Category: Entertainment

The makers of director Rathna Kumar’s upcoming romantic comedy have officially announced ’29’ as the title of the film, featuring actors Vidhu and Preethi Asrani in lead roles.

Title Teaser Released

A title teaser was unveiled, showcasing conversations with various 29-year-old men who are asked, “Who are you?” While some respond with their names, others mention their professions or passions. When the same question is posed to the hero, he admits he doesn’t know. Lost in thought and gazing out of a bus window, the film’s heroine, Preethi Asrani, enters and takes a seat beside him.

High Expectations

The film has generated significant buzz as it is produced by the esteemed production houses of two prominent Tamil cinema directors. G Squad, owned by director Lokesh Kanakaraj, collaborates with Stone Bench Productions, led by Karthik Subbaraj.

Director’s Insight

At the title teaser launch, director Rathna Kumar shared a personal anecdote, stating, “The first time I got suicidal thoughts was when I was 29. It was from that point my outlook about life turned positive, and since then, people view me as a person full of positivity.” He recounted how he left his job at HCL to pursue a career in filmmaking, taking 12 years to finally be recognized as a director. “At 29, the pressure at home to get married intensified. When someone turns 30, their horoscopes get rejected; applications get rejected. At this age, I directed a short film called Madhu, which I pitched to 45 producers,” he explained, mentioning that he also formed a friendship with Lokesh Kanakaraj during this period. “One of the most important reasons I am here is Lokesh,” he emphasized.

Film Production Details

Discussing the film further, Rathna Kumar indicated that it was shot over 35 to 40 days. He expressed how this film differs from his previous romantic comedy, ‘Meyaadha Maan’, clarifying that while the latter had a “capital C” for comedy, ’29’ will have an “R” for romance, indicating a stronger romantic emphasis.

Written and directed by Rathna Kumar, ’29’ stars Vidhu and Preethi Asrani, alongside Master Mahendran, Avinash, Shenaz Fathima, and Premkumar, among others. Co-directed by Mathankumar, the film’s music is composed by Sean Roldan, with cinematography by Madhesh Manickam and editing by R. S. Sathish Kumar. Shanmugaraja handles the film’s art direction, while Praveen Raja is responsible for costumes, and stunts have been choreographed by Don Ashok.

The film features lyrics from Uma Devi and Bakkiyam Shankar, with dance choreography by Sherif M and Leelavathi.

Bollywood multi-hyphenate Karan Johar is expressing his heartfelt gratitude to his “bhai,” the megastar Shah Rukh Khan.

On Wednesday, SRK heaped praises on KJo’s production, ‘Homebound’, which has been nominated as India’s official entry for the next Academy Awards. SRK wrote, “#Homebound is gentle, honest and soulful. Lots of love and big hugs to the phenomenal team for creating something so human and engaging. You have won hearts worldwide by making something truly special! @ghaywan #IshaanKhatter @vishaljethwa06 #JanhviKapoor #KaranJohar @adarpoonawalla @apoorvamehta18”.

KJo shared a screenshot of SRK’s social media post on his Instagram Stories, expressing his appreciation: “Bhai, love you and thank you so much for supporting our film, means the world. So glad you watched it and giving you all the love right back.”

About ‘Homebound’

‘Homebound’ explores themes of friendship, dignity, and social injustices in contemporary India. The film follows the journey of two childhood friends—one Dalit and the other Muslim—from a small North Indian village as they dream of joining the police force. Their aspirations are fueled by a desire for the respect society has consistently denied them. However, as their dreams unfold, they confront systemic caste and religious biases that test both their ambitions and their friendship.

The narrative draws inspiration from a real-life incident featured in a 2020 article in The New York Times, which highlighted the migrant crisis during the COVID lockdown. The film premiered in the “Un Certain Regard” section at the Cannes Film Festival 2025, receiving a standing ovation that lasted several minutes—a testament to its profound emotional resonance.

