Category: Entertainment

Known for her powerful performances, Rani Mukerji has achieved a significant milestone by winning her first National Award after over three decades in the industry. The actress dedicated this honor to her late father, Ram Mukherjee.

Award-Winning Performance

Rani was recognized with the Best Actress National Award for her compelling role in “Mrs. Chatterjee Vs Norway,” a legal drama directed by Ashima Chibber. The film features an impressive cast, including Anirban Bhattacharya, Neena Gupta, and Jim Sarbh.

Rani expressed her feelings, saying, “I’m truly overwhelmed to receive my first National Award in my 30-year journey as an actor. This honour means the world to me, and I want to dedicate it to my late father, who always dreamt of this moment for me.” She continued, “I miss him deeply today, and I know it’s his blessing and my mother’s constant strength and inspiration that guided me through the role of Mrs. Chatterjee.”

Gratitude to Fans and Team

The actress extended her gratitude to her fans: “To my incredible fans, thank you for being by my side through every high and low. Your unwavering love and support has been my greatest motivation. I know how much this award means to all of you, and it brings me immense joy and happiness to see how happy you are.”

Rani also acknowledged her talented director Ashima and producers Nikkhil, Monisha, and Madhu. She emphasized the collective effort: “Above all, I thank my entire cast and crew from Estonia and India without whom this film could not have been made, especially during the challenges of the COVID period. The entire team of Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway poured their hearts into this powerful story, and I’m deeply grateful to each one of them.”

She expressed her appreciation for the National Award jury for recognizing her work, stating, “This film, and this moment, will always hold a special place in my heart. This award is also a tribute to all the mothers around the world – their strength, courage, and unconditional love.”

Inspired by True Events

The film draws inspiration from the real-life story of Sagarika Chakraborty and Anurup Bhattacharya, an Indian immigrant couple whose children were taken away by Norwegian authorities in 2011. Rani shared her connection to the narrative: “Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway is a story that moved me deeply because it captures the unbreakable spirit of an immigrant mother, fighting against all odds in a foreign land to protect her child.”

“As a mother myself, this role was incredibly personal. Through this film, we tried to honour the spirit of motherhood and I hope it serves as a reminder of the quiet power women carry within them every single day.”

The restored version of “Sholay,” featuring Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra, will be showcased at The Indian Film Festival of Sydney (IFFS) in October.

Festival Details

The festival, taking place from 9 to 11 October, will celebrate Indian cinema over three vibrant days. The newly restored “Sholay” had its world premiere earlier this month at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and is now set to screen in Sydney.

Restoration Highlights

“Sholay” has undergone a meticulous 4K restoration by the Film Heritage Foundation in collaboration with Sippy Films. This ambitious project involved locating a rare colour reversal print in London and recovering original camera negatives as well as long-lost deleted scenes from a warehouse in Mumbai.

Most notably, the restored film includes the original ending envisioned by director Ramesh Sippy, where Thakur avenges his family by killing Gabbar Singh.

Statement from the Festival Director

Festival Director Mitu Bhowmick Lange expressed pride in presenting the restored “Sholay” at Sydney. She stated, “This isn’t just the revival of a classic; it’s the revival of a piece of our collective cultural history. The fact that audiences will now experience the film with the original ending makes it even more significant, as it honours Ramesh Sippy’s first vision in its entirety. To showcase this landmark restoration at IFFS, alongside timeless and new stories, truly embodies our festival’s spirit of celebrating Indian cinema in all its dimensions.”

Film Synopsis

Directed by Ramesh Sippy, “Sholay” tells the story of two criminals, Veeru and Jai, who are hired by a retired police officer to capture the ruthless dacoit Gabbar Singh. Hema Malini and Jaya Bhaduri also star as Veeru and Jai’s love interests, Basanti and Radha, respectively. The film was shot in the rocky terrain of Ramanagara in Karnataka over a span of two and a half years, starting in October 1973.

