Category: Entertainment

Singer-songwriter Demi Lovato is opening up about the pressure surrounding marriage. She shared that she felt “expected to be married by a certain age.”

The 33-year-old artist tied the knot with Jordan ‘Jutes’ Lutes earlier this year. Reflecting on her journey, she revealed that she faced societal pressures to settle down during her younger years, as reported by ‘Female First UK’.

In an interview with ‘Who What Wear’, Demi stated, “I had expected to be married by a certain age. There’s all this pressure that society puts on you, but it just organically happened. I’m really happy. I told my husband today, ‘I’ve never been more in love with you. I didn’t know my love could grow for you more so than it already has’. The timing was perfect.”

Demi has previously been in relationships with notable figures like Joe Jonas, Wilmer Valderrama, and Max Ehrich. She expressed that she has gained valuable insights from those past experiences.

“I had been in past relationships where I thought, ‘Oh, this is the long game’. But I hadn’t taken care of myself yet. The universe rewards you when you do the therapeutic work on yourself, (and) I had to do the work. Because of that, the universe provided. I got myself ready for a life by myself, and then I was able to share it with somebody else,” she shared.

In addition to her marriage reflections, Demi recently discussed her sense of “responsibility” to be open about her struggles with fans.

Having spent three months in rehab back in 2010 for bipolar disorder and bulimia, she explained the rationale behind her transparency.

“I had a decision that had to be made when I had gone to treatment for the first time,” Demi recalled.

She also mentioned a very public outburst when she was 18, which she discusses in some of her documentaries, emphasizing her evolution and commitment to mental health.

Bollywood actor Vivan Bhatena is gearing up for the release of his upcoming war film ‘120 Bahadur.’ He recently revealed that he experienced a harrowing incident during the shoot, where two of his teeth imploded in his mouth.

A Tough Shoot

Bhatena described the shoot as the hardest of his life, stating it physically tested him and pushed him to deliver his best. He opened up about the challenges faced during the making of the film, saying, “It has been the hardest shoot of my life. It has been 60 days in unforgiving terrain. In fact, I literally lost two teeth because two of my root canal imploded in my mouth, in my gums. It was very painful. And it cracked inside, and my whole face swelled up like a balloon.”

Enduring Pain

He further shared his experience of pain management: “I had to get them removed—one at the military hospital, one in Mumbai. It was, in fact, an insane amount of pain that I had to endure. I was living on painkillers till I got to the hospital. For almost two weeks, I tried to bear it, but it was not possible. It just had to be removed. And, you know, that’s the kind of physical torture that you go through; it is nowhere close to what our soldiers go through.”

About the Film

‘120 Bahadur’ pays tribute to the brave soldiers of Charlie Company, 13 Kumaon Regiment, who lost their lives in the Battle of Rezang La during the Indo-Sino War of 1962. Shot in the stunning landscapes of Ladakh, the film draws deeply from the true events of the 1962 India-Sino conflict.

This war was sparked by undefined boundaries along Aksai Chin near Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh. The construction of a road by China through Aksai Chin, which India claimed as its territory, escalated tensions. Diplomatic efforts fell short, and in October 1962, Chinese forces launched a two-pronged offensive.

India suffered major losses in the war largely due to Jawaharlal Nehru’s reluctance to utilize the air force and the lack of military infrastructure in border areas. Additionally, the USSR, one of India’s primary allies, did not come to India’s aid as it was preoccupied with the Cuban missile crisis during the Cold War.

Bollywood actress Karisma Kapoor made a special appearance on the singing reality show ‘Indian Idol’ season 16, where she reminisced about her iconic song, ‘Aaye Ho Meri Zindagi Mein’ from the film ‘Raja Hindustani’.

During the ‘Yaadon Ki Playlist’ special episode, contestant Banashree Biswas delivered a heartfelt rendition of the beloved track, moving Karisma to tears as she relived the cherished memories associated with this timeless classic.

The song, one of the most adored tracks from the ’90s, holds a significant place in Karisma’s heart. Sharing her thoughts during the episode, she remarked, “This is one of my favourite songs. It touches my heart and soul every single time.”

Karisma also reflected on her deep connection to the song, recalling that she was just 19 years old when she originally performed it, a pivotal moment in her career. She said, “This song reminds every girl about love, emotion, and purity. There is something so timeless and delicate about it. Listening to Banashree sing it today brought back memories I hold very close to my heart.”

