As he gears up to showcase his talent in three contrasting films—“O Romeo,” “Ginny Weds Sunny 2,” and “O Saathi Re”—actor Avinash Tiwary reflects on how 2026 marks a significant phase of creative exploration in his career, pushing his acting boundaries.

Creative Recalibration

Avinash mentioned, “I’m constantly recalibrating as an actor while switching between these three projects that have pushed me to work my creative muscle like never before. And it’s an exhilarating ride!”

O Romeo: A Dark Romantic Journey

Discussing “O Romeo,” which features Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri, Avinash highlighted the need to surrender completely to the story. “Vishal Bhardwaj builds these dark, immersive worlds that romanticize Shakespearean drama in a way only he can, and O Romeo required me to step into that intensity with total surrender.” This action thriller, which will see Avinash in a pivotal role, is set to release in theatres on February 13.

Ginny Weds Sunny 2: A Heartfelt Sequel

On the other hand, Avinash is excited about “Ginny Weds Sunny 2,” the sequel to the popular 2020 Netflix film. He noted, “Prasshant Jha brings an instinctive understanding of small-town stories, where warmth, comic timing, and everyday emotion from characters drive the narrative, and that wholesome energy defines Ginny Weds Sunny 2.” The film introduces a fresh lead pair—Avinash Tiwary and Medha Shankr—and promises a contemporary, light-hearted look at love and modern relationships, produced by Vinod Bachchan.

O Saathi Re: A Romantic Drama Series

Completing the trio, Avinash will star in “O Saathi Re,” an upcoming Netflix romantic drama series created by Imtiaz Ali and directed by Arif Ali. Featuring Aditi Rao Hydari, Arjun Rampal, and Ahsaas Channa along with him, the project ensures a rich narrative. Avinash commented, “With O Saathi Re, Imtiaz Ali’s signature Sufism flows through the romance; every role has a different look, a different preparation, and a completely different mindset.” Set against the vibrant backdrops of Mumbai and Mussoorie, the series delves into timeless emotions while exploring intimacy and storytelling.

Looking Ahead

Reflecting on his diverse releases, Avinash concluded, “For me, this phase is a full-bodied exploration of my range as an actor, and I’m genuinely looking forward to making the most of it.”

On his father Allu Aravind’s 77th birthday, superstar Allu Arjun expressed his love and admiration through a heartfelt note, referring to the iconic producer as “the closest thing to God” in his life.

Arjun shared a picture on Instagram, capturing a moment with his father in front of the newly launched Allu Cinemas. In his touching message, he wrote, “Happy Birthday, Dad. The closest thing to God in my life. May you always live joyfully,” accompanied by a black heart emoji.

Allu Aravind is celebrated as one of the most successful producers in South Indian cinema and is the founder of Geetha Arts. His noteworthy productions include classics like Bantrothu Bharya, Subhalekha, Pasivadi Pranam, Attaku Yamudu Ammayiki Mogudu, Mappillai, Master, Ninaithen Vandhai, Mangalyam Tantunanena, Annayya, Jalsa, Ghajini, Magadheera, Sarrainodu, and Ala Vaikuntapuramulo.

In recent projects, Allu Arjun was seen in the action drama Pushpa 2: The Rule, directed by Sukumar. This sequel to Pushpa: The Rise follows Pushpa Raj, a labourer turned red sandalwood smuggler, who faces mounting threats from foes, including SP Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat. The film features a talented ensemble cast including Rashmika Mandanna, Fahadh Faasil, Jagapathi Babu, Sunil, and Rao Ramesh and is known for being one of the most expensive and longest Indian films ever produced.

Looking ahead, Arjun is set to collaborate again with director Trivikram on a grand mythological epic, marking their fourth project together, with filming reportedly scheduled to commence in February 2027. He is also gearing up for the third installment of the Pushpa franchise, under the direction of Sukumar.

Additionally, Allu Arjun is working on a project with director Atlee, tentatively titled AA22 X A6, which will feature Bollywood star Deepika Padukone alongside him.

The Beatles legend Sir Paul McCartney gave actor George Clooney a delightful surprise with a personal performance, leaving the actor immensely grateful. During a special birthday surprise for Clooney, McCartney performed the song “When I’m Sixty-Four,” coinciding with the actor’s milestone age last year.

Clooney celebrated his 64th birthday in May 2025 and recently shared that he received a heartfelt video message from McCartney. In the video, the iconic singer beautifully belted out the classic Beatles track, as reported by Female First UK.

