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.
The upcoming Pan-India entertainer Peddi starring Ram Charan has been generating consistent buzz ever since its announcement, and the excitement around the film shows no signs of slowing down. From its announcement video and first-look posters to teaser glimpses and the recently released first single ‘Chikiri Chikiri’, every update from the project has sparked conversations across social media. Now, adding further momentum to the film, legendary actor Boman Irani was seen on the sets of the entertainer.
The makers announced Boman Irani’s entry into Peddi by sharing a behind-the-scenes picture on social media. The photograph features the actor alongside director Buchi Babu Sana and ace cinematographer R. Rathnavelu, offering fans their first glimpse of Irani from the sets. Rathnavelu also took to social media to welcome the actor, adding, “An absolute honor working with this legend and true cinema lover, @boman_irani sir! A perfect choice for Buchi Babu’s script #peddi.”
Boman Irani’s inclusion has further strengthened the film’s already impressive ensemble. Known for his versatility, the actor has delivered memorable performances across genres in films such as Munna Bhai M.B.B.S., Lage Raho Munna Bhai, Don – The Chase Begins Again, 3 Idiots, Jolly LLB and several others. His ability to seamlessly adapt to diverse roles has often made him a valuable addition to large-scale productions, and his presence in Peddi has heightened curiosity around his character.
Peddi features Ram Charan in the lead, with Janhvi Kapoor playing the female lead. The film also stars Jagapathi Babu, Shiva Rajkumar and Divyendu Sharma in pivotal roles, making it one of the most ambitious multi-starrer projects currently in the pipeline. Directed by Buchi Babu Sana, the film is presented by Mythri Movie Makers and Sukumar Writings, and produced under the banner of Vriddhi Cinemas.
With its growing star cast, strong technical team and steady flow of updates, Peddi continues to position itself as one of the biggest theatrical releases slated for 2026, keeping audiences keenly invested in what lies ahead.
With Dhurandhar crossing the Rs. 1000 crores mark globally; the film continues its strong theatrical run even as it sparks debate online. Following its release, sections of social media accused the Aditya Dhar directorial of being misogynistic. Actor Saumya Tandon, who plays Rahman Dakait’s onscreen wife in the film, earlier responded to the criticism by stating that the film treats its women characters with dignity. Now, Krystle D’Souza has also spoken in support of the film, praising both its portrayal of women and its inclusive casting approach.
Speaking to News18 Showsha, Krystle, who features in the popular song ‘Shararat’, lauded Aditya Dhar for creating a space where actors from television and film are not compartmentalised. She also credited Dhar and casting director Mukesh Chhabra for casting television actors in a high-budget film and setting an example for the industry.
“All the women are beautiful in the film, especially Saumya. I’ve seen her on television. Seeing television people do so well makes me really happy. It makes me go, ‘Yes!’ There are people who don’t give a damn about where you come from and what you’ve done,” Krystle said. She added that some filmmakers value a television background as a meaningful addition rather than a limitation. “In fact, they value your television background as a substantial addition to their films. Coming back to Saumya, I met her on set. She’s stunning in person as well. She’s a great performer,” she added.
Krystle also appreciated the casting of Sara Arjun and praised her performance alongside seasoned actors. “For Sara, we’ve seen her from the time that she was a baby. She grew up in front of us. We grew up watching her grow up,” she remarks.
One performance, however, truly stands out for Krystle. Speaking about Gaurav Gera, she said, “And oh my god! I couldn’t recognise Gaurav Gera for the first few seconds. I was like, ‘I feel like I know this face.’ I just couldn’t place him. After sometime, I recognised him. Watching him sell juices in a singsong tone made me remember the Dubsmashes that he used to make (laughs).”
For Krystle, who began her career in television, Dhurandhar stands out for not drawing distinctions between actors based on background or medium. “When I think of Dhurandhar and Aditya Dhar sir, I thank god that actors aren’t compartmentalised anymore. But it’s not there on every set. A visionary director like him can envision all of us in one film. He chose us simply by seeing how we fit into our respective characters. It didn’t matter to him where we came from, what kind of work we’ve done in the past and what kind of work we’re going to do in the future. He took actors in the film without their external baggage,” she stated.
Reflecting on the trust Aditya Dhar places in television actors, Krystle said, “That’s what somebody who knows and has faith in their own craft can do for someone else. And that’s something I really admired about him. A lot of people still harbour misconceptions about us. Sometimes, we’re rejected for being an over-exposed face. Sometimes, we’re rejected because we make too many reels. But Aditya Dhar sir knew what he wanted and he achieved it, and look where that has got us! Hats off to him!”
Through her comments, Krystle highlighted the evolving dynamics of casting in mainstream cinema and underlined the importance of inclusive storytelling that prioritises performance over background.
As 2025 draws to a close, some moments arrive without warning yet leave a lasting impact. One such standout moment unfolded in Delhi when actor and performer Sanya Malhotra made a surprise appearance at Sunidhi Chauhan’s live concert, elevating an already high-energy evening into a truly memorable spectacle.
The audience had gathered to witness Sunidhi Chauhan’s powerful live set, known for its pitch-perfect vocals and infectious stage presence. However, the atmosphere shifted dramatically when Sanya Malhotra walked onto the stage unannounced. What followed was an instant eruption of cheers, applause, and visible excitement from the crowd. The actor seamlessly transitioned into a live performance of ‘Ankh’, showcasing the same precision, confidence, and expressive energy that made the song a phenomenon earlier this year.
