Category: Entertainment

Megastar Chiranjeevi shared a heartfelt birthday message for Telugu star Venkatesh, expressing how much he valued their time together on the set of their upcoming film, “Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu.”

Wishing Venkatesh on his X timeline, Chiranjeevi wrote, “Wishing you many happy returns my dear @VenkyMama. You’ve always brought warmth and positivity wherever you go, and I cherish every moment we’ve shared during the shoot of #ManaShankaraVaraPrasadGaru. Have a truly joyful and blessed year ahead.”

In a notable collaboration, Venkatesh and Chiranjeevi, two of the biggest names in Telugu cinema, are working together for the first time in the much-anticipated mass family entertainer directed by Anil Ravipudi.

Venkatesh also shared his excitement on X after completing his part in the film. He stated, “Wrapped up my part today for #ManaShankaraVaraPrasadGaru, and what an incredible experience it has been! Working with my favourite @KChiruTweets was an absolute joy, and this film has left me with so many lovely memories. It was long overdue to share the screen with ‘Megastar Chiranjeevi,’ and I’m so glad @AnilRavipudi finally brought us together for this special film. Can’t wait to celebrate Sankranthi 2026 with all of you in theatres!”

The film makers have already filmed a vibrant dance number featuring both stars, shot in Gachibowli. This will be the first time that Chiranjeevi and Venkatesh will perform together in a grand celebration number.

Sources revealed that the dance number, composed by Bheems Ceciroleo, will feature over 500 dancers, transforming the set into a colorful carnival filled with rhythm and energy. The chemistry and exuberance between the two stars are expected to make this song a favorite among fans and moviegoers.

Initially referred to as #Mega157, the film is generating significant excitement, especially since Nayanthara is set to share the screen with Chiranjeevi for the third time following “Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy” and “Godfather.”

Another point of interest is Venkatesh’s cameo in the film, marking the first time these two icons will appear together on screen.

Produced by Sahu Garapati and Sushmita Konidela under Shine Screens and Gold Box Entertainments, with Smt. Archana as the presenter, the film is backed by a talented technical team. Bheems Ceciroleo is handling the music, while Sameer Reddy serves as the cinematographer. Tammiraju is responsible for editing, with A S Prakash as the art director. The film, co-written by S Krishna and G Adi Narayana, is scheduled to release for Sankranti 2026.

Filmmaker Aditya Dhar is currently enjoying the success of his latest release, “Dhurandhar,” and has confirmed that “part 2 is coming.” He expressed his determination to “do his best to live up to this encouragement” after Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan shared his thoughts about the film.

Hrithik initially praised “Dhurandhar” on Instagram on December 11, saying, “I love cinema, I love people who climb into a vortex and let the story take control, spin them shake them until what they want to say is purged out of them onto that screen. DHURANDAR is an example of that. Loved the storytelling. It’s cinema.”

He noted, “I may disagree with the politics of it and argue about the responsibilities us filmmakers should bear as citizens of the world. Nevertheless, can’t ignore how I loved and learnt from this one as a student of cinema. Amazing. #akshaykhanna has always been my fav and this film is proof why. @ranveersingh the silent to the fierce what a journey and so damn consistent. @actormaddy bloody mad grace, strength, and dignity!!”

Hrithik also praised Rakesh Bedi for his phenomenal performance, adding, “What an ACT, brilliant!! A huge big round of applause for everyone, especially the makeup and prosthetics dept! I can’t wait for part 2!!!”

Following this, Hrithik shared his reflections on X, stating, “Still can’t get DHURANDHAR out of my mind. @AdityaDharFilms you are an incredible maker man. @RanveerOfficial the silent to the fierce what a journey and so damn consistent. #akshayekhanna has always been my fav and this film is proof why. @ActorMadhavan bloody mad grace, strength, and dignity!! But man @bolbedibol what you did was phenomenal.. what an ACT, brilliant!! A huge big round of applause for everyone, especially the makeup and prosthetics dept! I can’t wait for part 2!!!”

