Category: Entertainment

Over the course of 2025, Bollywood faced the sad loss of several renowned figures, including Dharmendra, Asrani, Manoj Kumar, and Pankaj Dheer. These talented individuals left a lasting imprint on cinema and popular culture.

Memorable Departures

Each loss brought back memories, milestones, and a sense of void. As the curtains are set to fall on 2025, the industry takes a moment to honor those who bid farewell.

November’s Heartbreak

November proved to be particularly difficult. It began with concern for veteran actor Dharmendra, who was admitted to the hospital due to breathing complications. Unfortunately, weeks later, this anxiety turned into grief for the Deol family. Dharmendra, the original He-Man of Bollywood, passed away on November 24 at the age of 89, marking the end of a remarkable chapter in Indian cinema.

Just weeks before Dharmendra’s passing, another shocking loss struck the industry. Veteran actress and singer Sulakshana Pandit, known for sharing the screen with stars like Vinod Khanna, Shashi Kapoor, and Rajesh Khanna, passed away on November 7. The death of these two icons turned November into a time of collective mourning.

Tears in October

October also brought sorrow, as the industry bid farewell to Hindi television’s beloved Karna, Pankaj Dheer, and the talented Satish Kaushik, who was known for his role as the lovable Indravardhan Sarabhai in the cult sitcom Sarabhai vs Sarabhai. Their deaths on October 15 and October 25 respectively deepened the sense of loss.

September’s Shock

September added to the heartbreak. The sudden passing of singer Zubeen Garg in Singapore shocked the music industry and his fans across the country. Renowned for his powerful voice and contributions to Hindi, Bengali, and Assamese music, Zubeen died on September 19 at the age of 52, leaving a silence that resonated well beyond the music world.

Stunning June

June began with disbelief as news broke of Shefali Jariwala’s untimely death. Widely recognized as Bollywood’s original ‘Kaanta Laga’ girl, Shefali had carved a unique space for herself through her appearances on Bigg Boss 13 and the television show Shaitani Rasmein. She passed away at the age of 42.

Painful May

May unfolded with the painful loss of Mukul Dev, brother of actor Rahul Dev, who passed away at 54 on May 23. His final project, Son Of Sardaar, was released months after his death, providing one last opportunity for fans to see him onscreen.

A Sad Prelude in April

The tone for 2025 took a somber turn in April with the passing of legendary actor Manoj Kumar. He departed at the age of 87 due to heart-related complications. Known for a career spanning over four decades, he became synonymous with patriotism on screen, leaving behind a legacy that profoundly impacted Hindi cinema.

Actor Dulquer Salmaan recently took to social media to celebrate his wedding anniversary with wife Amal Sufiya, expressing deep love and gratitude.

In a heartfelt post, he reflected on their 14 years together, celebrating the life they’ve built, their shared dreams, and the special bond they continue to nurture. On his Instagram, Dulquer shared a couple of romantic photos with Amal and penned a touching note. He reminisced about their early days as newlyweds from different backgrounds, feeling both nervous and hopeful about their future.

In the caption, the ‘Sita Ramam’ star highlighted how they actively pursue both individual and shared dreams in their careers and personal life. He expressed immense gratitude, love, and pride for Amal, affectionately referring to her as his “better half.”

Dulquer wrote, “14 years ago today, we were two different individuals from two different homes newly married, standing together on a stage. Nervous. Hopeful. Excited about what lay ahead. Today we have built a wonderful home and this life together, and that too with our biggest blessing. And now we are pursuing our independent and collective dreams both in our careers and home.”

He added, “I’m so grateful, blessed, and proud to be your other half. Though the world will agree that you will always be the better half. Happy 14th my Jaan. I love you long time.”

For those who may not know, Dulquer Salmaan and Amal Sufiya tied the knot on December 22, 2011, in Chennai. The couple welcomed their daughter, Maryam, in May 2017.

