Category: Entertainment

Actress Alaya F recently reflected on her journey through 2025, describing the year as one marked by grit, courage, and significant personal growth.

Pride in Progress

In her reflections, the ‘Freddy’ actress expressed a deep sense of pride in how far she has come. She shared the challenges she faced and the lessons learned that have shaped her both personally and professionally.

Intense Yoga Sessions

On Tuesday, Alaya took to her Instagram to share a video that offered a glimpse into her intense yoga sessions from the year. The clip highlighted her dedication to fitness and wellness, showcasing the rigorous practices that have been key to her growth and self-discipline.

The video features Alaya confidently executing a headstand along with several other challenging yoga poses. In her post, Pooja Bedi’s daughter stated, “2025 was a year of grit, guts and growth. Looking back, I feel very proud of how far I’ve come this year!”

Passion for Yoga

Alaya F frequently showcases her passion for yoga on social media, regularly sharing photos and videos from her practice sessions.

Acting Career

On the work front, Alaya made her acting debut in 2020 with the comedy “Jawaani Jaaneman,” which also starred Saif Ali Khan and Tabu. Reflecting on her debut project, Alaya said: “Jawaani Jaaneman will always be the most special film of my career. It was my debut, and that alone makes it unforgettable. But beyond that, everything about it felt perfect—the character, the cast, the director, and the entire experience of shooting it.”

Most recently, Alaya appeared in “Bade Miya Chote Miyan,” where she shared the screen with Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff, and Prithviraj Sukumaran.

Upcoming Projects

Looking ahead, Alaya F is set to star in “Storm,” a high-octane thriller series based in Mumbai. Produced by Hrithik Roshan, the show will feature her alongside Parvathy Thiruvothu, Srishti Shrivastava, Rrama Sharma, and Saba Azad.

The unit of director Vetrimaaran’s highly anticipated action entertainer ‘Arasan’, starring actor Silambarasan, commonly known as Simbu, has successfully completed the film’s first schedule.

Though the film’s makers have not officially confirmed this milestone, sources close to the team indicate that the first schedule, which took place in Kovilpatti, has concluded.

A source revealed, “The first schedule wrapped up on December 21. The next schedule is expected to commence in the first week of January.”

Recently, the makers released a Behind The Scenes (BTS) video titled ‘Behind the Rise of Arasan’.

Producer Kalaipuli S Thanu took to X to share, “The rise begins! Behind The Rise of #Arasan is out now!” along with a link to the BTS clip.

The BTS footage provided fans with a sneak peek of Simbu’s transformation for his role. It also showcased how director Vetrimaaran approached his work on set and featured Simbu engaging in conversations with actor Samuthirakani. The video clips appear to have been primarily filmed while the team was creating a promo.

‘Arasan’ has generated significant excitement for several reasons. It marks the first collaboration between Simbu and esteemed director Vetrimaaran. Additionally, the film is produced by one of Tamil cinema’s leading figures, Kalaipuli S Thanu. The recent announcement that actor Vijay Sethupathi has joined the project has further fueled interest.

Earlier this year, the makers released a promo that begins humorously with director Nelson appearing as himself.

In the promo, Simbu tells Nelson that his upcoming revelations are true, with real names and places involved. However, he advises Nelson not to portray them as they are and to include a disclaimer in his film. “I’m saying this only because most of the cases I am going to tell you are still under trial,” he warns, adding that if the truth surfaces, it could implicate many, including “innocent” individuals like him, along with lawyers, politicdigihunt, police officers, and judges.

As Simbu shares this, the ‘Arasan’ team provides a disclaimer.

“If you include a disclaimer, even if the incidents depicted are true, no one can challenge you,” he tells a visibly uneasy Nelson. He mentions that his case is currently up for hearing, promising to return and provide further details.

As he heads to the courtroom, Simbu is guided by his lawyer. Upon taking the stand, the judge informs him that he faces charges of committing three murders in a single night and asks for his plea. Simbu maintains his innocence, yet the scenes that follow suggest otherwise, depicting him as the perpetrator of the murders.

The promo suggests that the film will unveil an untold story from the world of ‘Vada Chennai’. Recently, the title ‘Arasan’ was officially announced.

Vetrimaaran’s film with Simbu will also feature Andrea Jeremiah, Vijay Sethupathi, Samuthirakani, and Kishore in pivotal roles, with music composed by Anirudh.

It’s worth noting that director Vetrimaaran recently put an end to speculation regarding a sequel to his much-anticipated film ‘Vada Chennai’. He clarified that while his next film, ‘Arasan’, will star Simbu, it is not ‘Vada Chennai 2’, although the narrative will be set in the same universe.

Playback singer Papon is gearing up to welcome the New Year in a relaxed manner, surrounded by family after an eventful year filled with live concerts, film promotions, and numerous musical projects.

