Category: Entertainment

Filmmaker Ramesh Sippy, known for delivering Bollywood’s iconic “Sholay,” recently revealed intriguing insights about the beloved characters Jay and Veeru, their friendship, and what led the film to earn cult classic status.

The Heart of Friendship

At a festival, Sippy remarked, “The best way to begin is with that iconic song, ‘Yeh dosti hum nahi todenge, todenge dum agar, tera saath na chhodenge.’ It’s a wonderful song written by Anand Bakshi and set to music by R.D. Burman.” He emphasized the significance of teamwork in filmmaking, saying, “As I have always said, every member of the unit – the technicdigihunt, the musicdigihunt, everyone – is important to a film like this, or to any film for that matter. As the captain of the ship, I can assure you that no film can be made without teamwork.”

A Team Effort

Sippy further stated, “But you also need a good captain, and you need strong key people around you: the writers, the technicdigihunt, the cameramen, the music team, and of course the background score. RD Burman did a marvellous job with that!” He noted, “From the very first frame, you can feel the impact of the land you are entering and the kind of film you are about to experience. For the first time in India, we even had the fight team come from outside the country, from the UK, adding a whole new dimension to the film’s scale and execution.”

For those unaware, Sippy’s session, titled “50 years of Sholay: Why Sholay still resonates,” highlighted lesser-known facts about the film.

The Iconic Gabbar

During the discussion, he also shared details about casting the late supervillain Amjad Khan as the infamous Gabbar. “Amjad Khan himself was a discovery. I had seen him earlier in a play with my sister about South Africa, and I remembered he was a good actor, but I had completely forgotten about him.” He elaborated, “When Salim–Javed suggested we look at him, it clicked. He came in for the part, but only because Danny Denzongpa, who was originally signed for Gabbar, was in Afghanistan shooting with Feroz Khan and couldn’t return. We didn’t have to make changes anywhere because of the language or accent; especially for Gabbar, Amjad’s UP-style accent worked beautifully.”

Sippy concluded, “Danny’s absence gave birth to Amjad Khan as Gabbar, and the rest is history.”

Sholay: A Timeless Classic

Talking about “Sholay,” the film starred Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Sanjeev Kumar, Amjad Khan, Jaya Bachchan, and Hema Malini in pivotal roles. Released in 1975, it is now considered one of the most iconic movies of all time, though it was initially declared a flop.

The movie has gifted audiences memorable songs and unforgettable characters like Jay, Veeru, Basanti, Thakur, and Gabbar, all of whom remain some of Bollywood’s finest on-screen personas even after 50 years.

The trailer for Bollywood’s 90’s star Mahima Chaudhry and actor Sanjay Mishra’s upcoming romantic entertainer, “Durlabh Prasad Ki Dusri Shadi,” has been released by the makers on social media.

Trailer Highlights

The teaser features a vibrant and stylish Mahima, showcasing her at her modern best, who crosses paths with Sanjay Mishra’s traditional and simple character, who is on a quest to remarry.

Release Date

The film is set to hit cinema halls on December 19 this year.

Announcement Poster

Recently unveiled, the announcement poster depicts groom Sanjay gazing lovingly at Mahima, who is portrayed as the bride, complete with a garland in his hand. The actors looked charming in a post that stated, “The wedding bells are ringing! (Bell emoji) Get ready to celebrate love, family, and second chances. #DurlabhPrasadKiDusriShadi is coming to the big screen on DECEMBER 19. (sic).”

Movie Overview

For those unfamiliar, “Durlabh Prasad Ki Dusri Shadi” is directed by Siddhant Raj Singh. The film revolves around a young man’s urgent mission to find a new bride for his widowed father, driven by pressure from his future in-laws to have a woman in the house before they approve of their daughter’s marriage.

Cast and Crew

Alongside Mahima Chaudhry and Sanjay Mishra, the film features Vyom Yadav, Palak Lalwani, Pravin Singh Sisodia, and Shrikant Verma in significant roles, among others.