Cultural Impact and Success

Upon its initial release, “Sholay” received negative critical reviews and a lukewarm commercial response, but favourable word-of-mouth turned it into a box office hit. It broke records for continuous showings in many theatres across India and ran for over five years at Mumbai’s Minerva theatre. The film also achieved success overseas, particularly in the Soviet Union, becoming the highest-grossing Indian film of its time until “Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!” According to numerous accounts, “Sholay” remains one of the highest-grossing Indian films of all time, even after adjusting for inflation.

Regarded as one of the greatest and most influential Indian films ever made, “Sholay” was re-released in theatres in 3D format in January 2014.

From Oscar winner A.R. Rahman creating magic on the ghats of the Ganges in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, to renowned singer Sonu Nigam paying tribute to 100 years of Mohammed Rafi at Kashmir’s Dal Lake, a galaxy full of stars is all set to illuminate NDTV’s new venture, NDTV Good Times—a platform for live concerts and immersive cultural experiences.

Exciting New Dimension

The channel is venturing into an exciting new dimension with the launch of NDTV Good Times, which focuses on live concerts and immersive cultural experiences.

Rahul Kanwal, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of NDTV, stated, “NDTV has always stood at the intersection of storytelling and society. With NDTV Good Times, we take that commitment into the realm of live culture and experiences—curating iconic performances that will not just entertain but also inspire, connect, and create lasting memories for audiences across India.”

Promising a Cultural Celebration

NDTV Good Times will present artists across multiple cities, curating evenings that promise to transcend mere performances and turn into true celebrations.

• Rahman will enchant audiences at the sacred ghats of the Ganges in Varanasi.
• Sonu Nigam will honour Mohammed Rafi with a spectacular tribute at Dal Lake in Srinagar.
• Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy will bring their powerhouse music, while Jubin Nautiyal and Neha Kakkar will electrify the crowd with their vibrant energy.

Rahul Shaw, Chief Experiences Officer at NDTV, emphasized, “Live experiences are the new heartbeat of culture globally—and they create deeply personal connections. NDTV Good Times is about reimagining that heartbeat for India, bringing together the nation’s finest artists in extraordinary settings, ensuring that every performance becomes an occasion to remember.”

Crafting Unforgettable Experiences

What sets this venture apart is NDTV’s distinctive strength, with a vision to craft exceptional live experiences and the unparalleled reach to amplify them seamlessly across broadcast, digital, and social platforms. With a trusted ticketing partner like District already in place, NDTV Good Times aims to transcend traditional entertainment, making experiences unforgettable, unmissable, and unique.

The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, recently honored the recipients of the prestigious 71st National Film Awards during a ceremony in Delhi. Here’s a complete list of all the National Award Winners for 2025:

Best Feature Film

• ’12th Fail’
  Vinod Chopra Films, Vidhu Vinod Chopra

Best Debut Film of a Director

• Ashish Avinash Bende – ‘Aatmapamphlet’

Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment

• ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’
  Dharma Productions, Karan Johar

Best Children’s Film

• ‘Naal 2’
  Aatpat Production, Zee Studios, Sudhakar Reddy Yakkanti

Best Direction

• Sudipto Sen – ‘The Kerala Story’

Best Film in AVGC (Best Visual Effects)

• Jetty Venkat Kumar – ‘Hanu-Man’

Best Feature Film Promoting National, Social and Environmental Values

• ‘Sam Bahadur’
  Unilazer Ventures, Meghna Gulzar

Best Actor in a Leading Role

• Shah Rukh Khan – ‘Jawan’ / Vikrant Massey – ’12th Fail’

Best Actress in a Leading Role

• Rani Mukerji – ‘Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway’

Best Actor in a Supporting Role

• Vijayaraghavan – ‘Pookkaalam’ / M. S. Bhaskar – ‘Parking’

Best Actress in a Supporting Role

• Urvashi – ‘Ullozhukku’ / Janki Bodiwala – ‘Vash’

Best Child Artist

• Sukriti Veni Bandreddi – ‘Gandhi Tatha Chettu’ / Kabir Khandare – ‘Gypsy’ / Treesha Thosar, Shrinivas Pokale, Bhargav Jagtap – ‘Naal 2’

