Author: Ankita Singh

Aamir Khan recently shared insights into his friendship with Salman Khan, noting that their bond significantly strengthened during a tough phase in his life.

A Remarkable Connection

While appearing on Prime Video’s new talk show “Two Much with Kajol and Twinkle,” Aamir reflected on the time of his divorce from Reena Dutta, which marked the beginning of a deeper connection with Salman. He reminisced, “Actually, I think it happened when I went through my divorce with Reena. You remember? You had come over for dinner, and that’s when Salman and I first actually connected properly. Because before that I used to feel ki bhai time pe nahi aata, humko bohot problem hoti thi, Andaz Apna Apna mein.”

Judgment and Growth

Aamir admitted to being judgmental in the past, stating, “I want to say something. Salman mein bohot judgemental tha yaar, shuru shuru mein na. I was very hard as a person.”

Salman’s Reflections

In a candid moment, Salman spoke about his past relationships, expressing, “Yaar nahi jama toh nahi jama. If there is anyone to blame, I am the one to blame.” He also shared his aspirations for the future, saying, “Children, I will have, one day, soon.” He added, “It’s just that eventually one will have kids, but let’s see.”

Show Details

Hosted by Kajol and Twinkle Khanna, the talk show is set to premiere on September 25 across over 240 countries and territories. New episodes will be released every Thursday, featuring a stellar ensemble that includes Vicky Kaushal, Kriti Sanon, Alia Bhatt, Karan Johar, Govinda, Chunky Pandey, and many more.

Playback singer Papon, renowned for hits like ‘Bulleya,’ ‘Jiyein Kyun,’ and ‘Moh Moh Ke Dhaage,’ recently paid tribute to the legendary Assamese singer Zubeen Garg.

On Wednesday, Papon shared a heartfelt post on Instagram, featuring a picture of himself as he bade farewell to Zubeen’s mortal remains. He captioned it, “Goodbye friend…. Be happy wherever you are.”

Zubeen Garg: A Musical Icon

Zubeen was more than just a singer; he stood as a cultural icon for Assam and India. He made his mark in mainstream music in 1990 and quickly became a beloved figure in Assam. In the early 2000s, he ventured into Hindi film music, making his debut with ‘Jaane Kya Hoga Rama Re’ from the film ‘Kaante,’ which was an unofficial remake of Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Reservoir Dogs.’

His song ‘Ya Ali’ from ‘Gangster’ catapulted him to wider fame. This chart-topping track resonates with an entire generation, even two decades later.

Despite achieving success in Hindi music, Zubeen chose to base himself in Assam, valuing his roots. He was also known for his strong political and cultural views, notably being a vocal opponent of the CAA in Assam.

A Remarkable Legacy

Throughout his more than 30-year career, Zubeen recorded nearly 38,000 songs in various Indian languages, a remarkable achievement rarely matched in the music industry. For context, Kishore Kumar, widely regarded as one of the most prolific artists, recorded around 3,000 songs, merely a fraction of Zubeen’s extensive repertoire. His funeral drew more than a million attendees, marking it as the fourth largest gathering in history.

Zubeen Garg tragically passed away on September 19, 2025, in Singapore due to a swimming mishap, with preliminary assessments suggesting accidental drowning.

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, recently awarded the National Award for his performance in Atlee’s blockbuster film ‘Jawan’, once faked an epileptic fit in grade 11 to skip a class with friends.

During a memorable appearance on the popular 2002 talk show Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai, hosted by the late Farooq Shaikh, Shah Rukh, who grew up in New Delhi’s Rajendra Nagar, shared the hilarious incident along with his school friends.

Bunking Class with Style

One friend recounted, “What happened was there was a new teacher in class. This new teacher had come so we thought we wanted to actually bunk class… So, Shah Rukh actually went in and he started doing an epileptic fit, which was brilliant. This was in class 11.”

Another friend expressed amazement at seeing SRK “frothing from the mouth.” He added that they had to lift Shah Rukh on their shoulders and carry him out of the class, ultimately skipping the next three hours of school.

“Vikas then went for the teacher’s shoe and said we need your shoe. He walked out with one shoe and the four of us bunked the class,” the friend recalled.

Shah Rukh, who studied at St. Columba’s School and received the prestigious Sword of Honour, chuckled and reflected on their school days, stating, “We used to do a lot of these things.”

Recent Acclaim for ‘Jawan’

On September 23, Shah Rukh Khan was honored with the National Award at the 71st National Awards for ‘Best Actor’ for his work in Atlee’s action entertainer “Jawan.”

Released in 2023, ‘Jawan’ features Khan in a dual role as a lookalike father and son, alongside Nayanthara and Vijay Sethupathi. The plot centers around Azad, the jailer of a women’s prison, who becomes a vigilante, recruiting inmates to expose corruption in India.

