Category: Entertainment

Bollywood veteran Zeenat Aman has long been recognized for her progressive outlook, evident not just in her fashion but also in her film choices. Recently, she shared a thought-provoking scene from her iconic movie Dostana, which featured Amitabh Bachchan and Shatrughan Sinha.

In the clip she posted, her character, Sheetal, walks along the beach in her beachwear, only to encounter harassment from a man. Undeterred, she drags him to the police station, where Inspector Vijay, played by Amitabh Bachchan, steps in. What follows is a dialogue that shines a light on the patriarchal norms of the 70s.

Inspector Vijay questions Sheetal about her ‘revealing’ outfit, indicating a preference for more conservative clothing in the past compared to the present. Sheetal, standing her ground, asks him what is wrong with her attire, asserting that her clothing choices are her own prerogative. Vijay responds, stating that it’s his “duty” to suggest, leaving the final decision to her.

Reflecting on the scene after nearly 45 years, Zeenat took to social media to share her insights. She mentioned, “Every now and then I’ll find myself flipping through clips from my old movies, in search of something to share with you. Today I found one from Great Gambler, one from Don, and then the algorithm offered me this. A scene so ripe for social commentary that it sent me into a spin!”

She continued, “When one is young, one thinks the moralities of the time are set in granite. Absolute and unyielding; at best to be chipped at by one’s own impotent acts of rebellion. Then the years turn, and one day you look up from your screen and think ‘wow, everything changed.’ Okay, perhaps not everything. The moral police is no doubt as vigilant as ever today, but the narrative has certainly progressed.”

Zeenat posed a question to women who viewed the clip, asking if they were infuriated by the eve-teasing, resonated with Sheetal’s discomfort, and felt anger at Inspector Vijay’s condescending demeanor. “Am I right?” she asked. She reflected, “Well that opinion and tone were par for the course back in the day. The patronising attitude to women who defied convention, the barely veiled ‘you’re asking for it’ gaze, and that superior air!”

Expressing her evolving perspective, she added, “Now I myself have graduated to being more of a realist. I absolutely support the right of women (all people, actually) to wear what they please, while also understanding that the world doesn’t operate on my ideals and that some outfits are more suitable for one place than another. Is that archaic of me?”

Zeenat concluded with a candid admission, “Perhaps, but be patient. My every hair has turned silver, and the truth is that the new social codes and lingo are as confusing to me as those ones were stifling. I would love your comments on this. Especially if you’re better informed than me!”

For those unaware, Dostana was released in 1980 and was a significant hit during its time.

Bollywood veteran superstar Jeetendra recently made a special appearance on the singing reality show Indian Idol season 16 as part of their “Yaadon Ki Baraat” series.

Sharing Memories of Dharmendra and Manoj Kumar

In a heartfelt segment, Jeetendra unveiled an interesting story about the late legendary actors Dharmendra and Manoj Kumar. He highlighted that Manoj Kumar was Dharmendra’s closest friend in the industry.

“His closest friend was Manoj Kumar,” revealed Jeetendra. “Dharmendra came from Punjab and Manoj Kumar from Delhi, and I have heard they even lived together in the same room at one point.” Jeetendra further elaborated, “Sometimes, when one of them had to go for a screen test, he would simply wear the other’s shirt and leave.”

He recalled moments when the two would swap shirts frequently. “They shared so much that during rehearsals, their shirts would often look exactly the same!” This emotional tribute to Dharmendra brought Jeetendra to tears, and even singer-rapper Badshah, a judge on the show, was seen wiping away tears as he listened to these fond memories.

Celebrating Dharmendra’s Legacy

The show was dedicated to celebrating the legacy of Dharmendra. In an earlier episode, Badshah expressed immense love and respect for the superstar, stating, “Dharam paaji was the real essence of Punjab, and now it feels as if that beautiful fragrance and essence has been lost from the soil of our own Punjab. He was Dharam Paaji, everybody’s, every fan’s ideal idol…”

Badshah concluded his tribute with heartfelt words, saying, “Dharam ji wherever you are, be happy and hopeful and at peace.” He also recited a shayari by Dharmendra that resonated deeply: “Sab kuch paakar bhi, haasil-e-zindagi kuch bhi nahi, Kambakkht jaan kyun jaati hai jaate hue.”

