Author: Ankita Singh

The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, recently honored the recipients of the prestigious 71st National Film Awards during a ceremony in Delhi. Here’s a complete list of all the National Award Winners for 2025:

Best Feature Film

• ’12th Fail’
  Vinod Chopra Films, Vidhu Vinod Chopra

Best Debut Film of a Director

• Ashish Avinash Bende – ‘Aatmapamphlet’

Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment

• ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’
  Dharma Productions, Karan Johar

Best Children’s Film

• ‘Naal 2’
  Aatpat Production, Zee Studios, Sudhakar Reddy Yakkanti

Best Direction

• Sudipto Sen – ‘The Kerala Story’

Best Film in AVGC (Best Visual Effects)

• Jetty Venkat Kumar – ‘Hanu-Man’

Best Feature Film Promoting National, Social and Environmental Values

• ‘Sam Bahadur’
  Unilazer Ventures, Meghna Gulzar

Best Actor in a Leading Role

• Shah Rukh Khan – ‘Jawan’ / Vikrant Massey – ’12th Fail’

Best Actress in a Leading Role

• Rani Mukerji – ‘Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway’

Best Actor in a Supporting Role

• Vijayaraghavan – ‘Pookkaalam’ / M. S. Bhaskar – ‘Parking’

Best Actress in a Supporting Role

• Urvashi – ‘Ullozhukku’ / Janki Bodiwala – ‘Vash’

Best Child Artist

• Sukriti Veni Bandreddi – ‘Gandhi Tatha Chettu’ / Kabir Khandare – ‘Gypsy’ / Treesha Thosar, Shrinivas Pokale, Bhargav Jagtap – ‘Naal 2’

Best Male Playback Singer

• P V N S Rohit – ‘Baby’ (Premistunna)

Best Female Playback Singer

• Shilpa Rao – ‘Jawan’ (Chaleya)

Best Cinematography

• Prasantanu Mohapatra – ‘The Kerala Story’

Best Screenplay (Original)

• Sai Rajesh – ‘Baby’ / Ramkumar Balakrishnan – ‘Parking’

Best Dialogues

• Deepak Kingrani – ‘Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai’

Best Sound Design

• Sachin Sudhakaran, Hariharan Muralidharan – ‘Animal’

Best Editing

• Midhun Murali – ‘Pookkaalam’

Best Production Design

• Mohandas – ‘2018’

Best Costume Design

• Sachin Lovalekar, Divvya Gambhir, Nidhhi Gambhir – ‘Sam Bahadur’

Best Make-up

• Shrikant Desai – ‘Sam Bahadur’

Best Lyrics

• Kasarla Shyam – ‘Balagam’ (Ooru Palletooru)

Best Choreography

• Vaibhavi Merchant – ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’ (Dhindhora Baje Re)

Best Documentary

• God Vulture and Human – Rishiraj Agarwal

Best Short Film

• Giddh (The Scavenger) – Manish Saini

Best Film Critic

• Utpal Datta

Renowned Bollywood lyricist and poet Manoj Muntashir has curated a musical stage show titled “Mera Desh Pahle: The Untold Story Of Shri Narendra Modi,” which focuses on the life of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In an exclusive interaction, Muntashir was asked about the inspiration the youth would derive from this show. He remarked that the most significant lesson for young audiences is not to allow circumstances to hinder their ambitions.

Muntashir stated, “From this show, the young will learn that all their excuses for not achieving greatness due to their circumstances are baseless. PM Modi’s story demonstrates that when one truly desires to accomplish something, no force in the world can stand in their way.”

He also highlighted that another important takeaway for the youth is a sense of patriotism. “The story of PM Modi is a tale of patriotism. It’s not merely the journey of an individual, but of an entire nation,” he concluded.

Conceptualized by Muntashir, “Mera Desh Pahle: The Untold Story Of Shri Narendra Modi” chronicles the Prime Minister’s journey from childhood through his inspiring political career and extraordinary leadership.