Sanjay Mishra’s Insight

Discussing his character, Sanjay Mishra shared, “Durlabh Prasad is a character you’ll love for his simplicity and innocence. Comedy with emotion is always special, and this film has both in abundance. I’m excited for audiences to meet this unique dulha and his equally unique journey.”

Social Media Buzz

Sanjay previously took to social media to reveal the first-look poster of the movie with the caption, “The bride has been found; get ready now, because the barat will be coming soon, from theatres near you or far. #DurlabhPrasadKiDusriShadi releasing in cinemas soon! (sic).”

The poster highlights a close-up of Mahima as a stunning bride, while Sanjay poses as an unconventional Dulha.

Actress Ishita Dutta and her husband, actor Vatsal Seth, recently celebrated their eighth wedding anniversary. An overjoyed Ishita shared heartfelt wishes for Vatsal on her social media account.

To commemorate the occasion, she posted a lovely picture from their wedding and another from their recent vacation with family. Ishita wrote, “Happy Anniversary, Vatty! Eight years, two beautiful babies… and a lifetime of love to go. Us, always and forever.”

For those unfamiliar, Ishita and Vatsal first crossed paths on the sets of the TV show ‘Rishton Ka Sadaagar Baazigar’ in 2016. They dated for about a year before tying the knot in November 2017. The couple welcomed their first child, a son, in 2023, followed by a daughter in 2025.

Interestingly, Vatsal portrayed Ajay Devgn’s son in the movie ‘Tarzan: The Wonder Car,’ released in 2004, while Ishita played Ajay’s daughter in ‘Drishyam’ in 2015. Bollywood stars Kajol and Ajay were among the early guests at their wedding in Mumbai.

On the professional front, Ishita has made a comeback to the silver screen with the sequel, ‘De De Pyaar De 2.’ This film marks her first release after becoming a mother of two, with her son Vaayu and daughter Veda. Ishita revealed that she shot the romantic comedy while pregnant with her daughter.

Recently, she shared a photo of herself next to a billboard for ‘De De Pyaar De 2,’ likely outside a cinema hall. She expressed her excitement, stating, “Super excited for this one… My first film post both my kids; I was pregnant with Veda while filming this one. Being back after 4 years feels so strange, almost like a new beginning… Need all your blessings… Can I say I have forgotten how to pose? I have forgotten how to be me… To a new beginning.”

OTT platform ZEE5 has launched “Kesariya@100,” an immersive documentary series that chronicles 100 years of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Premiering on December 12, 2025, the series provides a researched journey tracing the evolution of one of India’s most influential voluntary movements.

Engaging Audiences with Historical Depth

Designed to captivate viewers, the series offers historical insights, nuanced perspectives, and a meaningful exploration of India’s socio-cultural landscape. Anchored by Nitish Bharadwaj, “Kesariya@100” revisits key chapters in the RSS’s extensive history. This includes the founding vision of Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar and the organization’s significant relief efforts during national crises.

Exploring Community Initiatives and Leadership

The documentary delves into the RSS’s community-building initiatives, educational outreach, and leadership during pivotal moments. Each episode focuses on a distinct period or theme, offering viewers a thorough understanding of the movement’s evolution over the years.

The home OTT channel shared a glimpse of the show on social media, captioning the video: “Sadi bhar ki parampara, tyag aur nirmaan! RSS ki yeh kahaani ab poora desh dekhega.” In the video, Nitish Bharadwaj guides viewers through a challenging journey of the RSS spanning a century.

A Rich Tapestry of History

The series incorporates rare videos and photos from the RSS archives, presenting various facts alongside historic footage. With expert insights, on-the-ground accounts, and cinematic recreations, “Kesariya@100” encapsulates complex moments of India’s past in a format accessible to contemporary audiences.

Whether showcasing disaster relief during floods, uniting spiritual leaders amid division, or quietly establishing schools and health centres in remote villages, the series tells a story of quiet determination, resilience, and unwavering patriotism.

The makers of actor Gautham Ram Karthik’s upcoming film ‘ROOT – Running Out Of Time’ have announced that the actor has completed dubbing for his portions in the film.

