Javed Akhtar condemns Taliban for legitimizing domestic violence

One of India’s most liberal and independent-minded thinkers and artistes, Javed Akhtar has spoken out strongly against the Taliban’s new laws that legitimize domestic violence. The Taliban has reportedly legalized wife-beating, provided no bones are broken.

Reacting to what he describes as an inhuman endorsement of violence, Javed Saab said, “The impunity with which this so-called law legalizes violence is shocking to us not to them (the Taliban). I beseech the muftis and mullahs of India to condemn it unconditionally, because it is all being done in the name of their religion. Whatever the reason for this barbaric decree, let us not give any credence to it.”

Javed Saab emphasized that human values and basic decency are non-negotiable. “It’s not about religion; it is about human decency. Violence being endorsed in any form and I include movies must be condemned by all right-thinking human beings.”

Speaking about violence in cinema, he added, “We (Salim Khan and I) never condoned or glorified violence of any kind least of all violence against women. The women characters in our screenplays, be it the blockbuster Sholay or the unsuccessful Imaan Dharam, were treated with due respect and dignity. Cinema has a huge responsibility towards society to project the right values. And by ‘right’, I mean those values that give dignity, respect and a voice to all sections of society.”

Also Read: Honey Irani on her marriage with Javed Akhtar: “I don’t know why it didn’t work”

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‘He was a True Gentleman’: Pooja Bhamrrah on shooting Kohrra 2’s intense scene with Ranvijay Singha

Actor Pooja Bhamrrah recently opened up about her experience working with Ranvijay Singha in Kohrra 2, shedding light on their intense on-screen confrontation as well as their off-screen camaraderie.

In a recent conversation with Bollywood Hungama, Bhamrrah spoke about the physically charged scene between their characters that sparked strong reactions online. She revealed that the sequence was carefully prepared during workshops and executed under the supervision of an action director to ensure safety. Calling it her first time performing such a heavy physical altercation, the actor admitted the team was conscious of not letting the moment appear exaggerated. Emphasising the importance of trust while filming intense moments, she noted, “In acting, give and take is very important. If you get someone who is that committed and that good, you just want to give more.”

Bhamrrah also shared an interesting behind-the-scenes detail; she had suggested performing a portion of the scene “for real” to enhance authenticity. However, director Sudip Sharma discouraged the idea, reminding her that “there’s a reason it’s called acting.” She said his measured approach helped maintain both safety and emotional control during the shoot.

Beyond the demanding scene, Bhamrrah was full of praise for her co-star, describing him as “a true gentleman” and “one of the kindest human beings” she has met. She shared that what stood out most was how safe he made her feel during emotionally heavy sequences. “What you see is what you get with him,” she said, adding that he was both professional and deeply considerate on set.

Their professional bond was also visible off screen. Ranvijay recently shared a post about Kohrra on social media, praising Bhamrrah and calling her “locked in” during performances. Reacting to the gesture, she admitted she was taken by surprise. “He didn’t need to do that, but he did. It was really overwhelming,” she said, adding that such appreciation from a co-actor meant a lot.

For Bhamrrah, working with Ranvijay was defined not just by the intensity they brought to screen, but by mutual respect and generosity behind the camera.

Also Read: Anurag Kashyap calls Kohrra Season 2 “unmissable and world class”; says he “could not stop watching it”

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Anurag Kashyap slams The Kerala Story 2, calling it “bakwas”; director Kamakhya Narayan Singh REACTS: “Aapka to jhooth bhi creative freedom aur hamara sach bhi propaganda”

Ahead of its February 27 release, The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond has sparked fresh controversy after filmmaker Anurag Kashyap strongly criticised the project, prompting a sharp response from director Kamakhya Narayan Singh.

The sequel to The Kerala Story revisits the contentious subject of alleged forced religious conversions of young women. According to the makers, the film draws from incidents documented within India’s legal system and aims to present what they describe as an uncomfortable social reality. The film is directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Kamakhya Narayan Singh and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah under Sunshine Pictures.

Kashyap publicly dismissed the film, calling it “bakwas” and “propaganda,” and used strong language to criticise its narrative and intent, particularly a scene in the trailer in which one of the leads is shown being forcefully fed beef. His remarks quickly circulated on social media, reigniting debate around the franchise.

 

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Responding in a video statement, Singh defended his film and accused Kashyap of misrepresenting its purpose. He argued that the issue at hand was not about what is depicted onscreen, but about consent and coercion. In a separate note, Singh wrote that debates should be grounded in “facts and data” rather than labels, adding, “Aapka to jhooth bhi creative freedom aur hamara sach bhi propaganda.”