The decision to submit the film for an Oscar is significant, as Indian entries in this category have been rare over the years. Only a handful of Indian films have garnered nominations or wins in the “Best International Feature” category throughout history.

Meanwhile, SRK will next be seen in ‘King’.

Bollywood star Kajol is currently embracing the festive spirit, as evident from her latest social media post.

In her pictures shared on her social media account, Kajol is seen dressed in a dazzling green ensemble. She struck a playful note with her caption: “Since ’tis the season… I decided to match a Christmas tree,” complete with a Christmas tree emoticon. The rich emerald tones and sparkling finish of her outfit perfectly echoed the joy of the upcoming festival.

Kajol has recently been making headlines with her talk show, “Two Much with Kajol and Twinkle,” co-hosted with her long-time friend and former actress Twinkle Khanna. December marks a significant milestone in Kajol’s career as she joined Shah Rukh Khan at London’s Leicester Square to unveil the bronze statue of their iconic characters, Raj and Simran, celebrating the 30th anniversary of their beloved film, “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge.”

Reflecting on the film’s impact, Kajol shared that during its making, they never imagined it would become such a global phenomenon for Inddigihunt and South Asdigihunt. She stated, “It’s been 30 years, and we are happy to say it’s the longest-running film not only in India but in the world. It’s actually gone into the Guinness Book of World Records, so I’m super kicked to be a part of it. I don’t think we planned for DDLJ to become a global phenomenon for Inddigihunt and South Asdigihunt. I think somewhere down the line, DDLJ has become kind of a touchstone for Inddigihunt living abroad.”

Kajol further expressed how the statue will evoke pride among Inddigihunt and South Asdigihunt worldwide. “I think for all Inddigihunt who stay in the UK or come here, it might become a moment to go see the statue, to recognise their nostalgia for the film. There is also a familiarity, and there is also a massive pull towards it. So, I’m hoping that everyone feels that touch of home when they see us here in Leicester Square,” she added.

The DDLJ actress also shared her feelings about the honour, saying, “It’s incredible to see Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge continue to receive so much love, even 30 years later. Watching the statue being unveiled in London felt like reliving a piece of our history, a story that has truly travelled across generations.”

Megastar Shah Rukh Khan recently took to social media to share his thoughts on filmmaker Karan Johar’s movie, ‘Homebound’.

He expressed his feelings by saying, “#Homebound is gentle, honest and soulful. Lots of love and big hugs to the phenomenal team for creating something so human and engaging. You have won hearts world over by making something truly special! @ghaywan #IshaanKhatter @vishaljethwa06 #JanhviKapoor #KaranJohar @adarpoonawalla @apoorvamehta18.”

The film, released in October, stars Ishaan Khatter, Janhavi Kapoor, and Vishal Jethwa in leading roles. Recently, Karan Johar expressed his excitement about reaching the London leg of the screening for his much-acclaimed drama, “Homebound.” The special screening, organized by director Gurinder Chadha, was also attended by Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa.

Karan shared a couple of photos from the London screening on social media and wrote, “Made it to the London leg of our @homeboundthefilm campaign & it was a night filled with the warmest love, familiar and new faces, and a whole lot of support for our film.”

Earlier in November, Karan and the team of “Homebound” had attended a screening of the film in Los Angeles. He posted a series of photographs featuring Ishaan, Vishal Jethwa, and Bela, along with director Neeraj Ghaywan. Karan expressed gratitude by saying, “The journey of #Homebound around the world continues, this time in LA, with a screening attended by @belabajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, alongside the cast & crew! Super grateful & thrilled that you could be there for our film, Bela.”

Before these screenings, Martin Scorsese, the executive producer of the drama, hosted a screening of “Homebound” in New York City. Director Neeraj Ghaywan elaborated on the film’s essence, stating, “Rooted in the love for our land and our people, it carries the essence of the home we all share. To take our stories to the world and represent India at one of the biggest global stages for cinema is both humbling and a matter of pride, and for this I’m deeply grateful.”