Directed by Deepak Gattani, the show features powerful renditions by B Praak, Sneha Shankar, Rishi Singh, Ashish Kulkarni, and Ujwal Gajbhar.

During a special screening of the musical, Bollywood actress Jahnvi Kapoor expressed her excitement. Speaking exclusively, she said, “I am very excited. I think the whole of India is aware of his story. But to see it represented in such an artistic form, as an artist, I am very happy and very excited.” She added, “Like I said, his story and everything he is doing for the country – I think everything he does is inspiring.”

Actress Nayanthara recently unveiled the second single, “Sogasu Chudatharama,” from Neeraja Kona’s directorial debut, “Telusu Kada.” This film features leading performances by Siddu Jonnalagada, Srinidhi Shetty, and Raashi Khanna.

Production Details

Produced by TG Vishwa Prasad and Krithi Prasad under the People Media Factory banner, the film boasts music by S Thaman.

About the Song

“Sogasu Chudatharama” is a romantic track picturized on the chemistry between Srinidhi Shetty and Sidhu Jonnalagada. As the evening nears its end and Siddu prepares to leave, Srinidhi playfully resets the time on his watch, indicating she’s not ready to say goodbye just yet.

Thaman delivers a memorable composition, fusing groovy funk and jazzy elements into an upbeat, feel-good number. The prominent bassline, steady drumbeat, and catchy trumpet melody contribute to a retro vibe that’s truly irresistible.

Karthik’s energetic vocals complement the vibrant arrangement, while Adviteeya’s soulful voice adds layers of depth and emotion. Lyricist Krishna Kanth artfully captures Siddu’s feelings for his girl, making the lyrics both heartfelt and relatable.

Visual Appeal

The song’s visual charm is hard to miss. The sparkling chemistry between Siddu and Srinidhi captures attention, and Siddu’s stylish dance moves are a delight to watch. With its catchy tune and captivating visuals, this song is sure to resonate with younger audiences.

Previous Hits

It’s worth noting that the film’s first single, “Mallika Gandha,” was a chartbuster, showcasing a classic romance between Siddu and Raashi Khanna.

A recently released teaser gives a glimpse into the intriguing premise of the film and has garnered a positive response.

Technical Crew

The film features cinematography by Gnana Shekar VS, while editing is handled by Naveen Nooli. Avinash Kolla is responsible for the production design. “Telusu Kada” is set to hit screens on October 17, coinciding with Deepavali.

After more than three decades of captivating movie enthusiasts, Shah Rukh Khan received the prestigious 71st National Award for ‘Best Actor’ for his performance in “Jawan.”

Heartfelt Congratulations from Suhana Khan

Congratulating her ‘papa dear’, Suhana Khan shared her excitement on social media, writing, “You always said you never win the silver, only lose the gold but This Silver is Gold…(sic).” She added, “Our hearts are so happy seeing you receive the prestigious National Award. Congratulations, papa, we love you,” accompanied by a red heart emoji.

Gauri Khan’s Pride

Shah Rukh’s wife, Gauri Khan, also expressed her joy at the honor, emphasizing that the National Award is a testament to Shah Rukh’s years of hard work and dedication. She mentioned that she is designing a special mantle to display the award. Gauri posted on Instagram, “What a journey it’s been @iamsrk. Congratulations on winning the National Award!!! So deserving… it’s a result of your years of hard work and dedication. Now I’m designing a special mantle for this award.”

A Milestone in His Career

SRK accepted the honor in a stylish black two-piece suit from the President of India, Droupadi Murmu. This award is particularly special as it marks SRK’s first-ever National Award after over three decades in the film industry.

Atlee’s Gratitude

The director of “Jawan,” Atlee, expressed his gratitude towards Shah Rukh for trusting him with the project. He shared his happiness over King Khan’s achievement with a heartfelt post on Instagram.

