Category: Entertainment

Filmmaker Amar Kaushik has addressed the much-talked-about box-office clash between his latest release, “Thamma,” and “Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat.”

As both films hit theatres on October 21, coinciding with Diwali, Kaushik shared his perspective on the competition, viewing it as a natural part of the industry. He emphasized that every film finds its own audience. In an exclusive interview, the director explained that when good films receive appreciation, it’s a victory for everyone in the industry. He stated that there’s no real competition, as filmmakers are part of the same creative family working towards a common goal — delivering meaningful cinema to audiences.

Supportive Industry Dynamics

Amar Kaushik expressed, “I think it’s wonderful. When good films get appreciation, it’s a win for everyone. There’s no competition — we’re all part of the same industry, like one big family. We all wish success for each other. Negativity only harms, while mutual respect and admiration help us grow. Every good actor and filmmaker adds value to the industry. I’ve been fortunate to work with amazing artists — talented and humble human beings.”

Response to Thamma

Reflecting on Thamma’s overwhelming response, he shared, “The response has been fantastic — just as we expected. Audiences were eager to see the next chapter of our universe and understand how it’s evolving. Earlier, many viewers felt that filmmakers weren’t using the concept of a ‘shared universe’ properly, that stories didn’t connect well.”

“We took that feedback seriously. We made sure that the characters and the storyline continue to grow organically. And now that audiences are appreciating it, I’m truly happy. I’ve been getting countless calls, and people are watching it with great enthusiasm — it’s a very satisfying feeling,” Amar Kaushik added.

The Birth of Thamma

The director also shared how the idea for the horror-comedy “Thamma” first came to him. “Thamma was brought to me by Suresh Mathew and Arun Fulara back in 2019. At that time, the story had a different title. Later, when we began creating our cinematic universe — around the time we were making Bhediya — we realized we needed to expand it.”

“We wanted more characters, more villains, and a wider range of stories. Thamma was one of the stories that fit perfectly. We spoke with the writers and started rewriting it. The writing process continued for about three to four years, and now, finally, the film has been released.”

Directed by Aditya Sarpotdar and produced by Maddock Films, “Thamma” features Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui. On the other hand, “Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat,” directed by Milap Zaveri, stars Harshvardhan Rane and Sonam Bajwa in the lead roles.

Singer-songwriter Aastha Gill, renowned for popular tracks like ‘Kamariya’ and ‘DJ Wale Babu’, has shared insights into her evolving approach as an artist in the ever-changing music industry.

During a promotional event for her new streaming music reality show, ‘I-popstar’, where she serves as one of the mentors, Aastha opened up about her journey.

The Responsibility of a Hit

For any artist, the pressure to deliver hits is palpable. Teams continuously inform them about market trends, output expectations, and production nuances.

When asked about the challenges of resisting market temptations, Aastha candidly reflected, “Honestly, it took me a lot of time to understand. I used to get stuck while making music because my commercial mind as a musician overpowered the artist in me. For almost two years, I have been changing my thought-process. I have cut myself from this noise, knowingly. I realised two years ago that I was lost. In my own art, I could not understand how to process.”

Finding Her Voice Again

She elaborated on her transformation, saying, “When I used to sit in a session, I thought, ‘I want to write my own song, I want to write my own story’. Now I have started composing; I’m no longer lost in that noise. Back then, I could not figure out what was missing, and it took me a lot of time. I could do some songs that I later realised I might have done incorrectly. But to gain that understanding was very difficult. I have learned it the hard way.”

‘I-popstar’ is currently available for streaming on ‘Amazon MX Player’.

Actors Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, and Shweta Tripathi have successfully completed the Varanasi shoot for the movie adaptation of “Mirzapur.”