Taking a Moment to Reflect

Choosing to pause, reflect, and recharge, Papon acknowledges that 2025 has been a rewarding phase, with his releases and songs receiving immense love from audiences across various platforms.

In his thoughts on the New Year plans, Papon shared, “After a very hectic year filled with live shows, movie promotions, and continuous work on different projects, I felt it was important to spend some quiet, meaningful time with my family. I’ll be celebrating New Year with them. I’m extremely thankful to 2025 for all the love my music has received; it’s been truly humbling.”

Excitement for the Future

He added, “I’m very excited about what lies ahead and am keenly looking forward to 2026. Looking forward to beginning the new year and a fresh chapter in my musical journey with the release of my two original ghazal EPs.”

The past year featured sold-out live performances and strong listener engagement, reaffirming his deep connection with music lovers and further solidifying his journey as both an independent artist and a film musician.

As Papon steps into the New Year with gratitude and renewed energy, he remains dedicated to expanding his musical canvas, promising fans more soulful and heartfelt creations in the coming months.

A Unique Birthday Celebration

Earlier this year, Papon chose to celebrate his 50th birthday immersed in his music rather than taking a break. He emphasized that he doesn’t feel the need for time off when he can celebrate doing what he loves.

Speaking about working on his birthday, he remarked, “Music has always been my biggest celebration. I don’t feel the need to take a break on my birthday when I get to spend the day doing what I love.”

Fresh from the success of his Sham-E-Mehfil 2025 tour, Papon is currently completing his album, looking forward to a promising year ahead.

Actor and singer Diljit Dosanjh expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Punjabi music icon Ustad Puran Shah Koti, calling it “an irreplaceable loss for the music industry.”

A Heartfelt Tribute

The ‘Border 2’ star shared an old video of Ustad Puran Shah Koti’s performance, paying tribute to the legend by highlighting his unique place in the world. He stated that Koti was one of those rare souls destined to achieve eternal peace, never to return to this world.

In his emotional social media message, Diljit wrote, “Sari Life music De Pyar Vich La Diti.. Dunia Badal Gai Ej.. World Change Ho Gaye.. Ustad Puran Shah Koti Ji Ona Chand Roohan Chon San Jina Ne Wapis Nahi Auna. Punbai Music Lai Kadey Na Poora Hon Wala Ghaata” (You dedicated your entire life to the love of music. The world has changed forever. Ustad Puran Shah Koti was one of those souls who will not be returning to this world. This is an irreplaceable loss for the music industry).

Remembering a Legend

Guru Randhawa, another notable figure in the Punjabi music scene, also paid his respects to Ustad Puran Shah Koti, who passed away on Monday. He shared a throwback clip of one of Koti’s jamming sessions, emphasizing the legendary musician’s unmatched contributions to the music industry.

On his official Instagram, Randhawa wrote, “Ustaad Puran Shah Koti sir. A LEGEND FOREVER ❤️. Whole world will remember him forever for his contribution to music and the artist he has given to this world.”

He added, “Always so much to learn from. World will miss you sir ❤️.”

Legacy of a Musical Icon

For those unfamiliar, Ustad Puran Shah Koti had been battling a long-term illness, which he sadly succumbed to at 72 years old. His immense impact on Punjabi music will be felt for generations to come.

Actress Mouni Roy recently indulged in a delightful home-cooked Bengali feast after quite a long time.

On her official Instagram Stories, Mouni shared a snapshot while cooking and invited her followers to guess what she was preparing. She wrote, “After ages x, guess the dish?”

In another post, she offered an exciting video showcasing the cooking process. Ultimately, Mouni unveiled her delicious Bengali spread, consisting of Deemar jhaal, aloo shedhdho, and ghee rice. She captioned the clip, “Deemar jhaal, aloo shedhdho ghee rice: simply by your truly x (Chef and love-kissed emoji) (sic).”

Looking at her professional trajectory, Mouni is set to appear in an upcoming OTT thriller alongside Nimrit Kaur Ahluwalia and Shaheer Shaikh.

A close source shared insights into the project, stating, “This is one of the most promising projects Nimrit has been a part of. Her onscreen character has the potential to resonate with audiences due to her emotional depth and versatility. The collaboration with talents like Shaheer Shaikh, Mouni Roy, and Sanjay Kapoor has generated considerable buzz internally.”

The source also revealed that shooting has concluded and took place across Mumbai and Punjab. However, specifics about the storyline and release date remain under wraps for now.

Mouni has an exciting lineup ahead, including the much-anticipated romantic comedy, “Hai Jawaani Toh Ishq Hona Hai,” directed by David Dhawan. This film features a star-studded cast, including Varun Dhawan, Mrunal Thakur, Pooja Hegde, Kubbra Sait, Maniesh Paul, Rohit Saraf, Rajeev Khandelwal, Nitish Nirmal, and Sreeleela, among others.