Banashree’s poignant performance not only celebrated the legacy of the song but also bridged generations, merging a classic Karisma-era melody with the raw, contemporary talent of a new-age singer.

The emotional exchange resonated with judges, the audience, and fellow contestants alike, making it one of the standout moments of the episode. This special musical segment is sure to leave a lasting impression on viewers across the country.

Catch ‘Indian Idol’ season 16, airing on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV.

Grammy-nominated and National Award-winning singer Shilpa Rao recently returned to Jamshedpur, the city that played a vital role in shaping her earliest dreams.

Performance at Jharkhand’s Foundation Day

Invited to perform at Jharkhand’s 25th Foundation Day, Shilpa graced the stage not just as one of India’s most celebrated contemporary voices, but also as the daughter of Jamshedpur—a city intricately tied to her journey.

A Touching Tribute to Her Parents

An emotional highlight of the evening was when Shilpa invited her parents onto the stage, recognizing the people who first championed her talent. Among them, her father stood out with his unwavering belief in her abilities. A trained musician with an MA in Music, he was instrumental in encouraging her to pursue classical training and guiding her initial practice sessions.

Not many know that it was in their Jamshedpur home where Rao’s soulful melodies first took shape, with afternoon practice sessions becoming a ritual. “Everything I am today is because of Jamshedpur. It all began in Jamshedpur, with my parents standing rock solid. Bringing them on stage during the show was my way of honouring the two people who shaped my voice, my discipline, and my dreams. Whatever the world celebrates in me today is rooted in the foundation they gave me,” Shilpa expressed, sharing her joy and deep emotions.

An Overwhelming Experience

Performing in front of thousands, and with her parents by her side, Shilpa Rao appeared visibly overwhelmed and emotional. Her parents were equally stunned by the overwhelming love and admiration their daughter received.

Awards and Recognitions

For those unfamiliar, Shilpa Rao received the National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer for her song “Chaleya” from the blockbuster film Jawan (2023). She also earned a Grammy nomination in the category of Best Global Music Album at the 63rd Grammy Awards for her collaboration with Anoushka Shankar on the album Love Letters.

Singer-songwriter Kevin Jonas of the Jonas Brothers is a “huge fan” of Dancing with the Stars, yet he chooses not to participate in the show.

Despite various offers to join the competition over the years, the 38-year-old has consistently declined. For a long time, he has enjoyed watching the hit TV series but has never felt it was the right fit for him, as reported by Female First UK.

During an interview with InStyle, Nick Jonas, his brother, inquired, “They’ve asked you pretty much every season for the last 20 years I think. Is that the deal?”

Kevin, who performs alongside Nick and Joe Jonas in the Jonas Brothers, responded, “For a long time, yeah. I have said no. It’s just not for me. But thank you so much. I’m a huge fan.”

Interestingly, Kevin also mentioned that he’s been keeping a close eye on the current season of Dancing with the Stars. He stated, “I will say, we watch the show. It’s very fun. I feel like it’s really back. Dancing With the Stars is fully back.”

In a more personal note, Nick recently shared how his family grew “closer” after their father, Kevin Jonas Sr., faced a cancer scare. Diagnosed with colon cancer in 2017, he has been in remission since 2018. Nick believes this challenging health situation actually brought their family together.

The singer, who is married to actress Priyanka Chopra, told People magazine, “(The) more emotionally challenging periods really test your endurance. But (our dad) was just such a champion and so brave through our whole process.”

He added, “It (was) with such thoughtfulness that I think it helped all of us a lot and provided us with the encouragement we needed when in fact we were just trying to support him. Everyone has their own experience too in life’s challenging moments, and I’m so grateful that we have gotten to the other side of that and become closer as a family and stronger.”

Bollywood director and creative producer of the streaming special ‘Dining with the Kapoors’, Tarun Mansukhani, recently shared insights about the experience of shooting with the entire Kapoor clan.

A Chaotic Yet Fun Experience

“If I had to say it in one word, then chaotic,” he remarked. “But chaotic in a fun way because in this film, there was no script. It’s reality, right? And you want them to be as authentic as possible.”

He added, “Our jobs for the first time were actually to keep the cameras away, just shooting this and letting them be by themselves and be with each other to create that kind of moment that we wanted from the show. What was great is that we got to see the family the way they always are with each other.”

