Category: Entertainment

Popular Haryanavi dancer, Sapna Choudhary, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt as she wished him on his 77th birthday. In her message, she thanked him “for understanding my life so deeply.”

Bhatt is working on a biopic about Sapna’s inspiring journey, titled “Madam Sapna.” Sharing two photos with the director on her official Instagram handle, Sapna wrote, “(Folded hands emoji) Bhatt Saab, Thank you for understanding my life so deeply…and presenting it to the world in the most beautiful way. (Red heart emoji) Aapne meri kahani ko sirf suna nahi, balki usse mehsoos kiya, samjha, aur duniya ke saamne ek nayi roshni mein rakha (sic).”

She continued with, “(Flower emoji) From the bottom of my heart – Shukriya. Wishing you a wonderful 77th Birthday and a beautiful year ahead. May your light, courage, and blessings keep inspiring us always. (Flower emoji).”

“Madam Sapna” is set to chronicle her remarkable journey from an orchestra dancer to the glamorous red carpet of Cannes, reflecting her tenacity and spirit.

Expressing his excitement, Bhatt noted that Sapna’s story goes beyond personal triumph; it also encapsulates the evolving dynamics of society. He described “Madam Sapna” as a tribute to the strength and resilience of every woman who dares to dream.

Sapna further elaborated her journey on Instagram, saying, “Life has never been easy—this is a truth we all share. But the struggles we face, the battles we fight, differ for each one of us. Those who know me understand that my journey has never been a bed of roses. Yet, here I am, standing tall, not just for myself, but for everyone who has believed in me.”

She concluded, “Now, it’s time to share my story, not just as Sapna Choudhary, but as a voice for all those who have faced their own battles and risen above. Through the lens of Shining Sun Studios, my journey will unfold—raw, real, and unfiltered.”

Actress Deepika Padukone recently made headlines following confirmation from Vyjayanthi Movies about her exit from the highly anticipated sequel “Kalki AD 2898.” On her official Instagram, Deepika shared a cryptic message, stating, “People you work with matter more than the success of a film.”

A New Chapter: Shooting for “King”

Deepika announced the beginning of her shoot for Shah Rukh Khan’s “King.” She reflected on her long-standing collaboration with the actor, saying, “The very first lesson he taught me almost 18 years ago while filming Om Shanti Om, was that the experience of making a movie, and the people you make it with, matter far more than its success. I couldn’t agree more and have applied that learning to every decision I’ve made since. And that’s probably why we’re back making our 6th movie together? (sic)”

Netizens React

Her recent post is perceived as an indirect remark aimed at the makers of “Kalki AD 2898.” Following her statement, several netizens took to the comments section to express their support for her decision.

• One Instagram user commented, “I’m so glad that u spoke up! I love you,” accompanied by a red heart emoji.
• Another wrote, “Who was saying that Deepika’s downfall has begun?”
• A third comment read, “it’s always the company.”
• One supporter added, “I’m so proud of you! Stand for yourself and never stop believing what u deserve! I love you,” also followed by a red heart emoji.

Vyjayanthi Movies’ Announcement

On Thursday, Vyjayanthi Movies took to social media to announce Deepika’s departure from the project, emphasizing that a film of this magnitude requires “commitment and much more.”

Their post on X (formerly Twitter) stated, “This is to officially announce that @deepikapadukone will not be a part of the upcoming sequel to Kalki 2898 AD. After careful consideration, we have decided to part ways. Despite the long journey of making the first film, we were unable to find a partnership. A film like Kalki 2898 AD deserves that commitment and much more. We wish her the best with her future works.”

Young music sensation, Sai Abhyankkar, one of Tamil cinema’s fastest-growing music directors, has clarified that there is no competition between him and renowned music director Anirudh, despite media speculation.

Sai Abhyankkar attended the pre-release event of director Unni Sivalingam’s bilingual sports action drama ‘Balti,’ marking his first press conference. When asked whether there was a competitive rivalry in the current music scene between him and Anirudh, he responded, “That is not true. Anirudh has done a lot. I have only now started. With all your prayers and blessings, I am only looking forward to working more. There is no competition at all.”

Notably, ‘Balti’ will be the first Malayalam film for which Sai Abhyankkar has composed music. Actor Shane Nigam, who plays the lead in the Tamil-Malayalam bilingual, expressed his excitement, stating he is addicted to the songs of the film and feels proud that Sai Abhyankkar is scoring the music.