The industry and fans alike were left in shock and grief when superstar Dharmendra passed away on November 24. Jeetendra and Dharmendra had previously collaborated in films like The Burning Train, Dharam Veer, Dharma Karma, and Kinara.

In remembrance of the late superstar Manoj Kumar, he sadly passed away in April 2025. Manoj Kumar and Dharmendra also worked together in the classic 1962 film Shaadi.

The makers of director Boyapeti Sreenu’s much-anticipated action entertainer, ‘Akhanda 2: Thaandavam’, featuring actor Nandamuri Balakrishna in the lead, have announced the cancellation of the film’s premiere shows in India, originally scheduled for Thursday, due to technical issues.

Cancellation Announcement

14 Reels Plus, the production house behind the film, took to X to share the news: ” #Akhanda2 Premieres in India scheduled for today are cancelled due to technical issues. We’ve tried our best, but a few things are beyond our control. Sorry for the inconvenience. The overseas premieres will play as per the schedule today.”

Censor Clearance and Release Date

The film has generated immense excitement and has received clearance from the Censor Board with a U/A certificate. It has been confirmed that the film completed its censor formalities and is set to release with a runtime of 166 minutes (2 hours and 44 minutes).

For those unaware, ‘Akhanda 2: Thaandavam’ is scheduled to hit screens on December 5 this year.

Teaser Expectations

A newly released teaser has further heightened expectations. It showcases the country’s enemies conspiring against India, featuring Balakrishna in a sadhu’s attire, delivering a powerful line: “Where there is a bad, parallely, there is a God! Be brave,” in his signature style.

The teaser emphasizes the divine strength within Balakrishna’s character as he faces formidable black magic sorcerers aligned with India’s adversaries. Action-packed sequences promise an exciting cinematic experience for viewers.

Storyline Overview

It’s clear from the teaser that Balakrishna’s character will confront not only the nation’s enemies but also malevolent forces disrupting peace and harmony in ‘Akhanda 2: Thaandavam’.

Production Insights

Produced on a grand scale by Raam Achanta and Gopichand Achanta under the 14 Reels Plus banner, the project is presented by M Tejaswini Nandamuri. Sources suggest that this sequel will be a larger-than-life cinematic spectacle, with Boyapati Sreenu crafting an even more expansive narrative.

S Thaman’s electrifying background score is anticipated to elevate the film’s high-voltage scenes, delivering the thrilling experience fans expect. Balakrishna’s fierce and spiritually charged avatar has already captivated audiences, movie buffs, and fans alike.

Cast and Crew

The film stars Samyuktha as the female lead, with Aadhi Pinisetty in a powerful role and Harshali Malhotra playing a key character. C. Ramprasad and Santoshh D Detakae serve as cinematographers, while Tammiraju handles editing.

Akhanda 2: Thaandavam promises to be an exciting addition to Indian cinema, combining action, drama, and spiritual elements to engage audiences.

Two-time National Award-winning music director, actor, and producer G V Prakash recently shared exciting updates about his much-anticipated romantic entertainer, ‘Mental Manadhil,’ directed by the renowned Selvaraghavan.

Exciting Collaboration

In a post on X, G V Prakash shared a still from the film’s sets, quoting Selvaraghavan: “Shoot mode with the legendary @selvaraghavan sir … the film and its music is going to be a special treat for #aayirathiloruvan and #mayakkamenna fans.”

The film has sparked immense excitement and heightened expectations among fans. This anticipation is fueled by the successful partnership between Selvaraghavan and G V Prakash in their previous collaborations, which produced chart-topping hits.

Fans Anticipate More Chartbusters

With this reunion, fans are eager for another blockbuster album, reminiscent of the captivating soundtracks from ‘Aayirathil Oruvan’ and ‘Mayakkam Enna.’

For those who may not know, G V Prakash is not only the music director for ‘Mental Manadhil,’ but he also stars as the lead and is producing the film.

Cast and Crew Details

Actress Madhuri Jain will play the female lead opposite G V Prakash in this romantic film, which will also feature several prominent character actors in supporting roles.

On the technical side, the film’s cinematography is handled by Arun Ramakrishnan, while G V Prakash Kumar is scoring the music. The editing is managed by Balaji, and the art direction is overseen by R.K. Vijay Murugan. Dinesh Guna serves as the executive producer, and the film is being produced by G V Prakash Kumar under the banner of Parallel Universe Pictures.

