Category: Entertainment

Actress Anushka Kaushik has opened up about her role in the upcoming film “Avyaan,” revealing that it has pushed her boundaries in unexpected ways.

The character she portrays has challenged her acting skills, allowing her to explore new facets of her performance. Anushka shared, “Working on Avyaan has been a deeply fulfilling experience. This character challenged me in ways I hadn’t imagined, and I feel grateful to be part of a story that not only entertains but also inspires. Standing alongside these young girls, who represent the future, reminded me why stories like this need to be told. We all have the strength within us to rise above challenges.”

Kaushik will be seen as a strong, inspiring figure in the film. The makers recently unveiled an image of her with a group of young girls dressed in martial arts uniforms by the riverside, capturing the film’s central themes of resilience, strength, and collective courage.

The first-look poster of “Avyaan” was recently shared on social media, showcasing a stunning golden-hued riverside at dusk. This captivating imagery sets the stage for a narrative of spiritual and emotional exploration, centering around Anushka Kaushik. The film is expected to connect with audiences drawn to stories of empowerment, resilience, and personal transformation.

Shot across the sacred ghats and hidden alleys of Varanasi, “Avyaan” is set to release soon and pays tribute to the vibrant tapestry of Hindu culture.

Anushka had previously shared that filming became a profoundly spiritual journey for her, leaving a significant impact both personally and professionally. She reflected, “Becoming a part of Avyaan has been nothing short of a spiritual experience for me. The script instantly moved me; there’s something so grounding and profound about how it connects everyday moments with deeper philosophical truths. Shooting in Varanasi, amidst its energy and devotion, was incredibly humbling. I’m honoured to contribute to a film that celebrates the richness of our culture with such honesty and heart.”

Singer Harshdeep Kaur recently shared a memorable experience after meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence on the eve of his 75th birthday.

In her post, she described how the moment became even more special when PM Modi personally requested her to sing ‘Ik Onkar,’ the sacred Mool Mantra from Gurbani. Representing the Sikh community, Harshdeep expressed her deep humility and gratitude for being part of this spiritually significant occasion.

Sharing images from her meeting with PM Modi, she wrote, “A day for the books! So honored to have met with the Honourable Prime Minister of India Shri @narendramodi ji on the eve of his 75th birthday at his residence. What made this meeting even more special for me was the moment he requested me to sing ‘Ik Onkar,’ the Mool Mantra sung by me from Gurbani. My deepest gratitude to Shri @hardeepspuri ji for making me a part of this delegation along with some esteemed members of the Sikh Committee, formed for the safekeeping and befitting display of Holy ‘Jore Sahib’ belonging to our 10th Guru Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj and his wife Mata Sahib Kaur Ji.”

She added, “I stand with a heart full of emotions, goosebumps, and a profound sense of humility to be chosen as a representative of the Sikh community for this sacred cause. Waheguru #narendramodi #ikonkar #pmoindia #harshdeepkaur.”

In the images, PM Modi is seen honoring Harshdeep Kaur with a memento. In another, both are pictured seated with folded hands as she performs the sacred ‘Ik Onkar.’

On September 17, Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated his 75th birthday, with the Bollywood fraternity coming together to send him heartfelt wishes. Stars from various generations, including Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan, took to social media to appreciate his leadership, dedication, and vision for the nation.

Television actress Rubina Dilaik, celebrated for her impeccable fashion sense, recently shared some glamorous photos of herself draped in a saree.

Taking to her Instagram handle, Rubina posted a couple of photos and videos from a conference, captioning them: “At the inauguration ceremony of 31st National Conference of Indian Society of Oral Implantologist! Honoured to be present in a room full of brilliant minds bringing technology and innovation together from 30 different countries.” In the images, the ‘Chotti Bahu’ actress looks stunning in an elegant pink and sky blue saree, paired with chic sunglasses. To enhance her look, Dilaik opted for subtle makeup and styled her hair in loose curls, completing the ensemble with long silver earrings and a bindi.

Rubina’s style versatility is remarkable; she effortlessly pulls off everything, from traditional sarees to chic western wear and contemporary fusion outfits, making a strong style statement.

In her previous posts, the former Bigg Boss contestant showcased her stylish looks in an all-black outfit and also set style goals in a net blue saree.

On the professional front, Rubina Dilaik is currently featured in the reality show “Pati Patni Aur Panga” alongside her husband, Abhinav Shukla. Explaining her decision to join the show after becoming a mother, she mentioned, “After becoming a mother, I wanted to spend more time with my husband. I wanted to have some fun, so I took up this show.”

