Category: Entertainment

TV actress Rupali Ganguly recently dedicated her latest achievement for “Anupamaa” to the late veteran actor, Satish Shah.

A Heartfelt Tribute

Describing him as her rockstar, Rupali expressed her gratitude for his unwavering support and guidance, emphasizing the strong bond and mutual respect they shared both on and off-screen. She won the Best Popular Actress award at the 25th ITA Awards, held at the Jio World Convention Centre. Sharing a series of photos, she wrote, “Gratitude Gratitude Gratitude This one is for the legend, my rockstar … my Satish Kaka #satishshah ……This beautiful year-end special signifies.”

Celebrating 25 Years in Television

Rupali reflected on her journey, noting, “25 years of dedication, hard work, dreams, hope, struggle, insecurity, disappointments, happiness… the only thing that stayed constant was moving forward with resilience and consistency. @ashwinkverma, your belief in me when I wanted to give up means everything. This marks 25 years since stepping into the wonderful world of television with debutant director @rajan.shahi.543 … the maverick who put his faith in this stay-at-home Mumma to make me his iconic #anupamaa.”

Gratitude to Team Anupamaa

Rupali further expressed her gratitude, saying, “Thank you, Team @starplus for your love and support always @hoodaankita @lindab_05 my precious girls @kshitijbaldota. Special thanks to @theitaofficial, @anuranjan1010, and especially to @shashiranjan3010 for making this event memorable by mentioning my Pappa. The love you have given me and Anupamaa throughout the year means a lot. It was a splendid evening for the entire team, where we had a clean sweep.”

Appreciating the Cast and Crew

She applauded her entire cast and crew, stating, “You are the real reason for this love; I’m just a face that shines because of all of you. Thank you @deepa.shahi.1428 for all the love and blessings. A special shoutout to my biggest cheerleaders #rudranshverma @gangulirajani @vijayganguly for always standing by me. #jaimatadi #jaimahakal Thank you for this stunning outfit @rohitkverma … loved it!”

Legacy of Monisha and Indravadan

For those unaware, Rupali Ganguly and Satish Shah played the on-screen daughter-in-law and father-in-law in the cult classic “Sarabhai vs Sarabhai.” Their roles as Monisha and Indravadan Sarabhai became some of the most cherished and iconic characters in Indian television history.

The makers of director Jason Sanjay’s eagerly awaited film ‘Sigma’, featuring actor Sundeep Kishan in the lead, have announced that the shooting for the film has been wrapped up.

In an update shared on their social media, renowned production house Lyca Productions stated, “#SIGMA shoot wrapped. Get ready for the Teaser on 23.12.25 at 5 PM.”

They also released a video clip showcasing Behind The Scenes visuals, including the team celebrating with a final wrap-up picture.

Exciting Debut

‘Sigma’ is one of the most anticipated releases in Tamil cinema, marking Jason Sanjay’s directorial debut. He is the son of the well-known actor Vijay, who is transitioning to a political career.

Musical Highlights

Sources indicate that Catherine Tresa will join Sundeep Kishan for a vibrant dance number composed by music director Thaman. This foot-tapping track promises to be a highlight of the film, shot on an expansive and colorful set.

Promo Poster

Recently unveiled, Sundeep Kishan’s striking first-look poster presents him in a rugged, contemplative avatar. It sets the stage for a high-octane adventure revolving around a treasure hunt filled with mystery, wit, and adrenaline.

Unique Storyline

The film narrates the tale of a maverick protagonist— a true Sigma— who forges his own path, defying conventions with grit and resilience. Blending edge-of-the-seat heist thrills with humor and heart, ‘Sigma’ aims to deliver a refreshing flavor to mainstream cinema.

Technical Excellence

The film features a talented technical team, including cinematographer Krishnan Vasant, editor Praveen K.L., and art director Benjamin M.

Multilingual Project

This multilingual project is being filmed simultaneously in Tamil and Telugu, showcasing a range of stunning landscapes from the bustling streets of Chennai and rugged terrains of Salem to the breathtaking Thalakona forests and exotic locations in Thailand.