Pankaj Tripathi on Varanasi

Pankaj, who portrays the iconic Kaleen Bhaiyya, expressed a profound connection to the city. “This city has a rhythm of its own—it’s spiritual, raw, and alive. Shooting Mirzapur: The Movie here reminded me why this world feels so real to all of us. Kaleen Bhaiya was born here in spirit, and every time I step into his shoes, it’s like revisiting an old chapter with new meaning. The warmth and curiosity of people here always make the experience special,” he shared.

Ali Fazal’s Reflection

Ali, reprising his role as Guddu Pandit, remarked on the unique energy of Banaras. “And that madness is a big part of Guddu’s journey too. Being back here felt nostalgic yet fresh. We’ve lived with these characters for years, but every new story brings a new challenge.” He noted the positive atmosphere, saying, “It’s inspiring to see how deeply Mirzapur has connected with people across generations.”

Shweta Tripathi Sharma’s Insights

Shweta Tripathi Sharma shared her thoughts on the significant role of Banaras in her acting journey. “Banaras has given me so much as an actor—it’s almost poetic that I keep finding myself here for roles that define me. Golu’s journey has been one of transformation and inner strength, and shooting in Banaras makes that emotion feel real.” She added, “The people here treat Mirzapur as their own story, and that’s such a rare and beautiful thing to witness. This schedule was intense, emotional, and full of gratitude. Now I’m looking forward to taking that same energy to our next schedule in Mumbai.”

About the Series

The crime-thriller series “Mirzapur” tells the story of Akhandanand “Kaleen” Tripathi, a crime boss and businessman who rules the Mirzapur district in the Purvanchal region of Uttar Pradesh, India. The first season features a notable cast, including Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, Divyendu Sharma, Vikrant Massey, Shweta Tripathi, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Rasika Dugal, Harshita Gaur, and Kulbhushan Kharbanda.

The second season retains most of the main cast, omitting Vikrant and Shriya, while introducing new faces such as Vijay Varma, Isha Talwar, Lilliput, Anjum Sharma, Priyanshu Painyuli, Anangsha Biswas, and Neha Sargam.

Filming for the series primarily took place across Uttar Pradesh, with locations including Mirzapur, Jaunpur, Azamgarh, Ghazipur, Lucknow, Raebareli, Gorakhpur, and Varanasi. The film adaptation is reportedly set for release in 2026.

A whiff of nostalgia is set to hit fans as the voice that ruled Bluetooth playlists and MP3 players for every millennial returns to India. Global Latin sensation Enrique Iglesias is gearing up for his performance in the country after over a decade, stating that it has always been his “priority to come back.”

Iglesias first visited India in 2004 and again in 2012. He is now scheduled to perform in Mumbai in October. In an exclusive statement, Iglesias emphasized that “there was no hiatus,” explaining what has made now the right time for his return.

“There was no hiatus; it just takes time between albums and touring around to other countries to make it back over there. But it has always been a priority to come back, and I could not be more thrilled,” he shared.

India’s Musical Landscape

Discussing India’s growing role in the global music conversation, the singer, known as the “King of Latin Pop,” expressed his happiness regarding the evolution of the music scene. “It was bound to happen, and I couldn’t be happier. India has such amazing fans who possess great respect and appreciation for music. The energy when I perform in India is extraordinary,” Iglesias remarked, highlighting his roots from Madrid, Spain.

Iglesias hinted at a potential collaboration with an Indian artist when asked if he would consider incorporating Indian sounds into his music. “I am always open to ideas, and you never know — it could already be in the making,” he noted.

Influences and Anticipation

India’s rich musical heritage, from classical to Bollywood, was also discussed. Iglesias acknowledged that he is influenced by everything he hears. “I am influenced by everything and anything I hear to some degree…every single day,” he replied.

Admitting that India has changed significantly in the past 13 years, Iglesias expressed excitement for “the people, and of course, the food,” in addition to his performances scheduled for October 29 and 30 in Mumbai, promoted by EVA Live.

