Category: Entertainment

Actress-politician Smriti Irani has shared a heartfelt note celebrating the formalization of the relationship between her “Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi” co-stars Ashlesha Sawant and Sandeep Baswana.

A Journey of Realism

Smriti took to Instagram to post a beautiful picture of Ashlesha and Sandeep. She reflected on how the couple’s journey began “not with rituals, but with realism” and highlighted that their bond is rooted in companionship and truth.

She wrote: “Some love stories take the most interesting turns. They begin not with rituals, but with realism. They promise nothing except companionship. They bring nothing to the table except the honest truth that love may ebb with time, but friendship doesn’t. And from that truth begins a beautiful—albeit different—journey.”

Unique and Unconventional Love

Calling the couple “different, unconventional, wonderfully their own,” Smriti added: “Ashlesha and Sandeep have always been that way: different, unconventional, wonderfully their own. Madly in love, deeply in sync, and constantly driving friends like me up the wall as we kept breathing down their necks to get married.”

She humorously said, “Well… it seems irritating idiots like me finally got their way! So happy to see them now bound by love and celebrating it through rituals. #theygotmarried @ashleshasavant @baswanasandeep.”

A Long-Lasting Bond

Ashlesha and Sandeep tied the knot after being together for 23 years. The couple married on November 16 in Vrindavan.

Sandeep made his television debut with the show Kuchh Jhuki Palkain and later appeared in Kkoi Dil Mein Hai. His role as Sahil Virani in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi made him a household name. He also took on the character of Munna in Hitler Didi and appeared in Udaan as Ishwar Rawat. Recently, he played Girdhar Shukla in Apollena – Sapno Ki Unchi Udann.

Ashlesha made her acting debut in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi as Teesha Mehta Virani. She is renowned for her roles in Saat Phere – Saloni Ka Safar, Pyaar Ka Dard Hai Meetha Meetha Pyaara Pyaara, Kumkum Bhagya, and Anupamaa.

Actress Eva Longoria believes becoming a mother later in life has been “perfect” for her, attributing this to the added “wisdom and patience” that comes with being in your 40s.

Longoria and her husband, Jose Baston, welcomed their son Santiago when she was 43. In an interview with The Sunday Times’ Culture Magazine, she shared her sentiments on motherhood. “You have so much more wisdom and patience when you become a mother in your 40s,” she stated.

Reflecting on her life before motherhood, she said, “It was all about me for so long. 40 years of me was enough time, so I was really blessed to have my child later in life because I had travelled, I’d done everything I needed to do for my career. Now everything I do is just icing on the cake, and I get to do that with my son.”

Family comes first for Longoria, who insists that she’ll only accept roles that are fulfilling. She noted, “If I’m saying yes to something and it’s taking time away from them, it’s got to be something I’m really going to enjoy and people I really want to work with.”

Previously, Longoria was married to the late actor Tyler Christopher and former professional basketball player Tony Parker. She and Jose Baston were introduced by mutual friends in 2013, and he proposed to her during a romantic getaway in Dubai in 2015. They tied the knot on May 21, 2016, in a sunset garden ceremony attended by 200 guests at his lakeside home near Mexico City.

As a stepmother to Jose’s daughter Natalia and twins Mariana and Jose from a previous relationship, Eva feels fortunate to have him in her life. She expressed, “I’m busy and my career is very important to me, but I’m really fortunate that I met my match in that. He’s totally supportive of my dreams and my goals and what I want to get done.”

Actress Lara Dutta Bhupathi recently shared a delightful moment from her professional life, highlighting that while working with her husband, tennis player Mahesh Bhupathi, is a joy, getting him to smile for the camera presents a unique challenge.

On Instagram, Lara posted pictures where both are seen twinning in black outfits and sporting big smiles. She captioned the photos, “Working alongside my husband @mbhupathi is a pleasure…… getting him to smile for a photo though??? That’s a whole different story!!!”

Lara and Mahesh got engaged in 2010 and tied the knot in a civil ceremony in Mumbai the following year, followed by a Christian ceremony in Goa. They welcomed their daughter, Saira Bhupathi, in 2012.

Lara, who won Miss Intercontinental 1997 and Miss Universe 2000, made her acting debut in 2003 with “Andaaz.” She has appeared in several commercially successful films, including popular comedies like “Masti,” “No Entry,” “Bhagam Bhag,” “Partner,” “Housefull,” and “Chalo Dilli,” along with the action film “Don 2.”

After a brief hiatus, she starred in the British drama miniseries “Beecham House” and portrayed Indira Gandhi in “Bell Bottom.” Lara has also taken up roles in streaming series such as “Hundred,” “Kaun Banegi Shikharwati,” and “Ranneeti: Balakot & Beyond.”

