Category: Entertainment

Acclaimed filmmaker Kiran Rao believes India’s independent cinema is “on the cusp of a global moment.” She emphasizes that platforms like the Tasveer South Asian Film Festival & Market (TSAFF & Market) are vital in accelerating this transformation.

Ahead of Tasveer’s inaugural India event, a two-film showcase in Mumbai on December 8, Rao describes the initiative as “an important cultural bridge” linking South Asian storytellers with global audiences.

Showcasing Talented Films

The Mumbai showcase will feature two Oscar-qualified South Asian films: Holy Curse by Snigdha Kapoor and Humans in the Loop by Aranya Sahay, with the latter being presented by Rao. Based in Seattle, Tasveer is the world’s only Oscar®-qualifying South Asian film festival and has dedicated over two decades to championing under-represented voices across the diaspora.

Rao was deeply impressed with Humans in the Loop when she first viewed it at Whistling Woods.

“What stayed with me was Aranya’s clarity and confidence as a storyteller,” she recalls. “The film explores something incredibly timely: the human labour behind AI, the erasure of indigenous knowledge systems, and the imbalance in representation of the global south in building these tools. It’s urgent, moving, and deeply empathetic.”

Bridging the Gap

A long-time advocate for independent cinema, Rao believes platforms like Tasveer can help bridge the gap between festival success and mainstream visibility.

“Any film that finds its audience can do well,” she states. “The challenge is access—reaching that audience. For that, we need a more cohesive ecosystem that supports independent creators at every stage.”

She also highlights a crucial issue: Indian films often fall short at global awards not due to a lack of merit, but because of limited campaign resources.

“Winning at the Oscars requires artistic strength, yes, but also visibility and robust outreach,” she explains. “Our films are powerful; we just need to help them travel.”

Bollywood actor Sudesh Berry, who has been a prominent figure in the Indian entertainment industry for over three decades, took fans on a nostalgic journey by sharing a priceless throwback picture from the sets of ‘Pehla Nasha’.

The actor posted the photo on his social media account, recalling the energy, passion, and excitement that filled the film’s team during its making.

The photo showcased young talents like Deepak Tijori, Pooja Bhatt, Raveena Tandon, Paresh Rawal, Archana Puran Singh, Kailash Nath, Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Saif Ali Khan, and Rahul Roy. Sharing this cherished moment, Sudesh wrote, “Some frames become history… and this is one of them. Honoured to have been sharing the screen in Pehla Nasha with an incredible star cast—Deepak Tijori, Pooja Bhatt, Raveena Tandon, Paresh Rawal, Archana Puran Singh, Kailash Nath, and myself… along with the unforgettable special appearances by Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Saif Ali Khan, and Rahul Roy.”

He further expressed, “We were young, passionate, and full of dreams — and cinema brought us all together. Looking back at this moment fills me with gratitude for the journey and pride for the legacy we created. Timeless memories… Timeless cinema.”

For those unfamiliar, Pehla Nasha was released in 1993 and marked the directorial debut of acclaimed filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker, who later directed iconic films like ‘Lagaan’, ‘Swades’, and ‘Jodhaa Akbar’. The film starred Deepak Tijori and Pooja Bhatt in lead roles, along with Raveena Tandon, Paresh Rawal, Archana Puran Singh, Kailash Nath, and Sudesh Berry in pivotal characters.

The movie was especially memorable due to the special appearances by rising stars of that time – Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, and Saif Ali Khan, alongside Aashiqui sensation Rahul Roy.

Sudesh Berry made his Bollywood debut with the 1988 film ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi’ and later garnered praise for his roles in ‘Naam Gum Jayega’, ‘Teri Baahon Mein’, and more. He also starred in popular TV shows such as ‘Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo’, ‘Devon Ke Dev Mahadev’, ‘Shakti – Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki’, and ‘CID’.

Bollywood superstar Deepika Padukone is brimming with excitement as her husband, Ranveer Singh, prepares for the release of his film, Dhurandhar, today.

Deepika recently shared a stylish carousel post showcasing her chic look. In the pictures, she is seen donning a fitted black button-down jacket paired with high-waisted wide-leg dark denims. Her cascading wavy hair and subtle makeup elevate her appearance, exuding effortless glamour. She completes the outfit with pointed black heels that enhance her silhouette.

Ranveer, unable to contain his admiration for Deepika’s look, commented on her post, “Jaan Hi Lele,” along with a knife emoticon.

Turning to Ranveer Singh, he makes his much-anticipated return to the big screen with Dhurandhar after a two-year hiatus. Earlier this evening, Deepika took to social media to cheer for her husband, suggesting she caught one of the film’s earlier shows.