Verus Productions, the production house behind this project, expressed their enthusiasm, stating, “We are happy to announce that Hero Gautham Ram Karthik has successfully completed dubbing for his portions in the much-awaited Sci-Fi Crime Thriller ‘ROOT – Running Out of Time.’ This marks a significant milestone in the film’s post-production journey.”

It was previously reported that the filming wrapped up on November 1 this year. Director Sooriyaprathap S shared his excitement, saying, “We’ve officially wrapped ‘ROOT’! The making of this film has been an unforgettable journey. We’ve poured our hearts and hard work into creating a memorable experience for the audience and can’t wait to share it with you all.”

He further added, “A big thanks to our hero Gautham Ram Karthik. His energy, dedication, and commitment made this journey truly special. I’m deeply grateful to my producers, our wonderful cast and crew for their immense support and encouragement, and to Bollywood star Aparshakti Khurana, whose presence and involvement have been a great strength to the film. We’re truly excited as we move into post-production and can’t wait to bring ROOT to you soon!”

Actress Bhavya Trikha will play the female lead, while veteran actor Y Gee Mahendran is also featured in a pivotal role.

Produced by Dhanishtan Fernando, Rajarajan Gananasambandam, Sanjai Shankar, and Shaik Mujeeb under the Verus Productions banner, the film is poised to be an edge-of-the-seat thriller.

For those unfamiliar, director Sooriyaprathap S is noted for his creative vision on Naalaiya Iyakkunar – Season 1 and his role as an associate director in ‘Kochadaiiyaan’, starring Superstar Rajinikanth.

In earlier remarks, Sooriyaprathap shared his passion, stating, “This film has been a passion project right from the scripting stage. The idea behind ROOT is to present a gripping crime thriller set against a sci-fi backdrop, but with grounded, emotionally resonant characters.”

Speaking on Gautham Ram Karthik, he remarked, “Gautham brings a powerful presence and depth to the role of a police officer. His commitment to the craft and fearless approach to challenging roles makes him the perfect anchor for this story.”

Cinematography is handled by Arjun Raja, music is composed by Vithushanan, and action choreography is by Miracle Michael. Sources suggest that ROOT – Running Out of Time is set to deliver a fresh cinematic experience, pushing the boundaries of Tamil genre filmmaking.

Filmmaker Aishwarya Rajinikanth recently graced the IFFI 2025 festival in Goa, discussing her movie Lal Salaam, which was showcased at the event.

A Heartfelt Moment

Expressing her emotions, Aishwarya shared, “The moment is still sinking in. It’s so surreal. I am really at a loss for words for this experience. I think it’s a blessing for this film.”

She reflected on the journey, stating, “There were so many experiences and hardships throughout this journey. It was a huge challenge to make this film, and my father has been such a strong foundation for it to happen. I truly owe it to him and I am indebted to him, the director, and his daughter for doing such a film.” She extended her gratitude to the producers, saying, “Thank you to Rahman sir for supporting such a cause because he loved the message the film carried. Every single person who worked on this film has taken back bits and pieces of its emotion, and that is the most important thing. To present it on a platform like this, globally, was never even in our minds.”

Gratitude and Blessings

Aishwarya further expressed, “As a daughter, as a director, and as a member of the film fraternity, this is a dream come true. I am extremely thankful to God today, and I thank my team for standing by me through every hardship. Thank you all so much for your support. To celebrate his 50th year, and for this film to be a part of that, is a blessing for his daughter and as a director. Thank you very much.”

Professionalism at Its Best

When asked if she took any liberties as a daughter in working with ‘The’ Rajinikanth, she stated, “No, he was very professional, and he kept it that way. That made it even harder because every time we crossed paths, he would stand up. It was difficult to work around him as a director because we’re all so close to him. I am extremely blessed to have had this opportunity.”

Aishwarya spoke about the significance of having Rajinikanth promote the movie’s core message of ‘humanity above religion.’ She mentioned, “I think I sound like I am bragging about my father, but when the whole world is celebrating his 50th year and millions of fans are putting up posters, tweets, and messages to celebrate him, it isn’t wrong for me to feel proud.”