Her most recent appearance was in the 2021 film “Bell Bottom,” featuring Akshay Kumar as the lead, alongside Vaani Kapoor and Huma Qureshi. The film is based on real-life hijacking events in India by Khalistani terrorists during the 1980s, including the Indian Airlines Flight 423, 405, and 421 hijackings.

Lara is set to star in the upcoming comedy film “Welcome To The Jungle,” directed by Ahmed Khan. This film boasts an impressive cast, including Jackie Shroff, Akshay Kumar, Sanjay Dutt, Suniel Shetty, Arshad Warsi, Raveena Tandon, Disha Patani, Jacqueline Fernandez, Shreyas Talpade, Aftab Shivdasani, Paresh Rawal, Johnny Lever, Rajpal Yadav, Krushna Abhishek, Kiku Sharda, Daler Mehndi, Tusshar Kapoor, Mika Singh, Mukesh Tiwari, Zakir Hussain, Yashpal Sharma, and Sayaji Shinde in pivotal roles.

Actor Vishal Jethwa has clinched the prestigious Snow Leopard Award for Best Actor at the Asian World Film Festival (AWFF) for his role in Homebound. He expressed that dreams do indeed come true when one refuses to give up.

Vishal’s Heartfelt Gratitude

Sharing his appreciation, Vishal remarked, “Dreams do come true when you refuse to give up. Receiving the Snow Leopard Best Actor Award is a surreal moment. As actors, we may be the face, but the entire cast and crew of Homebound deserve this honour.” This marks Vishal’s first win in the Best Actor category.

“It’s my first Best Actor and first international award, truly special. Thank you so much… bohot bohot dhanyawad. Jai Hind,” he added.

Significance of Homebound

Vishal emphasized that Homebound provided him a global platform to convey a story that resonates both personally and universally. “To be recognised among such remarkable international talent at AWFF is incredibly humbling. This win reminds me that honest storytelling always finds its way to people’s hearts,” he said.

About the Film

Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and produced by Dharma Productions, Homebound follows two childhood friends from a small village in North India who aspire to become police officers, hoping the job will bring them the respect they have always lacked. However, as they strive toward their goal, pressures and struggles threaten their friendship.

The film, which also stars Janhvi Kapoor and Ishaan Khatter, had its world premiere in the Un Certain Regard section of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, receiving a remarkable nine-minute standing ovation following its screening.

Vishal’s Acting Journey

Vishal began his acting career in 2013, securing the lead role of Akbar in Bharat Ka Veer Putra – Maharana Pratap. In 2015, he portrayed Bali in Sankatmochan Mahabali Hanuman, and a year later, he took on an important role as a terrorist in Diya Aur Baati Hum.

On the occasion of veteran screenwriter Salim Khan’s 90th birthday, Bollywood superstar Salman Khan expressed his heartfelt wishes for his father, whom he affectionately referred to as his “galaxy.”

Arpita, Salman’s sister, took to Instagram to share a cherished photograph featuring her husband Aayush, their father Salim Khan, mother Salma Khan, and children Ahil and Ayat.

In her heartfelt caption, she wrote: “Happiest 90th Birthday Daddy, we are truly blessed to celebrate you today & everyday. You are a living legend, & we are your legacy.”

She further expressed her gratitude: “Thank you for being the wind beneath our wings, thank you for being the calm in a storm, thank you for being the strength we all need, thank you for teaching us the values of family & thank you for always being our safe place. You are our Galaxy. Love you forever & ever.”

Salim Khan is renowned for his contributions to numerous Bollywood films, especially as part of the iconic screenwriting duo Salim–Javed, alongside Javed Akhtar. Together, they played a pivotal role in transforming Indian cinema during the 1970s, with major hits like Seeta Aur Geeta, Zanjeer, Deewaar, Sholay, Trishul, Kranti, and the Don franchise.

In 2024, Prime Video is set to release a three-part documentary series titled Angry Young Men, exploring the partnership between Salim and Javed, their significant influence on Indian cinema, and their individual journeys beyond their collaborative work.

Salim Khan wed Salma on 18 November 1964, and the couple has four children: three sons—Salman, Arbaaz, and Sohail—and one daughter, Alvira.

On a separate note, Salman Khan is currently hosting “Bigg Boss 19” and will soon appear in the film “The Battle Of Galwan.” This film is based on the Galwan stand-off between India and China that occurred on June 15, 2020, during the height of the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic in India.

Veteran Bollywood star Zeenat Aman, renowned for her groundbreaking performances in classics like “Hare Rama Hare Krishna,” “Qurbaani,” and “Satyam Shivam Sundaram,” believes that the conversation around “superficiality” in cinema has evolved over time.

