Vir Das, who is set to make his directorial debut with Aamir Khan Productions’ upcoming film Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos, recently shared an interesting anecdote about how actor Imran Khan became part of the project. The film has already generated curiosity following its trailer, and Vir’s revelation offers insight into the unexpected way the collaboration came together.
Speaking about the moment, Vir recalled receiving an unexpected message from Imran Khan, who has largely stayed away from the limelight in recent years. Vir said, “One day, I got a text from Imran. He doesn’t even use WhatsApp,” before adding, “The message said, ‘Hey, I hear the movie is shaping up nicely. Can I come and do something fun in the film?’” According to Vir, the message came as a surprise, especially given Imran’s selective approach to film projects.
Following the actor’s outreach, Vir explained that he decided to rework the script to accommodate Imran in a way that would do justice to his interest in returning to a film set. Describing the process, Vir said, “After he reached out to me, I went back and incorporated him into the script of Happy Patel. I was like, yes, definitely, but then give me some time. I’ll craft a character for you that is entertaining and wild, and we need to do something you’ve never attempted before.” Interestingly, Vir shares a good bond with Imran considering that the duo shared screen space together in Delhi Belly.
The recently released trailer of Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos highlights the film’s comic tone and quirky narrative. Packed with humorous moments, the trailer offers a glimpse into the world Vir Das has created, combining situational comedy with an energetic, light-hearted approach.
Produced by Aamir Khan Productions, Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos marks Vir Das’ first outing as a director. In addition to Vir and Imran Khan, the film features Mona Singh, Sharib Hashmi and Mithila Palkar in pivotal roles. The film is scheduled to release in theatres on January 16, 2026.
Marking the birthday of legendary composer A. R. Rahman, producer Namit Malhotra shared a heartfelt message celebrating the maestro whose music has shaped generations. Rahman, who is composing for Namit Malhotra’s ambitious epic Ramayana, received a special tribute from the producer, who took to social media to express his admiration and gratitude.
Namit Malhotra shared a picture from the recording studio featuring both the composers of Ramayana — A. R. Rahman and Hans Zimmer — offering audiences a rare glimpse into the making of the much-anticipated magnum opus.
Sharing his thoughts, Namit Malhotra wrote, “Celebrating the genius @arrahman and his big day today. Memories of my life are etched in his music and continue to remind me of my friends, my family, my country and my essence. May you be blessed with even greater divinity and SARGAM, to build a future of even greater music than you have in your past. Can’t wait to bring your magic together with @hanszimmer to the world.”
Set 5,000 years ago and revered by over 2.5 billion people across the globe, the Ramayana is not just a story but a timeless legacy. Namit Malhotra’s cinematic adaptation stands among the most ambitious Indian films ever made and is eagerly awaited worldwide.
A. R. Rahman, a six-time National Award winner, Padma Bhushan recipient and Academy Award-winning composer, has delivered some of Indian cinema’s most iconic musical scores. In Ramayana, he collaborates with globally celebrated Academy Award winner Hans Zimmer, marking a rare coming together of two Oscar-winning legends.
The impact of this extraordinary collaboration was already felt with the music composed for the film’s first unit, a glimpse of which received an overwhelming response. If this is the excitement around just the first unit, anticipation continues to soar for the scale and emotion the duo is set to unveil next.
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra’s Prime Focus Studios in association with eight-time Oscar-winning DNEG and Yash’s Monster Mind Creations, the two-part epic will release worldwide in IMAX — Part 1 in Diwali 2026 and Part 2 in Diwali 2027.
Shanaya Kapoor chose an unconventional way to ring in the New Year, stepping away from city life and heading into the wilderness for an animal safari in Kenya’s Maasai Mara. The actress shared a series of photographs on social media, offering a glimpse into her quiet getaway that stood out for its simplicity and understated charm.
In the pictures, Shanaya is seen dressed in a beige safari outfit paired with cargo pants and a hat, opting for a minimal, no-makeup look that complemented the setting. The images capture her soaking in the experience at an unhurried pace, with frames featuring golden sunsets over the savannah and close encounters with wildlife. Among the animals spotted during her safari were lions, cheetahs and crocodiles, adding to the visual narrative of her time in the reserve.
