Rajeev Khandelwal recalls overnight stardom and why he quit Kahiin To Hoga; says, “I couldn’t even enter my house”

The rise to stardom of actor Rajeev Khandelwal is nothing short of cinematic. In a deeply personal interview with Screen, the actor walked down memory lane, revisiting the moment he unknowingly stepped into television history with his portrayal of Sujal in the renowned Star Plus television soap opera Kahiin To Hoga — a role that made him a household name across the country.

“I had done a few ads, and slowly I started doing a little better. During one of those trips, I read an ad that said, Balaji Telefilms has an audition for a show in a college… I thought it was fake,” Rajeev shared. But that so-called fake audition became his gateway to Mumbai and television fame. Initially cast in the television series Kya Hadsa Kya Haqeeqat, Rajeev had no idea he’d soon be chosen for a role “very close” to Ekta Kapoor’s heart. “One day, Ekta called me and offered me the role,” he said. Even then, he doubted himself. “I considered myself not good-looking, and I was known to be a good-looking man.”

The show’s late-night slot made him believe it wouldn’t succeed. “I told myself that this would be a long struggle… But in 15 episodes, I started seeing this excitement around me.” The frenzy that followed took him by surprise. “Girls around me blushing, looking at me, and smiling… I kept telling myself it was for the character.”

Then came the moment it all hit him. “One of the leading publications called me asking for an interview, which came on the front page. After 25 episodes, I started cutting ribbons… I just couldn’t handle it. Once I went to my house and I could not even enter… Girls would drop kites with messages written for Sujal on them.”

However, the pressure of living up to fan expectations led to a breaking point. “When I quit the show, it was only because I couldn’t handle it… I thought I was not giving them back in terms of quality.” He rejected multiple film and TV offers that mirrored Sujal’s brooding persona. “I didn’t want to be known as this romantic guy.”

His bold move came at a cost. “I quit the show at its peak… so many thought I was egoistic.” Even when money was offered, Rajeev told Shobha Kapoor, “Reduce it, but give me quality.”

For Rajeev, it wasn’t about fame or fortune. “I was very truthful to myself,” he said — a sentiment that continues to define his career, long after Sujal changed his life.

Also Read: Rajeev Khandelwal recalls casting couch encounter: ‘‘Sorry sir, ye toh nahin milega aapko’’

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Monochrome Magic Ft. Karan Tacker: Take notes from his style playbook

Monochrome dressing is having a big moment—and Karan Tacker is clearly leading the way. Whether it’s sharp tailoring or subtle colour play, he’s showing us how sticking to one tone can make just the right kind of statement.

From Cannes red carpets to casual-chic city outings, here’s a look at how Karan is making monochrome look easy, modern, and always on point.

Brown Munde Vibes

 

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In this look, Karan pairs straight-cut trousers with a cropped blazer in a rich brown tone. It’s tailored, neat, and has a refined charm. The muted palette makes it versatile, while the fit keeps it stylish. An effortless day-to-evening look.

Blue, But Make It Fresh

 

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This one’s all about blending formal and cool. The zipped blazer jacket and high-vest pants in dark blue—with a hint of stripe—strike a perfect balance. It’s structured but not too serious, and ideal for a smart casual day out.

The Nerd Look, But Stylish

 

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Karan makes glasses and greys look seriously cool in this double-breasted grey blazer and matching pants. Paired with simple frames and a relaxed vibe, the look feels smart and relatable—perfect for meetings, events or even a low-key dinner.

All Black, All Class

 

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For Cannes, Karan wore a custom black Jodhpuri by Manish Malhotra. The outfit is traditional with a modern twist, and the all-black tone adds a royal, no-fuss appeal. Proof that black never fails, especially when the fit is this sharp.

Fine Wine at the French Riviera

 

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This wine-coloured suit was another Cannes standout. Deep, rich, and sleek, the look feels classic but with a pop of colour that grabs attention. Dapper and clean, this one’s a great pick for formal evenings and special events.