Release Timeline

Sources have revealed that post-production work is currently progressing swiftly, and the movie is set for release in the summer of 2026.

Television actress Surbhi Chandna recently opened up about her journey with the hit show “Naagin,” highlighting that her decision to join wasn’t an immediate commitment.

Rethinking Her Decision

During a recent appearance on Rashami Desai’s talk show, Surbhi discussed how the Covid phase prompted her to pause and reflect on her career choices. She had always dreamed of working with Ekta Kapoor, which ultimately influenced her decision to take on the role when it felt right.

Initial Hesitations

When Surbhi was first offered the role, she expressed her concerns, saying, “I don’t fit the criteria… I told them that I am dying to work with Balaji but give me some other show.” After requesting some time to think it over, she learned about the storyline involving reincarnation and felt compelled to join the series as the Naagin, transitioning quickly into action mode.

A Humorous Perspective

Rashami Desai added some humor to the conversation, playfully pointing out a quirky aspect of being associated with “Naagin”: “Kids come up to you and say, ‘Aunty, Naagin ban ke dikhao na.’”

Background of “Naagin 5”

For those unfamiliar, “Naagin 5” aired from August 2020 to February 2021, featuring Surbhi Chandna, Sharad Malhotra, and Mohit Sehgal in prominent roles. This supernatural series follows the adventures of shape-shifting naagins as they confront evil forces while safeguarding a vital source of power. The story revolves around themes of love, revenge, and reincarnation, particularly focusing on the characters of Bani, played by Surbhi Chandna, and Veer, portrayed by Sharad Malhotra.

Commitment to Her Craft

Surbhi also reminisced about her experience shedding weight during her earlier show ‘Ishqbaaz,’ explaining that it was essential for her character. She emphasized her belief in respecting the vision of the makers.

Actor Varun Sharma recently opened up about the emotional highs and lows of his journey in the film industry. He acknowledged that pressure, sleepless nights, and self-doubt have often accompanied him throughout his career. However, the start of promotions for his upcoming film “Rahu Ketu” marked a significant turning point, as the love and support he received helped boost his confidence.

Emotional Response to Fan Interactions

Varun took to Instagram to share a heartfelt video of his interaction with fans, expressing gratitude for their overwhelming response. He revealed he was moved to tears after receiving so much love in Delhi.

“You see me smiling here, but as I sat in the car to return to my hotel, I had tears in my eyes. Dilli, thank you yaar itne pyaar ke liye. Today was the first day we kickstarted the promotions for ‘Rahu Ketu’ aur shuruwat toh Delhi se hi honi thi,” he shared.

Reflecting on his return to promotions after two years, he said, “I came on ground after 2 years to promote my film and it felt like I was always here.”

Struggles with Self-Doubt

Varun spoke candidly about the struggles actors often face. “Pata hai ik actor ka confidence na kaafi baar hilta hai, there is a certain kind of pressure, doubts main aate hai ki kaise hoga… agla kya… pichle se better/bada hona chahiye… kab hoga, etc. etc.,” he explained.

He admitted to experiencing bouts of self-doubt himself. “I was there too, had sleepless nights… long conversations with my own self… trying to figure things out and the list goes on. Lekin aaj phir laga ki yaar hoga aur bohot aache se hoga. At times, all you need is a lil push, and I feel blessed that there were thousands of my Friends who did that to me today.”

In closing, he expressed his gratitude: “Thank you for all the love, thank you for the confidence, thank you for making me a part of your home and for giving me space in your heart. I am forever grateful. Apni yaari zindabaad.”

About “Rahu Ketu”

Varun is widely recognized for his role as “Choocha” in the Fukrey film series. His next project, “Rahu Ketu,” is an upcoming Hindi-language comedy directed by Vipul Vig. The film features an ensemble cast that includes Pulkit Samrat, Shalini Pandey, and Chunky Panday.