The 71st National Awards ceremony was organized by the National Film Development Corporation of India (NFDC) and took place in Delhi. The awards are noted for their structured jury system, with regional committees contributing to a central committee chaired by filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker in the Feature Film category.

Bollywood actor Vicky Kaushal is on cloud nine as his film “Sam Bahadur” received the Best Feature Film Promoting National, Social and Environmental Values at the 71 National Film Awards.

Vicky took to Instagram stories to share a heartfelt video of Meghna Gulzar accepting the award during the event held in the National Capital on September 23. He expressed his joy with three heart emojis and captioned it: “#sambahadur at National Awards.”

About the Film

“Sam Bahadur” is a biographical war drama that chronicles the life of India’s first field marshal, Sam Manekshaw. Directed by Meghna Gulzar, the film features a talented ensemble cast including Fatima Sana Shaikh, Sanya Malhotra, Neeraj Kabi, Edward Sonnenblick, and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub.

Exciting Personal News

In a delightful turn of events, Vicky and his wife, Katrina Kaif, recently announced they are expecting their first child. Sharing the news on Instagram, they posted a sweet polaroid picture where they are tenderly cradling Katrina’s baby bump. The couple wrote, “On our way to start the best chapter of our lives with hearts full of joy and gratitude.”

A Look Back at Their Journey

Vicky and Katrina tied the knot in a private ceremony at the Six Senses Fort Barwara Hotel in Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan, in 2021. Rumors about Katrina’s pregnancy had been swirling for some time, but the couple had chosen to remain quiet about it.

Their romance blossomed after a playful on-stage proposal by Vicky during an award show, which left Katrina blushing. Their connection deepened further at a party hosted by filmmaker Karan Johar.

Recent Projects

On the professional front, Vicky was last seen in the blockbuster “Chhaava,” an epic historical action film based on the life of Sambhaji, the second ruler of the Maratha Empire. The film, inspired by the Marathi novel “Chhava” by Shivaji Sawant, also stars Akshaye Khanna and Rashmika Mandanna.

Drama inside the Bigg Boss 19 house intensified when Nehal Chudasama, who has been observing the game from the secret room, passed a highly controversial remark against contestant Ashnoor Kaur.

The incident occurred during a heated argument involving Ashnoor Kaur, Farrhana Bhatt, and Abhishek Bajaj. Nehal, watching from the secret room, expressed visible annoyance with Ashnoor over her defense of her friendship with Abhishek.

In a moment of frustration, Nehal casually asked Bigg Boss to eliminate Ashnoor, claiming that she was doing nothing in the house apart from being the “wife of someone.” This comment was viewed as a direct attack on Ashnoor’s bond with Abhishek Bajaj, which has often been a topic of speculation within the house. Housemates have repeatedly linked the two romantically, despite Ashnoor and Abhishek clarifying several times that they are merely close friends.

By reducing Ashnoor’s individuality and status in the house to just being “Abhishek’s wife,” Nehal’s statement has crossed the line for many viewers. It has led to outrage among fans, who have called Nehal out on social media, branding her comment as one of the most insensitive remarks of the season.

Fans quickly took to social media to criticize Nehal, labeling her remark as misogynistic and disrespectful. Many emphasized that such comments undermine a woman’s identity and efforts in the game, asserting that Ashnoor has every right to play her game without being defined by her friendships. Meanwhile, Ashnoor has expressed hurt over the persistent attempts to link her with Abhishek.

In previous conversations, Ashnoor has clearly stated her desire to maintain her individuality in the house and not let her bond with Abhishek be misinterpreted. Abhishek has also supported this, affirming that their relationship is based on mutual respect and nothing more.

Actor Shanthanu Baghyaraj plays a pivotal character in director Unni Sivalingam’s eagerly awaited Tamil-Malayalam bilingual sports action drama ‘Balti’. He recently revealed that he experienced a complete blackout after sustaining a blow to his temple while filming an intense action sequence.

Rigorous Action Sequences
In an exclusive interview, Shanthanu shared, “The action and sports sequences in Balti will be intense and gripping. We all sustained several injuries. Be it Shane (Shane Nigam) or me, everyone suffered bruises while training for the stunts and filming.”

He explained, “Kabaddi is a full-contact sport. I suffered a ligament strain, whereas Shane Nigam had a stiff lower back. Once, during a raid, I was supposed to be captured by the opposing team. The players in the film are all real pro-Kabaddi league players. While executing this, one of the defender’s knees hit my temple, causing me to black out for some time.”