“Pati Patni Aur Panga,” a celebrity couple reality show, premiered on Colors TV on August 2. Hosted by actress Sonali Bendre and comedian Munawar Faruqui, the show offers a lively mix of drama, humour, and real-life relationship challenges. The star-studded lineup includes couples like Gurmeet Choudhary–Debina Bonnerjee, Rubina Dilaik–Abhinav Shukla, Avika Gor–Milind Chandwani, Sudesh Lehri–Mamta Lehri, Geeta Phogat–Pawan Kumar, Hina Khan–Rocky Jaiswal, and Swara Bhasker and Fahad Ahmad.

Actress Nyrraa Banerji has candidly addressed the demanding work culture prevalent in the television industry.

In an exclusive interview, she illuminated the effects of long shooting hours on actors’ health, sleep, and performance. Emphasizing the necessity for balance, Nyrraa highlighted the importance of weekly breaks and personal time to preserve both well-being and professional efficiency.

Concerns About Long Working Hours

When discussing the often-criticized issue of exhausting TV work schedules, Nyrraa shared, “I completely agree. We often work fifteen hours a day, which affects health, sleep, and performance. Without proper rest, actors cannot look fresh or deliver emotions with full energy. That’s why whenever I take up a show, I insist on at least one holiday a week or half-days. We need time for ourselves, our families, and our personal responsibilities. Otherwise, it becomes unhealthy.”

Considering Future Projects

When asked if she would take on a TV show at this point in her career, Nyrraa replied, “Yes, but only on my terms. If I get a good role, a convenient location like Film City, a strong director, a reputable channel, and fair pay, then I will definitely consider it.”

Her Diverse Journey in the Industry

Reflecting on her journey, Banerji stated, “I think I am very lucky. There’s a norm in the industry that actors get typecast, but fortunately, I have worked across every platform at the same time. That is why I was never labelled as just a South Indian actress, or a TV actress, or a web actor. I have been part of all mediums, and I know how to adapt to each one.”

Having started her career at a very young age, Nyrraa understands storytelling and audience expectations. “Whatever excites me as an actor, I take it up. I can do a Bollywood film, a TV show, or a web series—because every platform has its own audience. While there is a mixed audience, each medium has its core viewers too, and I want my work to reach all kinds of people,” she explained.

Actress Rasika Dugal’s upcoming black comedy film “Lord Curzon Ki Haveli,” directed by Anshuman Jha, is set to release in theaters on October 10.

A Unique Filming Experience

Shot entirely on a single lens, this film marks the directorial debut of actor Anshuman Jha. The cast features Arjun Mathur, Tanmay Dhanania, and Paresh Pahuja in leading roles.

Rasika expressed her excitement, stating, “I am thrilled that Lord Curzon Ki Haveli is releasing in the theatres. The film had premiered at Melbourne and, subsequently, travelled to other festivals where it was much appreciated by audiences.” She particularly enjoyed watching the film with an audience at the Chicago festival, saying, “The humour (and the darkness that follows) is best experienced with other people. I had the opportunity to witness the response of an international audience. Now I am eagerly waiting to see how it’s received here.”

The Film’s Journey

Filmed entirely in the UK, this Hitchcockian chamber drama promises an edgy, international appeal, blending suspense, wit, and biting commentary about identity within a mysterious evening. Reports indicate it faced delays with Indian censors for over six months.

Debut director Anshuman commented, “When Bikas Mishra and I dreamt up this risqué black comedy thriller, we always envisioned it for the big screen. ‘Lord Curzon Ki Haveli’ is my humble homage to Alfred Hitchcock.” He added, “Making my directorial debut with this feels just as electric as the day I first stepped into the movies with my acting debut in Love Sex Aur Dhoka.”

Actor Arjun Mathur shared his excitement for the project, emphasizing his love for surprising stories. “’Lord Curzon Ki Haveli’ is unlike anything I’ve had the opportunity to be part of before. It’s quirky, unpredictable, deliciously dark, and funny. I’m thrilled that audiences are going to get to experience this in theatres,” he stated.

Production Details

The film is produced by Golden Ratio Films and First Ray Films and presented by MAX Marketing Limited.

Tempers are running high between housemates Baseer Ali and Gaurav Khanna, who are set to engage in a heated exchange in the upcoming episode of “Bigg Boss 19.”

