport that promotes talent cultivation at all levels. As co-owners of the Prithviraj Yodhas, we are dedicated to fostering an environment that champions excellence, innovation, and India’s rich sporting traditions.”

The Archery Premier League 2025 is organized by the Archery Association of India (AAI) under the leadership of Former Member of Parliament and AAI President Shri Arjun Munda, along with AAI Secretary Shri Virendra Sachdeva. The league has received backing from World Archery, World Archery Asia, and the Sports Ministry of India.