Author: Ankita Singh

Actor Lakshya, who stars in the recently released streaming show ‘The Ba***ds of Bollywood,’ expressed that the story is deeply rooted and will resonate with all viewers.

During a promotional campaign in Mumbai, the actor shared his insights about the show. He described his initial connection with the project, stating, “I felt a connection, a very strong connection with the material, with the script. The script came much later because when we were locked for the casting, that’s the time the script came to all of us. And that’s the time we all read it also. So the first time I got the scene for the audition, that scene that you see in the trailer also where I’m talking to Sahher Bambba’s character, and I say, ‘Sitaare toh bahut hain, par Aasmaan ek hi hai,’ that scene felt very personal.”

He elaborated on his character, noting, “That kind of attitude I also have. I don’t showcase it that much, but of course deep down it’s still there; he’s a boy from Delhi, he has an attitude similar to mine. The world is of course big, it’s humorous and everything, but that show was very connected to my heart. I felt very connected. I felt that this is my story.”

Lakshya hopes that viewers will relate to the series, saying, “I hope whoever watches this show will be able to say, ‘I find myself in this.’ Because it’s a very rooted story, it’s a very connected story. The world can be anything, but the emotion that you and I face in everyday life is that emotion.”

‘The Ba***ds of Bollywood’ marks the directorial debut of Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan’s elder son, Aryan Khan. It is also his first project as a creator, co-written alongside Bilal Siddiqi and Manav Chauhan. The series is now available to stream on Netflix.

Singer-songwriter Shannon K is all set to bring the heat with her upcoming performance in the ‘Unforgettable’ 90s USA and Canada Tour 2025. She will be sharing the stage with her father, the legendary playback singer Kumar Sanu, and Sadhana Sargam.

A Fresh Perspective on Iconic Hits

Performing alongside Kumar Sanu and Sadhana Sargam, Shannon adds a unique touch that resonates with both long-time Bollywood fans and a younger, global audience. She aims to revive the magic of iconic ’90s songs while reimagining them in her own artistic style. The fusion of her pop-driven originals with Bollywood classics presented in her distinctive voice promises an unforgettable experience.

Upcoming Shows

Her performances are scheduled in California this Saturday (Pacific Standard Time) and in New Jersey on September 21.

Shannon K’s Thoughts on the Tour

Speaking about the tour, Shannon K expressed, “Performing alongside my father and Sadhana ji feels like living a dream, and it’s an honor to share the stage with two such icons. These are songs I grew up listening to, just like all the ’90s kids, and now I get to perform them for audiences while also bringing in my own style. I love blending my pop sound with these timeless classics; it feels like celebrating the magic of the ’90s while giving it a fresh touch for today’s generation. Every night on stage is a reminder of how music connects us across time and cultures.”

For Shannon, this tour isn’t just about sharing the spotlight with legends; it’s also about building a musical bridge across generations.

Kumar Sanu’s Sentiments

Kumar Sanu shared his excitement, stating, “Bringing the ’90s back for Bollywood music lovers with Sadhana ji has been a nostalgic journey, and performing alongside Shannon has made it one of the most memorable highlights of this tour.” He continued, “Audiences know me for the songs of the ’90s, but now they also experience a new energy when Shannon adds her own style to these classics. As a father, I feel immense pride watching her win hearts with her voice and presence. Together with Sadhana ji, it feels like we are creating a concert experience that blends nostalgia with the future of music.”

A Successful Journey So Far

This tour continues the success of its 2024 edition, which set the record as the longest North American tour ever by an Indian singer. While Shannon has the towering legacy of her father to navigate, she remains committed to establishing her own authentic space as an artist, infusing fresh perspectives and heartfelt emotion into her music.

“Bigg Boss 19” heats up as an upcoming task sparks a clash between Awez Giri and Neelam Giri over strategies to play it safe.

Following the task concerning who doesn’t deserve a spot on the Bigg Boss thumbnail, Awez names Neelam, which leads to an argument in the garden area of the house.

Awez accuses Neelam of trying to please everyone, stating, “Neelam bahut logo ko please karna chah rahi hai just woh nominations se bachne ke liye.” Neelam firmly disagrees with him, prompting Awez to respond, “Paranthe omeltte jo log khate hai wohi agree karengay.”

This comment infuriates Neelam, who responds, “I make eggs for him not because I want him to save me. I like him. I don’t like you, that’s why I don’t make anything for you. Tu safe khela hai…. The person I respect, I will respect and the person I don’t I will not and that’s you.”

Awez, clearly annoyed, tells Neelam, “Seedha jaa left le.. Anda bana chai bana aur dede sabko.” Their heated exchange continues with both pointing fingers at each other. Awez insists he will confront anyone who interferes, leading Neelam to challenge him: “Ab toh bol? Yahan bolneka time tha yahan tu bol leta. .. Peeche peeche khelta hai bakwaas karta hai.”