Best Male Playback Singer

• P V N S Rohit – ‘Baby’ (Premistunna)

Best Female Playback Singer

• Shilpa Rao – ‘Jawan’ (Chaleya)

Best Cinematography

• Prasantanu Mohapatra – ‘The Kerala Story’

Best Screenplay (Original)

• Sai Rajesh – ‘Baby’ / Ramkumar Balakrishnan – ‘Parking’

Best Dialogues

• Deepak Kingrani – ‘Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai’

Best Sound Design

• Sachin Sudhakaran, Hariharan Muralidharan – ‘Animal’

Best Editing

• Midhun Murali – ‘Pookkaalam’

Best Production Design

• Mohandas – ‘2018’

Best Costume Design

• Sachin Lovalekar, Divvya Gambhir, Nidhhi Gambhir – ‘Sam Bahadur’

Best Make-up

• Shrikant Desai – ‘Sam Bahadur’

Best Lyrics

• Kasarla Shyam – ‘Balagam’ (Ooru Palletooru)

Best Choreography

• Vaibhavi Merchant – ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’ (Dhindhora Baje Re)

Best Documentary

• God Vulture and Human – Rishiraj Agarwal

Best Short Film

• Giddh (The Scavenger) – Manish Saini

Best Film Critic

• Utpal Datta

Renowned Bollywood lyricist and poet Manoj Muntashir has curated a musical stage show titled “Mera Desh Pahle: The Untold Story Of Shri Narendra Modi,” which focuses on the life of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In an exclusive interaction, Muntashir was asked about the inspiration the youth would derive from this show. He remarked that the most significant lesson for young audiences is not to allow circumstances to hinder their ambitions.

Muntashir stated, “From this show, the young will learn that all their excuses for not achieving greatness due to their circumstances are baseless. PM Modi’s story demonstrates that when one truly desires to accomplish something, no force in the world can stand in their way.”

He also highlighted that another important takeaway for the youth is a sense of patriotism. “The story of PM Modi is a tale of patriotism. It’s not merely the journey of an individual, but of an entire nation,” he concluded.

Conceptualized by Muntashir, “Mera Desh Pahle: The Untold Story Of Shri Narendra Modi” chronicles the Prime Minister’s journey from childhood through his inspiring political career and extraordinary leadership.

Directed by Deepak Gattani, the show features powerful renditions by B Praak, Sneha Shankar, Rishi Singh, Ashish Kulkarni, and Ujwal Gajbhar.

During a special screening of the musical, Bollywood actress Jahnvi Kapoor expressed her excitement. Speaking exclusively, she said, “I am very excited. I think the whole of India is aware of his story. But to see it represented in such an artistic form, as an artist, I am very happy and very excited.” She added, “Like I said, his story and everything he is doing for the country – I think everything he does is inspiring.”

Actress Nayanthara recently unveiled the second single, “Sogasu Chudatharama,” from Neeraja Kona’s directorial debut, “Telusu Kada.” This film features leading performances by Siddu Jonnalagada, Srinidhi Shetty, and Raashi Khanna.

Production Details

Produced by TG Vishwa Prasad and Krithi Prasad under the People Media Factory banner, the film boasts music by S Thaman.

About the Song

“Sogasu Chudatharama” is a romantic track picturized on the chemistry between Srinidhi Shetty and Sidhu Jonnalagada. As the evening nears its end and Siddu prepares to leave, Srinidhi playfully resets the time on his watch, indicating she’s not ready to say goodbye just yet.

Thaman delivers a memorable composition, fusing groovy funk and jazzy elements into an upbeat, feel-good number. The prominent bassline, steady drumbeat, and catchy trumpet melody contribute to a retro vibe that’s truly irresistible.

Karthik’s energetic vocals complement the vibrant arrangement, while Adviteeya’s soulful voice adds layers of depth and emotion. Lyricist Krishna Kanth artfully captures Siddu’s feelings for his girl, making the lyrics both heartfelt and relatable.

