Category: Entertainment

Actress Ankita Lokhande has expressed her unwavering passion for acting, stating, “Acting will always remain my first love,” as she embarks on a new chapter in her career as a producer.

New Venture in Production

Ankita is adding a significant achievement to her portfolio by stepping into production through her home banner, Legend Studios. She is collaborating with Sandeep Singh and Vicky Jain for this exciting venture.

While discussing her new role, Ankita emphasized that producing does not mean she will step back from acting. She remarked, “Acting will always remain my first love, but producing is my way of giving back.” For her, production is an extension of her artistic journey rather than a replacement for acting.

“My first single-lead film came from Sandeep, and today, he has also brought me my first film as a producer. And with Vicky by my side, I feel like everything has come full circle,” she added.

Reviving an Iconic Film

Ankita understands the weight of the responsibility that comes with relaunching a cult classic like “Chandni Bar”. She shared, “It’s a huge responsibility to recreate the magic of such an iconic film. But with Legend Studios, I believe we are going to make it truly special.”

She views producing as a way to carry forward a legacy, create new opportunities, and give back to the industry that has shaped her career.

About “Chandni Bar”

Directed by Madhur Bhandarkar, “Chandni Bar” features acclaimed actors Tabu and Atul Kulkarni in lead roles, along with Ananya Khare, Rajpal Yadav, Minakshi Sahani, and Vishal Thakkar in supporting roles. The film narrates a poignant story centered around the Mumbai underworld, highlighting issues of prostitution, dance bars, and gun crime.

Originally released on September 28, 2001, “Chandni Bar” achieved both commercial success and critical acclaim.

Meanwhile, Ankita’s husband, businessman Vicky Jain, is preparing for his Bollywood debut in the film “Haq,” which stars Yami Gautam and Emraan Hashmi.

Expressing deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives at a political rally in Karur, which resulted in 41 fatalities, the production team of ‘Mask,’ led by popular actress Andrea Jeremiah, has shared their condolences with those affected.

Andrea’s Condolence Message

Actress Andrea, who is making her debut as a producer with ‘Mask,’ posted a heartfelt message on her X timeline in Tamil. She expressed her grief regarding the unfortunate incident, stating that her team is praying for the speedy recovery of those injured in the tragedy.

In her Tamil message, Andrea conveyed, “We are deeply pained to learn of the loss of lives, including those of women and children, at the mishap in Karur. We share the grief of the families who have lost dear ones and pray to nature that those who have suffered serious injuries and are undergoing treatment recover swiftly and completely to return to their homes.”

About ‘Mask’

For those unaware, Andrea is producing ‘Mask,’ directed by Vikarnan Ashok, which features actor Kavin in the lead role. Interestingly, she will also be seen playing the antagonist in the film.

When announcing her production venture on X, Andrea expressed excitement, saying, “And here’s the #firstlook of our baby #MASK !!! Yours truly has turned producer with this one. So wish me luck. Big thank you to everyone involved in the film.”

This isn’t Andrea’s first encounter with a negative role; she previously portrayed an antagonist in Vetri Maran’s Vada Chennai.

Film Insights and Team

Sources close to the production team reveal that Kavin will be featured in an action-packed entertainer for the first time in his career. Notably, the promotional posters of the film include the phrase ‘Vaathiyaaraga Vetri Maran,’ which has sparked speculation that director Vetrimaran may play a character named Vaathiyaar.

The film has generated significant interest among movie enthusiasts and fans alike. It boasts a soundtrack by National Award-winning music director G V Prakash and cinematography by the esteemed R D Rajashekar.

Moreover, editing is handled by Ramar, while art direction is managed by Jacki and Vijay Iyyappan. ‘Mask’ is jointly produced by Andrea and S P Chockalingam and will be presented by director Vetri Maran’s Grassroot film company.

Allu Arjun and Sneha Reddy: A Tollywood Love Story

Allu Arjun and Sneha Reddy are among the most beloved couples in Tollywood. Recently, Sneha celebrated her birthday, and the ‘Pushpa’ actor shared a heartfelt birthday message on social media for his “cutie”.

Taking to his official Instagram handle, Allu Arjun wrote, “Happy Birthday Cutie,” accompanied by a black heart emoji. His post featured two photos of the couple, both dressed in black, posing against a beautiful backdrop in a foreign location. Sneha Reddy even reshared the birthday greeting in her Instagram Stories.

A little backstory for those unfamiliar: Allu Arjun first met Sneha Reddy at a friend’s wedding in the U.S. It was love at first sight for him. Despite facing familial opposition, the couple got engaged on November 26, 2010, and tied the knot on March 6, 2011. They are now proud parents to two children—Ayaan, a son, and Arha, a daughter.