Dear Anurag sir,

मुद्दा ये नहीं है कि फिल्म में क्या दिखाया गया- खिचड़ी, बीफ या कुछ और।असल सवाल है consent और coercion।

किसी की मर्जी के खिलाफ तो खिचड़ी भी नहीं खिलाई जा सकती, तो अगर कोई फिल्म जबरन बदलाव या दबाव की बात उठाती है, तो उसे नफरत फैलाना कह देना intellectual… pic.twitter.com/1bIIaYyA7I

— Kamakhya Narayan Singh (@kamakhyanarayan) February 22, 2026

Singh also referred to Kashyap’s earlier work, including The Girl in Yellow Boots, questioning his criticism of the sequel’s subject matter.

Actor Prakash Raj was among others who had earlier raised concerns about the film’s theme and messaging.

The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond stars Ulka Gupta, Aditi Bhatia and Aishwarya Ojha in lead roles. The film is scheduled for release on February 27 and will also be released in Kannada and Telugu.

Also Read: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan slams The Kerala Story 2: “We must stand united against these attempts to paint our land of harmony as a hub of terror”

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Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna christen their big day ‘The Wedding of VIROSH’; pen heartfelt note for fans

In what is being described as one of the most anticipated celebrity weddings of the year, Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna have officially named their upcoming nuptials ‘The Wedding of VIROSH’. The announcement came with a personal note from the couple, acknowledging the role their fans have played in shaping their journey together.

The name ‘VIROSH’ — a blend of Vijay and Rashmika — was originally coined by fans several years ago. Over time, it became a popular moniker among their supporters on social media and at public events. By choosing to adopt the fan-created name for their wedding, the couple has turned a personal milestone into a shared celebration with their admirers.

Sharing a personal note, the couple addressed their fans as “Our Dearest loves” and continued, “Before we made any plans, before we chose anything for ourselves— you were already there. With so much love, you gave us a name. You called us ‘VIROSH’. So today — with full hearts, we name our coming together in your honour. We would like to name it — ‘The Wedding of VIROSH’.” “Thank you for holding us with so much love. You are a part of us — always. Biggest hugs and full love!”, they concluded.

The gesture has been widely appreciated by fans, many of whom have followed their journey since their early collaborations. By formally recognising the fan-given identity, the couple has reinforced the bond they share with their audience.

According to reports, Vijay and Rashmika are expected to tie the knot on February 26 in an intimate ceremony in Hyderabad. A larger reception is likely to take place on March 4, following an invitation that went viral online a few days ago. Earlier reports had suggested that the two had a low-key engagement in October, although neither actor publicly confirmed or denied the speculation at the time.

On the professional front, the pair are also set to reunite on screen for the third time in Ranaabali, a period drama slated for release later this year. As wedding preparations gather momentum, ‘The Wedding of VIROSH’ is already trending across social media, with fans eagerly counting down to the big day.

Also Read: Vijay Deverakonda – Rashmika Mandanna wedding invite goes viral; also reveals March 4 as the reception date

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Zee Music Company bags music rights of Yash starrer Toxic in major 2026 deal with KVN Productions

The makers of Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups have finalised a music rights deal with Zee Music Company, marking a significant collaboration ahead of the film’s theatrical release in 2026. The film, headlined by Yash, is produced by KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creations.

As part of the agreement, Zee Music Company will acquire and distribute the film’s soundtrack across multiple languages, including Hindi, Kannada, Telugu, Tamil and Malayalam. The move aligns with the film’s multilingual release strategy and wider rollout plans.

 

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The soundtrack will feature contributions from multiple composers. Ravi Basrur will compose one track along with the film’s background score, Vishal Mishra will create four songs, while Tanishk Bagchi will contribute one track co-composed with Arslan Nizami and Faheem Abdullah. The makers indicate that the album has been designed to reflect the tone and scale of the film’s narrative.

 

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Speaking about the association, Sujal Parekh, CBO, Zee Music Company, said, “Toxic, the film, represents the true spirit of pan-India cinema — a story, a scale, and a vision that transcend language and regional boundaries. We are proud to bring its entire soundtrack across Hindi, Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam under one unified platform, ensuring a seamless and powerful nationwide musical rollout. The album has been crafted to connect emotionally across markets while retaining a contemporary, mass appeal that resonates strongly in today’s streaming-driven ecosystem. With its scale, intensity, and cross-cultural soundscape, the music of Toxic is poised to become a unifying anthem for audiences across India.”