Changing Perceptions in Cinema

Reflecting on past sentiments, she recalls how glamour was often mistaken for superficiality. However, her characters, from Hare Rama Hare Krishna to Satyam Shivam Sundaram, resonated with emotional rebellion that went beyond mere aesthetics. When asked if she observes a resurgence of nuance in contemporary cinema, she responded, “Yeah. You know, I think we have not just Hindi cinema, we have regional cinema. And I think there are so many different stories that are being told on so many different platforms.”

The Impact of Streaming Platforms

Zeenat further emphasized the transformation brought about by streaming services, noting how they have provided opportunities for voices that were previously sidelined. “Especially now with OTT and the streaming platform, I think there are all kinds of stories and all kinds of wonderful opportunities for young actors and all actors to perform,” she stated.

Classic Films and Their Themes

Discussing her iconic film Hare Rama Hare Krishna, released in 1971 and directed by Dev Anand, she highlighted its exploration of the decadence of the hippie culture and its anti-drug message, influenced by the 1968 American psychedelic film Psych-Out.

Her 1980 hit Qurbani, featuring Vinod Khanna, Amjad Khan, and others, was inspired by the 1972 Italian-West German movie The Master Touch. Meanwhile, the 1978 romantic drama Satyam Shivam Sundaram, alongside Shashi Kapoor, delves into the distinctions between physical and spiritual love.

Latest Projects

Zeenat Aman’s recent work includes narrating a compelling 10-part documentary series titled “Embers of Hope: The Fight for Our Future” for Discovery Channel. Filmed at over 60 locations, each episode tackles critical issues such as global warming, waste and pollution, population balance, water conservation, and biodiversity loss.

Global star Priyanka Chopra believes that narratives like “Born Hungry” illustrate that ambition and compassion can coexist, even in a world that prioritizes speed and success.

When asked if stories like “Born Hungry” remind audiences of the human journey behind ambition and achievement, Priyanka shared, “I don’t think they’re mutually exclusive. Ambition and achievement can happen along with a balanced life and without human sacrifice. There is a balance to be found, and that’s what we all need to strive for.”

She elaborated on the significance of purpose, emphasizing it shouldn’t come at the cost of one’s well-being. “I think it’s really, really important to have a sense of ambition, a sense of achievement, a sense of purpose for every human being — whatever that version might be for you in your life. But at the same time, not at the cost of others, not at the cost of your well-being, not at the cost of your mental health or your health.”

Priyanka sees “Born Hungry,” which will stream on JioHotstar, as a testament to the resilience people possess, while also acknowledging the role of fate. “I think what a movie like Born Hungry reminds us is that each human being has tenacity within ourselves, and if we want to achieve something, we can — but also that there has to be some element of divinity involved, like it was with Sash’s life,” explained the actress, who produced the film.

Reflecting on Sash Simpson’s journey from abandonment to achievement, Priyanka said, “His life changed, and like I said, so many children’s lives don’t. His story deserves to be told because of what he made out of it, what he built himself, and how he pulled himself out of, I don’t know, maybe the abandonment issues that he must have had or the fear that he must have lived with. As a mother of a young child, I can’t imagine… if she was out there in the world all by herself… what kind of fear she must have felt.”

She often contemplates Sash’s early years and remarked, “So, I always think about Sash’s younger self and how dark and bleak that time in his life must have been, and how he’s been able to come out of that and become the incredible success that he is.”

Hollywood actress-singer Jennifer Lopez made a stunning appearance in Indian attire at the high-profile wedding of Netra Mantena and Vamsi Gadiraju in Udaipur.

Dressed in a beautiful pink lehenga, she was photographed alongside the bride’s father, Raj Mantena. Raj, a billionaire businessman born in India and based in the US, is often referred to as the “pharma king” of the United States. He holds a degree in computer science engineering from JNTU, India, and later earned a pharmacy degree in the U.S. In 2005, he founded P4 Healthcare.

His pharmaceutical company, Ingenus Pharmaceuticals, is renowned in the U.S. for producing and distributing various essential medications at affordable prices. The extravagant wedding has attracted significant attention due to its lavish celebrations.

On the work front, JLo is set to appear in the movie adaptation of the 1993 Broadway musical ‘Kiss of the Spider Woman.’ In a recent appearance on the ‘Howard Stern Show,’ she discussed her experience filming and her initial reservations about her transformation for the role. Stern complimented her performance and remarked on her character’s hairstyle, to which JLo responded by sharing her concerns about going platinum blonde for the film.

