Category: Entertainment

Acclaimed actor Adil Hussain has joined the cast of ‘Lakadbaggha 2: The Monkey Business’, stepping into the role of the sensei in the sequel, replacing Milind Soman.

Adil’s Enthusiasm for the Project

Speaking about his casting, Adil remarked, “Watching Lakadbaggha-1 was so inspiring. It felt like someone was finally making a film that stood up for the rights of animals—something we haven’t seen in decades, perhaps since Haathi Mere Saathi in the seventies.”

He went on to express gratitude for the opportunity to work with Anshuman Jha, stating, “I also had the good fortune of working with Anshuman Jha, both under his direction and as a co-actor. The martial arts training and action sequences were challenging, but Anshuman has been incredibly supportive and generous throughout the process. I’m truly grateful to be part of the Lakadbaggha franchise.”

About ‘Lakadbaggha 2: The Monkey Business’

Billed as the world’s first animal lover vigilante universe, Lakadbaggha wrapped filming for its sequel in June 2025, following an ambitious scale-up, with lead actor Anshuman Jha also taking charge behind the scenes. The film positions itself as a martial arts action spectacle with a formidable international ensemble, showcasing martial arts legends Sunny Pang (Headshot, Havoc) and Dan CChupong (OngBak).

The Indian cast includes Sarah Jane Dias, Vikram Kochar, and Anshuman Jha, who reprises his role as Arjun Bakshi, the ordinary man turned animal-loving vigilante. Lakadbaggha 2: The Monkey Business is set for a mid-2026 release, marking the next chapter in a franchise that blends action, conscience, and animal welfare into a distinctive cinematic identity.

Adil Hussain’s Career Highlights

Adil first gained acclaim in “Othello: A Play in Black and White,” which won the Edinburgh Fringe First, followed by “Goodbye Desdemona,” directed by Roysten Abel. He made his Bengali film debut alongside Soha Ali Khan in the period drama “Iti Srikanta,” where he played the lead.

On television, he starred in the lead role of the detective series “Jasoos Vijay,” produced by the BBC World Service Trust. His role in Abhishek Chaubey’s “Ishqiya” catapulted him into Bollywood, although his first major film was in “Agent Vinod,” featuring Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan.

Adil also appeared in Italian director Italo Spinelli’s “Gangor,” Mira Nair’s “The Reluctant Fundamentalist,” and Ang Lee’s “Life of Pi.” He next starred alongside Sridevi in “English Vinglish” and later portrayed Inspector K. N. Singh in the Ranveer Singh–Sonakshi Sinha starrer “Lootera,” directed by Vikramaditya Motwane.

The actor started the year with the Assamese film “Raag: The Rhythm of Love,” where he played Iqbal, marking his first lead role in an Assamese film. His other Assamese releases included “Sringkhal” and “Rodor Sithi.” He was also featured in Hindi films like “Kaanchi: The Unbreakable” as a CBI officer, “The Xposé” as Rajan, and “Tigers” as Bilal, alongside Emraan Hashmi.

His projects spanned the drama film “Parched,” directed by Leena Yadav, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, with subsequent releases including “Commando 2: The Black Money Trail,” “Love Sonia,” “Mantra,” “Mukti Bhawan,” “Dobaara: See Your Evil,” “Kabuliwala,” and “Naval Enna Jewel.”

Adil later appeared in S. Shankar’s “2.0,” along with “Aiyaary” and “Bioscopewala.”

Actress Priyanka Chopra has decided to reflect on some cherished memories from 2016, a pivotal year in her life.

Milestones and Achievements

Priyanka recalls 2016 as a time of significant milestones. During that year, she was honored with the Padma Shri Award by then-President Pranab Mukherjee and became the UNICEF Global Goodwill Ambassador. This was also the year when she made her mark on the global stage.

In addition to these accolades, Priyanka was working on her Hollywood debut, “Quantico,” where she played the role of Alex Parrish. She later appeared in “Baywatch” as Victoria Leeds.

Other noteworthy achievements for PeeCee in 2016 included gracing the cover of an American magazine and receiving her first People’s Choice Award.

Firsts in Hollywood

2016 was also filled with ‘firsts’ for her:

• Her inaugural White House Correspondents’ Dinner with former US President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama
• Attending her first Oscars
• Making her debut on “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon”

Priyanka also attended the Billboard Music Awards and participated in the Screen Actors Guild Awards.

Bollywood Touch

In her post, PeeCee shared stills from her Bollywood films “Dil Dhadakne Do” and “Bajirao Mastani.”