On the work front, Karan has got some exciting projects lined up. He will be seen in Special Ops 2, returning as the ever-sharp Farooq Ali in the popular spy thriller franchise. He’s also a part of Tanvi The Great, and is gearing up for Bhay, a psychological thriller that marks a new genre for him.

Also Read: Karan Tacker reacts on watching Tanvi The Great with President of India Droupadi Murmu; says, “It was humbling to see her watch the entire film with us”

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Aayush Sharma opens up about spine injury, slams six-pack craze: “I feel the weakest then”

Actor Aayush Sharma has candidly opened up about a recent spine injury that forced him to take a step back from work and reassess his health. Known for his intense physical transformations, the actor shared how he misinterpreted early warning signs from his body, thinking it was just part of his regular training soreness.

“I was taking my body’s messages lightly for a long time. I was constantly under training and I was misunderstanding it as muscle soreness. That was just the body saying that, ‘stop, give it a break’. I was in the middle of a shoot when it got aggravated. That’s when I saw the doctor and suddenly I was told that there is an issue in the back and my L4 and L5 is giving me trouble,” Sharma revealed.

While the injury may have disrupted his work schedule, the 33-year-old actor sees it as a blessing in disguise. He embraced the unexpected pause and turned it into a valuable opportunity to spend quality time with his family. “In a very positive hindsight, it gave me a great amount of time with my kids and wife at home. We called it a bonding exercise. My son started cooking for me and made nice avocado toasts. Arpita (Khan, wife) and I caught up on a lot of movies. So, it turned out to be quite a different summer for me,” he said, adding a warm glimpse into his personal life.

Sharma also took the opportunity to address the prevailing obsession with sculpted physiques in the entertainment industry. He challenged the notion that six-pack abs are a true marker of health and strength.

“I am a firm believer that six-pack body is not a fit body. But there’s been this trend of everybody trying to emulate it, which I don’t think is fitness. It is aesthetic and there is a difference between fitness and aesthetic,” Sharma asserted. “I always say that the days we are doing those six-pack body shots, I actually feel the weakest in my life.”

As Sharma focuses on recovery, his words strike a chord with fans and fitness enthusiasts alike — highlighting the importance of listening to one’s body and valuing real health over visual perfection.

Also Read: Aayush Sharma undergoes two back-to-back surgeries, shares update: “Good health isn’t just about a six-pack. It’s about what’s happening inside”

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Ravi Kishan shares excitement as he plays Sardaar on screen for the first time in Son of Sardaar 2; says, “The community is excited, and the entire North will now see me as a Sardaar”

Actor and politician Ravi Kishan is set to take on a new role in Son of Sardaar 2. For the first time in his career, he will be seen wearing a turban and portraying a Sardaar—bringing a character rooted in culture and tradition, particularly significant in North India.

At the trailer launch event of the much-awaited film, Ravi Kishan shared his excitement and a personal connection with the role. “You’ve seen me in many characters, but as a Sardaar, you’ll be seeing me for the first time. In our Bihar and UP region, especially in Gorakhpur, where my constituency is, there’s a huge Sardar community. There are over 20–25 thousand people and countless gurdwaras. The community is excited, and the entire North will now see me as a Sardaar.”

This fresh role marks yet another milestone in Ravi Kishan’s dynamic career, which spans Bhojpuri, Hindi, Telugu, and South Indian cinema. Known for effortlessly switching between intense drama, action, and comedy, Ravi brings authenticity and depth to every role he inhabits.

Interestingly, the role of the Sardar was originally conceptualized for Sanjay Dutt, but fate had other plans. Speaking about the same thing he said, “Sanju Baba was supposed to do this earlier, but it didn’t happen. When Ajay sir approached me, I was honestly stressed and concerned. But his belief in me, made me do this character.

Speaking about the same, he said, Ajay sir told me, “Ravi, you can do it”. He gave me strength.

Talking about the film he said, “There’s comedy, and then there’s this kind of comedy—where such a beautiful story unfolds within. It will touch your souls.”

He praised the script for balancing humour with heart, noting how the performances and storytelling will stay with audiences long after the credits roll.

With this film, Ravi Kishan brings his characteristic dedication to a role that offers him a new on-screen identity. The character also allows him to connect more closely with North Indian audiences by representing a community that is not often seen in mainstream cinema.