Training Regimen
Shanthanu also mentioned the rigorous training the entire cast underwent for this sports action drama. “I had to carry the boys on my back and run around the field to strengthen my back for my role. I play a defender in the Kabaddi unit specializing in ‘dash,’ ” he explained.

Release Schedule
The film has generated significant interest among fans and film enthusiasts. Originally set to release worldwide on August 29 for Onam this year, the premiere has now been rescheduled to September 26.

Character Insights
Shane Nigam portrays a Kabaddi player named Udhayan, depicting a fearless raider who instills fear in opposing teams’ defenses. Notably, this film marks an important milestone in Shane Nigam’s career as it is his 25th film.

Alongside Shane Nigam, the film features Preethi Asrani in a significant role. Moreover, notable director Alphonse Puthren, known for his blockbuster ‘Premam’, will portray a cold-blooded gangster named Soda Babu.

Shanthanu Baghyaraj plays the character Kumar, while Selvaraghavan takes on the role of Porthamarai Bhairavan.

Production Details
Written and directed by Unni Sivalingam, the film is produced by Santhosh T Kuruvilla and Binu George Alexander under their banners, STK Frames and Binu George Alexander Productions.

Cinematography is handled by Alex J Pulickal, with art direction from Ashik S. The movie features music by young sensation Sai Abhyankkar and is edited by Shivkumar V. Panicker, with costumes designed by Melwy J. Notably, the film has two stunt masters: Action Sandhosh and Vicky, enhancing its high-action appeal.

Actress Nikita Dutta recently enjoyed a cycling session along Mumbai’s newly developed coastline, calling it a delight for both runners and cyclists.

She emphasized the need for improved accessibility and cleanliness in the area to enhance the experience for all users. Sharing a video of her ride on Instagram, the ‘Kabir Singh’ actress showcased the stunning views of the new coastline. She wrote, “Cycled on the new coast line of the city. It’s a delight for runners and cyclists. Hoping for the convenience of reaching there to get better soon! And may we keep it spick and span. Thank you for lending me your bike @pedalandtringtring.”

Mumbai’s newly developed coastline features the 7.5 km Coastal Road, which includes a 5.25 km promenade designed for walking and cycling. This stretch, extending from Marine Lines to Worli, offers green spaces, seating, and facilities such as restrooms and drinking water, all accessible via underpasses.

On the professional front, Nikita Dutta recently starred in the action thriller “Jewel Thief,” which premiered on Netflix, alongside Saif Ali Khan and Jaideep Ahlawat. Directed by Kookie Gulati and Robbie Grewal, Dutta played the role of Farah.

Reflecting on the heist drama, Dutta shared her key takeaway: “I’ve been part of Sid Anand’s world, which I feel is a huge thing because, as an actor, especially as a female actress, I don’t think I’ve lived the classic Bollywood heroine tag. Thanks to you and Mamta, I have gotten this opportunity to play the classic Bollywood heroine. It’s not just about dancing; it’s about the overall feeling of being a heroine. I think I’ve experienced that from this film.”

Known for her powerful performances, Rani Mukerji has achieved a significant milestone by winning her first National Award after over three decades in the industry. The actress dedicated this honor to her late father, Ram Mukherjee.

Award-Winning Performance

Rani was recognized with the Best Actress National Award for her compelling role in “Mrs. Chatterjee Vs Norway,” a legal drama directed by Ashima Chibber. The film features an impressive cast, including Anirban Bhattacharya, Neena Gupta, and Jim Sarbh.

Rani expressed her feelings, saying, “I’m truly overwhelmed to receive my first National Award in my 30-year journey as an actor. This honour means the world to me, and I want to dedicate it to my late father, who always dreamt of this moment for me.” She continued, “I miss him deeply today, and I know it’s his blessing and my mother’s constant strength and inspiration that guided me through the role of Mrs. Chatterjee.”

Gratitude to Fans and Team

The actress extended her gratitude to her fans: “To my incredible fans, thank you for being by my side through every high and low. Your unwavering love and support has been my greatest motivation. I know how much this award means to all of you, and it brings me immense joy and happiness to see how happy you are.”

Rani also acknowledged her talented director Ashima and producers Nikkhil, Monisha, and Madhu. She emphasized the collective effort: “Above all, I thank my entire cast and crew from Estonia and India without whom this film could not have been made, especially during the challenges of the COVID period. The entire team of Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway poured their hearts into this powerful story, and I’m deeply grateful to each one of them.”

She expressed her appreciation for the National Award jury for recognizing her work, stating, “This film, and this moment, will always hold a special place in my heart. This award is also a tribute to all the mothers around the world – their strength, courage, and unconditional love.”