Visual Appeal

The song’s visual charm is hard to miss. The sparkling chemistry between Siddu and Srinidhi captures attention, and Siddu’s stylish dance moves are a delight to watch. With its catchy tune and captivating visuals, this song is sure to resonate with younger audiences.

Previous Hits

It’s worth noting that the film’s first single, “Mallika Gandha,” was a chartbuster, showcasing a classic romance between Siddu and Raashi Khanna.

A recently released teaser gives a glimpse into the intriguing premise of the film and has garnered a positive response.

Technical Crew

The film features cinematography by Gnana Shekar VS, while editing is handled by Naveen Nooli. Avinash Kolla is responsible for the production design. “Telusu Kada” is set to hit screens on October 17, coinciding with Deepavali.

After more than three decades of captivating movie enthusiasts, Shah Rukh Khan received the prestigious 71st National Award for ‘Best Actor’ for his performance in “Jawan.”

Heartfelt Congratulations from Suhana Khan

Congratulating her ‘papa dear’, Suhana Khan shared her excitement on social media, writing, “You always said you never win the silver, only lose the gold but This Silver is Gold…(sic).” She added, “Our hearts are so happy seeing you receive the prestigious National Award. Congratulations, papa, we love you,” accompanied by a red heart emoji.

Gauri Khan’s Pride

Shah Rukh’s wife, Gauri Khan, also expressed her joy at the honor, emphasizing that the National Award is a testament to Shah Rukh’s years of hard work and dedication. She mentioned that she is designing a special mantle to display the award. Gauri posted on Instagram, “What a journey it’s been @iamsrk. Congratulations on winning the National Award!!! So deserving… it’s a result of your years of hard work and dedication. Now I’m designing a special mantle for this award.”

A Milestone in His Career

SRK accepted the honor in a stylish black two-piece suit from the President of India, Droupadi Murmu. This award is particularly special as it marks SRK’s first-ever National Award after over three decades in the film industry.

Atlee’s Gratitude

The director of “Jawan,” Atlee, expressed his gratitude towards Shah Rukh for trusting him with the project. He shared his happiness over King Khan’s achievement with a heartfelt post on Instagram.

“Feeling blessed, @iamsrk sir. I’m super happy that you’ve got the National Award for our movie Jawan. It feels very emotional and inspiring to be part of your journey. Thank you for trusting me and giving this film, sir. It’s just my first love letter to you; a lot more to come, sir,” Atlee wrote.

He continued, “Shah Rukh sir being near you itself is a great blessing. As a fanboy, working with you and making a film presented in the mass mode of SRK is a pure blessing from God. Finally, God is so kind to give us back the greatest moment in our life. Can’t ask for more, sir. This is more than enough for me; I’m the best fanboy of yours, sir. Love you. Love you. Love you. Lots of love, sir.”

Actress Preity Zinta continues to excel in her fitness journey, even at the age of 50. The beloved ‘Veer Zaara’ star frequently shares fitness motivation with glimpses of her workout sessions on social media.

Recent Workout Highlights

In her latest workout, Preity was spotted performing a back strengthening exercise that involved core stretching. She gracefully bent forward to stretch her back, demonstrating a fluid motion.

Sharing her thoughts on the importance of stretching, she emphasized, “It doesn’t matter what workout you do, stretching your body is the gold standard for longevity & for avoiding any injury. So don’t forget to incorporate stretching into your fitness routine (punch emoji) #ting.”

Navratri Celebrations

On Monday, Preity welcomed the first day of Navratri by posting a glimpse of her visit to a temple. She shared a picture of herself in deep devotion, hands folded, and extended her warm wishes to her followers with the message: “Happy Navratri to all those who celebrate. Love & light always Jai Mata Di #Ting.”

Joyful Janmashtami

Previously, she offered a peek into her Janmashtami celebrations at the Valley Hindu Temple. Her post expressed her heartfelt sentiments: “Janmashtami celebrations at the Valley Hindu Temple was so heartwarming and so much fun. Friends, family, community & devotion. The kids were so excited and I loved every moment of it. A big thank you to Punditji, his beautiful family & everyone at the temple for indulging us & making us feel so welcome & loved. Here is a sneak peak folks. Jai Shree Krishna #radheradhe #ting.”