“Feeling blessed, @iamsrk sir. I’m super happy that you’ve got the National Award for our movie Jawan. It feels very emotional and inspiring to be part of your journey. Thank you for trusting me and giving this film, sir. It’s just my first love letter to you; a lot more to come, sir,” Atlee wrote.

He continued, “Shah Rukh sir being near you itself is a great blessing. As a fanboy, working with you and making a film presented in the mass mode of SRK is a pure blessing from God. Finally, God is so kind to give us back the greatest moment in our life. Can’t ask for more, sir. This is more than enough for me; I’m the best fanboy of yours, sir. Love you. Love you. Love you. Lots of love, sir.”

Actress Preity Zinta continues to excel in her fitness journey, even at the age of 50. The beloved ‘Veer Zaara’ star frequently shares fitness motivation with glimpses of her workout sessions on social media.

Recent Workout Highlights

In her latest workout, Preity was spotted performing a back strengthening exercise that involved core stretching. She gracefully bent forward to stretch her back, demonstrating a fluid motion.

Sharing her thoughts on the importance of stretching, she emphasized, “It doesn’t matter what workout you do, stretching your body is the gold standard for longevity & for avoiding any injury. So don’t forget to incorporate stretching into your fitness routine (punch emoji) #ting.”

Navratri Celebrations

On Monday, Preity welcomed the first day of Navratri by posting a glimpse of her visit to a temple. She shared a picture of herself in deep devotion, hands folded, and extended her warm wishes to her followers with the message: “Happy Navratri to all those who celebrate. Love & light always Jai Mata Di #Ting.”

Joyful Janmashtami

Previously, she offered a peek into her Janmashtami celebrations at the Valley Hindu Temple. Her post expressed her heartfelt sentiments: “Janmashtami celebrations at the Valley Hindu Temple was so heartwarming and so much fun. Friends, family, community & devotion. The kids were so excited and I loved every moment of it. A big thank you to Punditji, his beautiful family & everyone at the temple for indulging us & making us feel so welcome & loved. Here is a sneak peak folks. Jai Shree Krishna #radheradhe #ting.”

Upcoming Projects

On the professional front, Preity Zinta is preparing for her return to Bollywood with filmmaker Rajkumar Santoshi’s upcoming project titled “Lahore 1947.” Her last appearance was in the 2018 action-comedy “Bhaiaji Superhit,” directed by Neerraj Pathak, where she starred alongside Sunny Deol, Arshad Warsi, Ameesha Patel, and Shreyas Talpade.

Bigg Boss 19 contestant Tanya Mittal surprised both viewers and her good friend Neelam Giri as she revealed her highly specific lifestyle demands during a candid conversation.

Tanya’s Unique Coffee Ritual

In a moment of vulnerability, Tanya disclosed that she insists on traveling from Gwalior, her hometown, to Agra just to buy her favorite cold coffee. Once back home, the cold coffee must be stored in an icebox before she can enjoy it in her garden.

“If I have to drink just 3 cups of coffee in a month, I need all this jazz to be happening and ordering it specially from Agra; otherwise the coffee doesn’t feel right,” she explained.

Essential Biscuits from London

Tanya further admitted that she cannot live without a particular brand of biscuits, flown in exclusively from London every two months. “Otherwise I start crying, and I don’t eat any other biscuit. I do a lot of drama. My life is not sweet if I don’t need those particular biscuits,” she remarked, laughing at herself.

This amusing revelation left Neelam both baffled and entertained. The two have been seen frequently sharing secrets, supporting each other, and engaging in light-hearted gossip.

Unexpected Tension

However, their friendship faced unexpected tension during a recent Weekend Ka Vaar episode. When host Salman Khan asked Neelam to name which housemate was most likely to betray another, she named Tanya. This shocking choice visibly hurt Tanya, leaving her teary-eyed. For Tanya, who had always been open and trusting with Neelam, the comment struck deep.

Additionally, Neelam has been spotted gossiping about Tanya with other housemates and expressing her frustration over Tanya’s discussions about her luxurious and exotic lifestyle.