Inspired by True Events

The film draws inspiration from the real-life story of Sagarika Chakraborty and Anurup Bhattacharya, an Indian immigrant couple whose children were taken away by Norwegian authorities in 2011. Rani shared her connection to the narrative: “Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway is a story that moved me deeply because it captures the unbreakable spirit of an immigrant mother, fighting against all odds in a foreign land to protect her child.”

“As a mother myself, this role was incredibly personal. Through this film, we tried to honour the spirit of motherhood and I hope it serves as a reminder of the quiet power women carry within them every single day.”

The restored version of “Sholay,” featuring Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra, will be showcased at The Indian Film Festival of Sydney (IFFS) in October.

Festival Details

The festival, taking place from 9 to 11 October, will celebrate Indian cinema over three vibrant days. The newly restored “Sholay” had its world premiere earlier this month at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and is now set to screen in Sydney.

Restoration Highlights

“Sholay” has undergone a meticulous 4K restoration by the Film Heritage Foundation in collaboration with Sippy Films. This ambitious project involved locating a rare colour reversal print in London and recovering original camera negatives as well as long-lost deleted scenes from a warehouse in Mumbai.

Most notably, the restored film includes the original ending envisioned by director Ramesh Sippy, where Thakur avenges his family by killing Gabbar Singh.

Statement from the Festival Director

Festival Director Mitu Bhowmick Lange expressed pride in presenting the restored “Sholay” at Sydney. She stated, “This isn’t just the revival of a classic; it’s the revival of a piece of our collective cultural history. The fact that audiences will now experience the film with the original ending makes it even more significant, as it honours Ramesh Sippy’s first vision in its entirety. To showcase this landmark restoration at IFFS, alongside timeless and new stories, truly embodies our festival’s spirit of celebrating Indian cinema in all its dimensions.”

Film Synopsis

Directed by Ramesh Sippy, “Sholay” tells the story of two criminals, Veeru and Jai, who are hired by a retired police officer to capture the ruthless dacoit Gabbar Singh. Hema Malini and Jaya Bhaduri also star as Veeru and Jai’s love interests, Basanti and Radha, respectively. The film was shot in the rocky terrain of Ramanagara in Karnataka over a span of two and a half years, starting in October 1973.

Cultural Impact and Success

Upon its initial release, “Sholay” received negative critical reviews and a lukewarm commercial response, but favourable word-of-mouth turned it into a box office hit. It broke records for continuous showings in many theatres across India and ran for over five years at Mumbai’s Minerva theatre. The film also achieved success overseas, particularly in the Soviet Union, becoming the highest-grossing Indian film of its time until “Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!” According to numerous accounts, “Sholay” remains one of the highest-grossing Indian films of all time, even after adjusting for inflation.

Regarded as one of the greatest and most influential Indian films ever made, “Sholay” was re-released in theatres in 3D format in January 2014.

From Oscar winner A.R. Rahman creating magic on the ghats of the Ganges in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, to renowned singer Sonu Nigam paying tribute to 100 years of Mohammed Rafi at Kashmir’s Dal Lake, a galaxy full of stars is all set to illuminate NDTV’s new venture, NDTV Good Times—a platform for live concerts and immersive cultural experiences.

Exciting New Dimension

The channel is venturing into an exciting new dimension with the launch of NDTV Good Times, which focuses on live concerts and immersive cultural experiences.

Rahul Kanwal, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of NDTV, stated, “NDTV has always stood at the intersection of storytelling and society. With NDTV Good Times, we take that commitment into the realm of live culture and experiences—curating iconic performances that will not just entertain but also inspire, connect, and create lasting memories for audiences across India.”

Promising a Cultural Celebration

NDTV Good Times will present artists across multiple cities, curating evenings that promise to transcend mere performances and turn into true celebrations.

• Rahman will enchant audiences at the sacred ghats of the Ganges in Varanasi.
• Sonu Nigam will honour Mohammed Rafi with a spectacular tribute at Dal Lake in Srinagar.
• Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy will bring their powerhouse music, while Jubin Nautiyal and Neha Kakkar will electrify the crowd with their vibrant energy.

Rahul Shaw, Chief Experiences Officer at NDTV, emphasized, “Live experiences are the new heartbeat of culture globally—and they create deeply personal connections. NDTV Good Times is about reimagining that heartbeat for India, bringing together the nation’s finest artists in extraordinary settings, ensuring that every performance becomes an occasion to remember.”

Crafting Unforgettable Experiences

What sets this venture apart is NDTV’s distinctive strength, with a vision to craft exceptional live experiences and the unparalleled reach to amplify them seamlessly across broadcast, digital, and social platforms. With a trusted ticketing partner like District already in place, NDTV Good Times aims to transcend traditional entertainment, making experiences unforgettable, unmissable, and unique.