Since beginning his musical journey in 1995, Iglesias has produced timeless hits like “Bailamos,” “Hero,” “Escape,” “Addicted,” “Rhythm Divine,” “Tonight (I’m Lovin’ You),” “I’m a Freak,” and “Dirty Dancer.” These songs have resonated with fans, echoing through Walkmans, crackling on FM radios, and filling mix CDs from the 1990s.

When questioned about whether he still experiences the same thrill stepping onto the stage as in the early days, Iglesias, whose sales have exceeded 100 million albums worldwide, replied, “Not only that, but I still get nervous before every performance. Those things never seem to change.”

Rumours are currently swirling on the internet regarding television host and actor Jay Bhanushali and his actress wife Mahhi Vij possibly heading toward splitsville. As of now, there has been no official confirmation from either Jay or Mahhi about the situation.

Amidst these speculations, Jay recently shared a delightful picture of himself with his daughter Tara on social media, although Mahhi was notably absent from the frame. He accompanied the photo with the song “My Girl, My Girl” as the background score.

Recently, Jay enjoyed a memorable 10-day trip to Japan with his daughters, Khushi Ray and Tara Bhanushali. He actively shared a series of posts and stories, providing fans with a glimpse of their travel experiences together. One engaging story featured Jay smiling in a selfie at the iconic Shibuya crossing while helping his daughters carry their luggage.

In another update from Narita International Airport, he captioned a clip, “All the planes,” and included another post from the train saying, “Just before reaching the airport,” tagging Khushi and Tara. With a dose of humor, Jay remarked about the realities of vacationing in Japan, stating, “Don’t come to Japan if you’re not ready for this. At least 30,000 steps walking you have to do.”

Jay also shared a reel showing clips of him feeding deer in Nara Park, expressing, “The best day spent in Japan. Me and my kids loved it. Feeding deer was peaceful with amazing views of nature.” Completing his travel reflections, he wrote a heartfelt note: “They deserve it. The best daughters. The best child companion I could have got. For 10 days we struggled with less sleep. Lots of walking and exploring Japan.”

For those unfamiliar, Jay Bhanushali and Mahhi welcomed their daughter Tara in 2019 after years of trying to conceive. The couple openly discussed the medical challenges they faced leading up to Tara’s birth. They are also foster parents to their caretakers’ children, Khushi and Rajveer. Jay and Mahhi tied the knot in 2011 following a few years of dating.

Actress Soha Ali Khan recently shared a glimpse of her intense leg day workout at the gym on social media.

Posting on Instagram, the ‘Rang De Basanti’ actress showcased her dedication to fitness through a video where she lifted heavy weights. Alongside the video, Soha highlighted the significance of mobility training, calling it a crucial step that prepares the body for workouts and helps prevent injuries.

In her caption, Soha wrote, “Today we are lifting heavy (legs) at the gym, so first … we move, we stretch! Mobility may look like the warm-up you can skip, but it’s the crucial first set. Mobility preps your body to load up without locking up and is your insurance against injuries.”

The clip features the ‘Chhorii 2’ actress engaging in a series of light leg mobility exercises before proceeding to her heavier sets. From dynamic stretches to controlled leg swings, Soha focuses on enhancing flexibility and activating her muscles. The text overlay on the video stated, “Lifting heavy today wait! Do these light movement exercises first to open up your muscles so you can move better, lift more and not get hurt…”

Earlier, Saif Ali Khan’s sister shared moments from her relaxing getaway in Goa. She posted several photos enjoying time by the pool with her friends, captioning them, “Girls just wanna have sun and thankfully we got some in Goa this weekend!” One image captured Soha enjoying pool time with her girl gang, while another showed her striking a yoga pose with little Inaaya reaching out to her from the pool.

On the work front, the 47-year-old actress was last seen in the horror film “Chhorii 2,” which hit theatres on April 11, 2025. In the film directed by Vishal Furia, she played the role of Daasi Maa alongside Nushrratt Bharuccha. This marked Soha’s much-anticipated return to the big screen after a seven-year break.

