Category: Entertainment

Anirban Chakrabarti is excited about his popular Bengali detective character “Eken Babu” making its debut on Hindi television.

In a statement, Anirban, who plays Eken Babu, shared, “Playing Eken Babu has been an incredibly fun and rewarding journey. I am thrilled that this beloved character is now reaching a wider audience on Sony SAB. Eken Babu is not your typical detective; he is utterly human, with his love for food and his peculiar ways making him relatable and endearing.”

He added, “I am deeply grateful to hoichoi for creating such a charming character and to Sony SAB for giving Eken Babu the platform to reach homes all over the country. This show is unlike anything on television right now; it blends humour, suspense, and warmth, allowing families to enjoy engaging storytelling together.”

Ajay Bhalwankar, Business Head of Sony SAB, expressed, “With Eken Babu, we are excited to present a detective like no other who is quirky, witty, and utterly charming. His unique personality and unconventional approach to solving mysteries make him incredibly relatable and endearing. By bringing this beloved Bengali detective to a pan-India audience in Hindi, we aim to showcase a fresh narrative style. We are confident that viewers will connect with Eken Babu’s wit, his love for food, and his unassuming mannerism, making the show a delightful addition to the Sony SAB family.”

After eight successful web seasons and three hit films, Eken Babu is gearing up for his television debut on Sony SAB. The acclaimed Hoichoi series will be available in Hindi, introducing Eken’s signature humour, sharp wit, and quirky investigative style to an even larger audience.

The show is set to premiere on Sony SAB on 24th November at 10 PM.

Couple Ishita Dutta and Vatsal Sheth recently experienced a humorous parenting moment when their attempt to surprise their son, Vayu, with a close-up view of airplanes took an unexpected turn.

The couple shared a lively video on Instagram, recounting the adorable chaos that turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Ishita began by expressing their excitement after discovering a nearby hotel rooftop that offered a clear view of aircraft taking off and landing.

She narrated, “Something very funny has happened. So, let’s start from the beginning. Vayu is obsessed with aeroplanes and helicopters. So, we thought, let’s take him to the airport today. Not the airport, we’ll go to a nearby hotel. So, Fairfield has this rooftop area where you can see the landing and takeoff.”

Vayu, brimming with excitement and armed with his toy fleet, was ready for the adventure. Ishita noted, “Since morning he’s very excited. He’s got his aeroplanes and helicopters. But when we arrived, not even a single plane was flying. We thought maybe there are fewer flights today.”

After waiting for 15 to 20 minutes, they discovered the airport was shut for the entire day due to maintenance. Ishita chuckled at the absurdity, saying, “Not one single plane was taking off and landing. When we called, we found out that the airport is under maintenance, and it is shut for the whole day. I was like, are you serious? I am just laughing.”

Vatsal added a light-hearted apology on camera: “I think it’s very funny because… Sorry, Vayu. Sorry, poor Vayu.”

With the plan now off the runway, Ishita mentioned that Vayu started playing inside the hotel. She promised to take him back another day. “Now he’s playing in the hotel because there’s nothing else to do. But I will get him back for sure because I really wanted him to see. But, I think I better luck,” she said.

In a lighter moment, Vatsal quipped, “Because of this we can go for a coffee date.”

The couple captioned the clip: “Parenting: Expectation vs Reality.”

Ishita and Vatsal met on the sets of their show Rishton Ka Saudagar – Baazigar in 2016. They tied the knot in 2017 in Mumbai and welcomed their baby boy Vayu in 2023.

Ananya Panday celebrated her nani Chitra Khosla’s birthday with a heartfelt tribute on social media.

Reflecting on cherished childhood moments they’ve shared, Ananya took to her Instagram Stories to repost a rare throwback image originally shared by her mother, Bhavana Pandey. This nostalgic photo features a young Ananya sitting beside her nani, who is holding Rysa Panday in her arms. Bhavana captioned the adorable click, “Happy Birthday to the best Mommy and Nani!!!”

The ‘Liger’ actress simply captioned her repost, “Nani’s birthday,” accompanied by red heart emojis. Bhavana also shared several photos of herself with her mother. One image carried the message, “Happy Birthday, Mom!!! Love you loads,” while another featured a family picture with her husband, Chunky Panday, Ananya, and other family members. In her caption, she expressed, “We love you, Mom. Wishing you the best of health and happiness.”

Chitra Khosla, Ananya Panday’s maternal grandmother, is the mother of Bhavana Pandey. Ananya shares a special bond with both her grandmothers—Chitra Khosla on her mother’s side and the late Snehlata Panday on her father’s side.