She captioned her post, “Dhurandhar has been watched and is worth every minute of those 3.34 hours! So do yourselves a favour and get to a cinema hall NOW! So incredibly proud of you, Ranveer Singh! Congratulations to the entire cast and crew! @adityadharfilms | @officialjiostudios.”

In a heartwarming gesture, actress Yami Gautam also shared an emotional note for her director husband, Aditya Dhar, and the entire Dhurandhar team.

Yami uploaded a photo with Aditya, writing, “And it’s DHURANDHAR DAY today!!!! Some of the hardest working & most gem-like people that I know & am proud to call them my family!!! You have given all your heart, devotion, dedication, intent, passion, sweat, blood, and tears (which you never show) to this film, Aditya!!!”

She continued, “Too many emotions running today, many hearts beating together!!! You guys are Dhurandhars in your own might. DHURANDHAR is not a parting gift of 2025 but is here to welcome 2026 for all of us across the globe. Ab yeh aapki film hai, audience. Jai Hind.”

Dhurandhar features an ensemble cast including Ranveer Singh, Akshay Khanna, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, and R. Madhavan in significant roles.

Star author and former Bollywood actress Twinkle Khanna is renowned for her sass and class, both in her writing and fashion choices.

In a stunning new picture shared on her social media account, Twinkle effortlessly combines grace with corporate chic. Draped in a blue-and-white checkered saree over a crisp white shirt, she accessorizes with bold silver cuffs and opts for minimal makeup, creating a fashionable look.

In her carousel post featuring multiple pictures, she humorously wrote, “When life gives you a lemon, thread it with chillies and hang it on your rearview mirror. When life gives you a sari, grab a white shirt, make a statement, and confuse everyone around you. Vote: Should I keep experimenting or go back to matching blouses like a responsible adult?”

For those who may not know, Twinkle stepped away from the big screen years ago but has successfully reinvented herself as a best-selling author, columnist, entrepreneur, and recently, a talk show host.

She has reunited professionally with long-time friend and actress Kajol for the talk series, “Too Much with Kajol and Twinkle.”

Twinkle made her mark in the late ’90s and early 2000s with hit films such as “Badshah,” “Barsaat,” and “Jab Pyaar Kisise Hota Hai,” among others.

She is married to superstar Akshay Kumar and is a devoted mother to two children, Aarav and Nitara. Additionally, she is the daughter of Bollywood’s first superstar, the late Rajesh Khanna, and actress Dimple Kapadia.

Ranveer Singh has finally made his much-anticipated return to the big screen after nearly two years with Aditya Dhar’s “Dhurandhar.”

As the drama hit cinema halls on Friday, Ranveer’s wife, Deepika Padukone, was among the first to catch a show of “Dhurandhar.” She took to her Instagram Stories to share her thoughts on the action entertainer, stating that every minute of the film’s 3.34-hour runtime was “worth it.”

Deepika’s post read, “Dhurandhar has been watched and is worth every minute of those 3.34 Hours! So do yourselves a favour and get to a cinema hall NOW! Soo incredibly proud of you ranveersingh! Congratulations to the entire cast and crew! @adityadharfilms | @officialjiostudios (sic).”

Earlier, actress Yami Gautam also expressed her emotions for her husband, director Aditya Dhar, and the “Dhurandhar” team, referring to them as some of the “hardest working and finest people” she knows.

Alongside a photo with her husband, Yami shared, “And it’s DHURANDHAR DAY today !!!! Some of the hardest working & gem of people that I know & proud to call them my family !!! You have given all your heart, devotion, dedication, intent, passion, sweat, blood, tears (which you never show) to this film, Aditya !!! (sic).”

She added, “Too many emotions running today, many hearts beating together !!! You guys are Dhurandhars in your own might. DHURANDHAR is not a parting gift of 2025 but is here to welcome 2026 for all of us across the globe. Ab yeh aapki film hai, audience. Jai Hind.”

“Dhurandhar,” featuring Ranveer Singh, Akshay Khanna, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, and R. Madhavan in significant roles, is believed to be loosely based on Operation Lyari, which involved a government crackdown on local gangs and crime syndicates in Karachi, Pakistan.

If sources in the industry are to be believed, the makers of director Jason Sanjay’s much-anticipated film ‘Sigma’, which stars actor Sundeep Kishan in the lead, have signed actress Catherine Tresa for a special song.

Catherine Tresa will be seen dancing alongside Sundeep Kishan in a vibrant track composed by music director Thaman, known for his electrifying soundtracks and pulsating background scores.

The foot-tapping number, set to be one of the film’s highlights, has been shot on an expansive and colorful set. The recently unveiled first-look poster of Sundeep Kishan showcases him in a rugged, contemplative avatar, setting the tone for an exciting adventure that revolves around a treasure hunt filled with mystery, wit, and adrenaline.