Additionally, she has been cast in a vital role in Madhur Bhandarkar’s intense drama, “The Wives,” which features Sonali Kulkarni and Rahul Bhatt.

Actor Manchu Manoj has expressed his disappointment over “some deeply disappointing comments” he encountered recently, emphasizing that policing women’s clothing or placing moral responsibility on them is “outdated and unacceptable.”

While he did not specify the comments or the individual behind them, social media speculation suggests he was responding to actor Sivaji’s remarks at the pre-release event of the Telugu film ‘Dhandoraa.’ During his speech, Sivaji urged actresses to wear sarees or fully covered dresses rather than revealing outfits.

In response to Sivaji’s statements, Manchu Manoj shared his views on his timeline on X, stating, “Came across some deeply disappointing comments last night. A civilized society protects women’s rights instead of policing their choices. #RespectWomen #RespectYourself.”

Manchu Manoj further elaborated, stating that such comments are fundamentally misguided. He insisted that accountability and respect should be rooted in individual behavior rather than shaming women for their attire. He highlighted that public figures have a responsibility in their speech, especially considering the societal impact of their words.

He also pointed out that these comments violate Articles 14, 15, and 21 of the Indian Constitution, which safeguard fundamental rights. According to him, “Comments like these violate the spirit of Articles 14, 15, and 21 of the Constitution of India. Equality, dignity, and personal liberty are non-negotiable; women’s clothing is not up for public judgment.”

In a heartfelt apology, he offered regret on behalf of senior actors whose remarks have “demeaned women and reduced them to objects.” He stated, “I unequivocally apologize on behalf of those senior actors whose derogatory remarks have demeaned women and reduced them to objects. Such words do not represent all men. We cannot, and will not, normalize or ignore this behavior. Women deserve respect, dignity, and equality at all times. Silence is not an option, and accountability is essential.”

Actor and fitness enthusiast Milind Soman recently emphasized the significance of women’s fitness and awareness in creating a healthier nation.

Women as Role Models in Health

During an event organized by Zydus Pinkathon, Milind highlighted the pivotal role women play in influencing family health. He articulated how embracing a healthy lifestyle enables women to lead their households towards improved well-being.

“I feel that if women stay fit and understand what a healthy lifestyle truly means, they can also guide their families and help build healthier households. And if families become healthy, our society will become healthier, and in turn, our country will also remain healthy,” Milind stated.

Celebrating Active Ageing

Recently, Milind attended a special Grandmothers’ 10K run at the Vivekanand Education Society grounds in Chembur, which saw participation from over 50 senior women. On this occasion, he stressed the importance of active ageing, encouraging grandmothers to challenge stereotypes through fitness and active engagement.

He remarked that observing older women stay active serves as an inspiration for both their peers and younger generations to rethink and redefine ageing.

“There’s this stereotype that grandmothers sit at home, making dough or knitting. We want to break this stereotype and also encourage grandmothers to live more active lives by inspiring them through each other. Just because you’re over 60 or 70 doesn’t mean life has to slow down. You can still participate in events, represent your country, and do whatever you want. This event isn’t just for grandmothers; it’s also for those watching them. We want younger people to see this and say, this is how I want to grow old,” Milind explained.

Work Highlights

On the professional front, Milind has garnered attention for his role as a fitness advocate in the web series “The Royals,” rather than a traditional acting role. His most recent acting appearance was in the period drama “Paurashpur.”

Actor Vidyut Jammwal has once again demonstrated his commitment to the ancient martial art of Kalari Payattu by pushing both his physical and mental boundaries.

Rigorous Training and Tribute

Through a blend of rigorous training, yoga, and unconventional exercises, he pays homage to the legacy of these traditional practices. Vidyut emphasizes the strength, focus, and warrior spirit they cultivate. Recently, he shared a striking video on his Instagram where he applies candle wax to his eyes while meditating, highlighting his intense training routine.

For the caption, Jammwal stated, “Honoring the ancient Kalari Payattu and Yoga that empower us to transcend limits. Candle wax and blindfolds, a testament to the warrior spirit!” #kalaripayattu #itrainlikevidyutjammwal #streetfighter.

What is Kalaripayattu?

For those unfamiliar, Kalaripayattu, which originates from Kerala, is among the world’s oldest surviving martial arts. It combines intensive physical training with spiritual discipline, featuring distinctive combat techniques, animal-inspired stances, and fluid movements, along with the use of traditional weapons such as swords and sticks.

Upcoming Project: Street Fighter

On the professional front, Vidyut Jammwal is looking forward to the release of his next film, “Street Fighter.” This action-packed movie also stars Noah Centineo, Andrew Koji, Callina Liang, Roman Reigns, David Dastmalchian, Cody Rhodes, Andrew Schulz, Eric André, Curtis ’50 Cent’ Jackson, and Jason Momoa. The teaser debuted at the 2025 Game Awards, where the cast unveiled the first look of the film.