Production Progress

The first three schedules of the film were successfully completed in the first half of this year, and the fourth schedule commenced in October.

Meanwhile, Selvaraghavan, who also made a mark as an actor in the films ‘Balti’ and ‘Aaryan,’ expressed his delight in response to a tweet by actor Vishnu Vishal. This tweet highlighted that ‘Aaryan’ has reached the top position in the list of most popular movies on the OTT platform Netflix.

Following the celebrations of the Women’s Cricket World Cup Champions and Kaun Banega Crorepati’s tribute to them, the upcoming episode is set to take an emotional turn with captain Harmanpreet Kaur reflecting on her childhood.

Cherished Memories

During her conversation with megastar Amitabh Bachchan, Harmanpreet shared a touching story about a special T-shirt her father had stitched for her, featuring the words ‘Good Batting.’ This moment prompted her to delve into a cherished memory.

Harmanpreet recalled, “The day I was born, my father was at his office, and the family sent him a message that my mother had been taken to the hospital. When I first wore those clothes, no one noticed. But after I played for India, a few years later, when we were shifting houses, my mother found them and said, ‘Let me show you the clothes you wore on your first day.’ I saw a shirt with ‘Good Batting’ written on it and a small pair of shorts that said ‘Good Bowling.’”

Inspiring Journey into Cricket

Amitabh, ever curious, asked Harmanpreet what inspired her to take up cricket. With pride, she responded, “One day, my school principal saw me playing. He told me that the school had many sports but no cricket team. He said, ‘If you join, I will create a team, because I have girls who play other sports.’ So I joined the school, and he formed the team for me, and that’s how I got my chance to play in the girls’ cricket team.”

For Harmanpreet, rediscovering those tiny handmade clothes became a beautiful reminder of her father’s belief in her potential, long before she ever imagined leading India’s women’s cricket team.

The singing reality show Indian Idol season 16 witnessed a deeply heartfelt moment as star comedian Kapil Sharma opened up about his lifelong bond with the legendary Dharmendra.

Kapil’s Deep Connection with Dharmendra

Speaking with warmth and nostalgia, Kapil shared how Dharmendra always treated him like family. “Unhone hamesha mujhe apna beta mana… Aur unke jaisa na koi tha, na hoga (He always considered me like his own son. There will be nobody like him ever),” he reflected, recalling the unconditional affection he received from the iconic star.

Kapil revealed that while audiences first discovered him through local Laughter Club performances, it was Dharmendra who became his biggest supporter, even waiting nearly two hours in Toronto just to watch Kapil perform. This gesture left a long-lasting impact, strengthening a bond that went far beyond the screen.

Emotional Tribute

The comedian also spoke about a treasured voice note in which Dharmendra had blessed his show, calling it a memory he continues to hold close. In tribute to both his late father and Dharmendra, Kapil sang the emotional song “Chithi Na Koi Sandesh,” leaving the audience and judges visibly touched. “Poora duniya unse pyaar karti hai (The whole world loves him),” Kapil urged everyone to celebrate Dharmendra’s unmatched legacy and the love he inspired across generations.

Dharmendra’s Legacy

For those who may not know, the late superstar Dharmendra passed away on November 24, at the age of 89. He had been put on a ventilator in mid-November due to breathing difficulties. Following this, he was discharged from the hospital and brought back home, where his treatments continued.

The makers of director Raam Desina’s much-anticipated film ‘Bad Boy Karthik,’ starring Telugu star Naga Shaurya in the lead, have released the lyrical video of the emotional track ‘Pommante,’ much to the delight of fans and film enthusiasts.

Emotional Connection

Sri Vaishnavi Films, the production house behind the film, shared the link to the single on its X account, stating, “Her love is as warm as a mother’s and as strong as a father’s. Feel the soulful sibling emotion in #Pommante from #BadBoyKarthik out now. A @Jharrisjayaraj Musical. Sung by @IAMVIJAYYESUDAS @ShakthisreeG. Lyrics by @boselyricist.”

Composed by Harris Jayaraj, ‘Pommante’ beautifully blends melody with raw emotion, reflecting the pain of separation and the unspoken love that defines siblings. Lyricist Chandrabose crafts poignant lines that capture the sentiment of regret and affection, while singers Vijay Yesudas and Shakthisree Gopalan lend their soulful voices, creating a memorable experience.