Reflecting on his memorable 64th birthday, George Clooney mentioned in an interview with The Los Angeles Times, “I actually got a message from Paul, which is pretty cool. It was a video of him playing ‘When I’m Sixty-Four’. I never really thought when I was cutting tobacco in Augusta, Kentucky, that I would meet Paul, much less become friends with him.”

He expressed his admiration for McCartney, saying, “I feel very in awe. In the scheme of people, you look at Michael Jordan as the best to ever play the game. Paul’s got to be in the conversation as one of the greats of all time. So it’s really something to have him call up and do ‘When I’m Sixty-Four’ for you.”

Clooney also shared his experiences of communicating with McCartney. When asked about sending messages to the music legend, he revealed that they do exchange messages “from time to time.”

He recounted a conversation with McCartney after hearing the Beatles track “Now and Then,” released in 2003, which was based on a previously unheard John Lennon demo tape from the 1970s, enhanced with modern technology. Clooney remarked, “Sure, I message him from time to time. He had this song come out, this beautiful Beatles song that had never been released. Dude, it brought me down. It had that Beatles sound and vibe. For those of us who grew up with the Beatles being the end all and be all of everything, it just brought you to a whole other place in time. He sent it to me, and I wrote him back and said, ‘Jesus, Paul. It’s really beautiful.’”

Despite turning 60, the Oscar-winning actor maintained he doesn’t see himself as old.

Bollywood actress Parineeti Chopra, known for her recent role in ‘Amar Singh Chamkila,’ has opened up about her journey through postpartum and how she manages to keep her mind calm during this period.

Having completed two months postpartum, Parineeti shared a video on her YouTube channel, emphasizing the significance of mindfulness.

Mindfulness and Morning Routine

In the video, she discussed, “If your mind is positive, your body follows it. Many people reach for their phones as soon as they wake up, and the worst habit is scrolling right away. That makes your mind almost numb, and can disturb your entire day. I’ve realized that if you wake up in the morning and ignore your phone, get bored for an hour, sit quietly, listen to music, or spend time in nature while enjoying the sounds of birds, it helps you stay calm. I also chant some mantras. That’s what I do. I chant Hanuman Chalisa as soon as I wake up. Or I chant Namami Shamisham. I like to start my day this way. I believe that regardless of what happens throughout the day, whether it’s positive or negative, you can control your reaction because you’re in a good state. I want it to feel like a scene from a movie when I get out of bed—a shot of a heroine. I get out of bed in slow motion.”

Insights on Mindset and Health

Parineeti continued, “Life should be like this. As I grow older, I’ve realized that mindset is everything. How you react to situations and your perceptions matter significantly. My health, fitness, and mental wellness are my top priorities. I want to look better while focusing on all of this. Now, I understand my preferences—what I like, what I want to eat, how I want to eat, and when I want to sleep.”

Veteran actress Jaya Prada recently made a splash on the popular singing reality show Indian Idol, where she playfully put judge and music composer Vishal Dadlani on the spot. This light-hearted exchange revolved around Alia Bhatt performing the classic song ‘Dafli Waale’, which originally featured Jaya Prada herself.

A Humorous Exchange

Jaya Prada made an impressive entrance, immediately addressing Vishal about the recreation of her iconic song in Alia Bhatt’s debut film, Student of the Year. With a sense of humor, she remarked, “Kyun Vishal babu, mere purane gaane ko koi aur heroine ko woh gana dediya, yeh to galat baat hai na?”

Vishal, visibly amused, elaborated on the matter, saying, “Yes, in the song ‘Radha’ from the movie Student of the Year, we had picturized a part of ‘Dafli Waale’ with Rishi (Kapoor) ji, and on that, Alia danced, I remember that.”

Playful Sarcasm

Not one to back down, Jaya Prada playfully responded, “So, you will be punished,” and invited him onto the stage. Her witty remark drew laughter from both the judges and contestants, enhancing the jovial atmosphere.

The veteran actress had Vishal play the ‘Dafli’ as she gracefully danced to the iconic song.

Fun Banter with the Host

Host Aditya Narayan joined the fun with a witty welcome for Jaya Prada, saying, “I thought she was a goon, but she turned out to be a killer. Our desi girl turned out to be Jaya Prada.”

A Look Back at ‘Dafli Waale’

For those unfamiliar, the iconic song ‘Dafli Waale’ was originally picturized on Jaya Prada and the late Rishi Kapoor. Featured in the classic film Sargam, it was sung by legendary vocalists Lata Mangeshkar and Mohammad Rafi and released in 1979.