The story follows a maverick protagonist—truly a Sigma—who charts his own path, defying conventions and rising through grit and resilience. Blending edge-of-the-seat heist thrills with humor and heart, ‘Sigma’ promises to offer a refreshing new flavor to mainstream cinema.

Among the most awaited releases in Tamil, ‘Sigma’ marks the directorial debut of Jason Sanjay, son of the well-known actor Vijay, who is transitioning from films to politics.

Key technicdigihunt involved in the film include cinematographer Krishnan Vasant, editor Praveen K.L., and art director Benjamin M.

The multilingual project, shot simultaneously in Tamil and Telugu, captures a stunning array of landscapes—from the bustling streets of Chennai and rugged terrains of Salem to the breathtaking Thalakona forests and exotic locations in Thailand.

Sources indicate that post-production work is also progressing simultaneously, with the movie set for a summer 2026 release.

Actress Soha Ali Khan recently welcomed fellow actress Sonakshi Sinha and relationship expert Kasturi Mahanta on her popular podcast series, ‘All Abbout Her.’

Modern-Day Love Explored

During their heart-to-heart discussions, the trio explored the wide spectrum of contemporary love, discussing everything from old-school romance to situationships, emotional safety, and self-sabotage.

Soha candidly recounted how her mother, the iconic Sharmila Tagore, was convinced that her now-husband, Kunal Kemmu, would not marry her when they began living together. She shared, “Kunal and I were together for seven years before we got married. We were living together for two years before marriage. That’s when my mother said, ‘Now he’s not going to marry you. You’ve taken away all the interest,’ and I thought, ‘Maybe she’s right.’”

She went on to explain their nonchalant approach to marriage, saying, “We (Kunal and I) weren’t actually wrapped up in the idea of marriage anyway. Kunal said it wasn’t that important, and I also felt it wasn’t that important. Eventually, since it wasn’t such a big deal, we thought we might as well get married. There was quite some interest from family members too, so we were like, ‘let’s do it.’” Soha added, “My mother also insisted that men need a little push—otherwise they won’t ask you to marry them.”

Sonakshi’s Perspective on Love

Sonakshi Sinha also shared insights into her own marriage, reflecting on how love has evolved for her. Talking about her relationship with Zaheer Iqbal, she remarked, “Honestly, I think we were both in a place where we were definitely ready to get married. We didn’t stay together before; we didn’t have a live-in relationship, but we travelled a lot. So I knew what it was like to live with someone.”

She emphasized the importance of personal habits, saying, “There are certain things that really bother me—I like clean people. I don’t want to walk into a room that looks like a mess. You learn these little things about a person when you travel together.”

Sonakshi expressed excitement about their future together, stating, “I was really looking forward to getting married and living with him. I think he felt the same. We were dating for seven years, enjoying the process so much. He was busy with work, I was busy with mine, and everything was moving smoothly. Finally, it reached a point where we were both ready for the long run.”

She added, “I would have definitely proposed if he hadn’t by then; I don’t think only the guy should propose. I was the first one to tell him I love him. In just a month, I told him I wanted to marry him, and he thought I was absolutely mad. But I just knew. I can’t explain how and why.”

Bigg Boss 19 evicted contestant Shehbaz Badesha was frequently seen discussing the late actor and BB 13 winner Sidharth Shukla during his time in the BB 19 house, with whom he shared a close bond.

Shehbaz, in a conversation, revealed why he chose to mention Sidharth Shukla, despite host Salman Khan’s request to refrain from doing so. “I will always take Sidharth Shukla’s name, and no one can stop me,” he stated.

He explained further, “During the game, I mentioned Sidharth’s name once, and it became an issue. He is like my brother; why can’t I take his name? We spent so much time together. It shouldn’t be considered wrong.”

Adding to his remarks, Shehbaz stated, “His followers follow me on Instagram, and my sister Shehnaaz Gill’s followers also support me. I will always take Sidharth’s name, and no one can stop me.” He also mentioned, “Even before Bigg Boss, I used to talk about them. I even got a tattoo of him four years ago. Why didn’t anyone say anything then? Was I in Pakistan?” he quipped.

“My Instagram has always been right here and active. My bond with him is genuine,” Shehbaz affirmed.

For those who may not know, Shehbaz’s sister and BB 13 contestant Shehnaaz Gill, along with Sidharth Shukla, garnered immense love from fans for their camaraderie. Fans even created a hashtag, #SidNaaz, that continues to be cherished even four years after Sidharth’s passing. Shehbaz’s association with Sidharth spans back to that time.