She also reminisced about personal moments from 2016, such as a vibrant Holi celebration, adopting her furry friend Angel, and the loss of her grandmother (Nani). “The one where everything happened all at once,” she captioned her post.

Reactions from Friends

Her post received enthusiastic reactions. Actress Dia Mirza commented, “Queeeeeeeen” followed by a fire emoji. Saba Pataudi added, “Gorgeous and Proud…Keep shining. Love n Duas always.”

Looking Ahead

On the work front, Priyanka is set to make a notable return to Indian cinema with SS Rajamouli’s ambitious project “Varanasi.” She will be sharing the screen with Mahesh Babu and Prithviraj Sukumaran in her upcoming film.

Actress Mrunal Thakur recently celebrated a milestone as she wrapped up the shoot for her highly anticipated drama “Dacoit,” alongside Adivi Sesh.

Mrunal captured the moment on her Instagram Stories, sharing a lively video of herself surrounded by the entire crew, all exuberantly cheering. She was seen holding a bouquet, a symbol of the occasion. “And it’s a film wrap #Dacoit,” she captioned the post. In addition, she posted several snaps with her team, marking the completion of the film shoot.

During the teaser launch of the drama, Mrunal revealed that “Dacoit” is the first film she has shot in two languages. Speaking to the audience in Marathi, she shared her experiences working with director Shaneil Deo, and co-stars Adivi Sesh and Anurag Kashyap.

“Khoop chhan vaat-ta mala. Dacoit is a very different film, and this is my first film that I have shot in Hindi and Telugu. It was an amazing experience working with Adivi Sesh. To see Hari in this avatar is really nice, the magic that he has created on-screen. And to work with Anurag sir was such a delight. I didn’t have many scenes, but whatever I did was fantastic. I feel like it was a schooling; you get to learn a lot,” she expressed.

The drama has been filmed simultaneously in Hindi and Telugu. Alongside Mrunal, Adivi, and Anurag, the project features a talented cast including Prakash Raj, Sunil, Atul Kulkarni, Zayn Marie Khan, and Kamakshi Bhaskarla in significant roles.

“Dacoit” tells the gripping story of an angry convict on a quest for revenge against his ex-girlfriend, who betrayed him. The story and screenplay have been co-created by Adivi Sesh and Shaneil Deo.

Additionally, Mrunal will be seen romancing Siddhant Chaturvedi in “Do Deewane Seher Mein.”

Television actress Juhi Parmar recently shared a delightful video featuring herself and her daughter Samaira, showcasing their joy as they indulged in homely Daal Chawal after a long period of eating bread during their travels.

The Importance of Home-Cooked Meals

Juhi expressed, “They say you can take an Indian out of India but not India out of an Indian…..To vaise to duniya ghoomne mein only khushi hoti hai no gham.. except ONE..” She continued, “We miss family and ghar ka khana.. Every Indian craves dal chawal. And how much we missed it..our excitement says it all. Tell me who all can relate? #bollywood #funnyvideos.”

In the video, Juhi and Samaira are seen hurrying home with their bags after a lavish trip to Paris. Their eagerness is palpable as they rush to the lift, sparking curiosity among fans about what they were up to. Upon reaching home, Juhi’s parents eagerly await their arrival, arms open for a warm embrace. However, the mother-daughter duo quickly hugs them before dashing into the house, leaving the grandparents momentarily puzzled.

The Climax: A Craving for Daal Chawal

The video’s climax reveals the duo’s intense longing for homemade dal chawal after weeks of exclusively enjoying bread and croissants in Europe. Just a few days earlier, Juhi had shared another video where she and Samaira indulged in countless croissants throughout their Paris trip. She humorously noted, “Subha se leke kar shaam tak shaam se lekhar subha tak…..Kya tha? Lots of croissants, loadsss of bread…..A little bit of humour but lots of fun through these moments! #funny #fun #travel #traveldiaries.”

Memorable Moments in Europe

Juhi and Samaira embarked on a memorable trip to Europe, including a visit to Disneyland for the third time. Sharing their experience, Juhi remarked, “They say third time is lucky, and that is exactly what happened for us because I refused to give up.” Despite their previous visits, they had never experienced the Disneyland fireworks. This time, they finally witnessed the magical display, which Juhi described as special and enchanting.

Reflecting on the event, she added, “Disney says the magic is in you… mine was a mother’s determination. Your magic is inside of you too—ignite it and create your own world.”