In the film, she portrays Ingrid Luna, whose character’s storyline emerges from the imagination of two prisoners in a repressive South American prison: a Marxist revolutionary played by Diego Luna and a gay window dresser, Tonatiuh, who is jailed for “immoral behavior.” “I like you as a platinum blonde,” Stern noted, highlighting her transformation. JLo admitted she had never tried platinum blonde hair before, expressing worry that it might not suit her skin tone.

Previously, she had experimented with blonde wigs but felt they didn’t complement her appearance. “I thought this would be bad. But it was a whole transformation. The skin needed to be transformed. I had to put more pink in my foundation,” she explained. She also mentioned that her usual lipstick choices didn’t align with her new look, signaling a complete makeover not only in hair but also in her overall style.

Pop icon Taylor Swift recently flew to London to film a music video, and the details have now emerged.

Music Video Shoot

The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter arrived in the UK last weekend on a private jet from New Jersey. She shot the music video at unique locations, including the Whitgift Centre, a shopping mall in Croydon, South London, as reported by ‘Female First UK’.

Extras were also spotted at the Mildmay Club in Stoke Newington, North London. Notable figures like singer Lewis Capaldi and actor Domhnall Gleeson are expected to make cameos in the video, which is believed to be for the track “Opalite” from her upcoming project, ‘The Life of a Showgirl’.

Secrecy and Security

An insider shared with ‘The Sun’ that the video shoot was highly secretive. “Taylor’s security team worked day and night to ensure she wasn’t seen at any point. It was like a military operation. But she IS the most powerful woman in pop, so if she wants to go unseen, she’ll make it happen,” the insider said.

An onlooker recounted, “Extras in retro dress were spotted exiting the venue, along with festive props like Christmas trees, glitter cannons, and tinsel. Banana milkshake was used for eggnog, while grape juice stood in for posh champagne.”

Budget and Ambiance

According to ‘Female First UK’, the ‘Fate of Ophelia’ singer reportedly spent around $1 million on the music video, which is described as having a nostalgic feel, reminiscent of “Love Actually meets a John Lewis advert.”

The report continued, “Security was really tight. Taylor and her cast were given numbers instead of names, and were whisked between cars and buildings under a fortress of umbrellas and screens to maintain secrecy. You’ve never seen secrecy like it. Some shops were informed of filming, but they were told it was for an insurance commercial, something suitably boring that wouldn’t arouse suspicion. The overall budget was massive, roughly $1.3 million.”

They added, “Hiring out the shopping centre alone would have cost several hundreds of thousands of pounds, even if it is tiring. Of course, it was decorated to look festive. It has a nostalgic feel, like Love Actually meets a John Lewis advert.”

Actress Girija Oak is gearing up for the release of her upcoming streaming series, ‘Perfect Family,’ and is emphasizing the significance of informed and socially aware parents in a child’s life.

New Promo Released

On Sunday, the makers of ‘Perfect Family’ unveiled a new promo featuring Girija, who plays the role of Neeti Karkaria in the series. The show also stars prominent actors such as Manoj Pahwa, Seema Pahwa, Neha Dhupia, and Gulshan Devaiah, and revolves around the theme of childhood experiences.

Childhood Trauma Insights

Speaking about the series, Girija remarked, “It is interesting how childhood trauma is perceived. When you are living it, you do not realise it; you are simply dealing with situations the best you can. I think every set of parents understands what is good and bad for their kid, but we often get stuck in what people will say. If you remove that and think only about your kids, you will know what to allow and what not. That is why the responsibility lies with the adult, who has the foresight and emotional balance to understand how something might impact a child. With more aware and emotionally conscious parents today, far fewer people will need to address childhood trauma through therapy later.”

Connection to the Project

Girija expressed what attracted her to this project, stating, “This topic was very important, good or bad. While reading the script written by Pallath, I got hooked and felt like I was reading a fiction book. When you feed a bitter pill to someone, sugar coating is important, and the way it is written is effective, entertaining, and engaging, taking you through experiences that connect you to the script. The topics are important and well-written, and that is the standout quality. This medium requires you to make it engaging, and the script reads very well and felt exciting, which is why I was drawn to it.”

Shooting Experience

Reflecting on her shooting experience, she shared, “By the time we got to the therapy scene, we had shot a lot, so we were very comfortable. By then, we were actually playing family. We had internal jokes and enjoyed a lot of fun moments.”

Release Details

‘Perfect Family’ is produced by Ajay Rai of JAR Pictures, with Mohit Chhabra and Pankaj Tripathi making his debut as a producer. The series is created by Palak Bhambri and directed by Sachin Pathak.

Mark your calendars, as the show is set to release on November 27, 2025, on the JAR Series YouTube channel.