The storyline revolves around two lovable yet clueless characters, Rahu and Ketu, who are born from a magical notebook belonging to writer Churu Lal. They embark on a chaotic adventure to retrieve the notebook from the crafty Meenu Taxi, while also uncovering surprising truths about their origins and encountering a dangerous drug mafia network, ultimately taking control of their own destiny.

Actor Suniel Shetty expressed his pride and affection while sharing glimpses of his son Ahan Shetty and son-in-law, cricketer KL Rahul.

On Instagram, the veteran actor posted a series of monochrome images and clips showcasing the dapper duo from a photoshoot. He affectionately referred to them as “my suns” in the caption.

Suniel has two children, Ahan and Athiya, with his wife Mana Shetty. Both siblings have embarked on their acting journeys, with Athiya making her debut in the 2015 film Hero and Ahan following suit in 2021 with Sajid Nadiadwala’s Tadap.

Ahan is currently preparing for the release of his upcoming film “Border 2,” where he will portray a Navy officer. Directed by Anurag Singh, “Border 2” boasts a stellar ensemble cast that includes Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, Ahan Shetty, Medha Rana, Mona Singh, and Sonam Bajwa. The film is set to hit theaters on January 23, 2026, and is produced by Bhushan Kumar, JP Dutta, and Nidhi Dutta.

Ahan began his acting career with the romantic action drama film Tadap, which was directed by Milan Luthria and co-starred Tara Sutaria. The film was a remake of the popular Telugu action film RX 100. Following this, he will lead an Indian horror feature film inspired by real events, penned by Patrick Graham, who is returning to Hindi-language horror. The as-yet-untitled project is produced by Khyati Madaan’s Not Out Entertainment alongside Prashant Gunjalkar. Positioned as a theatrical horror experience that combines scares with romance, it is built around a significant historical event. The casting for the female lead is currently in progress, and details regarding the title and director are yet to be revealed.

Meanwhile, Athiya has been in a relationship with Indian cricketer KL Rahul since 2019. The couple tied the knot in 2023 in Khandala and welcomed their baby girl, Evaarah, in March.

Despite receiving immense love for “Dhurandhar,” actor Akshaye Khanna, who is known for his introverted nature, has chosen to stay away from social media and the spotlight, preferring to spend this time in solitude.

Simi Garewal Remembers a Special Encounter

Amid the accolades flooding in, veteran actress Simi Garewal reminisced about her experience of understanding the enigmatic Akshaye Khanna during her chat show, “Rendezvous with Simi Garewal.”

Discussing the barriers he builds around himself, Akshaye shared, “I may have become slightly better at making them look a little transparent, but they are still there.”

When queried about whether he possesses a soulful and vulnerable essence, he simply responded with a “yeah.”

Sensitivity at Heart

“I am very sensitive to people I consider close to me. The slightest thing there, and I am like ‘Oh God,’ it hurts me,” Akshaye elaborated. He acknowledged that while he is extremely cautious about not hurting others, he sometimes finds himself doing so inadvertently.

“I regret it later and vow never to do it again, yet sometimes you slip up. Since I am so sensitive, I am very cautious about others’ sensitivity,” he admitted.

The Importance of Apologizing

Akshaye revealed he has no qualms about saying sorry, stating, “It is such a nice thing, and it’s so easy, it’s so freeing.”

He clarified that being an introvert is not a personal choice for him. Instead, he enjoys meeting new people; it simply doesn’t come naturally. “I like meeting people and getting to know them; I just don’t have the skills to do it, that’s it. There is a big difference between not wanting to and being closed, as opposed to not being able to,” Akshaye expressed.

Simi’s Throwback Clip

Sharing a throwback clip on her Instagram, Simi captioned, “He’s Akshaye Khanna. A superb actor. He’s also an introvert. It was rewarding to break through the walls that surround him in our throwback Rendezvous. A man of few words, he didn’t evade. He let me peer inside the enigma.”

Hollywood star Colin Farrell, known for his compelling performances, plays an addict in his latest film, Ballad of a Small Player. He shared his affinity for roles that delve into the darker aspects of life, emphasizing that every human experiences difficult moments.