Also Read : EXCLUSIVE: Trailer of Ajay Devgn-starrer Son Of Sardaar 2 to be launched on July 11 at a GRAND event in Mumbai; entire cast to be present

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Photos: Ajay Devgn, Mrunal Thakur, Ravi Kishan and others grace the trailer launch of Son Of Sardaar 2

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EXCLUSIVE: CBFC censors three dialogues in Maalik; is Rajkummar Rao’s FIRST ‘A’ rated film in 7 years

After doing several light-hearted and family entertainers, Rajkummar Rao is now all set to surprise the audience with his angry young man avatar in Maalik. The film has caught attention due to the actor’s look, powerful trailer and mass-appealing treatment. The censor process of the film was completed last week, on July 4, and in this feature, Bollywood Hungama will throw light on the same.

As per the cut list, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) modified two dialogues. However, no detail has been given about the contents of the dialogues. Secondly, the Examining Committee (EC) replaced the dialogue ‘Lallan ghar chod dega tujhe’. The one-liner seems harmless and again, without any context, it is difficult to ascertain the reason for it being censored. On the brighter side, the CBFC’s members haven’t made any cuts in the visuals. Hence, the action scenes will be presented as envisioned by the makers.

Once these changes were made, Maalik was passed by the CBFC with an ‘A’ certificate. The length of the film as mentioned on the censor certificate is 152.17 minutes. In other words, Maalik is 2 hours 32 minutes and 17 seconds long.

Interestingly, this is the first adult-rated film of Rajkummar Rao in a long time, nearly 7 years to be precise. At the beginning of his career, he was a part of many adult-certified movies like Love Sex Aur Dhokha (2010), Ragini MMS (2011), Shaitan (2011), Gangs Of Wasseypur (2012) and Shahid (2013). Aligarh (2016) was also given an ‘A’ certificate. In 2018, he had two adult releases, namely Omerta and Love Sonia.

From here on, as his popularity and star value increased, the actor appeared in several family-friendly entertainers like Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga (2019), Srikanth (2024), Mr & Mrs Mahi (2024), Bhool Chuk Maaf (2024) etc. Even the ones with slightly mature themes such as Judgementall Hai Kya (2019), Made In China (2019), HIT: The First Case (2022), Bheed (2023), Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video (2024) etc. were treated in such a way that they were awarded a U/A rating. Lastly, Rajkummar Rao acted in films like Stree (2018) and Stree 2 (2024). They were horror comedies, meant for all kinds of audiences and hence, were passed with a U/A certificate.

Coming back to Maalik, it also stars Prosenjit Chatterjee, Manushi Chhillar, Huma Qureshi, Swanand Kirkire and Saurabh Shukla. Directed by Pulkit, it releases in cinemas on July 11.

Also Read: Producer Jay Shewakramani on Maalik: “Rajkummar Rao in an action role is the film’s biggest edge”

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Hema Malini, Asha Parekh, Jaya Prada defend age-gap casting in Bollywood; says, “Chemistry mattered more than age”

The buzz surrounding the 20-year age gap between Ranveer Singh and his romantic lead Sara Arjun in the upcoming film Dhurandhar has reignited a long-standing conversation about on-screen pairings in Indian cinema. While some viewers have raised eyebrows at the casting, veteran actresses from both Hindi and Telugu film industries believe the issue is being blown out of proportion.

They argue that such age disparities are nothing new — and have, in fact, been an integral part of the industry’s history for decades.

“It’s all acting, no?” — Jaya Prada
Reflecting on her own experience, veteran star Jaya Prada points out that South Indian cinema has a longstanding tradition of age-gap pairings. “The great N. T. Rama Rao and I did several films together in Telugu, and he was almost 40 years older than me,” she recalls. “We never felt the age difference. One doesn’t think about these things on set. I would go in, do my scenes, and return home. It’s the director’s job to make sure the actors look well-matched on screen.”