Sidharth Shukla tragically passed away in September 2021 due to a heart attack, a sudden demise that sent shockwaves across the nation.

Actress Bhagyashrii Borse recently shared a heartfelt reflection on her relationship with God during her childhood. In a touching post on Instagram, she revealed how, as a child, she would often question and argue with God about the challenges in her life, similar to how one might with a father. However, she expressed that she has now reached a stage in her life where she trusts that God truly knows what is best for her.

In the video clip shared from a temple, Bhagyashrii wrote, “I remember as a little kid, any trouble at life… the first thing I’d do was fight with God, as if he’s my father and question him all the time. Only to grow up and reach a point where I’m sure… he knows the best for me.”

Her recent performances in director Selvamani Selvaraj’s period drama ‘Kaantha’ and Mahesh Babu P’s commercial entertainer ‘Andhra King Taluka’ have garnered significant acclaim.

Bhagyashrii was particularly excited about the audience’s positive response to her role as Kumari in ‘Kaantha.’ She remarked that her experience with the film taught her the value of hard work and its role in achieving success.

In an exclusive interview, she stated, “The amount of hard work I put into Kumari, at one point, had everybody saying, ‘I’ve never seen anybody work this hard.’ But for me, just getting that one opportunity, that one platform to prove my skill was like a blessing. So, I think after the film’s release, there’s so much love that I’m receiving. It only makes me believe that hard work takes you to places.”

Additionally, she expressed her gratitude to the entire film unit through another Instagram post. Reflecting on her journey, she noted, “30.03.23 – The day a little girl’s dream came true. The day I became Kumari.”

In her post, she thanked the film’s director, Selvamani Selvaraj, for his belief in her abilities. She said, “Thank you @selvamani.selvaraj87 Ayya, for believing in me and for this rare opportunity to a newcomer such as me. You’re my first teacher, director. This film is your vision, and soon our audience will witness your magic.”

Bhagyashrii also extended her gratitude to actor Rana Daggubatti, whom she referred to as her mentor. “Thank you @ranadaggubati for supporting me from day one. You’re a true friend and a gem of a person, and I am lucky to have you as my mentor in this journey as an actor. Without your support and constant guidance, I wouldn’t be able to do it.”

She concluded by praising her co-actor Dulquer Salmaan, saying, “To my dearest co-actor @dqsalmaan, you’re a true Nadippu Chakravarthy. It was a great pleasure acting beside you, and you’ve shined in every single frame. You’re an inspiration as an actor for us all!”

Actress Swara Bhasker’s father-in-law recently suffered a brain haemorrhage on November 30. Her husband, Fahad Ahmad, reached out to fans on social media, asking them to pray for his father’s speedy recovery.

A Proud Son’s Tribute

Fahad expressed immense pride in his father, stating, “My father has fought many battles in his life—and he has won every one of them with unmatched grace, courage, and faith. No matter how difficult the circumstances were, he never compromised on giving his children the best education, the best opportunities, and a life filled with values.”

He further added, “Throughout his social work career, he has helped thousands of patients, standing by them in their most critical moments and guiding them toward recovery. Today, the same man who brought healing to so many is being taken on ICU wheels for his own treatment, fighting one of the toughest battles of his life.”

In his heartfelt message, Fahad requested everyone to keep his father in their prayers. “Your duas, blessings, and good wishes mean a lot to us. May the Almighty grant him strength, complete recovery, and good health,” he wrote.

Family Emergency Update

On the same day, Swara Bhasker shared an update about the sudden family emergency. She revealed that her father-in-law had suffered a brain haemorrhage and required urgent surgery early that morning.

In her social media post, Swara explained that she and Fahad were attending to the situation and requested prayers for her father-in-law. Her note read, “Fahad’s father and my father-in-law had a brain haemorrhage last night and was operated on early this morning. We are attending to this unfortunate family emergency and will be unavailable for some days. Please keep Uncle in your prayers.” In her caption, she simply urged, “Please pray for my father-in-law.”

Returning to Work

Swara Bhasker and Fahad Ahmad recently featured in the couples’ reality show “Pati Patni aur Panga.” Reflecting on her journey, Swara noted that this was her first on-camera project 2.5 years after pregnancy and delivery. She joined the show primarily because the manageable shooting schedule offered an easy transition back to work.

She wrote, “Dhamaal with Pati Patni aur Panga was my first on-camera work 2.5 years after pregnancy and delivery. To be honest, I agreed to the show primarily because the shoot schedule was manageable and it seemed like an easy step back to work. I came to the show with a lot of scepticism, zero expectations, and no knowledge about the co-contestants. I’d even say I was cynical about it all. But Pati Patni aur Panga turned out to be a blessing I didn’t initially recognise and an unabashedly joyous experience.”