Exploring Human Pain

Farrell expressed: “I have mad moments of joy in my life, joy in my work and joy with my kids. But I’ve always felt that the common denominator in regard to human experience is pain. The one thing we’ve all felt, really, is pain. I put fear and uncertainty under that banner.”

He noted the tragedy that not everyone has experienced joy and stated, “But I’m fascinated with pain. Every single act of aggression or violence has its root in pain that has become personalized.” This insight came during a conversation with Jessie Buckley for Variety’s Actors on Actors series.

Personal Experience and Character Exploration

Despite his own past struggles with addiction, Farrell mentioned that he did not rely on his personal history for this particular role. He believes that addiction is a “particular” experience. “When I read Ballad, it was a character that—there was no reason, no backstory given in the script—he just was somebody who was drowning beneath this agitated pain. I couldn’t really figure it out when I read it. I concocted whatever fiction for myself in regard to backstory. But I just wanted to explore it,” he said.

Farrell acknowledged, “I’ve had a history of addiction and bits of depression and anxiety—the whole smorgasbord of human frailties as well. Inevitably, you’re always drawing from your personal experiences, but I didn’t feel like I was drawing from my experience with addiction, which was very particular.”

He elaborated, “The addiction is just a consequence of certain unanswered questions or uncertainties that are too fearful to even comprehend. So you pretend they’re not there. And you pretend that you have answers when you don’t have any business having an answer at that particular point. You just have to sit in the uncertainty of it all—sit with the agitation and the sorrow and the fear of that.”

Privilege and Acceptance

The actor, whose eldest son has Angelman syndrome, a rare genetic disorder, recognizes the privilege in his work that allows him to reflect on his experiences and feelings. However, he is also aware that acting cannot significantly alter his personal life.

He remarked, “The permission to be overwhelmed is a huge thing to give to each other, to give to our kids. I’m so aware of the amount of privilege that I’ve experienced in my life and what rare air I fly in regarding what I do for a living. But at the end of the day, there’s nothing I can do in acting that can make James, my oldest boy, talk or have language.”

The makers of director Pradeep Advaitham’s period drama ‘Champion’, featuring actors Roshan and Anaswara Rajan in lead roles, have released an intense trailer that has captured the excitement of fans and film enthusiasts.

Trailer Release

Swapna Cinemas, the production house behind the film, took to social media to share the trailer, stating, “From the pages of the history comes a revolutionary saga. The epic unfolds now. Presenting #ChampionTrailer to you all! #Champion in cinemas worldwide from DECEMBER 25th, 2025.”

Plot Overview

Set in 1948, a year after India’s independence, the trailer indicates that while most of the country celebrates freedom, a region called Bairanpally in the province of Hyderabad is still under the Nizams’ control. Amidst this backdrop, the protagonist, who serves as a government cop, enters the fray.

He is depicted as a talented footballer with dreams of heading to London to become a world champion. However, his aspirations take a turn when he finds himself heading to Bairanpally instead. Despite the disappointment, he accepts his new posting and meets Anaswara Rajan, who supports herself by staging plays with her troupe. After a rocky start, the two develop a bond. But turmoil soon erupts in Bairanpally, leading viewers to wonder: What mission has Roshan been assigned? Will he succeed? ‘Champion’ promises to answer these questions.

Technical Expertise

With a stellar technical team, ‘Champion’ has generated significant buzz.

• National Award-winning art director Thota Tharani meticulously recreates the pre-Independence era, while cinematographer R Madhie enriches the narrative with stunning visuals.
• The film’s editing is handled by Kotagiri Venkateswara Rao.

Release Date

‘Champion’ is set to hit theatres on December 25, perfectly timed for the Christmas celebrations.

Known for iconic tracks like “Kaam 25,” “Apna Time Aayega,” “Chal Bombay,” and “Baazigar,” rapper Divine is gearing up to premiere his fifth studio album, titled ‘Walking On Water.’ He describes this release as a powerful statement of evolution, dominance, reflection, and spiritual grounding.