Bollywood actress Manisha Koirala recently shared a heartfelt post reflecting on her spirituality and life lessons derived from Buddhist teachings.

A Spiritual Journey

Taking to her social media, the actress posted several pictures from her recent visit to a Buddhist monastery. She expressed her desire to understand death, believing that doing so might help her overcome her fear of it. Koirala noted, “I’ve always wanted to understand death — somewhere deep down, I felt that in truly understanding it, I might also lose my fear of it. My search led me to The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying, where one line struck me deeply: ‘You die as you lived.’ Those words stayed with me and opened a doorway into the profound teachings on bardo — the space between death and rebirth.”

Seeking Purpose

Reflecting on her past, Koirala recalled, “Back in 2008/09, I used to visit Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche. I remember asking him, ‘What is the purpose of my life?’ He smiled and said, ‘That’s not your question — it’s a Western one.’ I was both surprised and deeply moved by his insight.” Years later, she sought guidance on bardo from Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche after attending classes. Due to life’s busyness, she couldn’t continue until she was invited to a retreat this year. “Those four days became a turning point for me. I realised that what I’ve been seeking has always been right here — within these teachings and within myself — waiting patiently for my deeper commitment,” she shared.

Words of Wisdom

Manisha elaborated, “Mingyur Rinpoche is a rare master — his joy, humility, and clarity make even the most profound wisdom feel simple and alive. He teaches not just through words but through experience — through his presence, his laughter, and the peace he radiates. What I love most is how he bridges ancient Buddhist wisdom with modern science, often referring to quantum physics and ongoing scientific studies that beautifully align with the nature of mind and awareness.”

Inspiration for the Future

Feeling inspired, the Dil De actress expressed her intention to continue with Mingyur Rinpoche’s Joy of Living and Path of Liberation courses. “These few days learning about bardo gave me glimpses of vast, timeless wisdom — a reminder that life and death are not separate and that awakening begins here, now. Beyond grateful for this experience,” she concluded.

About Manisha Koirala

For the uninitiated, Manisha Koirala hails from Kathmandu, Nepal, and belongs to a prominent political family. Her grandfather, Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala, was the first democratically elected prime minister of Nepal.

Career Highlights

On the professional front, Manisha made her Bollywood debut with Saudagar in 1991, directed by Subhash Ghai. She has since delivered acclaimed performances in films like “1942: A Love Story,” “Dil Se,” “Khamoshi: The Musical,” “Bombay,” and many others.

Actress Tanya Maniktala is set to star alongside actor Rajkummar Rao in filmmaker Aditya Nimbalkar’s upcoming film, which explores the realities of India’s education system.

A source close to the project revealed, “This film is deeply personal for everyone involved. Aditya has approached the subject with remarkable depth, and both Rajkummar and Tanya bring incredible depth to their parts.” The character played by Tanya represents the voice of many young Inddigihunt navigating the expectations and challenges of a demanding system.

Written and directed by Aditya Nimbalkar, the film critically examines the academic pressures, emotional struggles, and systemic challenges faced by both students and educators.

Upcoming Projects and Background

Tanya will next be seen in “Paan Parda Zarda,” a show set in the gritty underbelly of the gangster world. The narrative promises powerful character development, intense drama, and high-stakes action. The cast also includes Priyanshu Painyuli, Sushant Singh, Rajesh Tailang, and Manu Rishi, and the storyline revolves around illegal opium smuggling in central India.

Tanya made her acting debut in 2018 with “School Days.” She gained significant recognition for her portrayal of Lata Mehra in “A Suitable Boy” alongside Ishaan Khattar, which became a pivotal moment in her career.

In 2021, she appeared in Netflix’s “Feels Like Ishq” opposite Skand Thakur and in “Chutzpah” alongside Varun Sharma. She also featured in “How To Fall In Love” opposite Ayush Mehra, marking her Hindi film debut with “Mumbaikar,” where she acted alongside Vijay Sethupathi and Vikrant Massey.