Masterclass in Dedication

She recalled, “Every single day when he walked onto the set and I said ‘action’, I witnessed a walking masterclass. Not just on screen, off screen too.” She highlighted his commitment, noting, “His dedication, his timing – everyone had to be punctual because he was punctual. Everyone had to be dedicated because he was dedicated. It was like a 24-hour free masterclass for all of us.”

Talking about special memories from the shoot, she reflected, “There are too many. With every single cast and crew member, we faced a lot of challenges. And every one of them, even after their takes were done or when they had different get-ups, came back to give us that one shot, that one extra frame, that one extra scene. I should thank every one of them.”

About Lal Salaam

Released in 2024, Lal Salaam is an Indian Tamil-language sports action drama directed by Aishwarya Rajinikanth and produced by Allirajah Subaskaran under the Lyca Productions banner. The film stars Vishnu Vishal and Vikranth in lead roles, complemented by an ensemble cast that includes Vignesh, Livingston, Senthil, Jeevitha, K. S. Ravikumar, and Thambi Ramaiah. Megastar Rajinikanth also appears in an extended cameo role.

The makers of director Sudha Kongara’s much-anticipated period film, ‘Parasakthi’, featuring actor Sivakarthikeyan in the lead role, have announced that he has commenced dubbing for his parts in the film.

Dawn Pictures, the production house behind the project, shared a video on its X timeline showing Sivakarthikeyan dubbing under the supervision of Sudha Kongara. The post read, “When his voice turns into a storm. @sivakarthikeyan begins dubbing for #Parasakthi – Coming to theatres on January 14th.”

Actor Sreeleela had begun dubbing for her portions in the film just a week prior. Dawn Pictures also announced this on their X timeline, stating, “Her own voice, on the big screen. @sreeleela14 starts dubbing for #Parasakthi – Get set for the grand arrival in theatres on January 14th. #ParasakthiFromPongal #ParasakthiFromJan14.” A video clip of her dubbing was released as well.

Additionally, a couple of weeks ago, actor Ravi Mohan, who plays the antagonist, started dubbing for his portions. The makers officially confirmed on October 21 that filming had wrapped up. The final shooting schedule took place in Pollachi, completing earlier schedules in Madurai and Sri Lanka. Sources indicate that crucial scenes were filmed during this last schedule, which commenced on July 18, with Sivakarthikeyan joining the team later.

‘Parasakthi’ has generated significant excitement among fans and film enthusiasts. Set in the 1960s in the then state of Madras, the period film also stars Atharvaa.

A teaser released by the team showcases the story unfolding at Pachaiyappa’s College in Madras, where Sivakarthikeyan’s character is depicted as a fearless leader rallying students for a protest against an unjust system. One intriguing detail from the teaser shows an order stating ‘Students – do not touch’ being altered to ‘Do not touch students.’

The teaser also hints at the conflict between Sivakarthikeyan’s character and Ravi Mohan’s character, who is eager to kill him.

Tentatively referred to as #SK25, marking Sivakarthikeyan’s 25th film, ‘Parasakthi’ features music by G V Prakash and cinematography by the experienced Ravi K Chandran. Action sequences are choreographed by Supreme Sundar. The film is set to be released on January 14, coinciding with the Pongal festival.

The much-anticipated teaser of “Oslo: A Tail of Promise” has been unveiled, captivating audiences at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. Festival-goers were visibly moved by the film’s tender portrayal.

Starring John Abraham, the actor shared his thoughts about the teaser, emphasizing its emotional significance. He said, “The teaser is only a window, but even in those few moments, people can feel Oslo’s presence and Pooja’s truth. That is all I hoped for. This film asks us to pause, to listen, and to see life through another being’s eyes.”

“Oslo: A Tail of Promise” is presented and produced by John Abraham, a passionate animal advocate. This deeply intimate non-fiction film explores the profound bond between a Siberian husky named Oslo and Pooja R. Bhale, founder of the Protecterra Ecological Foundation. Directed by Isha Pungaliya, the film delves into how animals guide, ground, and heal us in times when humanity feels most fractured.