In a promo shared on Instagram, the video features Baseer and Gaurav arguing in the kitchen. Baseer kicks off the confrontation by saying, “GK sir, you play with words like the knife my G.” Gaurav responds, claiming he is just speaking normally and that it’s Baseer who is getting “triggered” without cause.

Baseer presses Gaurav, asking why he can’t provide straightforward answers. He challenges him, stating, “Direct question ke answers aap galiyon main kiyun ghumate ho?” Gaurav counters that he does not believe in skirting around issues.

An irritated Baseer reacts, “Aap main dum hi nahi hai,” to which Gaurav agrees, adding, “Ek dum nahi hai.” The conversation escalates as Baseer tells Gaurav that wherever there’s an opportunity to show off, he will, and wherever he needs to dominate, he will do so. He expressed this sentiment in Hindi, saying, “Jahan muscle dikhana hai wahan muscle dikhayengay and jahan masalna hai waha masal denge.”

Gaurav retorts that “Bigg Boss” is not just about physical strength; it’s about strategy and using one’s brain. He remarks, “4 hafton main appka yeh roop nahi dekha tha aaj nikla hai,” prompting Gaurav to snap back, “Yeh hi roop hai.”

The promo is captioned: “Gaurav aur Baseer ki hui aisi argument, kya ho paayegi inke beech settlement? Dekhiye #BiggBoss19 ka naya episode, har roz raat 9 baje #JioHotstar par aur 10:30 baje @colorstv par.”

Following the surprising double eviction of Natalia Janoszek and Nagma Mirajkar last week, the contestants currently 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.

The show is available on JioHotstar and Colors.

Actress Pooja Hegde recently shared some interesting airport stories, including one involving a unique “boat ride.”

In her Instagram stories, Pooja was seen navigating water-logged roads in Chennai on her way to the airport. She posted a video from the backseat of her car, showcasing the flooded conditions. Her caption read, “A quick boat ride to the airport… I have some interesting airport stories lately,” and included a geotag for Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

On the professional front, Pooja was recently featured in the song “Monica” from the newly released film “Coolie.”

“Coolie” is an Indian Tamil-language action thriller directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, starring an ensemble cast that includes Rajinikanth, Nagarjuna, Upendra, Soubin Shahir, Sathyaraj, Shruti Haasan, Reba Monica John, Junior MGR, Monisha Blessy, and Kaali Venkat. Notably, “Coolie” marks the reunion of Sathyaraj and Rajinikanth on-screen after nearly 38 years. Their last collaboration was in the acclaimed Tamil film “Mr. Bharath,” released in 1986, where Sathyaraj portrayed Rajinikanth’s father. Interestingly, Sathyaraj had previously declined roles in some of Rajinikanth’s films, such as “Enthiran” and “Sivaji.”

“Coolie,” which is Rajinikanth’s 171st film, revolves around the theme of gold smuggling. Director Lokesh Kanagaraj has clarified that this film is a standalone project and is not connected to his Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU).

Looking ahead, Pooja will appear in “Jana Nayagan,” a political action thriller directed by H. Vinoth. This film features Vijay, Pooja Hegde, and Bobby Deol in lead roles, alongside Mamitha Baiju, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Prakash Raj, Narain, and Priyamani. It is expected to be Vijay’s last film appearance before he transitions into politics and marks KVN’s first Tamil-language production.

The film was officially announced in September 2024 under the tentative title “Thalapathy 69,” correlating with Vijay’s 69th film as a lead actor, and the official title came out in January 2025.

Hollywood star Reese Witherspoon recently discussed her exit from the 2014 thriller film “Gone Girl,” a role that ultimately went to Rosamund Pike.

In a podcast interview, Witherspoon shared her insights on the film during its development phase. Initially, she was set to portray Amy Elliott Dunne, earning the approval of author Gillian Flynn and managing the project through her production company.

However, once director David Fincher joined the project, he made the decision not to cast her in the role. “David sat me down — and this is not on David — but David’s like, ‘You’re totally wrong for this part, and I’m not putting you in it,’” Witherspoon recounted on the “Las Culturistas” podcast.

She continued, “I had all these conversations with the writer Gillian Flynn, and she was like, ‘No, I’d really like you to do it.’ … But (Fincher) was like, ‘You’re wrong.’”

The thriller, featuring Ben Affleck alongside Pike, marked a significant milestone for Pike, as she earned her first Academy Award nomination for best actress for her performance.