The makers of director Sandeep Raj’s upcoming romantic action film ‘Mowgli 2025’, featuring actors Roshan Kanakala and Sakshi Sagar Mhadolkar in leading roles, have announced a new release date. The film will now debut on December 13 this year, much to the excitement of fans and film enthusiasts.

In an update shared on their X timeline, People Media Factory, the production house behind the film, stated, “The ‘LION’ roars, and #Mowgli steps back to welcome the Jungle King. #Mowgli2025 GRAND RELEASE WORLDWIDE on 13th DEC 2025. Premieres from DEC 12th! A @SandeepRaaaj Cinema, A @Kaalabhairava7 musical. Starring @RoshanKanakala @SakkshiM09 & @publicstar_bsk.”

Originally scheduled for release on December 12, the film’s launch was pushed back by one day due to the release of Balakrishna’s ‘Akhanda 2’.

This decision followed an emotional outburst from director Sandeep Raj, who, in a post on X, expressed doubt about his directorial future. He stated, “Maybe ‘Colour Photo’ and ‘Mowgli’ deserved another director instead of me. These movies were made by a group of passionate people who can do anything for their profession. The common points between both films are: 1. Facing bad luck with their release, just when everything seemed to be going well. 2. Me. Maybe I am the BAD LUCK. Even I’m starting to feel that way.”

Sandeep continued, “My dream of seeing the title ‘Directed by Sandeep Raj’ on the big screen is becoming harder day by day. I think SILVERSCREEN hates me. ‘Mowgli’ was made with the passion, sweat, and blood of so many dedicated people like Roshan, Saroj garu, Sakshi, Harsha, DOP Maruthi, Bhairava, and many more. I truly hope that all good things happen to ‘Mowgli’ at the very least for their sake.”

The trailer opens with Bandi Saroj Kumar, playing a cop, narrating a fable about a king with seven sons. He describes a situation where the seventh son questions a fish that didn’t dry after being caught. The trailer introduces Roshan Kanakala‘s character, where his friend Bunty observes, “To me, he is Kittu. To all the others, he is Mowgli.” This sets the stage for Mowgli, who knows the jungles well, as a film crew arrives to shoot in the area. Jasmine (Sakshi Sagar Mhadolkar), a background dancer in the crew, captures Mowgli’s heart, despite her being speech and hearing impaired.

Tensions escalate when a new, ruthless officer replaces the area’s Sub Inspector, creating a clash over Mowgli’s and Jasmine’s love. The trailer also highlights Mowgli’s struggles for innocence amidst these challenges.

Overall, the film appears to focus on the conflict between Mowgli, played by Roshan Kanakala, and Bandi Saroj Kumar’s character, fueled by love.

Expectations for ‘Mowgli 2025’ are soaring among fans and film aficionados.

Roshan Kanakala, a rising star from his acclaimed debut in ‘Bubble Gum’, takes center stage in ‘Mowgli 2025’. Directed by Sandeep Raj, known for the National Award-winning film ‘Color Photo’, this project is produced by TG Vishwa Prasad and Kriti Prasad under the People Media Factory banner.

Sakshi Sagar Mhadolkar marks her debut as a lead in this film, which features cinematography by Rama Maruthi M. Music is composed by Kala Bhairava, with editing by Kodati Pawan Kalyan and art direction by Kiran Mamidi. Action choreography is by Nataraj Madigonda, with the screenplay crafted by Rama Maruthi M and Radhakrishna Reddy.

Director Karan Razdan has opened up about his relationship with his ex-wife, Priya Tendulkar, as he works on rebooting the iconic television show of the 1980s, ‘Rajani’, in which Priya played the lead role.

Thoughts on Priya Tendulkar
In a recent discussion, Karan shared, “I trained for years in theatre, but Priya had no formal training. She learned everything through experience, doing plays written by her father, the legendary Vijay Tendulkar. Her talent was natural, gifted.” He emphasized the significance of reviving ‘Rajani’, stating, “It’s a huge responsibility, but it’s essential because awareness today is harder to spread. With endless platforms and shows, reaching every corner of the country is challenging. Still, it is necessary.”