On the work front, Dulquer is gearing up for the release of his upcoming Malayalam movie “I’m Game.” This film marks the next venture of director Nahas Hidayath, following the blockbuster hit ‘RDX.’ Produced by Dulquer alongside Jom Verghese, ‘I’m Game’ is significant as it is the actor’s 40th film.

The film also features actors Antony Varghese, Mysskin, Kathir, Parth Thiwari, and Tamil actress Samyuktha Viswanathan.

Actress Hina Khan has been candid about her battle with cancer. During a recent conversation with Soha Ali Khan on the podcast “All About Her,” Hina opened up about her difficult journey through cancer treatment.

Chemo Challenges

Hina shared that her chemotherapy brought both good and bad days. She explained that she underwent chemo every three weeks, experiencing significant pain during the first week. However, she made it a point to enjoy life in the remaining two weeks.

When Soha asked her about the journey, Hina responded, “It was tough, it was very tough. Those days were extremely, extremely tough. Every patient is given a gap of around a week between the first and the second chemotherapy; for some, it’s even three weeks, depending on the diagnosis.”

Finding Joy Amidst Pain

Reflecting on her experience, she continued, “In my case, I used to take chemotherapy every three weeks. The first week was extremely hard, so painful—I had a lot of pain in my nerves. But the rest of the two weeks were fab. During that time, I traveled and did everything.”

The ‘Bigg Boss 11’ contestant emphasized the importance of perspective. She believes that even when facing difficulties, one should embrace the good moments.

Hina noted, “It’s the way you look at it. People, as soon as they are diagnosed with something, think their life is over, but it is not. I used to think the same way, but as soon as I started experiencing it, I realized that even if there is a bad side to life, there are also good days when you can live a normal life surrounded by your loved ones.”

She concluded with hope, saying, “Even if it’s not treatable, and only manageable, we will manage it.”

Filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri recently shared his philosophical thoughts on the human quest for the divine.

Exploring Certainty in the Debate on God

In a reflective Instagram post, he discussed the inherent limitations in the debates surrounding the existence of God. According to Agnihotri, both faith and reason often miss the mark when trying to encapsulate the infinite. He encouraged everyone to reconsider the questions they pose about existence. Alongside a thought-provoking image with the text, “Does God Exist? A third argument,” Agnihotri wrote, “Every debate on God collapses into a childish binary: God exists or God doesn’t. Believers claim certainty through faith; atheists through reason. Both assume a privileged vantage point over existence.”

He further questioned, “But what if the problem is not God but the arrogance of the question itself? The moment you are certain about God, you have already reduced the infinite to an idea.”

Philosophical Reflections

Vivek Agnihotri is known for frequently sharing philosophical insights that delve into themes of life and the human experience.

Latest Project: ‘The Bengal Files’

On the professional front, Agnihotri’s recent directorial venture, ‘The Bengal Files,’ narrates the poignant story of the 1946 Great Calcutta Killings and the Noakhali riots. The film portrays the violence and its aftermath as a genocide, arguing that these crucial historical events have been deliberately suppressed. It features an impressive cast, including Mithun Chakraborty, Pallavi Joshi, Darshan Kumar, Simrat Kaur, Anupam Kher, Saswata Chatterjee, Namashi Chakraborty, Rajesh Khera, Puneet Issar, Priyanshu Chatterjee, Dibyendu Bhattacharya, Sourav Das, and Mohan Kapur.

‘The Bengal Files’ is the concluding chapter of the Files Trilogy and was released in theatres on 5th September.

In a previous interview, Pallavi Joshi shared the challenges she and Agnihotri encountered while bringing the film to fruition. She mentioned, “The biggest hurdle that we faced was that we realized we couldn’t shoot in West Bengal. If you’re talking about ‘The Bengal Files,’ at least a portion of it has to be shot in the state, but then we realized we would not be given permission. We were denied permissions. So, we had to put up a set in Bombay, and most of this film has outdoor locations.”