Designer Manish Malhotra shared captivating anecdotes about the iconic saree once worn by the late Sridevi, which Janhvi Kapoor chose for the premiere of her film “Homebound.”

A Tribute to Legacy

Janhvi’s choice of attire not only honored the legendary actress but also infused her look with timeless elegance. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Manish recounted the story behind the stunning royal blue pashmina saree, revealing its sentimental significance as it was first worn by Sridevi in 2017.

By selecting this saree as a tribute to her mother, Janhvi not only celebrated Sridevi’s enduring legacy but also showcased centuries of Kashmiri craftsmanship, adorned with intricate gold tilla and chinar motifs.

Continuity Between Generations

Manish shared photos showcasing both Sridevi and Janhvi Kapoor in the same royal blue pashmina saree, emphasizing the emotional connection between mother and daughter.

In his post, he expressed, “This one is really special to me… coming full circle… the one and only #Sridevi … an icon in every way and so close to my heart… first wore this heirloom royal blue pashmina saree in 2017. @janhvikapoor wore the same saree for the premiere of @homeboundthefilm, a heartfelt tribute to her mother.”

He further noted, “Showcasing gold tilla and chinar motifs, it celebrates centuries of Kashmiri craft, a tradition we have worked with for years. In Janhvi’s choice, the saree is more than clothing… it highlights sustainable fashion… it is a living legacy of love, style, and heritage passed from mother to daughter. #archival #mymmsaree #janvhikapoor styling #megan #mmteam @manishmalhotraworld.”

Stunning Appearance at the Premiere

Janhvi Kapoor looked breathtaking draped in the royal blue saree during the special screening of “Homebound.” This saree was previously worn by Sridevi at Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli’s wedding reception in 2017.

Mimicking her mother’s elegant style, the ‘Dhadak’ actress accessorized with exquisite gold jewelry and styled her hair in a neat bun. Janhvi was accompanied by her boyfriend Shikhar Pahariya’s family at the event. The film is set to release in theatres on September 26.

Veteran actor Sachin Pilgaonkar recently took a nostalgic trip as he celebrated 37 years of the beloved Marathi comedy “Ashi Hi Banwa Banwi.”

Reflecting on the film’s journey, Sachin shared a heartfelt note on Instagram, expressing gratitude to the audience for their unwavering love throughout the years. He posted a series of throwback photos and videos, captioning them, “37 years of Ashi Hi Banwa Banwi This is how many beautiful memories of Banvi. Lots of love to the audience.” In his post, he also tagged fellow actors Ashok Saraf, Ashwini Bhave, and Nivedita Ashok Saraf.

In some charming black-and-white shots, Sachin is seen striking candid poses with his co-stars from the film. He included nostalgic videos featuring songs from the movie as well.

“Ashi Hi Banwa Banwi,” a slapstick comedy buddy film in Marathi, was helmed by Sachin Pilgaonkar and produced by Kiran Shantaram under the banner of V. Shantaram Productions. The film, which was released on September 23, 1988, has become a cult classic in Marathi cinema due to its immense popularity.

The star-studded cast of the movie includes Ashok Saraf, Sachin Pilgaonkar, Laxmikant Berde, Siddharth Ray, Ashwini Bhave, Supriya Pilgaonkar, Priya Arun Berde, Nivedita Joshi Saraf, Nayantara, Viju Khote, and Sudhir Joshi.

Sachin Pilgaonkar, who is known for his multifaceted talent as an actor, director, producer, writer, and singer, has made significant contributions to both Marathi and Hindi cinema. He gained fame in the late 1980s and early 1990s by directing and acting in numerous Marathi films. His cinematic journey began as a child artist in the Marathi film Ha Majha Marg Ekla.

Over the years, Pilgaonkar has appeared in nearly 65 films as a child actor before successfully transitioning to adult roles. His notable works include “Geet Gaata Chal,” “Balika Badhu,” “Ankhiyon Ke Jharokhon Se,” and “Nadiya Ke Paar,” which have earned him widespread recognition and solidified his status as a household name across India.