Celebrating Bollywood Legacy

The special features a gathering of Hindi cinema’s first film dynasty, the Kapoors, who come together to celebrate the centenary of Bollywood legend Raj Kapoor, as well as the family’s patriarch, Prithviraj Kapoor. Key members include Randhir Kapoor, Neetu Kapoor, Rima Jain, Ranbir Kapoor, Karisma Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Riddhima Kapoor Sahni, and Aadar Jain. This once-in-a-generation gathering of Bollywood royalty celebrates love, legacy, and camaraderie.

An Intimate Look at the Kapoor Family

The 1-hour special, created by Armaan Jain and directed by Smriti Mundhra, offers an intimate glimpse into one of India’s most beloved film families. Shot in a fly-on-the-wall documentary style, it invites viewers to share in the Kapoor family’s laughter, stories, and cherished memories. Expect playful banter to tender reflections, all beautifully tied together by their shared passion for food.

Director’s Reflection

Director Smriti Mundhra expressed her excitement, stating, “I’ve been lucky to work with Netflix a few times before, so coming back to do this project is like a homecoming in more ways than one. Telling a story about the importance of family and the value of legacy in a time when life’s pace is taking us away from those things feels very special.”

She continued, “The Kapoors are not just a Bollywood dynasty but the type of family we all want to be a part of: extremely tight, fun-loving, and absolutely obsessed with food. I wanted to capture not just their story on the surface, but that feeling of being right there at the table with them, hearing the stories, the laughter, and the unfiltered moments that happen when the performance drops away.”

On November 15, the first trailer of ‘Dining with the Kapoors’ was unveiled, and it is set to premiere on November 21 on Netflix.

Rapper Badshah, known for his innovative music, has composed the track ‘It’s Your Turn’ for the upcoming film ‘52 Blue’. He reveals that this track represents a pivotal moment when a person stops waiting for their dreams and takes action.

About ‘52 Blue’

The film stars Neha Dhupia and Adil Hussain and is directed by Egyptian filmmaker Ali El Arabi. This project signifies a remarkable intersection of contemporary Indian music and international cinema.

Badshah’s Insights

Commenting on the song, Badshah shared, “Ashish’s journey reminded me of the dreams many of us grow up with—big, impossible, sometimes lonely. Composing ‘It’s Your Turn’ was my way of giving voice to that moment when you stop waiting and start moving. I’m grateful to be part of a film that will connect with audiences worldwide. Working with Ali El Arabi and this incredible team reminded me how powerful storytelling becomes when cultures collaborate.”

The Film’s Narrative

The track features prominently in the film’s main trailer and serves as the thematic heartbeat of the protagonist’s journey. ‘52 Blue’ follows Ashish, portrayed by Yadav Shashidhar, a young man living on a remote island in Kerala. Defying his father’s restrictions, he pursues his dream of meeting his idol, Lionel Messi, at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Encouraged by his mother, played by Neha Dhupia, and inspired by memories of his late brother, Ashish steps into the wider world for the first time.

Emotional Depth

Neha Dhupia and Adil Hussain portray Ashish’s parents, adding emotional authenticity to the film. Shot by acclaimed Egyptian cinematographer Mahmoud Basher, the film is imbued with atmospheric realism and visual lyricism. ’52 Blue’ cleverly blends fiction with documentary elements, providing rare, intimate insights into the 2022 World Cup and the lives of the workers whose efforts made it possible.

Production Details

Produced by Ambient Light, with offices in Cairo and Los Angeles, the film is executive-produced by Tariq Al-Naama. Co-producers include Krysanne Katsoolis, Joe Matthews, and Katara Studios.

Farah Khan recently shared a fun glimpse of a shoot day featuring Vijay Varma, Fatima Sana Shaikh, and Manish Malhotra on social media.

The post showcases the lively camaraderie on set, revealing joyful moments behind the scenes. Farah took to her Instagram to share a cheerful selfie with Vijay, Fatima, and Manish, where all four are seen smiling as the designer captures this candid moment.

In her caption, Farah wrote, “Best type of shoot day.. food, friends n gossip with #gustaakhishq .. n oh, we shot a vlog too with the best host @manishmalhotra05 n @itsvijayvarma @fatimasanashaikh.” They all looked their sartorial best, adding a touch of glamour and style to the exciting day.

Farah shares a strong friendship with Manish Malhotra and has been actively promoting his upcoming production, “Gustaakh Ishq.” She has publicly supported the film and shared its teaser across her social media platforms.