This escalating tension follows last week’s surprising double eviction, which saw Natalia Janoszek and Nagma Mirajkar exit the show. The current contestants in the Bigg Boss house include Gaurav Khanna, Amaal Mallik, Awez Darbar, Ashnoor Kaur, Mridul Tiwari, Kunickaa Sadanand, Baseer Ali, Abhishek Bajaj, Tanya Mittal, Zeishan Quadri, Nehal Chudasama, Pranit More, Farhana Bhatt, and Neelam Giri.

This week, contestants nominated for eviction are Abhishek Bajaj, Ashnoor Kaur, Nehal Chudasama, Baseer Ali, or Pranit More. The show is available on JioHotstar and Colors.

Filmmaker-producer Mahesh Bhatt, well-known for nurturing fresh talent in Hindi cinema, recently shared insights on how he mentored Suhrita Das, the debutant director of his upcoming production ‘Tu Meri Poori Kahani’.

Journey of Suhrita Das

In a conversation in Andheri West, Mahesh Bhatt revealed the inspirational journey of Suhrita. He recounted their first meeting during the Durga Puja festival 11 years ago in Kolkata. She explained how the festival’s theme honored women and described her own life as a hairdresser. Despite being settled with a rich husband and two children, she felt an inner restlessness fueled by her passion for writing. “She believes that a woman should do work irrespective of being a housewife,” Bhatt noted. Suhrita shared her unique approach, saying, “I cut hair with the left hand and write with the right hand,” which piqued Bhatt’s interest.

After he requested writing samples, Bhatt was impressed by the raw energy and recklessness of her writing.

Collaborative Projects

While working on the film ‘Hamari Adhuri Kahani’, Bhatt sought a compelling scene for the climax. He recalled, “I wanted a scene where Vidya Balan’s character stands up to her husband, reflecting her truth.” He recognized that Suhrita’s life experiences provided an authentic foundation for storytelling, stating, “She is capable of writing a story sourced from her living wounds, unlike most who rely on imagination.”

Their collaboration also extended to television, where they created the series ‘Naamkaran’. Suhrita candidly admitted, “I come from a literary background. I don’t know much about cinematic craft.” Bhatt recalled her struggles, saying, “She was perplexed because in cinema we write in images and sound. It’s quite different from the literary world.”

He encouraged her, emphasizing that learning comes through experience: “You learn swimming by swimming, you learn writing by writing.”

Upcoming Release

‘Tu Meri Poori Kahani’, directed by Suhrita Das, is set to hit theatres on September 26, 2025.

Veteran actor Anupam Kher emphasizes that acting transcends merely depicting a character on the outside; it’s equally vital to embody a profound inner calmness and strength.

The actor recently shared a video on Instagram showcasing his preparation for his role in the Canadian film “Calorie,” which is set for its first official screening at the Calgary International Film Festival, taking place from September 18 to September 28.

Reflecting on his role in “Calorie,” Anupam stated, “As an actor in certain roles, it is not just the exterior that matters. One has to connect with the character from within, bringing a certain inner calmness and strength. That’s what I focused on while working for Calorie.”

He also expressed his excitement for the film, saying, “@caloriethefilm is having its first official screening at the prestigious @ciffcalgary! I am sorry I am not personally present but my best wishes are always with the whole team! Jai Ho! #Canadian #Film.”

Based on a real-life tragedy, “Calorie” tells the story of a family weighed down by a traumatic past as they seek to reconnect.

The film follows Monika, a Sikh-Canadian, who struggles to confront a tragic secret from her past while trying to maintain her relationship with her two teenage daughters. In an effort to make amends, she sends Alia, her calorie-obsessed 13-year-old, and her 17-year-old daughter Simi to spend the summer with relatives in Amritsar, hoping to find time to face her own demons.

Haunted by the memories of her mother, who was killed in the 1985 Air India bombing when she was a teenager, Monika’s reunion with her daughters in India is met with coldness, as they feel abandoned by her.

Director Unni Sivalingam is excited to share that the upcoming Tamil-Malayalam bilingual sports action drama ‘Balti’ prominently features the sport of Kabaddi. He revealed in a recent media interaction that at least seven real Pro Kabaddi league players have been cast in the film, specifically in the action sequences that highlight the sport.

Film Overview

The storyline is set in the border region of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, focusing on four boys who are passionate Kabaddi players. It illustrates how they utilize the techniques of Kabaddi to outsmart their opponents. Shane Nigam, Shanthanu Baghyaraj, and the rest of the cast underwent a month-long Kabaddi training camp to ensure authenticity in their performances. However, instead of solely training actors, Sivalingam decided to include actual players to enhance the film’s realism.