A Special Connection
Karan reflected on the bond he shared with Priya, highlighting, “When we got married, she always felt a connection because I used to write during the original ‘Rajani’ days. She often said she saw a glimpse of her father in me, which was a great compliment. She would always tell me to write a role for her without asking; she found joy in delivering my dialogues. She used to say, ‘You speak some lines, I’ll speak some, and someday our daughter will speak some too.’”

Priya’s Legacy
Priya Tendulkar was celebrated for her bold and impactful roles on television during the 1980s and 1990s. She gained widespread recognition for her portrayal in ‘Rajani’, where she depicted a spirited homemaker battling everyday corruption and social injustice. Her compelling performance turned the character into a cultural symbol of citizen activism.

Aside from her television success, Priya also made her mark in Marathi and Hindi films and theatre. She was an ardent advocate for women’s rights and social reform, with each episode of ‘Rajani’ underscoring a common public grievance, further establishing the character as a relatable representation of citizen activism.

The series left a lasting impact as it captured real challenges faced by urban middle-class households, inspiring viewers to demand accountability. Rajani remains a cultural touchstone, remembered for its social relevance, strong storytelling, and Priya Tendulkar’s unforgettable performance.

Popular television actress Nia Sharma, known for her engaging presence on social media, recently showcased her rebellious side.

Sharing a captivating video on Instagram, the Naagin star confidently demonstrated her bold personality, proving she’s unafraid to defy rules. In the clip, Nia flaunted her dance moves while striking striking poses for the camera. The caption read, “When you’re told not to do something.. But you’re going to do it anyway.”

Nia looked stunning in a stylish see-through white outfit, enhanced by Rayelle’s trending song “Mona Lisa” as the background score.

The ‘Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai’ actress is frequently in the spotlight for her eye-catching posts. From glamorous photoshoots to glimpses of her work and personal life, she consistently keeps her followers engaged with updates from all aspects of her journey.

Recently, Nia shared another glamorous and sassy video doing her makeup, captioned, “When the Baddie B##** in me wakes up’!.” (sic)

On the professional front, Nia was last seen in “Laughter Chefs Fun Unlimited,” hosted by Bharti Singh and judged by celebrity chef Harpal Singh Sokhi. She also starred in “Suhagan Chudail,” where she took on the role of Nishigandha, a witch, in the fantasy-thriller-romance series.

Over the years, Sharma has established herself in the television industry with notable shows such as “Behenein,” “Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai,” “Meri Durga,” and “Kaali – Ek Agnipariksha.” Additionally, she has ventured into the digital space with web series like “Twisted” and “Jamai 2.0.”

Rumors are swirling that Nia may join the latest season of MTV’s popular dating reality show “Splitsvilla X6,” hosted by Sunny Leone and Karan Kundrra. Speculation intensified after she shared several photos and stories from an island resembling the Splitsvilla X6 shooting location. However, there has been no official word regarding her participation.

The singing reality show Indian Idol, now in its 16th season, is set to deliver a nostalgic musical high with a special episode titled ‘Superhit Duets of Udit Narayan & Kavita Krishnamurthy’. This episode celebrates the timeless hits of two of India’s most iconic voices.

An Emotional Tribute

Contestants will pay heartfelt tributes by performing the evergreen songs of the legendary duo, filling the stage with emotion and musical excellence.

Udit Narayan, moved by the talented young singers on the show, remarked, “Indian Idol feels like coming home to music. Every season, I am amazed by the passion and purity these young singers bring to the stage. This platform doesn’t just find talent; it shapes future legends. It is a joy to witness the next generation carry forward the legacy of Indian music with such sincerity.”

Kavita Krishnamurthy shared similar sentiments, saying, “Indian Idol brings out the soul of music in every performance. Watching these young singers pour their heart into each note reminds me why our industry continues to thrive. Their sincerity, discipline, and passion are truly uplifting, and I feel privileged to witness their journey on this iconic stage.”