In response to Hrithik’s second post, Aditya wrote, “Deeply humbled by your love for #DHURANDHAR, @iHrithik Sir. Every actor and every department gave more than 100%, and your appreciation is a huge boost for the whole team. Thank you for celebrating their craft. Part 2 is coming… and we’ll try our best to live up to this encouragement.”

“Dhurandhar” also features R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, Sara Arjun, and Rakesh Bedi, along with Manav Gohil, Danish Pandor, Saumya Tandon, Gaurav Gera, and Naveen Kaushik in supporting roles.

The film boasts a runtime of 214 minutes, making it one of the longest Indian films ever made. It draws inspiration from real-life events involving geopolitical tensions and covert operations conducted by India’s R&AW, particularly those related to Operation Lyari, the 2008 Mumbai attacks, and the crackdown on gangs and criminal syndicates.

As the first of a two-part series, “Dhurandhar” was released in theaters on December 5. It narrates the story of an underworld saga following a network of criminals, informants, and operatives whose lives intersect as they navigate covert operations, espionage, and betrayals.

Actor Paras Arora has been cast as Jeetu Pandey in the upcoming show “Gharwali Pedwali.” He describes his character as beautifully relatable, emphasizing his desire for a simple and peaceful life, yet constantly finding himself in complicated situations.

Paras shared, “Jeetu is a beautifully relatable character, someone who wants a simple, peaceful life but always ends up in complicated situations.” He is particularly drawn to the character’s unpredictability, stating, “Playing a man balancing two wives—one real and one supernatural—is both hilarious and creatively challenging. What drew me to this role was its innocence and unpredictability.”

He further expressed his enthusiasm for the comedy genre, remarking, “Comedy as a genre is incredibly rewarding, and this script instantly connects with me because it offers humour rooted in emotion. I am excited for viewers to see Jeetu’s confusion, charm and journey as he navigates this utterly chaotic double life.”

Priyamvada Kant, portraying Latika in the show, describes her character as dramatic, affectionate, and delightfully mischievous. She said, “My character Latika is the heart of the show, dramatic, affectionate, old-worldly, and delightfully mischievous. As a spirit who genuinely believes Jeetu belongs to her, her emotions and actions drive much of the show’s humour and warmth.”

Kant added, “Supernatural comedy is such an unexplored genre on Indian television, and that’s exactly what drew me to this project. Latika is layered, expressive, and funny, and playing her allows me to blend comedy with emotional depth. I’m thrilled to return to television with a role this unique.”

Set against the vibrant backdrop of Varanasi, “Gharwali Pedwali” tells the story of Jeetu, whose life has always been shaped by unexpected “twos” – two mothers, two fathers, two bosses, and now, by destiny’s strangest turn, two wives.

Produced by Peninsula Productions, the show is set to premiere on December 15 at 10:00 PM, airing Monday to Friday on &TV.

Former “Bigg Boss 19” contestant Shehbaz Badeshah has revealed his deep friendship with composer-singer Amaal Mallik, emphasizing that their bond is built on genuine respect rather than rivalry.

Zero Competition

Highlighting their camaraderie, Shehbaz took to Instagram, sharing a photo of himself with Amaal from the success party of the much-talked-about reality show hosted by Salman Khan. He captioned the image, “Real friendship, zero competition,” offering a shout-out to Amaal Mallik.

Friendship in the Spotlight

Shehbaz and Amaal developed a close friendship during the 19th season of “Bigg Boss,” which culminated with actor Gaurav Khanna emerging as the winner. Shehbaz secured a place in the Top 10, while Amaal finished in the Top 5, alongside Pranit More, Farrhana Bhatt, and Tanya Mittal.

“Bigg Boss 19” debuted on August 24, 2025, featuring 16 contestants, including Ashnoor Kaur, Zeishan Quadri, Awez Darbar, Nagma Mirajkar, Nehal Chudasama, Baseer Ali, Abhishek Bajaj, Natalia Janoszek, Neelam Giri, Kunickaa Sadanand, and Mridul Tiwari. The season included two wild-card entries: Shehbaz Badeshah and Malti Chahar.