The performance blurred the line between a live concert and a cinematic experience. Sanya’s commanding presence complemented Sunidhi’s vocals, creating a synergy that felt organic rather than rehearsed. The moment stood out not merely as a celebrity appearance, but as a carefully balanced live collaboration that amplified the mood of the evening.
The popularity of ‘Ankh’ has already been firmly established. The song’s music video has crossed an impressive 145 million views, cementing its position as one of the most celebrated performance-driven tracks of the year. Seeing it come alive on stage, however, added a fresh dimension to its appeal and reinforced its cultural impact.
Beyond the concert, the moment also served as a fitting reflection of Sanya Malhotra’s trajectory in 2025. The actor earned widespread acclaim and multiple awards for her performance in Mrs, further solidifying her reputation as a versatile and dependable performer. She is now set to explore a new space with an upcoming action-comedy film, signalling another shift in genre and scale.
As the year winds down, this surprise stage appearance felt less like a one-off moment and more like a statement. With each project and performance, Sanya Malhotra continues to expand her range—and if this electrifying concert moment is any indication, her momentum is only building going into the year ahead.
Salman Khan’s larger-than-life persona is not limited to the silver screen. Off camera, the superstar’s taste for ultra-luxury watches places him among the most serious celebrity collectors in the world. With a watch collection valued at an eye-watering Rs. 113 crore approximately based on a social media post by the actor’s fanclub in association with a page called ‘wristwatchers’, Salman’s wrist game reflects power, rarity and a deep appreciation for high horology.
At the pinnacle of his collection sits the Patek Philippe Aquanaut Luce Rainbow in rose gold, a watch that alone is worth over Rs. 54 crore. Lit with invisibly set multicoloured sapphires and diamonds, this timepiece is less a watch and more a piece of wearable art. Its presence underlines Salman’s fondness for rare, jewelled complications that very few collectors globally can access.
Equally striking is the Jacob & Co. Caviar Tourbillon in white gold, valued at over Rs. 12 crore. With its flying tourbillon and pavé-set diamonds on both sides, the watch exemplifies Jacob & Co.’s flair for extravagant engineering. Salman’s love for the brand continues with standout pieces like the Bugatti Chiron Tourbillon, featuring a miniature functional W16 engine, and multiple editions from the Epic X and World Is Yours collections.
His preference for iconic Swiss maisons is evident through several Patek Philippe Nautilus references, including diamond-paved white gold models and a platinum Nautilus accented with baguette rubies. These watches seamlessly balance sport-luxury aesthetics with jewellery-level detailing, reinforcing Salman’s taste for statement-making classics.
The collection also features heavy-hitters from Audemars Piguet, including diamond-set Royal Oak Offshore models and a pink gold flying tourbillon, as well as rare Rolex Cosmograph Daytonas, notably the Everose Gold Rainbow edition and a platinum variant with baguette diamonds. Complementing these are distinctive pieces like the Rolex Day-Date with a turquoise dial, GMT-Master II SARU, and custom Sky-Dwellers featuring meteorite dials.
What sets Salman Khan apart as a collector is not just the cumulative value, but the diversity of his choices—ranging from hyper-complicated tourbillons to iconic sports watches elevated through gemstones and bespoke detailing. Each timepiece reflects a facet of his personality: bold, confident, and unapologetically grand.
In an industry where luxury often follows trends, Salman Khan’s watch collection stands as a testament to timeless indulgence—one that is as formidable and legendary as the superstar himself.
The birthday of Border 2 actor Ahan Shetty turned into an emotional family moment as heartfelt wishes poured in from his sister Athiya Shetty and father Suniel Shetty, giving fans a rare glimpse into the close bond the Shetty family shares. The young actor, who is steadily carving his own space in the industry, received warm messages that reflected both nostalgia and pride.
Athiya Shetty took to Instagram to celebrate her younger brother with a touching post that featured a series of photographs spanning different phases of their lives. The carousel included childhood memories, candid family moments, and glimpses from Athiya’s wedding to Indian cricketer KL Rahul, making the post a visual journey of their shared experiences. Alongside the pictures, Athiya penned a simple yet affectionate note that read, “Happy birthday to the best boy in the world, love you. May the sun shine brightest on you this year.”
Suniel Shetty’s birthday message for Ahan struck a deeper emotional chord. The actor shared a photograph of himself with his son from the stands of a stadium, capturing a quiet yet powerful moment between father and son. In his caption, Suniel expressed pride in Ahan’s growth and journey, writing, “Nothing fills my heart more than watching you step into your own with grace and grit. So proud of the man you have become and all that awaits you. And let me tell you one thing. The clock has quietly changed hands…and it’s your time now. Happy Birthday my son.” The note resonated strongly with fans, many of whom praised the actor’s words for their sincerity and encouragement.
On the professional front, Ahan Shetty is gearing up for one of the most significant projects of his career. He will next be seen in Border 2, the much-anticipated war drama inspired by the 1971 Indo-Pak conflict. Ahan essays the role of a Navy officer inspired by the life of Lt Cdr Joseph Pius Alfred Noronha, marking a transformative phase in his acting journey. The film also stars Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh and others in key roles, with Anya Singh playing Ahan’s on-screen wife.
Slated to release on January 23, ahead of India’s Republic Day celebrations, Border 2 is expected to be a defining milestone for Ahan Shetty—making this birthday all the more special as he steps into a promising new chapter both personally and professionally.