Hema Malini: “We never thought about chemistry or age”
Bollywood’s eternal Dream Girl, Hema Malini, began her career at the age of 20 with Sapnon Ka Saudagar, opposite the much older Raj Kapoor. “He was 44 at the time, and we never thought about these things. Back then, yeh sab baatein — chemistry and all that — didn’t exist,” she says. “I worked with all three Kapoor brothers — Raj, then Shashi in Jahan Pyar Miley, and Shammi in Andaz. The age difference was never uncomfortable.”

Asha Parekh: “The heroine sets the boundary”
Legendary actress Asha Parekh shares a similar sentiment. “My first hero, Shammi Kapoor, was much older than me. I used to call him ‘Shammi Chacha,’” she laughs. “It’s up to the heroine to draw a line between being friendly and over-friendly. If she’s clear about that, the age difference is irrelevant.”

Also Read: Dhurandhar sparks debate over 20-year age gap between Ranveer Singh and Sara Arjun

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Milap Zaveri shares heartfelt birthday wish for Elnaaz Norouzi with Masti 4 team photo featuring Vivek Oberoi, Genelia and Riteish Deshmukh

Filmmaker Milap Zaveri, who is currently directing the upcoming installment of the Masti franchise, took to social media to wish Elnaaz Norouzi on her birthday. The actress turned a year older on July 9, and her special day saw a surprise celebration with the cast and crew of Masti 4, including some familiar faces from the original films.

Milap shared a cheerful group photo from the impromptu birthday gathering, which featured Elnaaz, co-stars Vivek Oberoi, Riteish Deshmukh, and producer Indra Kumar. Adding to the nostalgia was the presence of Genelia Deshmukh, who played Riteish’s on-screen wife in the original 2004 Masti film.

In his caption, Zaveri wrote: “Happy birthday @iamelnaaz This was an impromptu celebration with the #Mastiii4 team, friends and family but the best things in life are usually unplanned! Wish you a wonderful day and a fabulous year!” Elnaaz responded warmly to the post, commenting, “Thank you love you all!!!!”

 

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For fans of the franchise, this candid moment has only added to the buzz around Masti 4, the latest addition to the hit sex comedy series. The film is expected to bring back the original trio of Riteish Deshmukh, Vivek Oberoi, and Aftab Shivdasani, the latter having teased the film’s return with an announcement in December 2024 alongside Milap Zaveri.

Directed by Milap Zaveri and produced by Indra Kumar, along with Amar Jhunjhunwala, Ashok Thakeria, and Shikha Ahluwalia, Masti 4 aims to combine the irreverent humor of its predecessors with a fresh comedic twist. The team has expressed high confidence in this installment, hoping to not only match but exceed audience expectations.

The original Masti film, released in 2004, became a cult classic, known for its bold humor and quirky take on married life. Two decades later, the franchise continues to remain a fan favorite, and with Masti 4 on the horizon, excitement is steadily building.

Also Read: Milap Zaveri bounces back with a bang with three MASSY films in his kitty, all belonging to diverse genres

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Karan Johar praises Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu thi comeback promo: “One show. Many generations. Countless memories”

Indian television is experiencing a wave of nostalgia as Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi — one of its most iconic and longest-running prime time shows — gears up for a grand comeback. The promo for the much-awaited new season was recently released by Star Plus, and it’s already creating massive buzz across the country.

Renowned filmmaker and producer Karan Johar was among the first to react to the promo, taking to social media to express his admiration. “Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi – One show. Many generations. Countless memories. Personally the one show that changed the face of Indian television and all credit to @ektarkapoor for that!!!” he wrote. Johar further encouraged fans to tune in, adding, “And now, a brand-new season to create more. Tune in on 29th July at 10:30 PM, only on @starplus to watch the new season.”

This reboot marks a significant cultural moment for Indian television audiences. First launched in 2000, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi quickly became a household staple, introducing viewers to the iconic Tulsi Virani and the entire Virani family. The show ran for over 1,800 episodes, making it India’s longest-running prime time soap opera and redefining the family drama genre.

Now, Star Plus is bringing the magic back, promising to reintroduce the timeless Virani family saga to a new generation of viewers while rekindling old memories for longtime fans. With Ekta Kapoor once again at the helm and Smriti Irani’s beloved Tulsi set to return in some capacity, the expectations are sky-high.