At just 20 years old, Sai Abhyankkar is emerging as the next big sensation in music. He gained recognition after his independent single, ‘Katchi Sera,’ went viral on social media. This led Tamil film directors to quickly notice his talent, resulting in a growing list of prominent films he is set to work on.

He has already been brought on board to score music for Suriya’s 45th film and has signed on for Pradeep Ranganathan’s next project with Mythri Movie Makers. Significantly, he will also be composing for Allu Arjun’s upcoming magnum opus, directed by Atlee, known as AA22XA6. Additionally, he will create music for Simbu’s upcoming film, produced by the renowned production house Dawn Pictures, tentatively titled #STR49.

Actor Lakshya, who stars in the recently released streaming show ‘The Ba***ds of Bollywood,’ expressed that the story is deeply rooted and will resonate with all viewers.

During a promotional campaign in Mumbai, the actor shared his insights about the show. He described his initial connection with the project, stating, “I felt a connection, a very strong connection with the material, with the script. The script came much later because when we were locked for the casting, that’s the time the script came to all of us. And that’s the time we all read it also. So the first time I got the scene for the audition, that scene that you see in the trailer also where I’m talking to Sahher Bambba’s character, and I say, ‘Sitaare toh bahut hain, par Aasmaan ek hi hai,’ that scene felt very personal.”

He elaborated on his character, noting, “That kind of attitude I also have. I don’t showcase it that much, but of course deep down it’s still there; he’s a boy from Delhi, he has an attitude similar to mine. The world is of course big, it’s humorous and everything, but that show was very connected to my heart. I felt very connected. I felt that this is my story.”

Lakshya hopes that viewers will relate to the series, saying, “I hope whoever watches this show will be able to say, ‘I find myself in this.’ Because it’s a very rooted story, it’s a very connected story. The world can be anything, but the emotion that you and I face in everyday life is that emotion.”

‘The Ba***ds of Bollywood’ marks the directorial debut of Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan’s elder son, Aryan Khan. It is also his first project as a creator, co-written alongside Bilal Siddiqi and Manav Chauhan. The series is now available to stream on Netflix.

Singer-songwriter Shannon K is all set to bring the heat with her upcoming performance in the ‘Unforgettable’ 90s USA and Canada Tour 2025. She will be sharing the stage with her father, the legendary playback singer Kumar Sanu, and Sadhana Sargam.

A Fresh Perspective on Iconic Hits

Performing alongside Kumar Sanu and Sadhana Sargam, Shannon adds a unique touch that resonates with both long-time Bollywood fans and a younger, global audience. She aims to revive the magic of iconic ’90s songs while reimagining them in her own artistic style. The fusion of her pop-driven originals with Bollywood classics presented in her distinctive voice promises an unforgettable experience.

Upcoming Shows

Her performances are scheduled in California this Saturday (Pacific Standard Time) and in New Jersey on September 21.

Shannon K’s Thoughts on the Tour

Speaking about the tour, Shannon K expressed, “Performing alongside my father and Sadhana ji feels like living a dream, and it’s an honor to share the stage with two such icons. These are songs I grew up listening to, just like all the ’90s kids, and now I get to perform them for audiences while also bringing in my own style. I love blending my pop sound with these timeless classics; it feels like celebrating the magic of the ’90s while giving it a fresh touch for today’s generation. Every night on stage is a reminder of how music connects us across time and cultures.”

For Shannon, this tour isn’t just about sharing the spotlight with legends; it’s also about building a musical bridge across generations.

Kumar Sanu’s Sentiments

Kumar Sanu shared his excitement, stating, “Bringing the ’90s back for Bollywood music lovers with Sadhana ji has been a nostalgic journey, and performing alongside Shannon has made it one of the most memorable highlights of this tour.” He continued, “Audiences know me for the songs of the ’90s, but now they also experience a new energy when Shannon adds her own style to these classics. As a father, I feel immense pride watching her win hearts with her voice and presence. Together with Sadhana ji, it feels like we are creating a concert experience that blends nostalgia with the future of music.”

A Successful Journey So Far

This tour continues the success of its 2024 edition, which set the record as the longest North American tour ever by an Indian singer. While Shannon has the towering legacy of her father to navigate, she remains committed to establishing her own authentic space as an artist, infusing fresh perspectives and heartfelt emotion into her music.