Visual Storytelling

The music video features Naga Shaurya and Sridevi Vijaykumar as a brother and sister, connected by unbreakable love yet torn apart by misunderstanding. Their heartfelt performances, supported by Ajay’s presence, significantly heighten the track’s emotional intensity, making it a touching tribute to sibling love.

Growing Anticipation

Expectations for this commercial action entertainer have been on the rise since the teaser release. It presents Naga Shaurya in a rugged, aggressive, and stylish avatar, packed with intense action sequences and high-octane moments. The teaser also introduces key cast members like Vidhi, Samuthirakani, Naresh VK, Saikumar, Mime Gopi, Sridevi Vijaykumar, Vennela Kishore, and Brahmaji, hinting at a mix of intense drama and humor.

Director Raam Desina seems to have crafted a commercial entertainer that resonates with the masses, overflowing with style and energy. Naga Shaurya’s female lead, Vidhi, complements him in this film, where Tamil actor Samuthirakani plays the character Varadha Reddy.

Technical Excellence

The film boasts a strong technical team. Rasool Ellore handles cinematography, while Harris Jayaraj marks his return to Telugu cinema with this project. The art direction is by Ramanjaneyulu, with editing by Kotagiri Venkateswara Rao. Action sequences are choreographed by Supreme Sundar and Prithvi, while dance numbers are handled by Raju Sundaram, Shobi Master, Vijay Polanki, and Sirish. Lyrics for the film are penned by Chandra Bose, Ramajogayya Sastry, Kasarla Shyam, and Krishnakanth.

Fans are eagerly awaiting what promises to be an entertaining cinematic experience with ‘Bad Boy Karthik.’

In a landmark moment for Indian hip hop on the global stage, star rapper, singer-songwriter, and record producer Badshah has officially announced his debut headline performance at The O2, London.

Debut Headline Performance Scheduled

The one-night-only showcase is set for 22nd March 2026, serving as a prelude to his highly anticipated world tour. This event makes Badshah the first-ever Indian rapper to headline a full-scale production at the iconic venue. The announcement follows a significant moment in 2024, when Badshah made a surprise appearance during Diljit Dosanjh’s Dil-Luminati Tour and performed ‘Naina’ at the same arena.

Joining the Ranks of Global Icons

Before tens of thousands of fans, he shared his dream of headlining The O2—a dream that will now come true in 2026. While A. R. Rahman, Arijit Singh, Diljit Dosanjh, and Sid Sriram have previously graced The O2 stage, Badshah steps into the rarefied league of global icons who have headlined the venue, including Beyoncé, Adele, Bon Jovi, Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, Elton John, Kylie Minogue, Madonna, and Burna Boy.

A Spectacular Show Ahead

Fans can look forward to a landmark live spectacle as Badshah commands the arena with an expansive three-hour performance. The show will feature his chart-topping hits, cult favourites, and recent anthems from his decade-long catalogue. Expect state-of-the-art staging, immersive visuals, and a world-class international production.

With an anticipated footfall of over 15,000 fans, the event is poised to become one of the most significant cultural milestones for Indian hip hop next year. Badshah expresses his excitement, stating, “Headlining The O2 is more than a milestone—it’s a dream I’ve carried for years. Desi hip hop belongs on the global stage, and this show is our declaration. London, we’re about to make history together—louder, prouder, and bigger than ever. 22nd March 2026 will be a night we remember forever.”

A Year of Significant Achievements

Badshah has made substantial strides in the UK in recent years. In December 2023, he became the first Indian rapper to sell out the OVO Arena Wembley as part of his multi-city UK tour—a benchmark that solidified his growing global fanbase. This moment not only marks a defining milestone for Badshah, but also serves as a powerful validation of the global momentum surrounding Indian hip hop. His headline debut at The O2 signals the genre’s rapidly expanding international footprint and its readiness to command the world’s biggest stages.

This year has indeed been monumental for Badshah. He became the first Indian rapper and only the second Asian soloist to surpass 5 billion Spotify streams across all credits. Additionally, he headlined the largest-ever sold-out Indian hip-hop tour across North America.