On a related note, just last Sunday, Allu Arjun wished director Atlee a happy birthday as well. He shared a throwback picture with Atlee in his Instagram Stories, showcasing the duo against a backdrop of iconic Hollywood action figures. Allu Arjun captioned the post: “Happy Birthday to my dearest director @atlee47 garu. May abundance shower upon you. Wishing you all the joy, love, and prosperity. Can’t wait for everyone to experience the cinematic magic you’re creating.”

Currently, Allu Arjun is set to collaborate with Atlee on a highly anticipated project, tentatively titled “AA22 X A6”. As part of his preparation for this film, he is undergoing an impressive physical transformation under the guidance of celebrity trainer Lloyd Stevens. In his upcoming movie, he will also share screen space with Bollywood sensation Deepika Padukone for the first time.

Actress Navneet Nishan, widely remembered for her role in the iconic 90s TV show Tara, has surprised fans by sharing a collection of rare throwback pictures from her personal archive.

Connections with Saif Ali Khan’s Family

In her heartfelt post, Navneet revealed a special bond with actor Saif Ali Khan, his ex-wife Amrita Singh, and daughter Sara Ali Khan. The photos, dating back to the 1990s, capture her close friendship with Saif. Notably, she shared that Saif played the role of her brother during her engagement in 1998 to software engineer Srirajan.

Navneet reminisced about the intimate ceremony, saying, “Mumbai, 1998. These are never-seen pictures of my engagement. It was a small get-together at home with close friends and family. I got engaged to Srirajan, a software engineer who was the vice president at Oracle Singapore at that time. We were introduced by the well-known photographer Shipra Shukla, and there was instant chemistry. We dated for 2 years and then decided to tie the knot. Saif was my rakhi brother, so he performed the small ceremony as a brother.”

The engagement pictures also feature Amrita Singh, reflecting the familial bonds Navneet shared with the couple. Her closeness to the family extended beyond formal events; in another rare image from that time, she is seen cradling baby Sara Ali Khan long before Ibrahim Ali Khan was born.

Nostalgic Memories from London

Adding to the nostalgia, Navneet shared a memory from London in 1994 with Amrita Singh. She wrote, “London, 1994, St James Court. These were exciting times, a lot of travelling with close friends. London was a favourite; the food and shopping was divine. On this holiday, I was lucky to have Amrita as my tour guide. Since she knew London really well, she took me to museums, the Tower of London, fabulous restaurants, and theater to watch a play. Through the 90s, we took several trips to London as it became our favourite city. Good memories.” Notably, Navneet and Amrita starred together in the 1988 Bollywood film Waaris.

A Celebrated Career

Navneet Nishan later became a familiar face in films such as Hum Hai Rahi Pyar Ke, Dil Wale, Akele Hum Akele Tum, Raja Hindustani, and Kya Kehna. In Kya Kehna, she played Saif Ali Khan’s mother. On television, she became a household name with her portrayal of Tara, and went on to appear in Chanakya, Jassi Jassi Koi Nahi, and Madhubala. Her portrayal of Tara was revolutionary, depicting her as a strong, bold, and progressive character.

These rare glimpses not only celebrate Navneet Nishan’s journey but also highlight the warmth she shared with Saif and Amrita.

Movie buffs are always eager to know every detail about their favorite stars. Recently, on his birthday, Bollywood star Ranbir Kapoor hosted an Instagram live session where he was asked about the one song he’s been playing on repeat.

During the live session on the official social media handle of his clothing brand, Arks, the ‘Tamasha’ actor responded to a fan’s question: “What’s that one song you can’t stop playing right now?”

Ranbir revealed that he’s quite fond of the song “Barbad” from Mohit Suri’s “Saiyaara.” He also mentioned that he enjoys the entire playlist of Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda’s starrer.

Some of his other favorites include the music from the movie “Loka,” particularly the song “Sahiba.” He shared, “One song, I think one from last year that I truly love, is ‘Barbad’ from ‘Saiyaara.’ I really like that song. The music of ‘Loka’ is also impressive.”

Recently watching “Loka,” he found it excellent and expressed his affection for the track “Sahiba.” “The ‘Saiyaara’ soundtrack is great,” he added.

“I usually stick to Spotify’s top 50 playlists, whether it’s India top 50 or global top 50, and discover new music from there. But this is my current favorite list,” Ranbir noted.

In the same session, when a user asked, “When are we getting RK, the director?” he expressed his desire to step into directing soon and mentioned that he had already begun working towards that goal.