Her other notable projects include “Tooth Pari” opposite Shantanu Maheshwari, the web series “P.I. Meena,” and “Flames Season 3.” In 2024, she will portray Tulika in her second film, “Kill,” which is inspired by a train robbery experienced by Bhat in 1995, featuring Lakshya Lalwani and Raghav Juyal in pivotal roles.

Television actress Nia Sharma was eagerly anticipating everyone else to share their Diwali looks, hoping her festive outfit would receive the ‘undivided attention’ it deserves.

Gorgeous in Ethnic Wear

The ‘Jamai Raja’ actress shone in a stunning white embellished lehenga paired with a matching top and dupatta. She completed her ethnic look with heavy jhumkas, a small black bindi, and makeup that perfectly complemented her ensemble. Nia also sported two silver bangles on one wrist.

Sharing photos of her Diwali outfit on Instagram, Nia wrote, “I wanted your undivided attention on my Diwali look… Now that everyone’s done posting (Smiling face emoji) (sic).”

Sweet Comment from Co-star

Her co-star from ‘Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai’, Krystle Dsouza, commented, “Atti sundar,” along with a red heart and a smiling face with heart-eyes emoji.

Chance Encounter with Boman Irani

Recently, Nia had an unexpected meeting with veteran actor Boman Irani during her flight to Sri Lanka. Seated next to him, she was thrilled and shared photos along with a boomerang on social media.

In her post, Nia expressed her delight: “Was never lucky to be seated beside someone nice and handsome on a plane until today. And on top of that, it was Boman Irani; it was a good flight indeed with the beautiful all-female crew and pilots (sic).”

The shared photos showed Nia next to Boman, both smiling at the camera. Nia looked sharp in a white shirt, while Boman sported a black T-shirt and khaki pants.

A New Luxury Car

Earlier, Nia celebrated her recent purchase of a brand-new Mercedes-Benz. Posing beside her vibrant yellow luxury car adorned with a giant red bow, she shared, “AMG!!!!!!!!! ………………(All Money gone) EMI ON.”

She also added, “Ye Diwali Yellow wali.”

The American rock band Guns N’ Roses has been making headlines recently. Adding to the buzz, lead guitarist Slash has revealed that he initially didn’t like the iconic song “Sweet Child O’ Mine.”

Early Doubts about a Defining Hit

The 1988 track has since evolved into one of the band’s hallmark singles, but Slash was skeptical about its “ballad” vibe, despite being the creator of the song’s memorable riff, as reported by ‘Female First UK’.

Slash shared with ‘Guitar World’ magazine, “I have to admit I did have a thing with it. It was a riff I came up with, and I didn’t know what I was going to do with it. I wasn’t really thinking about it at the time, but it inspired the whole song. I always say this, but to me, we were like a Motorhead-type hard rock band, so any kind of ballads were sort of uncongressed.”

Performance Memories

The 60-year-old guitarist recounted a particular performance: “We played it one time opening for Ted Nugent, and when it was time to play that song, I was like, ‘Oh, f***’. And, of course, I had to remember how to play the riff accurately by myself in front of everybody every time we played, which, at the time I was a little drunk, and you never knew what was going to happen.”

Improvisation on Stage

According to ‘Female First UK’, Slash is renowned for his guitar solos in songs like “November Rain” and “Welcome to the Jungle,” but he admits these were never meticulously planned. He explained, “I don’t remember ever sitting down and figuring any of them out. I remember going into that, and it sounds very structured to a point, but that’s just what the chord changes were. It’s interesting to think back on sometimes. When you’re onstage, your mind wanders, and I’ll go back and think about stuff like that.”

Reunion and Relationships

Slash parted ways with Guns N’ Roses in 1996 following tensions with frontman Axl Rose but made his return in 2016. He has emphasized that he maintains a good relationship with his bandmates, including fellow guitarists Duff McKagan and Richard Fortus.