Amaal’s Reflections

After the grand finale, Amaal shared an emotional note reflecting on his journey in “Bigg Boss 19,” expressing gratitude for his experience in the Top 5. He acknowledged that he entered the house filled with “uncertainty,” but left with invaluable growth, learning, and cherished memories.

Amaal expressed on Instagram: “Top 5. From walking into the house with uncertainty to standing in the Top 5. I’ve grown, I’ve learned, I’ve felt, and I’ve lived every second.”

He particularly appreciated the unwavering support from his fanbase, remarking, “Bigg Boss 19 gave me a journey I’ll never forget, but my biggest strength were you guys, my Amaaldigihunt. Your love carried me further than I ever thought I’d go. Thank you for carrying me till the very end! Signing off, with a full heart (sic).”

Superstar Rajinikanth, who recently celebrated his 75th birthday, offered prayers at the renowned Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam in Andhra Pradesh. He was accompanied by his entire family, including daughters Aishwarya and Soundarya, making the visit even more special.

Celebrations on His Birthday

On his birthday, several celebrities from various regions and industries joined countless fans in extending their greetings to Rajinikanth. Top stars like Kamal Haasan and Mohanlal were among those who wished him well.

Kamal Haasan shared a heartfelt message: “75 years of a remarkable life. 50 years of legendary cinema. Happy birthday, my friend @rajinikanth.” Similarly, Malayalam superstar Mohanlal echoed these sentiments with a touching message.

Khushbu Sundar, the politician, producer, and actress, also celebrated the day by calling Rajinikanth “God’s favourite child.” Her message was filled with warmth: “Happiest birthday to the one and only Superstar of Indian cinema, Padma Vibhushan Thiru @rajinikanth avi. God’s favourite child. Blessed in abundance. A man who tells us nothing can stop you if you have the dedication, patience, perseverance, humility, and never say no attitude; anything is achievable. You are an institution, Sir. Love you.”

Director Karthik Subbaraj took to X to convey his wishes too: “Happy 75 Thalaivaaa. Wishing you good health and lots n lots of happiness… Keep inspiring and entertaining us for many more years to come… Thanks for making our life beautiful. Love you forever!! #Happy75Thalaivaa #HBDSuperstarRajinikanth.”

Actor Harish Kalyan was among the first to wish Rajinikanth, recalling his childhood: “I was just five when I first watched #Baasha, and a part of me is still living in that moment. Thank you Thalaiva for inspiring me and millions across generations. You’re the one & only Superstar. Love you. Happy Birthday to the Style Samrat & the Mastermind @rajinikanth sir.”

Celebration on Set

Rajinikanth also celebrated his 75th birthday on the sets of director Nelson’s highly anticipated action thriller ‘Jailer 2’. Sun Pictures, the film’s production house, shared a video clip from the cake-cutting celebration on social media.

The clip showed Rajinikanth walking from his caravan to the cake-cutting venue, where he was warmly greeted by the core unit members, including director Nelson. During the brief celebration, Rajinikanth fed cake to Nelson before returning to his caravan.

This birthday marked not just another year for the beloved superstar but a moment of joy and gratitude shared with family, friends, and fans alike.

Veteran actor Jackie Shroff fondly remembered late actress Smita Patil on her 39th death anniversary, paying a heartfelt tribute to one of Indian cinema’s most revered performers.

Taking to Instagram stories, Jackie shared a monochrome picture of Smita Patil and wrote, “Remembering Smita Patil ji on her death anniversary. Always in our hearts.” The post was accompanied by the soulful Lata Mangeshkar song “Shaam Hui” from the 1985 film Aakhir Kyon?

Smita was known for her unconventional portrayal of strong and independent women. She appeared in over 80 films throughout her career, which spanned over a decade, and was the recipient of two National Film Awards. In 1985, she was honored with the Padma Shri.

The late star made her film debut with Shyam Benegal’s Charandas Chor. She went on to become one of the leading actresses of parallel cinema, a New Wave movement in Indian cinema, while also making her mark in several mainstream films.