Earlier, Juhi also fulfilled a dream by visiting Paris, sharing a transition video in front of the iconic Eiffel Tower. She captioned it, “Ticking another dream from the bucket list before 2025 gets over!! #paris #vacation #travel #traveler #christmastime #eiffeltower.”

Juhi’s Journey as a Single Mother

For those unfamiliar, Juhi is a devoted single mother, raising Samaira independently for several years. Previously married to actor Sachin Shroff, the couple tied the knot in February 2009 in Jaipur but officially separated in 2018.

Professional Highlights

On the work front, Juhi gained major recognition in 2002 with her hit show “Kumkum- Ek Pyara Sa Bandhan,” where she starred alongside Hussain Kuwajerwala. She also won the reality show Bigg Boss season 14, further cementing her status in the entertainment industry.

Television star Tejasswi Prakash is embracing the social media trend of revisiting 2016, saying that year will “always have her heart.”

Nostalgic Memories from Swaragini

The actress shared a carousel post packed with numerous stills and behind-the-scenes pictures from her hit show Swaragini, which aired in 2016. In these delightful snapshots, Tejasswi is seen enjoying memorable moments with her co-stars Namish Taneja and Helly Shah. Some images feature her in the character getup of Ragini, showcasing her time on the show.

On her social media account, Tejasswi expressed her sentiments, stating, “2016 has my heart and it always will #Swaragini.”

A Journey Through Reality TV

After her successful stint as Ragini, she appeared in the show Pehredar Piya Ki, which sadly did not last long. Tejasswi also ventured into reality shows, featuring in Khatron Ke Khiladi and Bigg Boss, where she emerged as the winner of season 15.

Facing Personal Challenges

Over the years, Tejasswi has risen to star status through her projects and professionalism. However, she recently opened up about experiencing sleepless nights. In a candid moment on comedian Bharti Singh and Haarsh Limbaachiya’s podcast, she shared her struggles with sleep, calling it a tough time.

“No, I don’t get sleep anyhow. I just lie down. I don’t have a mobile or TV in hand for distraction. I just lie down and keep looking at the fan for hours,” she revealed.

Tejasswi continued, “Literally, it’s so frustrating. Hours go by, and sometimes you see the sunrise through the curtains. There are so many nights in a week that I don’t sleep at all. Not even for a minute. Also, because I live in a row house and I am on the ground level, I sometimes hear the sound of birds early in the morning. I can hear it, and then I know that it is morning now.”

A Decade in the Industry

For those who may not know, Tejasswi Prakash has been a stalwart in the entertainment industry for more than a decade.

Bollywood star Kareena Kapoor Khan was recently spotted returning to Mumbai after a brief getaway, reportedly to Alibaug.

The actress looked effortlessly chic in a casual white tee paired with faded blue denim. Sporting a no-makeup look, Kareena exuded her usual charm as she navigated through a crowd of paparazzi eager to capture her candid moments.

Kareena Joins the 2016 Trend

Recently, Kareena made headlines by participating in the trending social media challenge to revisit 2016. She shared an unseen picture taken just moments after the birth of her first child, Taimur Ali Khan, in 2016. The heartwarming photograph features her husband, actor Saif Ali Khan, holding their newborn son in his arms inside the hospital.

Accompanying the post, Kareena wrote, “When Dadi Ji photobombed but didn’t know.” The image features her late grandmother, Krishna Raj Kapoor, who was unknowingly photobombing the sweet moment in the hospital room.

The carousel post also included several other unseen images from Kareena’s pregnancy journey. These snippets showcased candid family gatherings, travel memories, and moments with close friends, offering a glimpse into her life during that special time.

Family Milestones

For those unfamiliar, Kareena and Saif welcomed their first son, Taimur Ali Khan, on December 20, 2016. Their second child, a boy named Jehangir Ali Khan, was born on February 21, 2021. The couple began their romantic journey while filming the 2007 movie Tashan and tied the knot in October 2012 after dating for a few years.

Recently, Kareena shared via social media that the year 2025 was particularly challenging for their family.

In a concerning incident, her husband Saif faced an attack by a burglar at their residence in January 2025. He underwent surgery and was hospitalized for nearly ten days. During the attack, Kareena’s younger son, Jeh, also sustained injuries.

Kareena continues to share glimpses of her life with fans, balancing her roles as an actress and mother amidst the challenges she faces.

Actor Richard Rishi, the lead in director Mohan G Kshatriyan’s much-anticipated period film ‘Draupathi 2’, describes his role as king Veera Simha Kadavarayan as a transformative milestone in his career.