Actress and “mom-to-be” Lin Laishram expressed her heartfelt gratitude while celebrating her 40th birthday with close friends, including Vijay Varma, Sayani Gupta, and her husband Randeep Hooda.

Lin took to Instagram, sharing a series of radiant pictures of herself in a white dress, joyfully posing with friends and showcasing her growing baby bump.

“A birthday wrapped in love, laughter with friends and a heart full of gratitude with the sweetest blessing on the way. Thank you so much to everyone for the birthday wishes and all the love. Truly Loved,” she captioned the post.

The couple announced their journey into parenthood on November 29. In a heartfelt joint post on social media, they shared, “Two years of love, adventure, and now… a little wild one on the way” (including Tiger Face, red heart, and infinity emojis).

Randeep and Lin first crossed paths at Naseeruddin Shah’s theatre group Motley. Their romance blossomed, and they began living together during the lockdown, making their relationship Instagram official in 2022. The couple tied the knot on November 29, 2023, in a traditional Meitei ceremony in Manipur.

On the professional front, Randeep was last seen in the action film “Jaat” alongside Sunny Deol and will soon appear in the epic war drama “Operation Khukri.”

He has secured the official movie rights to “Operation Khukri: The Untold Story of the Indian Army’s Bravest Peacekeeping Mission Abroad,” written by Major General Rajpal Punia and Damini Punia.

The film promises to depict the harrowing real-life events of 2000, when 233 Indian soldiers were taken hostage by rebel forces in Sierra Leone, West Africa, and the high-risk rescue mission that ensued. Randeep will portray Major General Raj Pal Punia, who was then a young Company Commander of the 14th Mechanised Infantry, as he navigated the tense standoff and extraordinary rescue operation amidst the challenges of jungle warfare.

Television actress Donal Bisht recently opened up about her harrowing car accident, stating the experience left her in a state of shock for an extended period.

Details of the Incident

Donal shared specifics of the accident, recalling, “I met with a car accident on the Western Express Highway two days back. My driver tried to save and pull away, but due to the hit, the car and truck somehow got stuck together and dragged us 100 meters on the highway. It all happened in a fraction of a second, and finally it came off when the truck driver stepped on the brake and we got saved.”

The actress admitted that the ordeal visibly shook her. “I was in a state of shock for a long time and thanked God that my driver and I were safe,” she revealed.

Reflections on the Experience

Donal continued, “I’m just glad that I was safe and was able to deliver on my commitments. As they say, the show must go on, as if nothing happened. But when the work ended and I had some time to myself, I realized how crazy it all was. One thing I learned about life is that it goes on, no matter what, and you just have to put on a smile and keep going.”

The accident occurred on December 19 while she was en route to work, marking a significant and frightening moment in her day.

Professional Achievements

On the professional front, Donal Bisht has gained acclaim for her performances in various shows, including “Tu Zakhm Hai,” “Ek Deewana Tha,” and “Roop—Mard Ka Naya Swaroop.” Additionally, she participated in the reality show “Bigg Boss 15” in 2021, hosted by Salman Khan.

Veteran actress Zeenat Aman has recently shared her thoughts on a transformative experience during her latest photoshoot, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability.

In her Instagram post, she discussed how the creative vision of the team inspired her to step outside her comfort zone. On Monday, Zeenat shared several stunning photos from this shoot and noted that she usually keeps her glasses on around most people, but made an exception for this special occasion.

The ‘Satyam Shivam Sundaram’ actress expressed that she rarely removes her glasses, saying, “I don’t take my glasses off for many people, but I did it for Dulari. When the director has a compelling vision, I am less conscious of mine. This photo shoot insisted on vulnerability. They fastened my hair away from my face, packed away my glasses in a padded case, and walked me into a garden of abstracted, handcrafted floral dreams.”