Venkat K. Narayana, Chairman of KVN Productions, added, “Toxic demands a soundscape that’s bold, disruptive, and truly unforgettable. At KVN, we’ve always believed that music isn’t just an accompaniment to cinema — it’s the pulse of it. And in Zee Music, we’ve found a partner who not only understands that vision but matches it with the same passion and scale. This collaboration is the start of a long-term relationship between KVN and Zee — built on shared ambition and a collective hunger to push cinematic music into uncharted territories. Together, we want to redefine how music travels with cinema — not just as a soundtrack, but as an experience that lives far beyond the screen.”

The film’s teaser, which introduced Yash’s character Ticket, has generated significant online discussion. Written by Yash and Geetu Mohandas and directed by Mohandas, Toxic has been shot in Kannada and English, with dubbed versions planned in multiple languages. The film is scheduled to release in theatres on March 19, 2026.

Also Read: Toxic unveils Yash’s clean-shaven ‘Ticket’ avatar; new poster hints at gripping double role ahead of March 2026 release

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Vijay Varma sparks buzz with cryptic Excel Entertainment post; new collaboration on the cards?

Vijay Varma has set social media abuzz after hinting at a possible new collaboration with Excel Entertainment. While no official announcement has been made, the post has led to speculation about what the banner—known for backing character-driven and genre-focused content—might be planning next with the actor.

Sparking the buzz was recent social media post. Vijay recently took to Instagram Stories to share a picture of a card and wrote, “@excelmovies exciteddd about this”, triggering curiosity among fans and industry watchers alike. Vijay has previously collaborated with Excel on multiple projects, each contributing to his growing presence across film and streaming platforms.

In Gully Boy (2019), produced by Excel Entertainment, Vijay played Moeen, the conflicted friend and occasional mentor to Murad. His portrayal of a mechanic-cum-carjacker navigating loyalty and ambition stood out among the ensemble cast. He later became part of the crime drama series Mirzapur, where he gained significant attention in Seasons 2 and 3 for playing the twin brothers Bharat Tyagi and Shatrughan Tyagi. His entry added a new dynamic to the narrative. However, it remains unclear whether he will feature in the upcoming Mirzapur film that is currently in development.

Vijay also collaborated with Excel on the series Dahaad, where he portrayed Anand Swarnakar, a seemingly mild-mannered man leading a double life as a serial killer. The role marked a departure from his earlier characters and was widely discussed following the show’s release.

Given this track record, the latest Instagram hint has prompted discussions about whether the new venture will fall within the crime-thriller space or explore a different genre altogether.

Beyond this potential Excel project, Vijay Varma’s lineup remains busy. He is set to headline Matka King, directed by Nagraj Manjule, a period crime drama centred on the ‘matka gambling’ network. He will also feature in Family Business, directed by Hansal Mehta, where he is expected to share screen space with Anil Kapoor in a corporate drama revolving around power and family dynamics. Additionally, he is part of Lust Stories 3.

While details about the new Excel Entertainment project remain under wraps, Vijay’s brief social media tease has been enough to generate anticipation about what could be his next on-screen outing.

Also Read: 7 years of Gully Boy: Vijay Varma reveals jail scene with Ranveer Singh “broke” him: “Both of us felt it”

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Kamal Haasan – Rajinikanth to share screen space after 47 years with Nelson Dilipkumar as director; announcement video inside

Tamil cinema is set to witness one of its most anticipated collaborations as Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan reunite for a new project, nearly 47 years after sharing screen space. The announcement was officially confirmed on February 21 through a teaser shared by Red Giant Movies, sending fans into a frenzy.

The untitled film, currently being referred to as #KHxRK, will be directed by Nelson Dilipkumar, who is already collaborating with Rajinikanth on Jailer 2. The announcement video also confirmed that Anirudh Ravichander will compose the music for the much-awaited reunion. Sharing the teaser on Instagram, the makers captioned it, “Born Cool. Built Retro. Eternal Swag.”

 

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In another note, they wrote, “History rarely repeats itself… But when it does, it becomes a celebration for generations. The reunion of two towering legends is a moment of immense pride and emotion for Red Giant Movies. #KHxRK will be a celebration of the legends we’ve adored and grown up watching on screen. A special word of gratitude to director Nelson, whose conviction and craft have made this historic moment possible and who better than our own Rockstar Anirudh to fire up this celebration”.