Collaborations and Characters

Interestingly, ‘Balti’ has partnered with the Pro Kabaddi league team Tamil Thalaivas, representing Tamil Nadu. The film has recently unveiled the look of actor Akshay Radhakrishnan, who portrays a character named Pratheep.

Originally set to release worldwide on August 29 for Onam, the film’s premiere has now been rescheduled to September 26. Shane Nigam stars as Udhayan, a fearless raider who instills fear in the defense of rival teams. Notably, this film marks an important milestone in Nigam’s career as it is his 25th project.

In addition to Shane Nigam, the film features Preethi Asrani and Shanthanu Baghyaraj in key roles. Director Alphonse Puthren, known for the blockbuster ‘Premam,’ will make an appearance as a cold-blooded gangster named Soda Babu. Shanthanu Baghyaraj will play a character named Kumar, while Selvaraghavan portrays Porthamarai Bhairavan.

Production Team

Written and directed by Unni Sivalingam, ‘Balti’ is being produced by Santhosh T. Kuruvilla and Binu George Alexander under the banners of STK Frames and Binu George Alexander Productions, respectively. The cinematography is handled by Alex J. Pulickal, with art direction by Ashik S. Music for the film is composed by the young sensation Sai Abhyankkar. Editing is done by Shivkumar V. Panicker, and costumes are designed by Melwy J. With a focus on high-action sequences, the film employs two renowned stunt masters, Action Sandhosh and Vicky.

As his film “Homebound” secures the title of India’s Official Entry for Best International Feature at the 98th Academy Awards, actor Vishal Jethwa expressed that this recognition is beyond anything he had envisioned at the start of his cinematic journey.

Vishal shared, “This moment feels absolutely surreal; it’s the kind of news every actor dreams of hearing one day. To know that Homebound is representing India on the world’s biggest cinematic stage is beyond anything I imagined when I began my journey in films.”

He extended immense gratitude to the National Award-winning filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan, stating, “I’m thankful for not only believing in me but for entrusting me with a role that challenged me as an artist and transformed me as a person.”

Reflecting on his co-stars, he stated, “Working with Ishaan Khatter and Janhvi Kapoor was equally special; they were more than just co-actors; they were supportive collaborators who made every scene richer with their energy and generosity.”

For Vishal, this recognition is not just a personal milestone; he sees it as a testament to the “entire team’s hard work, passion, and the power of Indian storytelling.”

He added, “I feel proud to be a part of a film that carries a piece of our culture and heart to an international audience. To be standing alongside such incredible talent and representing my country on a global platform is truly humbling, and I’m filled with gratitude and excitement for what lies ahead.”

Directed by renowned filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan, Homebound chronicles the journey of two childhood friends in a North Indian village as they strive to secure police jobs. As they move closer to their dream, desperation and personal conflict begin to test the strength of their bond.

Produced by Dharma Productions, Homebound, starring Ishaan Khatter, Janhvi Kapoor, and Vishal Jethwa, is set to release in theatres on September 26.

Actress-singer Shehnaaz Gill, who gained immense popularity from her participation in the 13th season of Bigg Boss, recently made a stylish statement in a monochrome outfit, embodying her definition of “real attitude.”

Shehnaaz took to Instagram, sharing a variety of photos where she donned a sleek black pantsuit paired with a crisp white shirt, radiating glamour, elegance, and confidence. In her caption, she elaborated on her viewpoint about elegance, stating, “Elegance is the real attitude.”

Currently, Shehnaaz is busy with her latest project, the Punjabi film “Ikk Kudi,” which she produced and which is directed by Amarjit Singh Saron. The storyline revolves around a woman from a family of broken hearts who begins to doubt her arranged marriage match and sets out to unravel her fiancé’s enigmatic past.

In Bollywood, she was last seen in “Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video,” where she made a special appearance alongside Rajkummar Rao and Triptii Dimri for the song “Sajna Ve Sajna.”

Shehnaaz captured hearts on “Bigg Boss 13,” winning audiences over with her innocence, lively banter, and her chemistry with the late Sidharth Shukla, who was the show’s winner. The two became affectionately known as “SidNaaz.”

Reflecting on her journey, Shehnaaz began her modeling career in 2015 with a music video titled ‘Shiv Di Kitaab.’ She made her Punjabi film debut in 2017 with ‘Sat Shri Akaal England.’

Her filmography boasts titles such as ‘Kala Shah Kala,’ ‘Daaka,’ ‘Honsla Rakh,’ ‘Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan,’ and ‘Thank You for Coming.’