She added, “I like my clothes to hold my story, and for my pictures to tell a story. These fabrics and cuts – so neat, comfortable, elegant. These images – so evocative. Of what? I suppose it will vary from viewer to viewer; each will interpret this project through the lens of their own experiences and memories. Truly, an enchanting photo shoot with ethereal results. Not to my credit, no. But to the credit of the team.”

In the photos, Zeenat Aman poses with elegance and style, dressed in a grey top and skirt, with her hair styled in a bun adorned with flowers.

On the work front, the veteran actress recently appeared on the singing reality show “Indian Idol 16” alongside Helen. This past weekend, the show paid tribute to both stars in an episode titled “Celebrating the Lady Dons,” where contestants honored their legacies through performances of their iconic tracks.

Adorable Bollywood couple Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal recently welcomed director and choreographer Farah Khan along with her cook Dilip to their home for an engaging episode for her YouTube channel.

Fun Food and Conversations

The gathering was not just about preparing food; it also featured delightful conversations in the presence of both Sonakshi and Zaheer’s mothers. When Farah inquired about how their parents first met, Sonakshi shared that an arranged party at her and friend Huma Qureshi’s house served as the unofficial introduction for both families. She mentioned that all the parents, including Huma’s, enjoyed themselves at the get-together.

Farah then asked Sonakshi’s mom, Poonam Sinha, if she sensed anything between the young couple. Poonam candidly admitted that she did. “Sonakshi was sitting on the foot of Zaheer’s mother,” she revealed. Farah humorously remarked, “No one sits on their own parent’s feet,” prompting laughter.

Celebrating Special Birthdays

In addition to this gathering, Sonakshi celebrated the birthdays of her father, Shatrughan Sinha, and husband Zaheer Iqbal together. Actress Pooja Ruparel, who also attended the celebration, shared an inside video on social media. The clip featured Sonakshi in the center, joyfully cutting a birthday cake alongside her father and husband.

Filmmaker Ramesh Sippy was also spotted enjoying the festivities at Shatrughan’s birthday party. Sonakshi’s mother, Poonam, looked delighted as she watched her family have a wonderful time.

For those who may not know, Shatrughan and Zaheer celebrate their birthdays just a day apart, with Shatrughan being born on December 9 and Zaheer on December 10.

After seven years of being in a relationship, Sonakshi and Zaheer tied the knot on June 23, 2024, in a civil wedding, registering their marriage at home with family and close friends present.

Actor Milind Soman has highlighted the significant transformation in the entertainment industry brought about by the rise of OTT and digital platforms.

Opportunities for Veteran Actors

During an exclusive conversation at an event organized by Zydus Pinkathon, Soman discussed how these platforms have created more opportunities for seasoned actors. He pointed out that with the increase in content for both films and streaming services, actors from the 90s are now able to showcase their talents and make a strong impact in today’s industry.

When asked about the resurgence of these actors, Soman noted that the emergence of OTT platforms has provided the older generation with renewed opportunities.

A Changing Landscape

Soman shared, “I would say that the entire industry has changed because we now have the internet, OTT platforms have emerged, and there is much more entertainment available. Today, there are more options for entertainment—films are being made, shows are being created for OTT. Because of this, actors from the older generation are also getting more opportunities. And since they have more experience, when we watch them, they perform their roles exceptionally well. So, I think it’s a good time for everyone; opportunities are available everywhere.”

Revival of 90s Stars

OTT platforms have indeed revitalized the careers of 90s actors like Bobby Deol. His career, which started on a high note, faced challenges in making a lasting impact. However, his recent performances in streaming hits like “Aashram” and “Class of 83” signify a remarkable comeback.

Similarly, Akshaye Khanna has also reaped the benefits of this changing entertainment landscape. His recent film “Dhurandhar” has been met with widespread appreciation for his performance.

Milind Soman’s Contributions

Milind Soman himself has made notable appearances in various popular OTT shows, including his role as Boris in the fantasy drama “Paurashpur” and as Dr. Aamir Warsi in the acclaimed series “Four More Shots Please.”