Jaya Prada’s energetic performance in a white saree, paired with Rishi Kapoor’s memorable style on the ‘Dafli’, captivated audiences in the late 1970s. The song was a significant milestone, contributing immensely to the stardom of both actors. Rishi Kapoor’s portrayal was so convincing that it seemed as if he was truly playing the ‘Dafli’ himself, showcasing his remarkable acting talent.

Veteran actress Madhoo recently shared her reflections on the concept of ‘sins and sinners’ through a video on her social media. She highlighted that everyone, whether intentionally or unintentionally, tends to commit sins, which categorizes them as sinners.

Madhoo addressed her followers, saying, “Hi guys. Hi everyone. Just a quick thought—something I read that really made a shift in me, and I wanted to share it in the hope that it helps someone out there.” She further explained, “Please listen carefully. All of us are sinners. Each and every one of us is a sinner. So don’t judge someone else for their sins just because you’re not committing that particular sin.”

Emphasizing her point, she reiterated, “Let me say it again: all of us are sinners. Don’t judge someone else for the sin they are committing, because that sin is not yours. Think about it.”

With over three decades of experience in the South Indian film industry, Madhoo is often seen traveling across various parts of the country and the world for spiritual purposes. In September 2025, she undertook a deeply spiritual journey in Spain with her actress friend Ramya, where they walked the Camino de Santiago alongside their childhood friends. The duo successfully completed a remarkable 110 km in nearly a week.

Madhoo also shared her traditional certificate of completion on social media, which symbolizes devotion awarded to those who complete the pilgrimage. In her post, she wrote, “The most beautiful thing in life is to be able to be together with people who keep you safe and smiling, and reunions are the best. Childhood friendships are the best, and here we are together monkeying around on our way to the Camino.”

The two actresses starred together in the 1992 Tamil film “Vaaname Ellai.” Madhoo, known for her versatility and elegance, has made her mark across Malayalam, Tamil, and Hindi cinema. She was last seen in Bollywood in “Shakuntalam”, where she played a key supporting role.

Bollywood ace filmmaker and choreographer Farah Khan celebrated her 61st birthday with a unique twist—she cut a ‘squished’ birthday cake that humorously reflected her life at this milestone.

Fun Birthday Celebrations

Actress Huma Qureshi shared lively pictures and videos from the birthday lunch, emphasizing Farah’s ability to make every moment memorable. In her caption, she expressed, “Best birthday lunch with @farahkhankunder. Celebrating her warmth, love, laughter, and a little madness—today and every day. She makes even a messed-up cake and every moment feel just right. With my fellows crazies @rachitsingh08 @srishtibehlarya.”

In a light-hearted moment captured on video, Farah examined the squished cake and joked that her life at 61 mirrors it: “Starts fine but gets squished at the end.” Huma replied that, like Farah, the cake is beautifully sweet on the inside. The birthday girl then enjoyed the first bite of her cake with great delight.

Warm Birthday Wishes from Friends

Farah Khan was showered with heartfelt birthday wishes from her colleagues in the entertainment industry. Kareena Kapoor Khan took to social media to send her love, promising to “always dance on beat” when they’re together. She shared a wonderful photo of Farah and wrote, “Happy birthday dearest Farah… Big hug @farahkhankunder.”

Actress Shilpa Shetty, a longtime friend, also celebrated Farah with a heartfelt post, stating, “To the one-woman army I can never say NO to! Stay healthy, happy and amazing, my darling. Love you @farahkhankunder.”

Similarly, actress Kajol expressed her affection for Farah with a sweet message: “To the Queen of choreography & cooking, a very happy birthday! @farahkhankunder.”

Farah Khan’s birthday was a beautiful blend of love, laughter, and cherished moments shared with friends.

Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif recently wished her ‘Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara’ co-star Farhan Akhtar on his birthday, which falls on January 9. She also expressed her hopes for him to have the ‘best year’ ahead.

Sharing a heartfelt message along with a picture of Farhan on her social media, Katrina wrote, “Happiest Birthday @faroutakhtar! Wishing you the best year filled with lots of love and light.”

For those who may not know, Katrina and Farhan starred together in the hit film Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, which also featured Hrithik Roshan, Abhay Deol, and Kalki Koechlin. In the movie, Katrina was paired opposite Hrithik.

On a personal note, Katrina, who embraced motherhood a few months back, recently revealed the name of her baby boy. In a joint post with her husband, actor Vicky Kaushal, the couple shared an adorable picture of their little son’s hand resting on their own.