A Career-Defining Transformation

In a recent media interaction, Richard Rishi, who is also the brother-in-law of popular actor Ajith Kumar, shared, “Embodying King Veera Simha Kadavarayan in Draupathi 2 has been a career-defining transformation. This wasn’t merely acting; it was breathing life into Tamil Nadu’s blood-soaked legacy of bravery and sacrifice.”

Mohan G’s Vision

He praised director Mohan G Kshatriyan, stating, “Mohan G’s vision for ‘Draupathi 2’ transcends cinema. It’s a resurrection of history. Working with him again after the original ‘Draupathi’ feels like returning to battle alongside a trusted commander.”

Production Details

Produced by Chola Chakravarthy under Netaji Productions in collaboration with G. M Film Corporation, ‘Draupathi 2’ has generated significant buzz among fans.

Historical Setting

Set in the 14th century, the film centers around the reign of Hoysala emperor Veera Vallalar III, highlighting the valour and resistance of the Kadavarayas of Sendhamangalam amidst the turmoil of the Mughal invasion of Tamil Nadu.

Star Cast

In addition to Richard Rishi and Rakshana Induchoodan, the film features actor and cinematographer Natti Natraj in a pivotal role. The ensemble cast includes Y. G. Mahendran, Nadodigal Barani, Saravana Subbiah, Vela Ramamoorthy, Siraj Johnny, Dinesh Lamba, Ganesh Gaurang, Divi, Devayani Sharma, and Arunodayan, further enhancing the film’s historical depth and dramatic flair.

Director’s Insights

Mohan G Kshatriyan previously stated that ‘Draupathi 2’ begins where the first part left off. He shared, “The duration of this film is 2 hours and 39 minutes. Of this, only eight to nine minutes of the story takes place in 2025; the rest unfolds in the 14th century.”

The inspiration for the screenplay stemmed from a small book titled Moondram Vallalla Maharaja by historian Annal Kandar. The director emphasized that while the main historical events depicted are factual, cinematic liberties were taken in character development. He devoted nearly a year to the script, engaging with numerous individuals to deepen his understanding of the subject.

Technical Team

The film also showcases an impressive technical crew, with Telugu dialogues by Samrat and music scored by Ghibran Vaibodha. Cinematography is handled by Philip R. Sundar, with choreography led by Thanika Tony. Stunts have been crafted by Action Santosh, while editing is managed by Devaraj. Art direction is undertaken by Kamalnathan.

With its blend of talented individuals and a captivating historical narrative, ‘Draupathi 2’ is poised to make a significant impact on audiences.

Singer and performer Parleen Gill, known for his journey on Indian Idol Season 3, shared a deep bond with fellow singer Prashant Tamang, who tragically passed away on January 11 due to a suspected cardiac arrest.

Final Moments Remembered

Parleen reflected on his last meeting with Prashant, which took place on November 20, 2025. He expressed disbelief that it would be their final encounter. “Prashant had just landed a role in a Salman Khan film (Battle of Galwan), and I was one of the first to know. He was supposed to stay at my place during the shoot, but since filming was near Film City, he opted for accommodation closer to the studio. After wrapping up, he called everyone, mentioning he was heading to Delhi the next day and wanted to meet that night.”

He continued, “When he called, I was at the gym. I urged him to stay an extra day for a proper celebration of his big break, but he said his daughter had been alone for too long and he needed to return. ‘Come meet me tonight,’ he insisted.”

Parleen rushed home and quickly asked his wife, Blondelle, if she wanted to meet his best friend. They reached the venue by 7 PM, but Prashant arrived an hour later. “Only a few of us made it on time. None of us knew this would be our last time together, celebrating his biggest career milestone. We were all so proud and happy for him,” he shared.

A Deep Sense of Loss

Still mourning the loss, Parleen expressed his devastation. He described their 20-year-long friendship, saying, “The best part was that we never had to pretend. From the first day at the Indian Idol auditions, we connected instantly, joking as if we were childhood friends. It felt like we had known each other forever.”

Parleen added, “As singers, when your best friend also sings, the vibe is on a completely different level. We pushed each other and connected over countless songs. Every performance felt like a fresh experience.”

Cherished Memories

Reflecting on his most memorable moment with Prashant, Parleen recounted their first duet on Indian Idol. “We were paired randomly with random songs, and it was a celebration rather than a competition. We performed ‘Chain Khuli Ki Main Khuli,’ which I choreographed. It became known as the best performance of that round.”

He continued, “Interacting with the audience was a milestone for us, making us feel like rockstars who had truly arrived.”