The shift in the entertainment industry indicates a promising phase for both veteran and emerging talent.

Actor Mohan Kapoor, who portrayed Yusuf Khan, the endearing father of superhero Kamala Khan in Marvel’s “Ms. Marvel,” shared his insights on the professional distinctions he observed while shooting for the series. He described the international set’s work environment as “heartening” and “deeply disciplined.”

In a conversation with Pooja Bhatt on her podcast, Mohan elaborated on the contrasts he experienced during the filming of “Ms. Marvel.” Reflecting on his time in the US, he was particularly impressed by the sight of women performing demanding technical tasks on set.

“The thing that was most heartening for me… I saw women doing heavy lifting and I mean heavy lifting. I am saying they were lifting big ass lights, literally lifting weights… I was like ‘behenji main karun?’ I was shocked… This is something I found very strange in the States. Everyone does their job,” he expressed.

Mohan drew a comparison to everyday life, recalling an incident during the COVID period at a supermarket where a staff member declined to assist beyond his designated duties.

“I was staying in an apartment and I wanted to stock up because it was Covid… So, I went into this supermarket… and there’s one guy stocking something up on a ladder… So I asked him where I could find… he said why don’t you look over there… He said ‘then you got me my friend.. that’s way above my pay grade…’ His job is just stocking…”

He noted that this same structural approach was apparent on the shooting floor. With COVID restrictions limiting crew size, the set operated like a “well-oiled machine.”

“In a professional environment in a shooting set, everybody was queued into it. Not learning on the job also because it was Covid; the number of times was reduced. So, everyone was like a well-oiled machine. You had to be on time doing everything,” he mentioned.

Recalling a specific incident on the first day of shooting, he noted that a one-hour delay due to a camera issue was promptly documented.

“The EP (executive producer) came with his iPad and asked the director to log the reason for the delay. Everything had to be accounted for,” Mohan stated, emphasizing that the lack of such accountability remains a significant concern in India across various sectors.

“I find that as a problem in India holistically. There is no accountability,” he pointed out.

“Ms. Marvel” is the seventh television series in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, following the journey of Kamala Khan, a 16-year-old Avengers fangirl who navigates fitting in until she discovers her own powers.

Iman Vellani stars as Kamala Khan, along with Matt Lintz, Yasmeen Fletcher, Zenobia Shroff, Mohan Kapoor, Saagar Shaikh, Laurel Marsden, Azhar Usman, Rish Shah, Arian Moayed, Alysia Reiner, Laith Nakli, Nimra Bucha, Travina Springer, Adaku Ononogbo, Samina Ahmad, Fawad Khan, Mehwish Hayat, Farhan Akhtar, and Aramis Knight.

Despite being the most senior actor on “Ms. Marvel,” Mohan consistently sought feedback from younger co-actors.

“I remember in ‘Ms. Marvel,’ me and this lady who played my wife, Zenobia Shroff, were the only two people who had done work before. Considering my body of work, I was the most senior person. If it was a scene where I felt I needed feedback….”

“Even after hearing a ‘wow’ from people, I would go to the younger actors and say, ‘Was I alright? Did I pitch it right?’…”

“She said, ‘You’re Mohan Kapoor; you have done so much work, why are you asking?’ There is a reason… I said, ‘I have worked in India. Our sensibilities and the way we pitch our dialogues and emotions are different.’”

Mohan also highlighted the uniqueness of his Marvel journey, having appeared across three franchises: “Ms. Marvel,” “The Marvels,” and “Daredevil: Born Again.”

“Three Marvel franchises… The only character in the Marvel universe that traversed through ‘Ms. Marvel,’ ‘The Marvels,’ and ‘Daredevil…’”

Describing the experience as surreal, he remarked: “On the red carpet, they asked me, ‘Has your dream come true?’ I said that coming from India, I never dreamt that I would be here. I don’t have that audacity… But what I am doing is my dream, and I don’t want to wake up.”