What caught the attention of fans was the natural, unfiltered tone of the photo dump. Far removed from high-fashion poses or styled shoots, the post consisted of candid moments that reflected Shanaya’s off-duty side. The expansive landscapes of Maasai Mara provided a serene backdrop, giving the photographs a grounded and observational feel.
One image, in particular, stood out for its playful detail. The final slide featured a screenshot of Shanaya messaging someone about spotting a crocodile, complete with a crocodile-themed wallpaper on her phone. The subtle detail appeared to tie in with the theme of her upcoming film Tu Ya Main. Sharing the post on Instagram, Shanaya captioned it, “Pinch me!!!!???????? Hakuna Matata.. ?????????? Happy 2026!”
The safari holiday also comes after a busy year for the actress. Shanaya has reportedly completed work on two films, with another unannounced project also in the pipeline. The getaway appears to be a brief pause before she returns to professional commitments.
On the work front, Shanaya Kapoor will next be seen in Bejoy Nambiar’s Tu Ya Main opposite Adarsh Gourav. She is also part of JC, directed by Sujaat Sudagar, which stars Abhay Verma. As she gears up for these releases, Shanaya’s New Year safari offers a glimpse into a quieter moment, balancing her growing career with time away from the spotlight.
31 days in theatres and now the holiday season is officially over across the country. Released on December 5, Dhurandhar has now enjoyed a dream run till January 4, which is full one month in theatres. In this run, there have been multiple Bollywood, Hollywood and south films that have arrived and still Dhurandhar has been the top playing affair on practically every day.
This will stay on to be the case till January 23 as well when Border 2 arrives which means three more weeks of undefeated and unmatched supremacy for the Aditya Dhar film. Its collections have been a testimony to the kind of love and reception that audiences shower on a film when they accept it wholeheartedly and (barring one day) while it managed double digits right till yesterday when Rs. 13.50 crores more came in, it would respectfully get into single digits from here on.
In fact, after hitting 30 double digits days so far, there is an outside chance that the score may move up to 31 in case the feat is repeated next Sunday one more time. However, that would be quite a tough milestone to achieve since there are numerous biggies arriving as well and they would take away the screens as well as audience attention. Nonetheless, with Rs. 820.30 crores being scored already, the film is still in race for Rs. 875 crores milestone and that’s one feat which will stay unaffected for many more months to come.
All Time Mega Blockbuster.
Note: All collections as per various box office sources
After weeks of speculation surrounding their marriage, popular television actors Jay Bhanushali and Mahhi Vij have officially confirmed that they are going their separate ways. The couple, who tied the knot in 2011 and share three children, addressed the ongoing rumours by issuing a detailed and heartfelt note on social media, putting an end to conjecture around their relationship status.
Taking to their Instagram Stories, Jay and Mahhi clarified that while they have decided to part ways as partners, they will continue to remain united as co-parents. Stressing that their decision is rooted in peace, maturity and mutual understanding, the duo urged fans and the media to refrain from attaching negativity or assigning blame to their separation.
“Today, we choose to part ways on a journey called life, yet we continue to have each other’s back. Peace, growth, kindness, and humanity have always been our guiding values. For the sake of our children Tara, Khushi, Rajveer, we commit to being the best parents, the best friends, and whatever else it takes to do what is right for them,” read a part of their statement.
They further added, “Though we walk separate paths, there is no villain in this story and no negativity attached to this decision. Before any conclusions are drawn, please know that we choose peace over drama and sanity above all else. We continue to respect one another, support one another, and remain friends, as we always have been. With mutual respect, we ask for your respect, love, and kindness as we move forward.”
Jay Bhanushali and Mahhi Vij have long been regarded as one of television’s most admired couples. Over the years, they have frequently spoken about family and togetherness, often sharing glimpses of their personal life with fans. The couple are parents to Tara, their biological daughter born in 2019, and Khushi and Rajveer, whom they raised and supported from a very young age.
Professionally, Jay remains one of Indian television’s most recognisable and loved reality show hosts, having fronted several high-profile programs. Mahhi, on the other hand, is widely known for her impactful performances in popular shows such as Laagi Tujhse Lagan and Balika Vadhu.