“Bigg Boss 19” heats up as an upcoming task sparks a clash between Awez Giri and Neelam Giri over strategies to play it safe.

Following the task concerning who doesn’t deserve a spot on the Bigg Boss thumbnail, Awez names Neelam, which leads to an argument in the garden area of the house.

Awez accuses Neelam of trying to please everyone, stating, “Neelam bahut logo ko please karna chah rahi hai just woh nominations se bachne ke liye.” Neelam firmly disagrees with him, prompting Awez to respond, “Paranthe omeltte jo log khate hai wohi agree karengay.”

This comment infuriates Neelam, who responds, “I make eggs for him not because I want him to save me. I like him. I don’t like you, that’s why I don’t make anything for you. Tu safe khela hai…. The person I respect, I will respect and the person I don’t I will not and that’s you.”

Awez, clearly annoyed, tells Neelam, “Seedha jaa left le.. Anda bana chai bana aur dede sabko.” Their heated exchange continues with both pointing fingers at each other. Awez insists he will confront anyone who interferes, leading Neelam to challenge him: “Ab toh bol? Yahan bolneka time tha yahan tu bol leta. .. Peeche peeche khelta hai bakwaas karta hai.”

This escalating tension follows last week’s surprising double eviction, which saw Natalia Janoszek and Nagma Mirajkar exit the show. The current contestants in the Bigg Boss house include Gaurav Khanna, Amaal Mallik, Awez Darbar, Ashnoor Kaur, Mridul Tiwari, Kunickaa Sadanand, Baseer Ali, Abhishek Bajaj, Tanya Mittal, Zeishan Quadri, Nehal Chudasama, Pranit More, Farhana Bhatt, and Neelam Giri.

This week, contestants nominated for eviction are Abhishek Bajaj, Ashnoor Kaur, Nehal Chudasama, Baseer Ali, or Pranit More. The show is available on JioHotstar and Colors.

Filmmaker-producer Mahesh Bhatt, well-known for nurturing fresh talent in Hindi cinema, recently shared insights on how he mentored Suhrita Das, the debutant director of his upcoming production ‘Tu Meri Poori Kahani’.

Journey of Suhrita Das

In a conversation in Andheri West, Mahesh Bhatt revealed the inspirational journey of Suhrita. He recounted their first meeting during the Durga Puja festival 11 years ago in Kolkata. She explained how the festival’s theme honored women and described her own life as a hairdresser. Despite being settled with a rich husband and two children, she felt an inner restlessness fueled by her passion for writing. “She believes that a woman should do work irrespective of being a housewife,” Bhatt noted. Suhrita shared her unique approach, saying, “I cut hair with the left hand and write with the right hand,” which piqued Bhatt’s interest.

After he requested writing samples, Bhatt was impressed by the raw energy and recklessness of her writing.

Collaborative Projects

While working on the film ‘Hamari Adhuri Kahani’, Bhatt sought a compelling scene for the climax. He recalled, “I wanted a scene where Vidya Balan’s character stands up to her husband, reflecting her truth.” He recognized that Suhrita’s life experiences provided an authentic foundation for storytelling, stating, “She is capable of writing a story sourced from her living wounds, unlike most who rely on imagination.”

Their collaboration also extended to television, where they created the series ‘Naamkaran’. Suhrita candidly admitted, “I come from a literary background. I don’t know much about cinematic craft.” Bhatt recalled her struggles, saying, “She was perplexed because in cinema we write in images and sound. It’s quite different from the literary world.”

He encouraged her, emphasizing that learning comes through experience: “You learn swimming by swimming, you learn writing by writing.”

Upcoming Release

‘Tu Meri Poori Kahani’, directed by Suhrita Das, is set to hit theatres on September 26, 2025.

Veteran actor Anupam Kher emphasizes that acting transcends merely depicting a character on the outside; it’s equally vital to embody a profound inner calmness and strength.

The actor recently shared a video on Instagram showcasing his preparation for his role in the Canadian film “Calorie,” which is set for its first official screening at the Calgary International Film Festival, taking place from September 18 to September 28.

Reflecting on his role in “Calorie,” Anupam stated, “As an actor in certain roles, it is not just the exterior that matters. One has to connect with the character from within, bringing a certain inner calmness and strength. That’s what I focused on while working for Calorie.”

He also expressed his excitement for the film, saying, “@caloriethefilm is having its first official screening at the prestigious @ciffcalgary! I am sorry I am not personally present but my best wishes are always with the whole team! Jai Ho! #Canadian #Film.”