 

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The new season promises to blend emotional depth, traditional values, and generational conflict in a way that only Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi can. With its signature theme and larger-than-life characters, the show is ready to reclaim its place at the heart of Indian prime time. So mark your calendars — July 29 at 10:30 PM on Star Plus — because Kyunki… is back, and some stories never fade, they only grow closer to our hearts.

Also Read: Smriti Irani’s first look from Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi reboot revealed

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Vir Das returns with Netflix’s Fool Volume, set to premiere on July 18

Vir Das is back with a new Netflix comedy special titled Vir Das: Fool Volume, which is set to premiere on July 18, 2025. The special, filmed across Mumbai, New York, and London, marks his fifth collaboration with the streaming platform, making him the first Indian comedian to reach this milestone.

Fool Volume features Vir Das returning to his multi-city format, where he brings together diverse audiences and backdrops into a single narrative. However, this time the process was deeply personal. Just weeks before filming what he described as the biggest show of his career, Vir Das lost his voice — both physically and creatively. The experience led to what he calls his most self-aware special to date.

Speaking about the upcoming release, Vir Das shared, “This special is a journey across countries, cultures, and a whole lot of internal chaos. For me, comedy has always been more than just punchlines. It’s about connection. Whether you’re in London, New York, or Mumbai, laughter sounds the same. This special is a celebration of that shared language of finding joy in the chaos, meaning in the absurd, and kindness in the noise. If someone watches it and feels a little lighter, a little more understood, or just laughs until their stomach hurts. That’s the magic I’m chasing.”

The special’s trailer, now available on YouTube and Instagram, gives a glimpse into Vir’s performances in venues ranging from stadiums to intimate spaces like cellars and churches.

Tanya Bami, Series Head at Netflix India, commented, “It is always a joy to collaborate with Vir. His comedy is rooted and yet presents his unique local perspective to audiences across the world. Collaborating on a fifth special is something we’ve never done before with an Indian comedian, and it’s a milestone we’re incredibly proud of. Fool Volume is indeed special because of how personal it is. It presents the turbulence around silence for a person who’s known for his voice, making it both poignant and comic.”

 

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Vir Das has previously delivered four specials on Netflix: Abroad Understanding, Losing It, For India, and his International Emmy-winning Landing. Each special has helped bring Indian comedy to wider global audiences. Vir Das: Fool Volume premieres worldwide on July 18, 2025 on Netflix.

Also Read: Emmy winner Vir Das to be felicitated at 16th edition of Indian Film Festival of Melbourne: “It’s incredibly humbling”

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Photos: Rajkummar Rao and Manushi Chhillar snapped in Jaipur promoting Maalik

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Sussanne Khan drops adorable birthday video for brother Zayed Khan; calls him her ‘twin soul’

Designer and entrepreneur Sussanne Khan penned a heartwarming birthday wish for her brother, Zayed Khan, as he turned a year older on July 5. Celebrating the special occasion, Sussanne took to Instagram to share a beautiful compilation video featuring several cherished family moments, unseen memories, and some of Zayed’s most special milestones.

Along with the touching video, Sussanne poured her heart out in a heartfelt birthday note that instantly grabbed the attention of fans. She wrote, “My SuperBrother, my Zai… Happy happiest birthday my Twin Soul. There is this universe that you bring to all those you love and protect. I am so, so proud of you and you have taught me to find my best version. Inspirational and motivate me every day to be a better person. Solidarity and resilience at its best.”

Sussanne’s message not only reflected her deep sibling bond but also described Zayed as someone who is protective, loving, and constantly encourages those around him to grow. She ended her caption by adding, “#zayedkhan #sussannekhan #malaikakhan #houseofkhans” – a subtle reminder of their close-knit family.

 

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The birthday post quickly caught the attention of fans and followers, with many pouring in their love and best wishes for Zayed Khan in the comments section. The video, filled with glimpses of candid moments and family celebrations, added an extra dose of nostalgia for those who have followed Zayed’s journey from his Bollywood days.