While the confirmation of their separation marks the end of a significant chapter, Jay and Mahhi’s statement makes it clear that their priority remains their children and maintaining a respectful bond moving forward.
The audio launch of Thalapathy Vijay’s much-anticipated film Jana Nayagan turned into a spectacle as the grand event in Malaysia officially entered the Malaysia Book of Records for an unprecedented audience turnout of reportedly over 85000 attendees. The celebration witnessed an overwhelming response from Vijay’s fans, reaffirming his immense popularity and the deep emotional bond he shares with audiences beyond India.
The Malaysia audio launch drew fans in record numbers, creating an electrifying atmosphere filled with music, cheers and devotion. The event has now been recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records, marking a rare achievement for an Indian film’s promotional event overseas.
Speaking about the milestone, producer Venkat K Narayana of KVN Productions told Bollywood Hungama exclusively, “The Jana Nayagan audio launch in Malaysia became a defining moment, echoing the legendary connection Vijay sir shares with his fans. Entering the Malaysia Book of Records is a proud testament to this enduring legacy. With the trailer raising expectations worldwide, excitement continues to soar ahead of the January 9, 2026 release.”
Adding to the film’s growing buzz, the trailer of Jana Nayagan has already crossed an impressive 30 million views within the first 24 hours of its release online.
Directed by H Vinoth and produced under the banner of by KVN Productions, Jana Nayagan is one of the biggest releases of 2026. It is the last film for Vijay before he enters politics full time. The film is all set to release worldwide in multiple languages on January 9.
Kicking off the year on a high-impact note, ‘Ghar Kab Aaoge’ from Border 2 has taken the nation by storm. The song has instantly captured the audience’s hearts across social media platforms. With its scale, soul, patriotic spirit and a universal question asked – Ghar Kab Aaoge? It has quickly emerged as one of the most talked-about musical moments.
The response has been phenomenal. Not only did ‘Ghar Kab Aaoge’ cross 1 Million views on YouTube within just 30 minutes of the music video being released but it also secured the #1 spot on YouTube Trending in 3 hours. Fans across social media are actively debating which verse moved them the most. Featuring Diljit Dosanjh, Vishal Mishra, Sonu Nigam, Arijit Singh, and Roop Kumar Rathod, the song has been praised for the distinct emotion each voice brings, making it a standout collaboration where every performance shines.
Directed by Anurag Singh, Border 2 brings together a powerful ensemble led by Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, Ahan Shetty, Mona Singh, Medha Rana, Sonam Bajwa, and Anya Singh.
Border 2 is presented by Gulshan Kumar & T-Series, in association with J.P. Dutta’s J.P. Films. Backed by a powerful production team that includes Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, J.P. Dutta, and Nidhi Dutta, and directed by Anurag Singh, the film promises to deliver both scale and emotion. Gear up for this monumental saga of patriotism and courage as Border 2 storms into cinemas on January 23, 2026.
‘Ghar Kab Aaoge’ from Border 2 is now out on all streaming platforms, and the music video is available exclusively on the T-Series YouTube Channel.
Raaj Kamal Films International has officially announced the director of Thalaivar 173, the highly anticipated film starring Superstar Rajinikanth. The project will be directed by Cibi Chakaravarthi and produced by Kamal Haasan and R. Mahendran under the banner of Raaj Kamal Films International.
The announcement confirms that Thalaivar 173 will feature music composed by Anirudh, marking yet another high-profile collaboration between the composer and Rajinikanth. With this update, the makers have put to rest speculation surrounding the film’s creative leadership and have formally locked its core team.
According to the official statement, filming is set to begin shortly, while further details regarding the cast, technical crew, and production schedule will be revealed at a later stage. The makers have chosen to keep additional information under wraps for now, adding to the anticipation surrounding the project.
Thalaivar 173 is slated for a grand theatrical release during Pongal 2027, positioning it as a major festive release. With Rajinikanth in the lead, Kamal Haasan backing the project as producer, and Cibi Chakaravarthi at the helm, the film is already shaping up to be one of the most closely watched Tamil releases on the horizon.
Filmmaker Farhan Akhtar’s highly anticipated action film Don 3 is undergoing another wave of casting developments, with reports emerging that actor Rajat Bedi is being considered to replace Vikrant Massey in a pivotal role. It is speculated that the discussions are underway as the makers work to finalise the ensemble ahead of production.