Some of her most notable works include:

– Manthan
– Bhumika
– Jait Re Jait
– Aakrosh
– Chakra
– Namak Halaal
– Bazaar
– Umbartha
– Shakti
– Arth
– Ardh Satya
– Mandi
– Aaj Ki Awaaz
– Chidambaram
– Mirch Masala
– Amrit
– Dance Dance
– Waaris

Smita was married to actor Raj Babbar, with whom she had a son, actor Prateik Smita Patil. She tragically passed away on 13 December 1986 at the age of 31 due to childbirth complications. Over ten of her films were released after her death, with Galiyon Ka Badshah being the last, released posthumously in 1990. The film featured a star-studded cast, including Raaj Kumar, Hema Malini, Mithun Chakraborty, Poonam Dhillon, Aruna Irani, Ranjeet, Danny Denzongpa, Iftekhar, and Om Shivpuri.

On a different note, Jackie Shroff will next be seen in Ahmed Khan’s upcoming comedy film titled “Welcome To The Jungle,” which boasts a massive star cast including Akshay Kumar, Sanjay Dutt, Suniel Shetty, and many more.

Pop icon Kylie Minogue has expressed her desire for Margot Robbie to portray her in a future biopic, although she believes the actress has become too famous for the role.

Speaking on BBC Radio 2, Minogue shared her admiration for Robbie. “Oh! She is such a doll. I have been asked again and again, ‘Who would you have play you?’ And I normally just skirt around the subject. That particular day, I was like, ‘I am just going to say Margot.’” While she gave an honest response, Minogue expressed doubt about the realism of this casting. “I don’t believe for a second that in any realm this is possible because she is Margot Robbie,” she mentioned.

When the host probed further about her choice, the “Can’t Get You Out Of My Head” hitmaker emphasized her sincerity, humorously noting, “Because you have thrown me into it, so listen, The Rock would want Margot Robbie to play him because everyone… Who wouldn’t want Margot Robbie?”

In the same interview, Minogue also disclosed that she almost performed East 17’s Christmas classic “Stay Another Day” during her festive show at the Royal Albert Hall. “You know what, I nearly did that song when I performed at the Royal Albert Hall for my Christmas show. We were all going to be in fake white furs. I had too much going on, though, so couldn’t fit it in … You know it’s on the list.”

When asked if she would wear the iconic East 17 coat, she confirmed this was indeed the plan, adding that the song remains “a good moment” in UK festive pop culture.

The star, who released her album “Tension” earlier this year and recently won her second Grammy, hinted at the possibility of new music on the horizon. When queried about upcoming projects, the “Padam Padam” singer teased, “Probably. I need to have a little … moment. Just a moment to reflect on this year. But yes, there may be some voice notes in my phone and some tracks and some ideas.”

Actress Amy Schumer has announced her divorce from husband Chris Fischer after seven years of marriage.

In her Instagram post, Schumer clarified that both she and Fischer still hold respect for one another and will continue to co-parent their son, Gene.

Her post stated, “Blah blah blah Chris and I have made the difficult decision to end our marriage after 7 years. We love each other very much and will continue to focus on raising our son.” She emphasized the need for privacy during this time, adding, “We would appreciate people respecting our privacy at this time. blah blah blah not becisse I dropped some lbs and thought I could bag s basket and not because he’s a hot Janlmes beard award winning chef who can still pull some hot tail. Amicable and all love and respect! Family forever.”

The announcement was accompanied by a cheerful photo of Schumer and Fischer, smiling together while riding the New York City subway.

To recall, speculation about Schumer and Fischer’s relationship began in 2017, and they tied the knot in 2018. Embracing their next chapter, they welcomed their first child, a son, in May 2019.

However, recent weeks saw growing rumors that all was not well between the couple. Updating her marital status, Schumer posted a photo of New York City on her Instagram Stories, praising Hulu’s divorce-lawyer series “All’s Fair,” and stated, “And Chris and I are still married.”

In another post addressing the rumors, Schumer shared a health update, noting, “Whatever ends up happening with me and Chris has nothing to do with weight loss or autism.” She added positively, “Fingers crossed we make it through. He’s the best.”

In November, Schumer also removed all photos of Fischer from her Instagram account.