Actress Esha Gupta recently visited the iconic Shivoham Shiva Temple in Bengaluru, renowned for its impressive 65-foot Lord Shiva statue and the Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra.

Seeking Divine Blessings

During her visit, Esha sought the divine blessings of Lord Shiva and participated in the temple’s Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra, which simulates the journey to the revered shrine nestled in the Trikuta mountains.

Engaging Conversations

Esha also took part in an interactive podcast with AiR, discussing themes such as true happiness, love, and her journey towards self-realization. Additionally, she contributed her voice to a moving book testimonial for AiR, sharing illuminating teachings on achieving lasting bliss through self-knowledge.

A Transformative Experience

Reflecting on her visit, Esha expressed, “The Shivoham Shiva Temple is a haven of peace and divine energy. My experience at the Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra was profoundly touching, reminding me of the potential within each of us.”

Discussing her podcast with AiR, she noted, “My discussion with AiR was inspiring—his insights on happiness and self-realization helped me grasp the purpose of life and true bliss. I’m humbled to be part of his work through the podcast and book testimonial, and I hope to return to this sacred place.”

Words from AiR

AiR – Atman in Ravi shared, “It was a privilege to have Esha Gupta visit Shivoham Shiva Temple. Her genuine curiosity and desire for spiritual growth align with our mission to guide seekers towards their true selves. Our podcast interview on happiness and her heartfelt testimonial reflect her commitment to spreading positivity and inner awakening.”

Upcoming Projects

On the professional front, Esha will soon be seen in the much-anticipated sequel “Dhamaal 4.” Directed by Indra Kumar, the film boasts a stellar cast including Ajay Devgn, Riteish Deshmukh, Arshad Warsi, Sanjay Mishra, Jaaved Jaaferi, Sanjeeda Shaikh, Anjali Anand, Upendra Limaye, Vijay Patkar, and Ravi Kishan in key roles among others.

Television superstar Ankita Lokhande has every reason to be proud, as her husband, Vicky Jain, is set to appear in an upcoming Bollywood movie featuring Yami Gautam and Emraan Hashmi in lead roles.

Ankita shared a heartfelt and motivating message for Vicky on her social media account, saying, “So proud of you, @realvikasjainn. Every step you take, every milestone you achieve makes me cheer even louder. And now, as an associate producer for this incredible film Haq, your dedication, hard work, and vision shine brighter than ever.”

She also praised the movie’s team, adding, “A big shoutout to the entire team: Vineet Sir, Yami, Emraan Hashmi, Vartika Singh, Sandeep, Vishal, Juhi, and everyone involved. Wishing you all the very best. This film is going to touch hearts, and I can’t wait to see it on the big screen! (7th November) save the date.”

Moreover, she expressed her gratitude towards her friend, saying, “And my dearest @officialsandipssingh You are my chosen family. My first film as a leading actress was with you, and now with Vicky’s journey… you’ve always been a rock-solid presence in my life. So blessed to have you and to love what our friendship shares. To more upwards and onwards, always! Love, Ankita.”

The film “HAQ” draws inspiration from the Supreme Court’s landmark verdict in the Mohd. Ahmed Khan v. Shah Bano Begum case. It revisits one of India’s most discussed legal battles from the late 1970s and early 1980s.

For those who may not know, Ankita Lokhande and Vicky Jain tied the knot in December 2021 after dating for three years. The couple is considered one of the most beloved pairs on Indian television. They also participated in Bigg Boss season 17 together, where their relationship faced numerous challenges, but they managed to navigate through them successfully.

Recently, Vicky Jain suffered an accident, resulting in hospitalization and 45 stitches in his hand. Throughout this ordeal, Ankita has stood by him, offering unwavering support at home and in the hospital. She was even seen getting emotional while caring for her husband during this difficult time.