According to a report by Hindustan Times, Farhan Akhtar — who is directing the third instalment of the celebrated Don franchise — has shown interest in bringing in Rajat Bedi, fresh off his widely-noticed performance in The Ba***ds of Bollywood (2025). Bedi’s potential involvement comes after several high-profile changes in the film’s cast, including the earlier exits of Vikrant Massey and Kiara Advani.
Readers may recall that in July 2025, Bollywood Hungama reported that Massey — who was initially cast in what was described as a significant character — stepped away from the project due to creative concerns about the depth and development of his role. While the makers have not officially confirmed any replacements, insider reports suggest that Akhtar’s team has entered discussions with Bedi, and further conversations are expected to take place in January 2026.
Don 3, which forms a part of the long-running and celebrated Don franchise, has been subject to speculation ever since Ranveer Singh, originally announced as part of the film, exited the project amid creative disagreements. The shifting dynamics have prompted several casting ideas, including suggestions involving other leading actors, but nothing has been finalised.
Kapil Sharma is all set to bring laughter back to the big screen as Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2 gears up for a theatrical return on January 9, 2026. The family entertainer, which marks the sequel to the 2015 hit Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon, is being re-released following sustained audience interest and positive word-of-mouth.
The film, which opened to encouraging responses from both viewers and critics, had its initial theatrical run affected due to limited screen availability amid a crowded release calendar and multiplex dominance by other films. Despite this, Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2 managed to strike a chord with audiences, proving that light-hearted, family-oriented comedy continues to hold strong appeal.
Speaking about the same, producer Ratan Jain shared, “Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2 has always been made with families in mind with pure entertainment meant to be enjoyed together. The love, laughter, and positive word-of-mouth the film received reaffirmed our belief in its universal appeal. With audiences continuing to ask for more, we felt it was the right moment to bring the film back to theatres and give viewers another chance to experience its humour on the big screen. We’re delighted to return with a film that celebrates joy, laughter, and wholesome family entertainment.”
Once again headlined by Kapil Sharma, the sequel takes the chaos several notches higher. This time around, the story revolves around an even more tangled web of relationships, with the protagonist juggling not three but four marriages, leading to a series of misunderstandings, situational comedy, and laugh-out-loud moments. It also features an ensemble cast that includes the likes of Tridha Choudhary, Ayesha Khan, Hina Warina, Parul Gulati, Manjot Singh, among others.
Directed by Anukalp Goswami, the film is produced by Ratan Jain, Ganesh Jain, and Abbas-Mustan under the banner of Venus Worldwide Entertainment, in association with Abbas-Mustan Film Production. Known for backing mainstream entertainers, the production houses aim to revive the theatrical comedy experience with this re-release.
As cinemas look to attract family audiences in the New Year, Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2 returning to theatres positions itself as a light, accessible option for viewers seeking humour-driven entertainment. With its January 9 release, the film is expected to once again draw audiences looking for uncomplicated laughter and a break from high-octane dramas.
Birthday girl Vidya Balan gets an unexpected gift from Anees Bazmee. She begins shooting for the filmmaker’s next, which also stars Akshay Kumar, from January 15. The shooting will continue till January 20.
After Bhool Bhulaiyaa and Heyy Babyy in 2007, Thank You in 2011 and Mission Mangal in 2019, Vidya Balan and Akshay Kumar are coming together again. Anees Bazmee earlier directed the pair in the comedy Thank You.
On probing the captivating casting, one came to know that Anees would be tapping into Vidya-Akshay’s combined comic capabilities. Everyone knows of Akshay’s impeccable comic timing. But Vidya, who has flaunted a fleeting flair for the funnies in Anees’ Bhool Bhulaiya 3, would be exposing her humour fangs like never before.
2025 became the year Rising star Shanaya Kapoor stepped forward with a clear fashion identity. She experimented, refined, and arrived. From couture gowns to modern Indian silhouettes, her style spoke in clean lines, thoughtful details, and an ease that comes with growing confidence.
A richly embroidered lehenga with a woven dupatta and choli-cut blouse made this one a standout. Created by Mayyur Girotra, the look balances heritage and edge without feeling heavy — a rooted moment with modern energy.