This romantic comedy features veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah alongside the main cast. Produced under Manish Malhotra’s new banner, Stage5 Production, “Gustaakh Ishq” is set against the bustling lanes of Purani Dilli (Old Delhi) and the fading kothis (heritage homes) of Punjab, weaving a tale of love, passion, and unspoken longing.

Directed by Vibhu Puri, “Gustaakh Ishq” is scheduled to hit theatres on November 28. In a recent interview, Vijay Varma described his experience working with Fatima Sana Shaikh, noting her as a delight on set and praising her professionalism.

He expressed, “I really like to work with her. To be very honest, she is a very real person, a very capable actor. At the same time, she is extremely fun-loving and a chill person. And extremely sincere — she has to get it right, and she has to do her best. She has to give more than 100% in every shot. I really enjoyed working with her.”

Popular YouTuber and Bigg Boss season 19 contestant Mridul Tiwari seems to be on a devotional and religious trip to Ujjain.

Arriving in Ujjain, he offered prayers at the Mahakal Temple and received blessings from Baba Mahakal. Mridul shared that prior to entering Bigg Boss, he visited Ujjain to seek Mahakal’s blessings, and now, post-show, he has returned for the same purpose.

While reflecting on his Bigg Boss experience, Mridul described it as wonderful and full of learning. “My journey on Bigg Boss was very good. I received much more love and respect than I had expected. I stayed in the house for 80 days, and when I came out, I felt everyone’s support just as strongly as before. People told me, ‘Mridul, you are exactly the same person we sent inside,’” he stated.

He acknowledged the feedback about his limited airtime during the show, but emphasized that what mattered most was staying true to his values. “I want to say that I have never changed before, and I won’t change in the future either. No matter how much success I get, I will always be your brother, your younger brother.”

Mridul considers Ujjain more than just a city; he refers to it as his “head office,” where he draws spiritual energy. He believes this energy has significantly contributed to his successes. “I call Ujjain my ‘head office.’ This is the place from where I feel guided and protected. I believe everything good in my life happens because of Baba Mahakal’s blessings. If I face any problem, he helps me out. My experience with Mahakal has been wonderful,” he shared.

Regarding his social media presence, he noted that after visiting the temple and being on Bigg Boss, his following has grown, and he anticipates continued growth in the future. “These things depend on faith. The people who feel a connection with me understand what I mean. And everything good that happens in my life, I believe it happens through Mahakal’s grace.”

Ujjain and the blessings of Mahakal hold a special significance in Mridul’s life, and he affirmed his intention to continue visiting the city for spiritual energy in the future.

Singer-composer Siddhant Bhatia has recently shared insights on the significance of his Grammy nomination for the album “Sounds of Kumbh.”

A Landmark Moment for Indian Spiritual Music

In an exclusive interview, Siddhant described this recognition as a pivotal moment for Indian spiritual music. He emphasized that the Grammy nomination not only honors India’s rich cultural heritage but also paves the way for global collaborations. When discussing his nomination for “Sounds of Kumbh,” he expressed a desire to work with artists worldwide to create music that celebrates their cultural roots.

Vibrant Spiritual Music Landscape

“The spiritual music space is vibrant today—everyone is creating devotional, spiritual, and gospel music. It is beautiful. A Grammy nomination is a landmark moment. It tells me that as a musician, I am trusted. This trust will help me reach more people and bring the magic of India to the world,” he stated.

Learning from Global Experiences

When asked about his collaborations with globally acclaimed artists, including Grammy winners and nominees, Siddhant reflected on how these experiences have shaped his artistry. He likened working with senior musicdigihunt to experiencing an Upanishad, where every moment is a lesson. He recounted a memorable session with his godmother, Kala Ramnath, one of the world’s finest violinists, who performed beautifully during their time together.

“Working with senior artists is like experiencing an Upanishad. Every moment becomes a learning experience. Kala Ramnath, who is my godmother and one of the world’s greatest violinists, sang beautifully during our session. That’s how our track ‘Sangam’ was born—completely unexpected and magical,” he said.

Grammy Recognition for “Sounds of Kumbh”

Siddhant Bhatia has been nominated for the 68th Grammy Awards in the Best Global Music Album category for “Sounds of Kumbh.” He shares this nomination with sitarist-composer Anoushka Shankar and the Shakti Band, led by Shankar Mahadevan.

The album pays tribute to the Mahakumbh, which will be held in 2025. “Sounds of Kumbha” is a landmark global music collaboration, bringing together over 50 Indian and international artists, showcasing the richness of Indian classical music on a global platform.