Ranbir disclosed that he has started a writer’s room to inspire himself with new ideas. “I am dying to direct a movie. I have started a writer’s room, actually. I am trying to inspire myself with the two ideas I have and starting to work on them. But it is definitely on my to-do list in the next couple of years,” he stated.

Actor Ranbir Kapoor recently celebrated his 43rd birthday and shared his future career plans with fans during a live Instagram session on the official page of his clothing brand, Arks.

Aspiring Director

During the session, a user asked Ranbir, “When are we getting RK the director?” He responded by expressing his ambition to direct films soon and revealed that he has already begun working towards this goal.

Ranbir mentioned that he has set up a writer’s room to spark new ideas, stating, “I am dying to direct a movie. I have started a writer’s room, actually. I am trying to inspire myself with the two ideas I have and starting to work on them. But it is definitely on my to-do list in the next couple of years.”

A Journey with Mentors

He credited filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali for shaping his craft and expressed his excitement about collaborating with him again for the upcoming project, “Love and War.”

Ranbir referred to Vicky Kaushal and Alia Bhatt as two of his favourite actors. He described “Love and War” as a film directed by Bhansali that stars Kaushal and his talented wife, Alia Bhatt. He emphasized the significance of working with Bhansali, saying, “Whatever I know about acting was seeded in by him, and he was a master then, and I’m working with him 18 years later, and he’s an even bigger master today.”

Full Circle Moment

Ranbir began his cinematic journey as an assistant to Bhansali on the film “Black,” which starred Amitabh Bachchan and Rani Mukerji. He made his acting debut with Bhansali’s 2007 romance drama, “Saawariya,” which also marked the Bollywood entry of co-star Sonam Kapoor.

Actress-politician Jaya Bachchan was seen warmly embracing Kajol during the Mukherjee family’s annual Durga Puja celebrations in Mumbai on Saptami.

The festive spirit was vibrant as Jaya arrived at the pandal in North Mumbai, looking elegant in an ivory-hued saree adorned with a drizzle of gold, complemented by a neat bun. After offering pushpanjali, she was joined by Kajol, who radiated beauty in a stunning yellow ombre saree near the idol of Goddess Durga. The two shared a warm hug before happily posing for photographers.

Kajol, known for her role alongside Jaya in the 2001 blockbuster “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham,” was later spotted with police officials at the pandal. She also spent quality time with close friends, including actor Vatsal Sheth, his wife Ishita Dutta, and their son Vaayu. Kajol was seen playing with the little one before lovingly holding him in her arms.

On September 28, Kajol revealed that visiting the Durga Puja pandal was particularly challenging this year following the loss of her uncle, Deb Mukherjee, the father of filmmaker Ayan Mukherjee.

Sharing her thoughts on Instagram, she posted a series of photographs from the festivities, where she was seen with her sister Tanishaa Mukerji and cousins Rani and Ayan Mukerji.

She conveyed her emotions, stating how the visit to the pandal felt both tough and dearer at the same time.

“The unveiling .. such an emotional moment .. to step on the pandal after this past year and all our losses, somehow it was dearer and at the same time so tough to do.. we miss them all,” she expressed.

Deb Mukherjee passed away on March 14 this year at the age of 83.

The makers of “Thamma” have unveiled the first track from the film, titled “Tum Mere Na Huye, Na Sahi,” on social media platforms.

Universal Music India announced the release on Instagram, captioning it, “Some love stories never die… they keep burning within. Feel the voice, feel the ache with #TumMereNaHuye. Song Out Now. On 21st October, the universe brings us a bloody love story in cinemas worldwide with #Thamma!”

Behind the Scenes Insights

Rashmika Mandanna, who features prominently in the song, expressed that this particular number was one of her most enjoyable experiences on set. She remarked, “Definitely one of the most fun songs I’ve shot for. The choreography, the music, the beats, the set… everything is just full heart! I hope you all like it & enjoy as much as I did while shooting for it.”

Ayushmann Khuranna also shared his enthusiasm, stating, “Dancing with Rashmika on this track has been an absolute joy. She is such a fine dancer – truly expressive and effortless. Watching Rashmika be her true self in Tum Mere Na Huye has been a delight—her energy and grace elevate the track and is something to watch for. This song is one that will grab you and immerse you in the world of Thamma. The costumes, look and feel, and even the composition and lyrics of the song blend the emotions of Thamma so well to make it an addictive and alluring love number. I can’t wait for audiences to experience the chemistry between the two characters.”