Memorable Moments

One of the standout moments of the evening features contestant Shreenidhi expressing her admiration for the classic “Tu Hi Re.” To her surprise, Kavita joins her on stage for an unforgettable duet. The host of the show, Aditya Narayan, tells Shreenidhi, “You are so lucky to be singing Tu Hi Re with Kavita Ji.”

This episode serves as a heartfelt tribute to melody, legacy, and the golden era of Bollywood music, beautifully brought to life by legends and reimagined by the stars of tomorrow.

Star comedian Kapil Sharma is overjoyed as his little girl, Anayra, celebrates her 6th birthday today. The proud father took to social media to express his heartfelt wishes for his darling daughter.

A Special Birthday Wish

In a touching post, Kapil shared an adorable picture of himself hugging Anayra and penned a beautiful message for his ‘Laado.’ He wrote, “Wish u a very happy birthday my laado I can’t believe you are turning 6 today. I have been making people laugh for so many years, but it’s you who made me realise what true happiness is. Also, it’s the meaning of your name, Anayra. Thank you for bringing happiness and joy into our lives. Papa is on a shoot right now and will finish it and will come straight to your birthday party. You know your papa loves you a lot; for now I’m putting your favourite song on our pic. God bless my laado. #happybirthdayanayra.”

Kapil and Ginni’s Journey

Kapil and Ginni, who dated for several years, got married on December 12, 2018, in a traditional Punjabi ceremony in Jalandhar, Punjab. Their grand wedding was a close-knit affair attended by family and friends, followed by a lavish reception in Mumbai. On their anniversary in 2024, Kapil shared a sweet moment of them walking hand in hand, captioning it, “5 saal kab nikal gye pata hi nahin chala, aise lagta hai jaise abhi 50 saal pehle ki baat hai. Happy anniversary, Mrs Sharma @ginnichatrath. Love and happiness always #blessings.”

The couple embraced parenthood in December 2019 when they welcomed Anayra. They expanded their family further with the birth of their baby boy in 2021.

Kapil’s Declaration of Love

In 2017, Kapil officially announced his relationship with Ginni by sharing a cute photo of them together on social media. He expressed his feelings with the words, “Will not say she is my better half… she completes me… love you, Ginni… please welcome her… I love her so much.”

As Anayra turns 6 today, the Sharma family continues to embody joy and love.

Bollywood’s rising star Ahaan Panday recently shared joyful moments on social media celebrating his mother’s birthday.

Cherished Memories

In one heartwarming photo, Ahaan posted a cherished childhood memory of his mother teaching him to swim. Young Ahaan, equipped with a baby float, is seen in a pool as his mother, Deanne Panday, lovingly holds him and guides him through the water.

Birthday Wishes

In other pictures, Ahaan and Deanne pose adorably together for a selfie. Earlier the same day, Ananya Panday, Ahaan’s first cousin and a successful Bollywood actress, took to her social media to wish her ‘Chachi’ a happy birthday. Sharing a picture of herself with Deanne, Ananya wrote, “Happy Birthday, Chachi.”

Ahaan’s Debut and Success

Ahaan, who made his Bollywood debut with “Saiyaraa” this year, became an internet sensation almost overnight. The film received an enthusiastic response from audiences, particularly among the youth, and critics also applauded it. Ahaan reminisced about the first time his mother saw a billboard featuring him for “Saiyaraa.” Deanne shared her excitement on social media, posting photos and videos of herself admiring the billboard three months prior.

Expressing her gratitude for the love surrounding “Saiyaraa,” Deanne wrote, “It’s been a little over 3 months since Ahaan & I saw his first ever billboard. What a joyful ride that night & ever since for our son & family. So much gratitude for all the love you all have shown our son. Blessed to have experienced the purest form of joy.”

She also thanked everyone, saying, “Thank you from our hearts. God bless you and your families always & forever.”

With the success of Mohit Suri’s “Saiyaraa”, Ahaan is reportedly set to star in Ali Abbas Zafar’s upcoming action romance.