 

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Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan previously collaborated during the early phase of their careers in several notable films. Their joint appearances in classics such as 16 Vayathinile, Moondru Mudichu, Ilamai Oonjal Aadukirathu, Apoorva Raagangal, among others remain significant chapters in Tamil cinema history.

With two of Indian cinema’s most influential actors coming together once again, and Nelson Dilipkumar directing with music by Anirudh Ravichander, #KHxRK is already being viewed as one of the biggest cinematic events in the making.

Also Read: Raaj Kamal Films announces Cibi Chakaravarthi as director of Rajinikanth-starrer Thalaivar 173

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From structure to shimmer, take Spring coat inspiration from these leading ladies

Spring layering feels a little more exciting this season as our favourite leading ladies step out in statement coats that bring together structure, craft and personality. From detailed handwork to sharp tailoring, these looks remind us that a coat is never just an extra layer, it can completely define the outfit and the mood.

Here are 6 actresses from whom you can take coat inspiration this Spring:

Rasika Dugal leans into artistry with a long crepe jacket featuring handcrafted abstract Shibori in black and beige. The structured silhouette balances the fluid dye pattern beautifully, making the look feel thoughtful, rooted in craft and still very modern.

Huma Qureshi brings in a touch of drama with an elegant black suit style coat adorned with shimmery hand embellished gemstones. The sparkle catches the light just enough, adding glamour without overpowering the classic tailoring.

Surveen Chawla keeps it fresh and easy, pairing a breezy white dress with a brown jacket detailed with white and black floral embroidery. The belted waist gives the soft look a flattering, defined shape.

Tamannaah Bhatia embraces power dressing in a teal structured pantsuit with satin borders and collar, styled with bold silver earrings that lend a strong, confident finish.

Sonakshi Sinha plays with texture in a black bralette, coat and skirt set highlighted with blue and white floral gemstones, striking a balance between edge and elegance.

Sonali Bendre opts for timeless sophistication in a monochromatic brown palette, layering a beige fitted top and chocolate trousers under a dark brown coat with gold embroidered patches.

This spring, the coat clearly takes centre stage, proving that sometimes the outermost layer makes the strongest first impression. And if these looks are anything to go by, investing in a statement coat might just be the easiest way to refresh your wardrobe.

Also Read: Chandrachur Singh joins Bobby Deol-Jaideep Ahlawat’s ‘corrupt godman’ league; to play the villain in Huma Qureshi’s Bayaan

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Rajkummar Rao’s birthday post for Patralekhaa is pure husband energy: “You are the heart of our home”

On February 20, 2026, actor Rajkummar Rao shared a heartfelt birthday message for his wife, actress Patralekhaa, on social media. Posting a note dedicated to her, the actor expressed gratitude and admiration for her role in his life and their family.

He wrote, “Happy birthday my love. You are the best thing that has ever happened to me. You are the heart of our home. Parvati and I are so lucky to have you in our life. The best partner, the best mother and the best daughter. Here’s to your dreams, your strength and the most incredible woman you are. Happy birthday. God bless you.”

The post quickly drew attention, with several members of the film fraternity extending their wishes in the comments section. Among those who responded were Dia Mirza, Aparshakti Khurana, and Bhumi Pednekar, along with other colleagues and well-wishers.

 

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On the professional front, Rajkummar Rao recently announced that he has wrapped shooting for his upcoming biopic titled Nikam. Addressing discussions around his recent weight gain, the actor shared a detailed note explaining his approach to physical transformations for roles.

“My being is through my Art. Just finished shooting for my next Biopic #NIKAM and yes, it has demanded me to change physically which I love doing. I’m not a believer in prosthetic as long as I can achieve the look through my hardwork which I’ve achieved in Nikam be it gaining weight or looking old (to play a certain age) or to make my hair thin…” he wrote, adding that he had gained around 9–10 kilograms for the role.

He further mentioned that the transition phase has now begun as he prepares to lose the extra weight and start working on the biopic based on former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly. “And now it’s the transition phase and time to lose these extra kgs and get ready to slip into Ganguly mode. Our very own Dada,” he added.

 

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Apart from these projects, Rajkummar Rao is also set to appear in Toaster, a Netflix original film co-starring Sanya Malhotra. The film has featured in Netflix’s 2025 and 2026 content slate announcements, although the makers are yet to reveal its official release date.