Actress Karishma Tanna recently gave her fans a delightful glimpse into a light-hearted behind-the-scenes moment by sharing a fun video from her vanity van as she got dolled up.

In the video posted on Instagram, Karishma is seen sitting calmly while her hair and make-up are being done. Midway through the routine, she suddenly breaks into an impromptu dance, grooving to the popular Bollywood track “Pyaar Dilon Ka Mela Hai,” which features Salman Khan and Karisma Kapoor from the 2000 film “Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge.”

The text overlay on the video reads: “Hair and make-up were going great until Bollywood happened.”

Karishma captioned the clip as “Vanity Diaries.”

About Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge

“Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge,” directed by David Dhawan, is a romantic comedy that was one of the top-grossing films of 2000. The story revolves around a girl named Sapna, raised by her three uncles, each with contrasting pursuits in life. She falls in love with Raja, who tries to impress her uncles in his own unique ways.

Karishma’s Career Highlights

Karishma made her television debut with “Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi” and is known for her roles in “Paalkhi,” “Naagin 3,” and “Qayamat Ki Raat.” She was a contestant on the reality show “Bigg Boss,” where she finished as the first runner-up, and also participated in “Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi,” winning the competition.

Her film debut came as Nandini Thapar in Suneel Darshan’s “Dosti: Friends Forever.” She later starred in the Kannada movie “I Am Sorry Mathe Banni Preethsona” and appeared in the successful comedy “Grand Masti” directed by Indra Kumar.

Karishma also featured in Rajkumar Hirani’s biopic of Sanjay Dutt titled “Sanju.” That same year, she stepped into the digital space with “Karrle Tu Bhi Mohabbat” and garnered critical acclaim for her performance in Hansal Mehta’s Netflix series “Scoop.”

Actress Kunickaa Sadanand recently shared a memorable moment from the ‘Bigg Boss 19’ party, where she was spotted posing with Bollywood superstar Salman Khan.

Taking to Instagram, Kunickaa posted a delightful picture with the actor, affectionately referring to him as ‘Tiger’. In the image, both can be seen beaming at the camera, capturing a joyful moment together.

For her caption, she simply stated: “The Tiger is here.”

Kunickaa reached the top 10 in the show, which concluded with actor Gaurav Khanna emerging as the winner on the grand finale night. The Top 5 contestants included Amaal Mallik, Pranit More, Farrhana Bhatt, and Tanya Mittal. Along with the triumph, Gaurav walked away with a cash prize of Rs 50 lakh.

“Bigg Boss 19” premiered on August 24, 2025, featuring 16 contestants including Ashnoor Kaur, Zeishan Quadri, Awez Darbar, Nagma Mirajkar, Nehal Chudasama, Baseer Ali, Abhishek Bajaj, Natalia Janoszek, Neelam Giri, Kunickaa Sadanand, and Mridul Tiwari. Notably, the season welcomed two wild-card entries with Shehbaz Badesha and Malti Chahar.

Kunickaa’s acting journey began when Manju Asrani, the wife of the late star Asrani, gave her a break in a TV serial. Her subsequent role in the TV serial Adalat, directed by Dheeraj Kumar, helped her gain further recognition. She launched her film career at the age of 28 with the 1988 horror Hindi movie Kabrastan.

Throughout her career, she has taken on various negative roles in films like Beta, Gumraah, and Khiladi. Over 25 years, Kunickaa has appeared in 110 films.

In the TV realm, she gained acclaim for her role as a mother in the serial Swabhimaan, her breakthrough role receiving widespread applause. Furthermore, she acted in Kana Phoosi and Pyaar Ka Dard Hai Meetha Meetha Pyaara Pyaara.

Kunickaa was also a familiar face in the reality TV show Box Cricket League, representing the team Pune Anmol Ratn. Most recently, she portrayed Rani Durgavati in the TV serial Akbar Birbal.

On the cinematic front, her last appearance was in the 2016 film Bhouri, a social drama that depicted the lives of women in rural North India, set against the backdrop of societal conflicts. The film also features Masha Paur, Raghubir Yadav, and Shakti Kapoor.