Divine remarks, “This album is a declaration of evolution, dominance, reflection and spiritual grounding—celebrating everything I’ve built and everything I’ve survived. It’s an album for the streets. For the culture. For the believers. And for those who doubted.”

This 16-track album chronicles his remarkable journey from the gullies of Mumbai to the global hip-hop scene. Released under his label Gully Gang, it features an impressive lineup of collaborators, including Hanumankind, Gurinder Gill, Riar Saab, MC Altaf, Sammohit, and Kalyani Priyadarshan. Producers ZZORAWAR, Stunnah Beatz, and Phenom contribute to the mix, along with bold reinterpretations of iconic Bollywood tracks like A.R. Rahman’s timeless “Kehna Hi Kya,” R.D. Burman’s classics “Mehbooba Mehbooba,” and “Give Me Some Sunshine” from 3 Idiots.

Diverse Soundscapes

‘Walking On Water’ boasts a diverse sonic palette, merging trap and Afro-pop influences with Bollywood film samples, introspective minimalism, and high-energy Gully Gang cyphers.

Divine stands out as a pioneer of the Indian hip-hop scene, instrumental in bringing it into the mainstream. His lyrics often reflect his experiences growing up in the chawls of Mumbai, highlighting themes of street life, struggles, and aspirations.

He began gaining traction with “Yeh Mera Bombay” in 2013 and achieved major success with “Mere Gully Mein” in 2015, collaborated with fellow Mumbai-based rapper Naezy. In 2020, he made history by becoming the first Indian rapper to feature on the Spotify Times Square billboard in New York City for his album Punya Paap.

His participation at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards in 2022 marked him as the first Indian hip-hop star to attend the Grammys. Divine’s third studio album, Gunehgar, was released in 2022, featuring the hit single “Baazigar” with American rapper Armani White. He also launched a collaborative album with Punjabi singer Karan Aujla, further solidifying his impact in the music scene.

Actor Riteish Deshmukh sent heartfelt birthday wishes to his father-in-law, Neil D’Souza, highlighting the important life lesson of facing challenges with a smile.

On Instagram, Riteish expressed his gratitude, acknowledging that Neil’s guidance has played a significant role in inspiring him to become a better version of himself. He wished Neil good health, a long life, and a future filled with laughter and love.

In his post, Riteish shared a collection of photos featuring himself with Neil, his wife Genelia Deshmukh, brother-in-law Nigel, and their sons, Riaan and Rahyl. He captioned the images: “Dearest Pops!!! Happy Birthday!!! The biggest lesson I learnt from you was to face life’s biggest challenges with a smile. Thank you for inspiring me to be a better version of myself. I wish you the best of health, long life filled with laughter and love.”

Riteish met Genelia while filming “Tujhe Meri Kasam” in 2003, and they fell in love. The couple married in 2012 following Marathi marriage traditions in a Hindu ceremony, and they celebrated a Christian wedding the next day. Their first son, Riaan, was born in 2014, followed by their second son, Rahyl, in 2016.

Riteish and Genelia have collaborated on several films, including “Tujhe Meri Kasam,” “Masti,” “Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya,” “Lai Bhaari,” “Mister Mummy,” and “Ved.”

Recently, Riteish celebrated his 47th birthday, during which Genelia shared a loving message for him. She wrote, “My Dearest @riteishd, I know everyone who knows us wonders how we are inseparable and yet so happy about it, even after all these years.. But the truth is, it’s all YOU.”

Describing Riteish as love and grace personified, Genelia noted how he brings laughter, wipes away her tears, and provides comfort just by being himself. She expressed, “You are love. You are grace. You make me laugh, and even if I cry, you wipe away every tear.”

Genelia added, “You have the most amazing ways of making a connection, and everyone feels they matter when they are in your company. For me, I have you 24-7; just imagine what I get to experience from the man who has a heart of gold.”

She concluded, “I will celebrate you every day, every minute, every second because you are all that and more. Happy Birthday, my heartbeat. You have my heart; just keep it safe with you.”