Also Read: Abhishek Banerjee on having three diverse Netflix releases in 2026, from Legacy with R Madhavan to Toaster with Rajkummar Rao and Lust Stories 3

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Photos: Huma Qureshi snapped in Andheri

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‘I cried like a child’: Businessman recalls emotional moment in Rajpal Yadav cheque bounce case

Veteran actor Rajpal Yadav was released from Tihar Jail on interim bail on February 17 in connection with a long-running cheque bounce and debt case involving roughly ₹9 crore, but the legal battle behind the headlines spans more than a decade.

The dispute centres on a ₹5 crore loan that businessman Madhav Gopal Agrawal of M/s Murali Projects Pvt Ltd provided to Yadav in 2012 to support the making of his directorial venture Ata Pata Laapata. Agrawal told reporters that he initially met Yadav through a mutual contact and was persuaded to provide the funds after hearing that the film was nearly complete and needed immediate financing. He said Yadav’s wife, Radha, also sent emotional messages that influenced his decision. According to the businessman, the agreement explicitly stated that the money was a loan, not an investment, and included personal guarantees and post-dated cheques.

The conflict intensified when the repayment deadlines passed without Yadav returning the funds. Agrawal claimed that he even visited the actor’s residence and “cried like a child,” pleading for a new timeline to recover his money, which he had borrowed from others. Multiple supplementary agreements and fresh cheques followed, but Agrawal says all were dishonoured. At one point, Agrawal obtained a court stay on the release of the film after observing contractual terms involving film negatives, but later withdrew the order based on reassurances from Yadav. When the movie failed commercially and no repayments were made, the matter returned to court.

By 2013, a settlement figure of ₹10.40 crore was agreed upon, but repeated bounced cheques kept the dispute alive. Earlier this month, Yadav surrendered to judicial authorities before securing bail until the next hearing on March 18. Agrawal emphasised that his goal has been simple, to recover the money he claims was owed to him while the legal process continues.

Also Read: Rajpal Yadav to address Rs 9 crores cheque bounce case in press conference after being granted bail

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Soha Ali Khan steps into global advocacy: Actress meets UN Resident Coordinator after being named UNFPA India’s SRHR advocate

Actor and author Soha Ali Khan has formally begun her journey as the newly appointed Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) Advocate for United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) India. The actress recently met Stefan Priesner, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in India, for a detailed discussion on advancing awareness and action around reproductive health, gender equality and youth empowerment.

The meeting was also attended by Andrea M. Wojnar, Radhika Kaul Batra, Chief of Staff at the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office; Jaydeep Biswas, Chief of Policy, Advocacy and Partnership; and Pinky Pradhan, Communications and Media Specialist. The interaction marked an important step in strengthening collaborative efforts between UN agencies and public voices to amplify conversations around sexual and reproductive health rights in the country.

A glimpse of the engagement was shared on Instagram through a joint post by UNFPA and Soha Ali Khan, featuring the actress alongside key officials present at the meeting. The visuals highlighted a constructive exchange focused on addressing critical issues such as access to reproductive healthcare, informed choices, and gender-sensitive policy advocacy.

As SRHR Advocate, Soha Ali Khan is expected to leverage her public platform to support UNFPA India’s mission of ensuring that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person’s potential is fulfilled. Her appointment reflects the organisation’s ongoing effort to engage influential voices who can help bridge the gap between policy conversations and public awareness.

 

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Beyond her advocacy work, Soha has been actively engaging audiences through her podcast, All About HER, where she features women from diverse walks of life. The show has included conversations with prominent names such as her niece Sara Ali Khan and her mother Sharmila Tagore, among other personalities from the film industry and beyond. The podcast centres on women’s stories, achievements and lived experiences, aligning closely with her new advocacy role.

On the acting front, Soha continues to balance films and web series, choosing projects selectively. She was last seen in Chorii 2, an Amazon Originals title co-starring Nushrratt Bharuccha.

With her new responsibility at UNFPA India, Soha Ali Khan adds a meaningful dimension to her public persona — one that extends beyond entertainment into impactful social advocacy.

Also Read: Soha Ali Khan reveals her go-to healthy desserts; from skinny chocolate cake to clean ice creams – here’s what she swears by

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Fatima Sana Shaikh believes she is a ‘serial monogamist’; addresses the pros and cons of dating as a celebrity

Fatima Sana Shaikh was recently seen getting candid about her approach to relationships and the realities of dating in the public eye. In a recent conversation with Cosmopolitan India, the actor described herself as a “serial monogamist,” revealing that she has largely been in long-term relationships.]