Based on a real-life tragedy, “Calorie” tells the story of a family weighed down by a traumatic past as they seek to reconnect.

The film follows Monika, a Sikh-Canadian, who struggles to confront a tragic secret from her past while trying to maintain her relationship with her two teenage daughters. In an effort to make amends, she sends Alia, her calorie-obsessed 13-year-old, and her 17-year-old daughter Simi to spend the summer with relatives in Amritsar, hoping to find time to face her own demons.

Haunted by the memories of her mother, who was killed in the 1985 Air India bombing when she was a teenager, Monika’s reunion with her daughters in India is met with coldness, as they feel abandoned by her.

Director Unni Sivalingam is excited to share that the upcoming Tamil-Malayalam bilingual sports action drama ‘Balti’ prominently features the sport of Kabaddi. He revealed in a recent media interaction that at least seven real Pro Kabaddi league players have been cast in the film, specifically in the action sequences that highlight the sport.

Film Overview

The storyline is set in the border region of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, focusing on four boys who are passionate Kabaddi players. It illustrates how they utilize the techniques of Kabaddi to outsmart their opponents. Shane Nigam, Shanthanu Baghyaraj, and the rest of the cast underwent a month-long Kabaddi training camp to ensure authenticity in their performances. However, instead of solely training actors, Sivalingam decided to include actual players to enhance the film’s realism.

Collaborations and Characters

Interestingly, ‘Balti’ has partnered with the Pro Kabaddi league team Tamil Thalaivas, representing Tamil Nadu. The film has recently unveiled the look of actor Akshay Radhakrishnan, who portrays a character named Pratheep.

Originally set to release worldwide on August 29 for Onam, the film’s premiere has now been rescheduled to September 26. Shane Nigam stars as Udhayan, a fearless raider who instills fear in the defense of rival teams. Notably, this film marks an important milestone in Nigam’s career as it is his 25th project.

In addition to Shane Nigam, the film features Preethi Asrani and Shanthanu Baghyaraj in key roles. Director Alphonse Puthren, known for the blockbuster ‘Premam,’ will make an appearance as a cold-blooded gangster named Soda Babu. Shanthanu Baghyaraj will play a character named Kumar, while Selvaraghavan portrays Porthamarai Bhairavan.

Production Team

Written and directed by Unni Sivalingam, ‘Balti’ is being produced by Santhosh T. Kuruvilla and Binu George Alexander under the banners of STK Frames and Binu George Alexander Productions, respectively. The cinematography is handled by Alex J. Pulickal, with art direction by Ashik S. Music for the film is composed by the young sensation Sai Abhyankkar. Editing is done by Shivkumar V. Panicker, and costumes are designed by Melwy J. With a focus on high-action sequences, the film employs two renowned stunt masters, Action Sandhosh and Vicky.

As his film “Homebound” secures the title of India’s Official Entry for Best International Feature at the 98th Academy Awards, actor Vishal Jethwa expressed that this recognition is beyond anything he had envisioned at the start of his cinematic journey.

Vishal shared, “This moment feels absolutely surreal; it’s the kind of news every actor dreams of hearing one day. To know that Homebound is representing India on the world’s biggest cinematic stage is beyond anything I imagined when I began my journey in films.”

He extended immense gratitude to the National Award-winning filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan, stating, “I’m thankful for not only believing in me but for entrusting me with a role that challenged me as an artist and transformed me as a person.”

Reflecting on his co-stars, he stated, “Working with Ishaan Khatter and Janhvi Kapoor was equally special; they were more than just co-actors; they were supportive collaborators who made every scene richer with their energy and generosity.”

For Vishal, this recognition is not just a personal milestone; he sees it as a testament to the “entire team’s hard work, passion, and the power of Indian storytelling.”

He added, “I feel proud to be a part of a film that carries a piece of our culture and heart to an international audience. To be standing alongside such incredible talent and representing my country on a global platform is truly humbling, and I’m filled with gratitude and excitement for what lies ahead.”

Directed by renowned filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan, Homebound chronicles the journey of two childhood friends in a North Indian village as they strive to secure police jobs. As they move closer to their dream, desperation and personal conflict begin to test the strength of their bond.

Produced by Dharma Productions, Homebound, starring Ishaan Khatter, Janhvi Kapoor, and Vishal Jethwa, is set to release in theatres on September 26.