Announcing the name on social media, they wrote, “Our Ray of Light…Vihaan Kaushal…Prayers are answered…Life is beautiful…Our world is changed in an instant…Gratitude beyond words (sic).”

Katrina and Vicky welcomed their bundle of joy on November 7, 2025. They had shared the happy news with a joint post stating, “Our bundle of joy has arrived. With immense love and gratitude, we welcome our baby boy. 7th November, 2025. Katrina & Vicky.” Their caption simply read, “Blessed. Om (sic).”

The couple tied the knot in 2021 in a private ceremony in Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan, after dating for several years.

The makers of director Paul George’s pan-Indian Malayalam film ‘Kattalan’, featuring actor Antony Varghese (Pepe) in the lead, have announced the successful completion of the film’s Vagamon schedule.

Production Updates

Cube Entertainments, the production house behind the film, shared a behind-the-scenes video showcasing the crew at work in Vagamon on their social media platforms. They announced, “Vagamon schedule wrap up. Kattalan teaser dropping on Jan 16, 2026! A Cubes International Initiative.”

It’s worth noting that late last year, the production house paid tribute to the stuntmen involved in the film. They released footage of a four-wheeler tumbling during a stunt sequence, honoring the courageous stuntmen whose bravery enables such thrilling scenes.

Cast Highlights

The film has generated significant interest among fans and film enthusiasts. Producer Shareef Muhammed, known for the blockbuster ‘Marco’, returns with this ambitious venture titled ‘Kattalan’, which is a high-octane pan-Indian action thriller directed by Paul George.

In addition to Antony Varghese, the film features Rajisha Vijayan as the female lead. The cast also includes Rapper Baby Jean, Telugu actor Sunil, acclaimed for roles in blockbusters like ‘Pushpa: The Rise’ (2021), ‘Pushpa 2’ (2024), and ‘Jailer’ (2023), Kabir Duhan Singh, recognized for his intense performances across languages, and veteran Malayalam actors Jagadeesh and Siddique in pivotal roles.

New additions to the cast include Parth Tiwari and Anson Paul, along with promising talent Shon Joy, known for his debut performance in ‘Alappuzha Gymkhana’ (2025). His strong screen presence has positioned him as a noteworthy newcomer.

Creative Team

The film’s story has been co-written by Paul George, Joby Varghese, and Jero Jacob, marking a sensational writing debut for the trio. They have crafted a gritty, high-stakes narrative infused with raw storytelling energy that delves into themes of power, betrayal, and deadly missions.

Music and Technical Crew

The music for ‘Kattalan’ is composed by Ajaneesh Loknath, the musical genius behind ‘Kantara 2’, with choreography by Sharief. Dhanya Balakrishnan is responsible for costumes, while cinematography is handled by Renadive. The film is edited by Shameer Muhammed.

As anticipation builds for the teaser release, fans are eager to see what this ambitious project has in store.

Actress Shraddha Kapoor recently shared sun-kissed pictures on her social media, joking that those who don’t like sunlight would be ‘blocked.’

Radiant Looks

The actress looked radiant in the sun, showcasing her no-makeup look. The photos seem to be taken on the balcony of her luxurious Mumbai home, with a glimpse of the vast sea reflected in the balcony door behind her.

In her post, Shraddha expressed her playful side, writing, “Kis kisko dhoop nahi pasand??? Aapko abhi block karti hoon.”

Simple Lifestyle Insights

Known for giving fans a sneak peek into her fun and simple lifestyle, Shraddha was recently spotted enjoying her homemade tea after returning home following a 16-day trip. She shared a picture of her tea, stating that ‘nothing in the world beats home-made tea.’ Along with the picture, she wrote, “Ghar ki chai jaisi koi cheez hi nahi hai,” accompanied by a red heart emoji.

As a complete foodie, Shraddha frequently shares moments of her indulging in lip-smacking delicacies on her social media account.

Upcoming Projects

On the professional front, Shraddha Kapoor is set to return to the screen with “Stree 3.” The third installment of the popular franchise is scheduled for release in August 2027.

Additionally, she has been cast in a biopic about the legendary Marathi folk performer Vithabai Narayangaonkar, titled “Eetha.” This project will chronicle the life of Vithabai, who was one of Maharashtra’s most prominent Tamasha performers of her time.

Shraddha will also appear in the upcoming movie, “Nagin,” produced by Nikhil Dwivedi.