On the professional front, the 27-year-old actress is preparing for the release of her upcoming film, “Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri.” Directed by Sameer Vidwans, the movie features Kartik Aaryan in the lead and is set to hit theatres on December 25.

This film marks the reunion of Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday, who are expected to revive their sparkling on-screen chemistry after previously working together in “Pati Patni Aur Woh.” This will be Kartik’s second collaboration with director Sameer Vidwans, following their 2023 film “Satyaprem Ki Katha.”

In addition, Ananya is busy filming her upcoming project “Chand Mera Dil,” where she stars opposite Lakshya.

The friendship between Tanya Mittal and Farrhana Bhatt seems to have reached a breaking point during a recent tense exchange on the show.

A promo shared on Instagram teased viewers with the caption: “Tanya aur Farhana ke beech phir hua jhagda, kya ab inki dosti ka equation badlega? Dekhiye #BiggBoss19, Mon-Sun raat 9 baje @jiohotstar aur 10:30 baje #Colors par.”

What started as a casual interaction quickly escalated when Tanya stated that she wouldn’t “tolerate feeling insulted.” Farhana, responding curtly, indicated that she preferred not to speak at all.

Defending herself, Farhana remarked that viewers were free to watch and judge her behaviour on camera, affirming that she was aware of her actions. She added, “Farhana; You’ve done such big things, now don’t make me talk.”

Tanya hinted at a deliberate change in Farhana’s attitude, tossing barbed remarks that only heightened the conflict.

Pranit More, along with his brother, watched the spectacle unfold, humorously reminding both of them about their “family members.”

Pranit quipped, “Friends, the family members can’t hear you,” to which Farrhana shot back, “No, no, no, it’s not worth listening to her (Tanya’s) nonsense.” He then pointed out to his brother that the two girls had been “friends a week ago.”

Farrhana told Tanya, “Oh, now even Farhana knows what I do for the camera, what I don’t do, and how I do it. Everyone can see that.”

As the altercation intensified, Tanya criticized, saying she had never sat with someone “so bad-mouthed.” Farrhana expressed her confusion over how their relationship had soured so rapidly.

Tanya concluded their exchange with a foreboding warning: “You’ll get hurt, Farhana. Easy. Those who hurt others, get hurt themselves, Farhana.” This statement left the atmosphere thick with unspoken tension.

Actress Sonam Khan recently took a nostalgic trip down memory lane, revisiting her time working with Prosenjit Chatterjee in the Bengali film “Mandira.”

Reflecting on her experience, she described playing the title role as truly humbling and memorable. On her Instagram, she shared a throwback image from one of the film’s dance sequences, showcasing herself in a shimmery outfit, standing back-to-back with Prosenjit, who was holding a tambourine.

For the caption, she wrote, “Here with @prosenstar We did a Bengali movie together called “Mandira” Where I was playing the title character. It was a humbling experience working on this beautiful movie… #prosenjeetchatterjee #sonamkhan #mandiramovie #throwback.”

“Mandira” is a 1990 Bengali film directed by Sujit Guha and produced by Pahlaj Nihalani. The movie featured Prosenjit Chatterjee, Indrani Haldar, and Sonam in lead roles, with Chunky Pandey, Neelam, and Pradeep Kumar in supporting roles. The film’s music was composed by the renowned Bappi Lahiri.

Being the granddaughter of actor Murad, Sonam frequently shares posts reflecting on her journey in the industry. She has previously expressed admiration for veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah, calling him a talent that “still remains unmatched.”

In another post, she praised his exceptional artistry by sharing a clip from the sad version of the track “Oye Oye” from the 1989 film “Tridev.” She wrote, “Do you remember the sad version of #oyeoye… With the ever so versatile @naseeruddin49 sahaab with who I had the privilege to work with in 3 movies… #tridev #chorpemor #vishwatmamovie1992 One of the humblest actors I have ever worked with. A talent which still remains unmatched (sic).”

Sonam Khan has collaborated with Naseeruddin Shah in multiple projects, sharing screen space with him in three films, including “Chor Pe Mor” (1990) and “Vishwatma” (1992).

Bollywood fashionista Sonam Kapoor has announced that she is all set to welcome her second bundle of joy.

Taking to Instagram, Sonam shared a picture of herself in a striking hot-pink pure wool suit that features oversized padded shoulders and a softly curved shoulder line. In the photo, the actress lovingly holds her blossoming baby bump. She simply captioned the post: “MOTHER.”

Sonam married businessman Anand Ahuja in a grand ceremony in May 2018 after several years of dating. The couple welcomed their first child, a baby boy named Vayu, in August 2022.