The official synopsis reveals: “Estranged Street Fighters Ryu (Andrew Koji) and Ken Masters (Noah Centineo) are thrown back into combat when the mysterious Chun-Li (Callina Liang) recruits them for the next World Warrior Tournament: a brutal clash of fists, fate, and fury. Behind this battle royale lies a deadly conspiracy that forces them to confront each other and their past demons. And if they don’t, it’s game over!”

Directed by Kitao Sakurai, the film is set to hit theaters on October 16, 2026.

Filmmaker Prakash Jha has declared that his upcoming project is set to be the most political film in his career. With a history of politically charged films such as ‘Gangajal’, ‘Raajneeti’, and ‘Satyagraha’, he believes that his recently completed film carries the strongest political voice.

The filmmaker, who will attend the London Indian Film Festival, recently shared some insights about the project. When asked about his return to political cinema, he stated, “It’s already done. The next film, which I’ve just completed, we’ll be talking about that in detail at the right time. For now, I can say that this is my most political film. So far, the films that I have done, they take the texture of being political, but they’re not really hardcore political.”

He elaborated, “Even a film like ‘Raajneeti’ was actually a family drama where the struggle to acquire or to take power was the issue. But it didn’t talk about ideologies, it didn’t talk about principles, it didn’t talk about the constitution, it didn’t talk about human rights. The film, which actually really talks about politics or is the politics of our times, you’ll be seeing it now.”

Known for his hard-hitting, socially conscious storytelling, Prakash Jha began his career with documentaries before transitioning into feature films that boldly address themes like political corruption, caste conflict, crime, and systemic injustice. His works often combine realism with powerful performances, making important social issues relatable to mainstream audiences.

Jha is also recognized as an active public intellectual and briefly ventured into politics, reflecting his strong commitment to civic life. In recent years, he has made significant strides in the digital realm with politically themed web series, continuing his legacy of socially relevant storytelling.

Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana is excited about an even better 2026 following a stellar year. He is set to star in “Pati Patni Aur Woh Do” and a project with Sooraj Barjatya. Ayushmann is thrilled to welcome the New Year with two consecutive Rs. 100 crore hits, “Dream Girl 2” and “Thamma.”

Post-Pandemic Success

“The texture of the theatricals has changed post-pandemic, and this success feels hugely affirming. My heart is full of gratitude that both Dream Girl 2 and Thamma were successful. I’m thrilled to be entering into 2026 with two consecutive 100 crore hits,” Ayushmann expressed.

Upcoming Projects

Discussing his plans for 2026, Ayushmann shared: “To begin with, I’m excited about Pati Patni Aur Woh Do; it’s a clean family comedy, and there is always space for such films. Then, I have Sooraj Barjatya sir’s next! For his stature, he’s a very simple man—humble and hardworking.”

What inspires Ayushmann most about Barjatya is his dedication: “He’s a true student of cinema and works like a nerd. I’m a true fan boy of his kind of family entertainers. He’s a master of this genre, and there is a true dearth of this style. No one does it better than Sooraj sir.”

A Fresh Take on Family Cinema

Ayushmann highlighted that in Barjatya’s films, the hero isn’t just one character; the entire family takes center stage. “That’s what makes it truly special. In a Sooraj Barjatya film, the leading man is a quintessential green flag, which feels like a refreshing break from the clutter we see today,” he noted.

While Ayushmann typically enjoys playing flawed characters who evolve, this film is different. He elaborated: “It celebrates a wholesome, ideal family as the hero. Watching such a family onscreen will be inspiring and deeply endearing.”

Future Ventures

Following this, Ayushmann will appear in the yet-untitled YRF–Posham Pa project, which he starts filming in early 2026. He will also see the release of his Dharma Sikhya film.

Ayushmann describes himself as “a producer-friendly actor.” “When I commit to a project and step onto a shoot, I keep things simple, even with my entourage. For me, it’s not only about the scripts I choose but also about the kind of professional I am. I take pride in being a collaborator first, rather than someone who is focused solely on being seen as the leading hero,” he stated.

Franchise Insights

On being part of franchise films, he remarked: “The credibility of its predecessor is a plus that a franchise film has—be it Badhaai Ho or Dream Girl. I would love to explore Andhadhun 2 in the future.”

He added, “Audience choices have become selective when it comes to venturing out and watching a new film. The priority is always to make a top-notch product, and it really helps when you have a successful franchise to back it.”

Ayushmann concluded: “Pati Patni Aur Woh Do takes me back to the 1978 hit of Sanjeev Kumar. It’s a great IP with BR Chopra Films now headed by Juno Chopra, and it’s an exciting film, I must say!”