Witherspoon reflected on her conversation with Fincher, stating, “That was, first of all, an ego check for me. It was like, ‘No, you’re not right for everything.’ And he was right. He was totally right. … Fincher just killed it. And Rosamund Pike is so diabolical and Ben Affleck is sort of the rube on the other side of it.”

“Gone Girl” tells the story of Nick Dunne, who finds himself under intense media scrutiny when his wife, Amy Dunne, mysteriously vanishes on their fifth wedding anniversary.

Despite her exit from “Gone Girl,” Witherspoon received an Oscar nomination for best actress that same year for her lead role in the biopic “Wild,” directed by her soon-to-be “Big Little Lies” collaborator Jean-Marc Vallée.

Currently, Witherspoon is starring in the fourth season of “The Morning Show,” and she produced both “Wild” and “Gone Girl.”

Popular television actress Rupali Ganguly has shared a hilarious birthday note for her co-star and friend Alpana Buch, describing her as a “weird person with extreme levels of OCD.”

Taking to Instagram, Rupali posted a reel featuring herself and Alpana, along with a heartfelt caption. She wrote: “Happy Happy Birthday u wierd person with extreme levels of OCD!!! What would I do without u? Love u @alpanabuch19 #happybirthday #friends #rupaliganguly #jaimatadi #jaimahakal.”

An avid social media user, Rupali frequently shares videos and photographs on Instagram. On September 18, she posted a stunning picture of herself in a red silk saree adorned with golden work, which she paired with a matching red blouse embellished with gold.

Her accessories included beautiful golden jhumkas, matching bangles, and a mangalsutra. For makeup, Rupali opted for a red-toned lip color and blush, enhanced with pink and golden eyeshadow. In the photos, she elegantly posed with a peacock feather and captioned them, “Draped in tradition, wrapped in gratitude,” along with a red heart and folded hands emoji.

Rupali Ganguly is among the highest-paid television actresses in India, renowned for her roles as Monisha Singh Sarabhai in the iconic sitcom Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, and Anupamaa Joshi in the popular drama Anupamaa.

She began her acting career at the age of seven in her father’s directorial film Saaheb in 1985 and later starred opposite Tapas Paul in the successful Bengali film Balidan. Rupali’s breakthrough came with her role as Dr. Simran Chopra in the medical drama series Sanjivani: A Medical Boon, and she participated in Bigg Boss 1 in 2006.

Following that, she appeared in several hit television series like Ek Packet Umeed and Parvarrish – Kuchh Khattee Kuchh Meethi. After taking a seven-year break from acting, she made a strong return with Anupamaa.

Actor Divyenndu, known for his captivating role as Munna Bhaiya in the “Mirzapur” franchise, recently shared that his latest track, “Julmi Sawariya,” has rekindled his love for dancing.

Behind the Scenes on Instagram

Sharing a series of snapshots from the sets on Instagram, the actor showcased his experience while shooting for this Navratri special. In his caption, he expressed: “Actor + Camera = Julmi Sawariya. Had such a gala time shooting for this track!! Thank you for giving sooooo much love to our song.. loving the compliments u guys showered on me, big hug for that!! Also this made me realise that I love dancing but all this couldn’t have been possible without this absolutely gem of a team.. (Sic).”

Praise for the Team

Divyenndu highlighted the “fun vibe” brought by the song’s composer, Amit Trivedi. He noted, “It was a no brainer @bhoomitrivediofficial your vocals are just magical. My producers, @hitendrakapopara, who also designed the costumes, and @piyuushj9, you guys promised a vision and you delivered it, my respect for that. Many more collabs to come!!!”

He also recognized his co-star, stating, “My co-star @charmeezaveri did everything absolutely effortlessly. Well done, girl!” He extended his gratitude to the director and choreographer, @vijayganguly, and his team, saying, “You designed the song so brilliantly; loved the steps af!”

Production Highlights

“Julmi Sawariya,” produced by Vibha Films and Hitendra Kapopara, co-produced by Piyush Jain, is released under the Saregama label. Directed and choreographed by Vijay Ganguly, the video features sparkling chemistry between Divyenndu and Charmee Zaveri, alongside 100 dancers. The lyrics are penned by the talented Kumaar.

In his heartfelt conclusion, Divyenndu expressed love for his supportive team, mentioning @srishtishetty, his manager, @jitendras16, his personal assistant, @jatin_veerkar for makeup, and @hairplaywitshabby for hair, saying, “You know I love you guys.”