A one-shoulder draped ensemble in a white Pantone-of-the-year palette showcased Shanaya’s growing affinity for simplicity. Designed by Meraki Official, it relied on clean lines and elegant structure instead of embellishment.
A golden tube choli paired with a sidh-cut lehenga and a scarf-style dupatta brought a modern princess feel to the frame. From Manish Malhotra, the look shimmered without overpowering her, keeping the focus on the silhouette.
A fitted pearl and crystal cutwork skirt with a matching one-shoulder blouse and attached tulle drape created a sculpted moment. Another Manish Malhotra appearance, this one leaned soft, detailed, and photogenic.
For the Mumbai premiere of her movie Gustaakhiyan, Shanaya stepped into sharp glamour with an emerald green couture piece by Georges Hobeika. Old-school elegance with a modern cut, this look signaled her shift toward bolder styling choices.
A classic one-shoulder gown with a thigh-high slit and scarf detailing delivered pure red-carpet confidence. The Tom Ford piece brought in old Hollywood energy through shape rather than excess.
In a traditional, embellished saree by Sabyasachi, Shanaya proved she can work restraint. A timeless drape, refined detailing, and a styling approach that didn’t crowd the frame made this a quietly powerful pick.
A butter yellow net saree with all-over crystals paired with a matching corset and an inskirt created one of Shanaya’s most delicate yet standout appearances this year. Designed by Manish Malhotra, the look focused on shimmer without heaviness — soft light, clean structure, and a silhouette that offered elegance without excess.
Lipstick Under My Burkha actor Aahana Kumra has been in the news recently for multiple reasons, ranging from her participation in the reality show Rise and Fall to ongoing rumours surrounding her personal life and a reported link-up with Dhurandhar actor Danish Pandor. Adding to the buzz, the actor has now shared a glimpse of her year-end holiday, offering fans a peek into her winter vacation in Georgia.
Taking to social media, Aahana posted a series of photographs from her snowy getaway, capturing moments of relaxation and leisure against a picturesque, snow-covered backdrop. The images show the actor enjoying a warm pool amid freezing temperatures, embracing the contrast between the icy surroundings and the steaming water. Dressed in a pink bikini top paired with black bottoms, Aahana appeared relaxed and cheerful as she soaked in the experience.
Alongside the photos, the actor penned a reflective caption, summing up her year and expressing gratitude for the journey so far. She wrote, “Snow falling / steam rising / pool baby all day every day / So grateful for the friendships, the love, and the wins that made 2025 unforgettable / Signing out… and signing into a bigger, bolder, brighter 2026. Let’s conquer.”
The post quickly drew attention from fans and industry colleagues alike. Actress Tannaz Irani reacted to the pictures with a light-hearted comment, asking, “Aren’t you freezing????”—echoing what many viewers seemed to be thinking as they scrolled through the wintry visuals.
Aahana Kumra has often used social media to share candid moments from her life, whether related to work or travel, and her latest post appears to mark a personal pause before stepping into the new year.
The film Dhurandhar has a contemporary yet scintillating score by Shashwat Sachdev with “imports” from Roshan, R.D. Burman and Bappi Lahiri and a song co-composed with Charanjit Ahuja, the Punjabi composer who turned singer Amar Singh into Amar Singh Chamkila and did a single Hindi film, Kohra, in 1993.
But Sachdev’s greatest triumph perhaps is his consent to have the Bahrain rapper Flipperachi’s track ‘Fa9la’ incorporated in the film while Akshaye Khanna is dancing. The track has now gone viral globally. Itis originally a Bahraini Hip-Hop song written and performed by Flipperachi and Daffy.
But what about its odd spelling? As per what Flipperachi told a portal, “The 9 is used when we type Arabic using English letters to replace an Arabic letter that sounds close to S but (is) heavier. The word Fa9la loosely translated, is a vibe or having fun/letting loose. It’s usually used in the context of dancing/partying or just having fun in general.”
When Roshan was inspired!