A Musical Reunion

Madhubanti Bagchi, who lent her voice to the track, shared her excitement, stating, “Tum Mere Na Huye, Na Sahi is extraordinary as it marks my reunion with the visionary team that introduced me to my first major Hindi film song. This cinematic universe finds renewed vigor in Thamma, and the composition itself is exquisite. Collaborating with the maestros Sachin-Jigar and Amitabh Sir ensures a musical experience of the highest caliber, one I am confident will resonate deeply with audiences.”

A Grand Presentation

As the first song released from the film, “Tum Mere Na Huye” has been filmed on a grand scale, showcasing the raw energy of Rashmika and Ayushmann. Rashmika, in a fresh look, captures the emotions of a heartbroken girl, while her chemistry with Ayushmann adds both intensity and charm.

Directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, “Thamma” also features Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Paresh Rawal in key roles. The film is set to hit theatres on 21 October 2025, perfectly timed with Diwali celebrations.

Bollywood actor Bobby Deol is gearing up to celebrate Dussehra 2025 with a fantastic event at Delhi’s iconic Red Fort.

The actor will participate in the traditional Ravana Dahan, reviving the festive spirit as devotees watch the burning of the effigy. Reports suggest that Bobby has accepted an invitation from the Luv Kush Ramlila Committee to take part in the symbolic slaying of Ravana’s effigy on October 2. According to a statement from the committee, the ‘Animal’ star expressed his excitement about being part of this iconic tradition that celebrates the triumph of good over evil.

In a video message to the organizers, Bobby Deol said, “Dilli ki Ramlila mein iss baar mai aa raha hoon… Toh milte hain Dussehra par.”

Speaking to the media, the organizers mentioned that they are coordinating with Bobby’s team regarding logistics and rehearsal schedules to ensure everything aligns perfectly with the meticulously planned event program. There will be enhanced security and fire-safety personnel on high alert.

Last year, the Dussehra ceremony featured participation from the cast and crew of ‘Singham Again,’ including Rohit Shetty and Ajay Devgn, who were involved in the traditional burning of Ravana’s effigy.

On the work front, Bobby Deol recently appeared in Aryan Khan’s directorial debut, “The Ba***ds of Bollywood.” During the show’s promotions, the ‘Soldier’ actor spoke about his longstanding friendship of three decades with Shah Rukh Khan.

Bobby remarked, “The kind of person Shah Rukh is, that’s the reason why he is where he is today. He’s very grounded, and he’s a very family-oriented man. The only thought I’m sure that keeps him going is that he wants to be there for his family, and I think that’s the similarity every parent has. But besides that, we’ve never been really in touch with each other all throughout these 30 years, but yeah, whenever we meet, it doesn’t feel like we’re meeting after a long time.”

Zareen Khan is all set to debut on the short drama platform with the show “Phir Se Restart.” The actress expressed that the shoot was swift, the concept was innovative, and that she had the opportunity to portray herself.

A New Experience

Reflecting on her journey with Pocket TV’s “Phir Se Restart,” Zareen shared, “This was my first time working in a vertical short drama format. The whole experience was really fun.”

In “Phir Se Restart,” Zareen takes on the role of a renowned actress who isn’t satisfied with her costume designer’s creation. This moment leads her to seek out and showcase raw talent through a unique contest for aspiring designers.

Embracing Change

Zareen highlighted, “The shoot was quick, the concept was refreshing, and I got to play myself in Phir Se Restart, Zareen Khan the actress. It was new, fresh, and something I really enjoyed doing. Short dramas have finally made their mark in India.”

She also mentioned how technology is transforming content consumption: “Almost everybody owns a phone today, and Pocket TV is bringing content directly to the palms of their hand, which I believe is the best way to connect with your audience.”

As an artist, Zareen expressed her desire to step out of her comfort zone. “I debuted in a short drama series with Pocket TV, so I would definitely want to have a long association with them, especially because the experience of working together was great. I would love to keep the doors open for any future collaborations with them.”

Career Journey

Zareen made her acting debut in 2010 with the action film “Veer,” which starred Bollywood superstar Salman Khan. She later appeared in the popular item number “Character Dheela” in the 2011 action comedy “Ready” and in the 2012 comedy “Housefull 2,” which ranks as her highest-grossing release.

Her journey continued with the 2014 Punjabi film “Jatt James Bond.” She returned to Hindi films with a leading role in the 2015 erotic thriller “Hate Story 3.” In 2019, she made her entry into Telugu cinema with the action thriller “Chanakya.”

Zareen was last seen on the big screen in the 2021 film “Hum Bhi Akele Tum Bhi Akele,” directed by Harish Vyas. The film features Anshuman Jha alongside Zareen, along with Ravi Khanvilkar, Gurfateh Pirzada, and Nitin Sharma in supporting roles.