Additionally, Shehnaaz has featured in numerous music videos, including ‘Maar Kar Gayi,’ ‘Pindaan Diyaan Kudiyaan,’ ‘Je Haan Ni Karni,’ ‘Putt Sardaran De,’ ‘Lakh Laanhta,’ ‘Viah Da Chaa,’ ‘Jatt Jaan Vaarda,’ ‘Gusse Ho Ke Nahiyo Sarna,’ ‘Jatti Hadd Sekhdi,’ ‘Gunday Ik Vaar Fer,’ ‘Peg Paun Wele,’ ‘Gedi Route,’ ‘Shona Shona,’ and ‘Habit.’ She also has ‘Sab First Class’ in the pipeline.

If sources in the industry are to be believed, the unit of director Abhilash Kankara’s upcoming Telugu film, featuring actor Sharwanand in the lead role, is currently shooting some key racing scenes in Hyderabad.

For those unaware, Sharwanand plays a bike racer in this film, which is tentatively referred to as #Sharwa36. Reports indicate that he will be showcasing his skills as a talented motorcycle racer, with the production now in its final stages.

A source mentioned, “The shooting of the film is currently taking place in Hyderabad. Key scenes related to the race involving Sharwanand and his team are being captured. These scenes are expected to be the highlight of the film, and he will impress audiences with stunts that promise an adrenaline rush like never before.”

Interestingly, the makers have recently released brand new stills of Sharwanand, much to the delight of his fans.

Malavika Nair stars as the female lead, while well-known character actors Brahmaji and Atul Kulkarni play pivotal roles.

Produced by Vamsi and Pramod, this high-energy film is said to be set against the backdrop of motocross racing. It tells a thrilling story of a family spanning three generations, framed within the exciting motocross culture of the 90s and early 2000s.

Cinematography for the film is handled by acclaimed cameraman J Yuvraj, with music composed by renowned Tamil music director Ghibran. The film is edited by Anil Kumar P, with N Sandeep serving as the executive producer. Rajeevan is responsible for production design, while A Panneerselvam takes on the role of art director.

The makers of director Sujeeth’s eagerly awaited action extravaganza, ‘They Call Him OG’, featuring actor Pawan Kalyan in the lead, have released the much-anticipated track ‘Washi Yo Washi’, sung by Pawan Kalyan himself, much to the delight of fans.

DVV Entertainment, the production house behind the film, took to its social media timelines to announce, “His voice. Our celebration. Have a blasting experience.”

About the Track

The track, delivered stunningly by Pawan Kalyan, is set to music by renowned music director Thaman. It essentially showcases Pawan Kalyan’s character addressing the antagonist, Omi, with a Haiku poem, expressing his intent to bring Omi down. Pawan Kalyan begins by saying, “I will tell you a Haiku that my guru told me when I was young. Listen.”

He then recites the Haiku in Japanese, detailing the steps one must take to hunt a wild eagle. The Haiku reads:

“WASHI YO WASHI (Eagle oh eagle)
Yasei no washi o korosu ni wa (To kill a wild eagle)
Mazu tsubasa o kiri otosu hitsu yoo ga aru (You need to cut its wings first).”

The subsequent lines further elaborate the hunting process:

“Jimen ni ochitara..me o eguri dasu (When it falls on the ground, you pluck its eyes)
Me ga mienaku nari, doko ni ikeba ii no ka wakara naku suru (It becomes blind and doesn’t know where to go).
Sokode ashi o kitte ugokenaku suru (That’s when you cut its legs and make it immobile).
Soshite, yasei no shinzou o eguri dasu noda (And that’s when you will pluck its wild heart out).
Washi Yo Washi.”

Fan Anticipation

The film has generated immense excitement among fans and film enthusiasts since the release of a glimpse video during Pawan Kalyan’s birthday celebration. This glimpse features the antagonist reading a letter to OG (played by Pawan Kalyan), saying, “Dear OG, Expecting to meet you, to talk to you and to kill you, your OMI. Happy birthday OG.” It juxtaposes this with intense visuals of the antagonist bludgeoning his victims with a baseball bat, giving viewers a taste of the brutal conflict OG faces. The trailer concludes with Pawan Kalyan wielding a Japanese Katana sword, teasing an intense confrontation.

Fans are left thrilled by this glimpse.

Film Details

‘They Call Him OG’, directed by Sujeeth, features a powerful ensemble cast, including Emraan Hashmi, Priyanka Arul Mohan, Prakash Raj, and Sriya Reddy in pivotal roles. Produced by DVV Danayya and Kalyan Dasari under the DVV Entertainment banner—the same powerhouse behind the global sensation RRR—OG is already being heralded as the biggest cinematic event of 2025.

Cinematography is handled by Ravi K Chandran ISC and Manoj Paramahamsa ISC, with editing by Navin Nooli. The film promises a captivating blend of action, mystique, and madness, carrying the tagline “They Call Him OG.”

Initially slated for release on September 27 last year, the film experienced a delay and is now set to hit screens on September 25 this year.