Parleen described their friendship as magical, saying, “Every day was a roller coaster of fun, madness, and unforgettable memories. Sony BMG (now Sony MUSIC) signed Prashant as the winner, while I, along with three other singers, joined an exclusive band.”

“We recorded albums together, traveled together, partied, and played PlayStation. Those were truly the best days of our lives,” he reminisced.

Facing the Farewell

Parleen also traveled to Prashant’s hometown of Darjeeling for his last rites, crediting his wife with giving him the strength to face the situation. “I was shattered and could hardly think. She booked my tickets, arranged the cab and hotel, and packed my bags. Before heading to the airport, I kept saying, ‘I can’t see him like this.’ She held me together, insisting, ‘He would want his brother there.’ Her strength became my own,” Parleen concluded.

For those unaware, Prashant Tamang was the winner of Indian Idol Season 3 and passed away on January 11 after reportedly suffering a cardiac arrest.

Singer Stebin Bin, recently married to actress Nupur Sanon, sister of Bollywood star Kriti Sanon, shared a delightful video of his dance during the Sangeet function.

Stylish Performance

Dressed in a classy all-black suit and boots, Stebin showcased his moves to the iconic song “Dilruba Maana Hai Qaatil Teri Adaa,” capturing hearts across social media. Nupur was the first to comment on his post, declaring, “Mine!!!” She appeared to be just as enchanted as Stebin’s fans by his smooth dancing.

A Lasting Bond

According to a post by Kriti a few days ago, Stebin and Nupur have been in a relationship for around five years. Kriti expressed her feelings, stating that Stebin feels more like a brother than a brother-in-law.

She wrote on her social media, “@stebinben you’ve been a part of our family for more than 5yrs now and our bond has strengthened with each passing year. I love you Stebu and I know I’ve gained a brother and a friend for life who’s always gonna be there for me.”

Emotional Memories

Kriti, expressing her disbelief that her younger sister is now married, shared, “Words can never be enough to explain what I’m feeling.. still hasn’t sunk in.. My little one is married!”

She reminisced about their journey, writing, “From holding you in my arms for the first time when I was 5, to now holding your chaadar and seeing you all dressed up as the prettiest bride I’ve ever seen.”

Kriti’s heartfelt message continued, “My heart is so full seeing you so happy, in love and beginning the next and most beautiful chapter of your life with the best life partner we could ever ask for you.”

Wishing Happiness

As she reflected on the wedding, Kriti described the moment they tied the knot as “one of the most emotionally beautiful moments of my life!” She wished them both a lifetime filled with happiness and love.

In a warm conclusion, she added, “She is my JAAN and I know she’s yours too.. for life! I’m never really ‘giving her away’, so welcome to the Sanon family.”

Kriti wrapped up her note affectionately, saying, “P.S. @nupursanon even though I know you’re gonna be 20min away and will keep coming home, the house really feels empty without your laughter, but I’m happy you’ll be spreading joy in two houses now… Ufff.. Love you both to the moon & back!”

Bollywood actress Bhagyashree has taken to her social media account to share an uplifting message with her fans, urging them to avoid deep diving into negativity or getting affected by others’ negative opinions.

Focus on Self-Growth

She encouraged her followers to prioritize self-growth and inner peace, emphasizing the importance of filling their minds and souls with positivity rather than dwelling on others’ opinions.

Referencing the legendary singer Kishore Kumar’s iconic song “Kuch Toh Log Kahenge,” Bhagyashree pointed out that people will always have something to say. However, she stressed that it’s up to each individual to decide whether to dwell on negative thoughts or let them go. Concluding her inspiring message, she highlighted that choosing happiness, self-belief, and positivity is what truly matters.

Empowering Social Media Message

In her video message shared on social media, Bhagyashree captioned it: “#tuesdaytipswithb Never let negativity bog you down. Criticism should not undermine you or your capabilities. Comparison should be to better yourself with each passing day. Strive to improve your skills, make yourself better tomorrow than you were yesterday.”

Health and Wellness Tips

Bhagyashree frequently shares tips for quick hacks to maintain fitness amidst busy schedules. The 56-year-old actress also provides several hacks for a pain-free body.

Recently, she posted a video focused on reducing stiffness in the body, demonstrating quick exercises designed to alleviate discomfort.

In her caption, she noted: “Wake up with no back pain. Do these simple muscle release exercises and reduce the stiffness in your lower back and hips. Wake up fresh as a daisy, ready to take on the new day. Happy New Year in advance. #tuesdaytipswithb #stretching #exercise #muscles #backpainless.”