Rumors regarding Sonam’s second pregnancy began circulating in October, suggesting that she was in her second trimester at that time.

The actress was last seen in the film “Blind” in 2023. Directed by Shome Makhija, the crime thriller also stars Purab Kohli, Vinay Pathak, and Lillete Dubey in supporting roles. “Blind,” a remake of the 2011 Korean film of the same name, revolves around a blind police officer on the hunt for a serial killer.

Sonam, the daughter of actor Anil Kapoor, began her career as an assistant director on filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s 2005 film “Black.” She made her acting debut in Bhansali’s romantic drama “Saawariya” in 2007. Over the years, she has appeared in successful films such as “I Hate Luv Storys,” “Raanjhanaa,” and notable supporting roles in biopics like “Bhaag Milkha Bhaag,” “Sanju,” “Prem Ratan Dhan Payo,” “Neerja,” and “Veere Di Wedding.”

Before announcing her pregnancy, the actress showcased her “shaadi ready” glow on Instagram by sharing two stunning looks. In her post, she wrote, “Shaadi ready… two days and two looks I loved!” The images capture her in stylish outfits, seamlessly blending traditional and western styles. One photo features her posing alongside her husband, Anand Ahuja, while another showcases her elegance in a blue saree paired with statement jewellery.

Sonam regularly shares glimpses of her life and special family moments on social media. Recently, she spotlighted the Manipuri weave by donning an outfit from EAST by Easternlight Zimik, a homegrown label from Manipur’s Ukhrul district. The ensemble included a wrap-style outer layer paired with a black collared shirt and a matching skirt, known as a kashan.

Sonam Kapoor was set to headline the film adaptation of Anuja Chauhan’s novel “Battle for Bittora,” but the project has been stalled for years. Produced by her sister Rhea Kapoor, the film was designed to blend romance and politics, with Sonam cast as an aspiring politician opposite Fawad Khan.

Actor Aaishvary Thackeray has been signed on to play an antagonist in filmmaker Ali Abbas Zafar’s upcoming film, which also stars Ahaan Panday and Sharvari.

A source close to the project commented, “Ali Abbas Zafar is renowned for directing mega entertainers that have turned into historic blockbusters like Sultan and Tiger Zinda Hai. Given his acumen, we can expect Ali to showcase Ahaan and Aaishvary’s showdown as a big screen spectacle worth watching.”

This film is said to be grandly mounted, with romance at its core and action that promises shock and awe, making it a must-watch entertainer.

The source added, “Ali won’t hold back; expect a thrilling roller coaster ride that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.”

Highlighting the talent involved, the source remarked, “Let’s face it—Ali has an impressive young cast in this film. With his brilliance in storytelling and knack for creating large-scale spectacles, it’s safe to say these three young actors will be presented in a massive way, and they are set to deliver their best on screen.”

It was pointed out that it’s refreshing to see major films being centered on young actors, as they will carry the industry’s baton moving forward. This presents a golden opportunity for these budding stars to showcase their acting skills.

Recently, it was reported that Ahaan will be undergoing an intense training regimen of four to five hours daily for his role.

A source mentioned, “Ahaan will kick off his training with boxing, followed by a mix of martial arts and hardcore strength training to build muscle for the screen. His training will be rigorous but essential, as Ali aims to present him as a young man capable of overpowering opponents with sheer brute force.”

The source concluded, “No one can even imagine Ahaan in this fierce avatar, and YRF is keeping everything under wraps so that the audience can truly admire his transformation in the film visuals.”

Bollywood actress-dancer Nora Fatehi recently made her debut on “The Tonight Show” with an impressive performance alongside Jamaican singer Shenseea. She even posed for a picture with host Jimmy Fallon.

In a collaborative post shared on the Fallon Tonight BTS Instagram handle, Nora showcased a series of images from her performance. One standout picture features her smiling at the camera while striking a pose with Jimmy Fallon and Shenseea. The caption read: “TONIGHT: @norafatehi ft. @shenseea perform “What Do I Know? (Just A Girl)”! #FallonTonight.”

Nora also took to her Instagram stories to share multiple clips and express her excitement about debuting on ‘The Tonight Show.’

The duo presented their latest track “What Do I Know,” an energetic number released under 5 Junction Records/Warner Records. Upon the song’s release, Nora expressed her enthusiasm, noting that ‘What Do I Know (Just A Girl)’ marks the beginning of her “pop girl era.” She shared, “Diving into this new sound has been such an inspiring journey. Shenseea and I poured our hearts into every part of it — from recording the vocals to nailing the choreography for the music video. I couldn’t be prouder of what we created together!”