On the music front, Badshah has been tapped by Ali El Arabi for the title track of ‘52 Blue’, marking his debut in international film scoring. He has also recently released ‘Wallah Wallah’, featuring Afrobeats kingpin Davido.

Director Vipin Radhakrishnan, who helmed the Geetha Kailasam-starrer ‘Angammal’, emphasizes their goal was to create a film that felt lived rather than performed.

A Genuine Experience

Vipin explains, “We wanted to make a film that feels lived, not performed, born from the soil, the voices, and the resilience of real people. Geetha Kailasam approached ‘Angammal’ with extraordinary conviction. She lived in the village, embraced its rhythms, and internalized every gesture of its women. Her performance is the soul of this film, both delicate and fiercely dignified.”

Cast Contributions

The director also praises the rest of the cast for their outstanding performances.

“Saran Sakthi stands as a strong pillar of the narrative. Having admired his work in ‘Vada Chennai’, we knew he carried the emotional agility the role demanded, and he delivered with remarkable intensity. A special mention for Bharani, who has delivered an impeccable performance. His character has pivotal prominence in this movie,” he adds.

Plot Overview

For those who may not know, ‘Angammal’, releasing on December 5, focuses on a mother whose traditional attire, respected in her village, turns into a source of shame for her son as he prepares for his in-laws’ visit. What seems insignificant evolves into a profound exploration of identity, dignity, womanhood, and emotional negotiations within a family.

Commitment to Authenticity

Vipin, who created this impactful tale that he believes will resonate with audiences, shares, “Our ensemble stepped into every moment with sincerity, enduring long nights and unpredictable village weather without hesitation.”

Choosing to use sync-sound was a bold move, according to Vipin. He states that capturing every breath live demanded unwavering discipline from both actors and crew.

“Our camera and sound teams met that challenge with deep artistic sensitivity. The music, the visuals, every department collaborated with one shared purpose: truth. And our producers backed that vision wholeheartedly, believing in a film that may appear simple but speaks profoundly about tradition, identity, and pride. Without their support, ‘Angammal’ would not exist in this form,” he explains.

Production Team

The film is being presented by Stone Bench Films in association with Njoy Films & Firo Movie Station.

‘Angammal’ was written for the screen and directed by Vipin Radhakrishnan, adapted from a story by Perumal Murugan. The cinematography is by Anjoy Samuel, with music and original background score composed by Mohammed Maqbool Mansoor. Production credits include Kaarthekeyen S, Firoz Rahim, and Anjoy Samuel, with co-production by Shamsudeen Khalid and Anu Abraham.

Actor Sudesh Berry recently reminisced about his memorable experiences with Bollywood icon Sunny Deol, sharing his sentiments on social media.

A Nostalgic Reflection

Sudesh worked alongside Sunny Deol in the 1996 action drama Himmat. Sharing a still from the film, he expressed his nostalgia. In the photo, Sudesh is seen smiling happily, with Sunny Deol attentively listening.

He captioned the post, “Himmat ke set par Sunny Deol ji ke saath guzare hue yeh pal… Ek side unki zabardast energy, doosri side humari on-screen chemistry—Har scene mein ek alag hi spark tha. Cinema ka yeh safar yaadon mein hamesha chamakta rahega.”

About Himmat

Released in 1996 and directed by Sunil Sharma, Himmat featured a stellar cast including Sunny Deol, Tabu, Sudesh Berry, and Shilpa Shetty. The action thriller expertly weaves themes of patriotism, crime, and duty. While Sunny Deol took on the lead role, Sudesh Berry played an important supporting character.

A Tough Time for Sunny Deol

Recently, Sunny Deol has been navigating an emotionally challenging period following the passing of his legendary father, Dharmendra, just a week ago on November 24.

The news of Dharmendra’s death sent shockwaves throughout the nation, particularly within the Bollywood community. On the evening of November 25, veteran actor Jeetendra, a close friend of Dharmendra for nearly 50 years, visited the grieving family. Notable figures such as Hrithik Roshan and his father Rakesh Roshan also showed their support by visiting the Deol family amid their distress.

For those who may not know, superstar Dharmendra passed away at the age of 89. Following a bout of breathing difficulties in mid-November, he was placed on a ventilator. Although he was later discharged from the hospital to continue treatment at home, he ultimately succumbed to his health challenges.