“A serial monogamist (‘I’ve mostly been in very long-term relationships’),” she said, offering a glimpse into her personal life. However, she also admitted that dating as a celebrity comes with its own set of challenges. Reflecting on her experiences over the past decade in the spotlight, Shaikh noted that fame can often complicate genuine connections. “You either have someone who has preconceived notions of what an actor is like or they are just too intimidated,” she shared. According to the actress, navigating these perceptions has not always been easy.

Recalling a blind date from a few years ago, Shaikh described how the interaction quickly took an unexpected turn. “He was asking a lot of questions and it didn’t feel like a conversation. At one point, I could hear myself giving diplomatic answers and that was the end of that date,” she revealed. The anecdote highlights the fine line public figures often walk between personal authenticity and guarded responses.

Professionally, the actor has had a packed schedule. In 2025, she featured in three diverse projects, including the Netflix film Aap Jaisa Koi alongside R. Madhavan, Metro… In Dino, and Gustaakh Ishq with Vijay Varma and Naseeruddin Shah. Looking ahead, her 2026 slate includes an untitled spy drama series with Bobby Deol and another untitled police procedural.

As she completes a decade in the industry’s public glare, Shaikh’s reflections underline how balancing personal relationships with professional visibility remains an ongoing learning curve.

Also Read: Fatima Sana Shaikh, Vijay Varma and Manish Malhotra react as Gustaakh Ishq heads for JioHotstar premiere: ‘A story that lingers’

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First poster of Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Ketan Mehta’s Jai Somnath unveiled on Maha Shivratri

Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Ketan Mehta, two of Indian cinema’s most influential creative forces, have come together to tell an important tale from India’s spiritual history. Bhansali has announced an upcoming seminal tale of Indian civilization titled Jai Somnath, in collaboration with acclaimed director Ketan Mehta. This marks an interesting partnership between two of the most powerful creative voices in Indian cinema.

Jai Somnath traces back to 1025–1026 CE, when Mahmud of Ghazni attacked and plundered the Somnath Temple in Gujarat, a defining chapter in Indian history. This year marks 1000 years of the Ghazni attack and the destruction of the temple, and its subsequent resurrection.

Somnath symbolizes the indestructible spirit of India and the glory of Indian civilization. Given the deep emotional and cultural significance of this chapter, the film aims to strike a strong chord with audiences as it revisits an important moment from India’s past.

 

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What makes Jai Somnath even more significant is the collaboration between Sanjay Leela Bhansali an iconic storyteller celebrated for grand world-building and larger-than-life cinema, and Ketan Mehta, a director known for bold storytelling, historical narratives, and socially relevant cinema with international appeal. The film brings together historical depth and cinematic scale. With both filmmakers hailing from Gujarat, the project is also expected to bring authenticity and emotional depth to the narrative.

Jai Somnath will be produced under the banners of Bhansali Productions and Maya Movies, with Ketan Mehta serving as writer and director. The film is slated for release in 2027.

Also Read: Sanjay Leela Bhansali on joining hands with Ketan Mehta for Jai Somnath, “Always been a huge fan of Ketan Mehta’s cinema”

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Sanjay Leela Bhansali on joining hands with Ketan Mehta for Jai Somnath, “Always been a huge fan of Ketan Mehta’s cinema”

The biggest Bollywood news is the coming together of two epic filmmakers. Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Ketan Mehta are joining hands for Jai Somnath, a film that cinematizes the legend of the famous temple.

Jai Somnath is described as a “seminal tale of Indian civilisation”. The lavish period drama is slated for release in 2027. Mehta is writing and directing the project, which will be produced by Bhansali Productions and Ketan Mehta’s Maya Movies.

Speaking exclusively on the project to this writer, Sanjay Leela Bhansali said, “I’ve always been a huge huge fan of Ketan Mehta’s cinema. His Mirch Masala is one of my 10 most favourite Indian films of all times. We’ve been toying with the idea of working together. This project seems the best way to collaborate on something special.”

The project was announced on Maha Shivratri as it is the cinematic manifestation of one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites located in Gujarat.

Also Read: Karan Johar calls Sanjay Leela Bhansali an “Aesthetic Voice”, praises his film costumes

The post Sanjay Leela Bhansali on joining hands with Ketan Mehta for Jai Somnath, “Always been a huge fan of Ketan Mehta’s cinema” appeared first on Bollywood Hungama.

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