Isha Pungaliya remarked, “We knew this story carried its own strength, but watching people connect so instantly and so emotionally has been incredibly moving. Animals remind us who we can be at our best. Oslo carries that reminder in every frame.”

Pooja’s journey with Oslo forms the emotional heart of the film. Reacting to the teaser’s release, she expressed, “Oslo came into my life as a traumatized dog looking for a home, and he became my teacher. He taught me to surrender, to accept, to love without fear. This film is his legacy.”

As the nation engages in ongoing discussions about the treatment of animals, “Oslo: A Tail of Promise” serves as a poignant reminder of what we owe to the beings that stand by us without expectation. The film is produced by JA Entertainment and Vaanar Nirmit.

Actor Rishabh Sawhney, recognized for his role in Hrithik Roshan’s “Fighter,” has described his meeting with Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan as one of the most surreal experiences of his life.

A Memorable Encounter

Taking to Instagram, Rishabh expressed his excitement and admiration after meeting the legendary actor. He referred to the experience as one of the “most surreal feelings” he has ever had, sharing that Amitabh Bachchan’s energy and passion left him deeply inspired.

A Personal Connection

Rishabh shared a personal connection with the star, revealing that he grew up watching “Sholay” over 150 times, making it a dream for him to tell Amitabh this—a true “bucket list” moment.

In his Instagram post, he wrote, “This day, the moment and the conversation will always stay with me!! Meeting @amitabhbachchan sir was one of the most surreal feelings!! The energy and passion he carries is so inspirational!!” He added, “The fact that growing up I’ve seen Sholay more than 150 times and getting to tell him that was something which was always on my bucket list!!! Thank you @monadarasingkhurana @jjoshina for making this happen!!! #rishabhsawhney.”

In the photos he shared, Rishabh is seen beaming with joy alongside the veteran actor.

Rishabh’s Transformation for “Fighter”

Rishabh Sawhney is best known for portraying Azhar Akhtar, the antagonist in “Fighter,” directed by Siddharth Anand. He underwent a significant transformation for this role, emphasizing his commitment to doing justice to the character. Speaking about this transformation, Rishabh remarked, “It was a very exciting, excruciating and fulfilling journey for me. This was the first time I could actually put on muscle for a role.”

With a background in bodybuilding, he noted, “I knew this was something that will play in my favor and I’d been waiting to get a chance to gain muscle and grow big. I have been working out consistently for 8-9 years now and it’s been my lifesaver.”

During her performance in Kolkata, Monali Thakur paid a heartfelt tribute to Dharmendra by beautifully singing his timeless classic “Aap Ki Nazron Ne Samjha” from the movie “Anpadh.”

Her sincere rendition enveloped the audience in a shared sense of nostalgia and deep respect. The video capturing the moment showcases Monali crooning the song with remarkable ease and heartfelt sincerity, echoing her admiration for the legendary actor.

The audience, visibly moved, responded not with loud cheers, but with an attentive stillness, recognizing the significance of the moment. While some spectators recorded the performance, many were lost in the memories evoked by the song.

“Anpadh,” directed by Mohan Kumar, features notable actors including Balraj Sahni, Dharmendra, Mala Sinha, and Shashikala.

The song “Aap Ki Nazron Ne Samjha” was originally sung by the legendary Lata Mangeshkar, with music composed by Khayyam and profound lyrics penned by Raja Mehdi Ali Khan.

Dharmendra is set to make his last silver screen appearance in the upcoming movie “Ikkis.” Recently, the makers shared a final poem written by him. The clip shows Dharmendra reciting a touching Punjabi poem titled “Aj bhi ji karda hai, pind apne nu jaanwa,” which beautifully reflects his longing for his beloved pind (village).

In a social media post accompanying the poem, the makers expressed: “Dharam Ji was a true son of the soil, and his words carry the essence of that soil. ❤️ This poem by him is a yearning; a tribute from one legend to another. Thank you for gifting us this timeless verse.”

One of the most poignant moments in the video features Dharmendra alongside Asrani. Seeing the beloved Veeru and the unforgettable ‘Angrezo ke zamane ke Jailer’ on screen together for the last time evokes a rush of nostalgia among cinema lovers.