Upcoming Projects

On the professional front, Preity Zinta is preparing for her return to Bollywood with filmmaker Rajkumar Santoshi’s upcoming project titled “Lahore 1947.” Her last appearance was in the 2018 action-comedy “Bhaiaji Superhit,” directed by Neerraj Pathak, where she starred alongside Sunny Deol, Arshad Warsi, Ameesha Patel, and Shreyas Talpade.

Bigg Boss 19 contestant Tanya Mittal surprised both viewers and her good friend Neelam Giri as she revealed her highly specific lifestyle demands during a candid conversation.

Tanya’s Unique Coffee Ritual

In a moment of vulnerability, Tanya disclosed that she insists on traveling from Gwalior, her hometown, to Agra just to buy her favorite cold coffee. Once back home, the cold coffee must be stored in an icebox before she can enjoy it in her garden.

“If I have to drink just 3 cups of coffee in a month, I need all this jazz to be happening and ordering it specially from Agra; otherwise the coffee doesn’t feel right,” she explained.

Essential Biscuits from London

Tanya further admitted that she cannot live without a particular brand of biscuits, flown in exclusively from London every two months. “Otherwise I start crying, and I don’t eat any other biscuit. I do a lot of drama. My life is not sweet if I don’t need those particular biscuits,” she remarked, laughing at herself.

This amusing revelation left Neelam both baffled and entertained. The two have been seen frequently sharing secrets, supporting each other, and engaging in light-hearted gossip.

Unexpected Tension

However, their friendship faced unexpected tension during a recent Weekend Ka Vaar episode. When host Salman Khan asked Neelam to name which housemate was most likely to betray another, she named Tanya. This shocking choice visibly hurt Tanya, leaving her teary-eyed. For Tanya, who had always been open and trusting with Neelam, the comment struck deep.

Additionally, Neelam has been spotted gossiping about Tanya with other housemates and expressing her frustration over Tanya’s discussions about her luxurious and exotic lifestyle.

Designer Manish Malhotra shared captivating anecdotes about the iconic saree once worn by the late Sridevi, which Janhvi Kapoor chose for the premiere of her film “Homebound.”

A Tribute to Legacy

Janhvi’s choice of attire not only honored the legendary actress but also infused her look with timeless elegance. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Manish recounted the story behind the stunning royal blue pashmina saree, revealing its sentimental significance as it was first worn by Sridevi in 2017.

By selecting this saree as a tribute to her mother, Janhvi not only celebrated Sridevi’s enduring legacy but also showcased centuries of Kashmiri craftsmanship, adorned with intricate gold tilla and chinar motifs.

Continuity Between Generations

Manish shared photos showcasing both Sridevi and Janhvi Kapoor in the same royal blue pashmina saree, emphasizing the emotional connection between mother and daughter.

In his post, he expressed, “This one is really special to me… coming full circle… the one and only #Sridevi … an icon in every way and so close to my heart… first wore this heirloom royal blue pashmina saree in 2017. @janhvikapoor wore the same saree for the premiere of @homeboundthefilm, a heartfelt tribute to her mother.”

He further noted, “Showcasing gold tilla and chinar motifs, it celebrates centuries of Kashmiri craft, a tradition we have worked with for years. In Janhvi’s choice, the saree is more than clothing… it highlights sustainable fashion… it is a living legacy of love, style, and heritage passed from mother to daughter. #archival #mymmsaree #janvhikapoor styling #megan #mmteam @manishmalhotraworld.”

Stunning Appearance at the Premiere

Janhvi Kapoor looked breathtaking draped in the royal blue saree during the special screening of “Homebound.” This saree was previously worn by Sridevi at Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli’s wedding reception in 2017.

Mimicking her mother’s elegant style, the ‘Dhadak’ actress accessorized with exquisite gold jewelry and styled her hair in a neat bun. Janhvi was accompanied by her boyfriend Shikhar Pahariya’s family at the event. The film is set to release in theatres on September 26.