The late composer Roshan created a 12-minute qawwali ‘Na to karvaan ki talash hai’ for Barsaat Ki Raat, his long-delayed breakthrough in the big league in 1960. Buzz is that the song took over 24 hours to record with five singers (Mohammed Rafi, Manna Dey, Asha Bhosle, Sudha Malhotra and S.D. Batish). In those days of live recordings, it is said that there were incredibly over 70 retakes, all necessitated if there was a single mistake by either singer, chorus or musician! But the song is majorly inspired by the Pakistani number, ‘Jahaan lut gaya hai sukoon-e-dil’ by Ustad Fateh Ali Khan (Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s father) and his brother Ustad Mubarak Ali Khan. And what do you know? ‘Na to karvaan ki talash hai’ has been used to great effect in Dhurandhar, a film that looks at Pakistan’s subversive activities!
…And so were Shankar-Jaikishan!
Shankar-Jaikishan’s cult Lata classic, ‘Ajeeb dastaan hai yeh’ from Dil Apna Aur Preet Parai was inspired by Jim Reeve’s ‘My lips are sealed’. But the S-J version in both mukhda and antara is eons superior. In turn, around 2011, the Hindi song was licensed to Australian pop singer Ivy York, who made a lovely version that had a modicum of the haunting quality of the S-J composition. Ivy also designed her album, Call of Spring with two more Hindi film tunes reworked—‘Call of spring’ itself from O.P. Nayyar’s ‘Pukarta chala hoon main’ from Mere Sanam and ‘My happiness’ from ‘Jawaniyan yeh mast mast’ from his Tumsa Nahin Dekha.
Yes Boss! 28 years is a long time
Javed Akhtar penned the hit song, ‘Chand taare tod laaoon / Saari duniya par main chhaoon / Bas itna sa khwab hai’ for Yes Boss way back in 1997. 28 years later, composer-lyricist Mithoon considers that concept very fanciful. In the youth-centric hit, Saiyaara, his song, ‘Dhun’ has the line, ‘Chaand taare le aaoon / Hai yeh to mumkin nahin / Par waada hai yeh kasam se / Tere saath main rahoonga’. Time, clearly, for lyricists and lovebirds both to shift to a real world!
Change the only constant!
That reminds me of Gulzar, who once told me, “Change is axiomatic and nothing can remain the same. For 30 years in cinema, the moon was a symbol of a beloved’s face or something unattainable. But then man reached it, set his foot upon it, and achieved that which was a fantasy for centuries. My songs too have constantly reflected these changes. The moon has been a favourite topic in my songs, like in ‘Roz akeli aaye’ (Mere Apne) and ‘Chand churaakar laaya hoon’ (Devta), but now I have even alluded to the Black Hole in one of my songs with the lines, ‘Chand ke paar jo sadak jaati hai’ in Guru. Today, I cannot use `chand’ in an outdated way in my work.”
When Kishore Kumar suggested the ‘ideal’ singer
Kishore Kumar was known to suggest Rafi’s names for a few songs, like ‘Sacchai chhup nahin sakti’ from Dushmun, whereby Laxmikant-Pyarelal had to persuade him that the song would be dropped if he did not sing it! But one song that recently came to mind, as per a reel, was the classic, ‘Apni aankhon mein basaakar’ from a low-budget movie, Thokar, which had a delayed release in 1974. The album was out in 1972 and was composed by Shamji Ghanshamji, a small-time composer. The filmmakers wanted the audience to “Weep with the song” (written by small-timer Sajan Dehlvi) as it was a moving melody. But Kishore, when approached, told the composer that the right voice for it would be Mohammed Rafi. And Rafi’s rendition truly made it achieve the filmmakers’ intentions.
Names that can mislead!
One would naturally think that the name Shamji Ghanshamji was of a duo, but it was one single composer! Similarly, there are other names that are rarities in Hindi cinema. There was actually a composer named B.D. Burman, who did a handful of films between 1955 and 1962, while there was a 1962 film called Baje Ghunghroo, which had a lyricist named Madanmohan (single word)! Then we had a lyricist named Irshad, who wrote lyrics for just three known films, and gave us the timeless classics, ‘Bekaraar dil tu gaaye jaa’ composed by Kishore Kumar and sung by him with Sulakshana Pandit, as also ‘Panthi hoon main’ and four more songs in Kishore’s own 1971 production and directorial, Door Ka Rahi.