“What Do I Know (Just a Girl)” was penned by Grammy-nominated hitmaker Justin Tranter and highlights Nora’s strengths as a performer.

Nora made her acting debut in the Hindi film Roar: Tigers of the Sundarbans in 2014. She captured audiences’ attention with special appearances in Telugu films like Temper, Baahubali: The Beginning, and Kick 2, and has also appeared in two Malayalam films, Double Barrel and Kayamkulam Kochunni.

In 2015, Fatehi took part in the reality television show Bigg Boss, followed by a stint on the dance show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa in 2016. She starred in the Bollywood film Satyameva Jayate, featuring in the recreated version of the song “Dilbar.”

In 2019, she collaborated with Tanzanian musician Rayvanny to launch her first international English debut song, Pepeta. In October 2022, she was selected to feature in “Light The Sky,” a song for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Since then, Fatehi has played supporting roles in Hindi films such as Street Dancer 3D, Crakk, and Bhuj: The Pride of India.

Actress Namrata Shirodkar celebrated her sister Shilpa Shirodkar’s birthday with a heartfelt social media tribute, marking the occasion with joy as Shilpa makes her return to the screen.

A Meaningful Comeback

Namrata expressed her immense pride in witnessing Shilpa’s comeback, making this birthday even more special for their family. On her Instagram, Namrata shared a cheerful selfie with Shilpa, referring to her as her “first best friend.” The duo was seen posing together in a car, showcasing their close bond.

In her post, the ‘Pukar’ actress wrote: “Happy Birthday to my first best friend @shilpashirodkar73! This year has been so special watching you return to the screen where you belong, and I can’t begin to tell you how proud I am of you! Your hard work, will, and talent is what makes you so special. May you continue to rise and succeed in everything you do. Shine on! I love you to the moon and back!”

Sisterly Love

Namrata and Shilpa share a deep sibling connection, with Namrata being the elder sister. Their closeness is evident, as they frequently dedicate heartfelt posts to each other on social media. For instance, on Valentine’s Day earlier this year, they celebrated their relationship by sharing adorable pictures. Shilpa captioned one such post, “Sisters are the glue that hold hearts together. Forever grateful for you! Also, Happy Valentine’s Day, sister. PS: Don’t fight with me for a cheesy caption. #ValentinesDay #Sister #ShilpaShirodkar #NamrataShirodkar.”

Milestone Birthday

Shilpa Shirodkar turned 52 on November 20. She made her Bollywood debut in 1989 with “Bhrashtachar,” alongside Mithun Chakraborty and Rekha. Shilpa gained fame in the early 1990s with notable films like “Hum,” “Khuda Gawah,” “Gopi Kishan,” “Bewafa,” and “Sanam.”

Before her participation in Bigg Boss 18, Shilpa’s last major film role was in MF Husain’s “Gaja Gamini,” where she starred alongside Madhuri Dixit.

Actress Kalyani Priyadarshan is currently riding high on the success of her latest film, ‘Lokah’. She has now commenced work on her next project, which is reported to be a women-centric film.

New Beginnings with a Debut Director

This exciting venture is directed by debutant Thiraviyam S. N. and is produced by the renowned Potential Studios. Recently, the film went on floors and marks the production house’s seventh film, following six consecutive hits, including ‘Maya’, ‘Maanagaram’, ‘Monster’, ‘Taanakkaran’, ‘Irugapatru’, and ‘Black’.

High Expectations Surround the Project

The yet-to-be-titled film features Kalyani Priyadarshan in the lead role. Given her success with a pan-Indian blockbuster and teaming up with a production house known for its successful track record, expectations are understandably high.

Joining Kalyani in pivotal roles are Devadarshini and Vinoth Kishan, known for his work in ‘Naan Mahaan Alla’.

Focused Filming Plans

Sources close to the production team reveal that they plan to shoot the entire film in a single stretch. “The team has begun shooting in Chennai, where a major portion is set to take place. If feasible, they aim to complete the film entirely in Chennai,” the source indicated.

Strong Technical Expertise on Board

The film boasts a robust technical team, with screenplay and dialogues crafted by Pravin Bhasker, Sree Kumar, and the director.

Musical and Visual Appeal

Music for the film is composed by Justin Prabhakaran, one of the fastest-rising music directors in the Tamil film industry. The cinematography will be managed by the talented Gokul Benoy, while Aral R. Thangam will serve as the editor. The production designer for this film is Mayapandi, and costumes will be designed by Inaz Farhan and Sher Ali.

Production Team Behind the Magic

This project is being produced by S.R. Prakash Babu, S.R. Prabu, P. Gopinath, and Thangaprabaharan R under the Potential Studios banner.