On the professional front, Zayed Khan, who has been away from mainstream cinema for almost a decade, is now preparing for his digital debut. The actor, who made his television entry in 2017, is all set to make a comeback with an upcoming project titled The Film That Never Was, directed by Mohit Shrivastava. Fans are eagerly awaiting his return to the screen, hoping to see him explore new genres and characters.

Sussanne’s warm birthday tribute has undoubtedly reminded everyone of the beautiful sibling connection the Khans share, and it has reignited excitement around Zayed’s much-anticipated comeback.

Also Read: Zayed Khan gets an adorable birthday surprise from his family while he was about to nap

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Ram Kapoor faces backlash over Smriti Irani comments in recent interview; netizens react sharply

Ram Kapoor, the popular television and film actor, has once again found himself in the middle of a social media storm after his recent comments comparing the success ratio between overweight men and women in the entertainment industry went viral. In an interview with Humans of Bombay, Kapoor used the example of actress-turned-politician Smriti Irani, which has sparked widespread criticism online.

Speaking about the challenges faced by overweight actors, Ram Kapoor said, “She was my size as a woman and probably more successful than me. It’s just that she left earlier and that was Smriti Irani. When she started Kyunki Saas (bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi) to when she ended, she was huge. See the first year of Kyunki and the last year of Kyunki, she’s as big as I am. But equally successful.” He further added, “It will be difficult for another guy to do it, I agree. But Smriti did it; she did it with all that weight.”

The actor’s remarks were quickly picked up by a Reddit account, which shared excerpts from the interview, leading to an intense backlash from users. Many slammed Kapoor for what they viewed as an unnecessary focus on Irani’s weight rather than her talent and contributions.

One user commented, “Did he explicitly take her name? It seems like he wants more attention for his weight loss whichever way possible. Attention Whore Alert.” Another wrote, “Weightloss has made his mind go cuckoo.” Others pointed out, “Has he considered the possibility that Smriti Irani, for all her flaws, is a better actor than he is? Not to mention, the target audience of Ekta Kapoor’s serials being women, the female leads, for obvious reasons, were seen as more relevant. Smriti Irani’s greater success and popularity has less to do with her size and more to do with the fact that she was the one the audience identified more with.”

Some also highlighted the immense pressure Irani faced during the show’s peak, with one user saying, “She had two kids while doing the show and didn’t have time to lose weight. She’s said that she literally had to come back to shoot like two days after having a kid.” Another noted, “Yes, and Ram Kapoor of all people should remember how thin she was considering they literally starred opposite each other in Kavita.”

Ram kapoor says it is easier for overweight women to achieve success compared to overweight men
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A particularly scathing comment read, “Ram Kapoor wants to be cancelled so bad.”

This latest controversy comes shortly after Kapoor faced heavy backlash for trivialising sexual assault during the promotional activities of his web-series Mistry, which led to his removal from all promotional activities of the JioHotstar show, despite him playing the lead role. As social media continues to criticise Ram Kapoor’s repeated missteps, the actor has yet to respond to the fresh wave of backlash.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Ram Kapoor shares, “I don’t mind controversies again and again as long as my work is liked this much”; thanks audience for the response to Mistry despite the controversy

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Bhumi Pednekar radiates modern boho chic in Rs 19,500 Saaksha & Kinni print dress

Bhumi Pednekar continues to cement her status as a sartorial risk-taker with her latest fashion outing in a standout piece by Saaksha & Kinni. The actor was recently seen in a vibrant, printed dress that effortlessly balanced structure and fluidity — a hallmark of the designer duo’s signature style.

Styled by Nidhi Jeswani, Bhumi donned a multi-hued strappy dress priced at Rs 19,500, featuring a harmonious blend of geometric and tribal-inspired prints. The structured bodice with ruched detailing offered a flattering silhouette, while the flared hem introduced playful movement to the overall look. A vivid palette of blues, oranges, and yellows stood out beautifully against the warm-toned backdrop, amplifying the visual impact of the ensemble.

Keeping accessories to a minimum, Bhumi allowed the dress to take center stage. She paired the outfit with pointed blue heels that echoed the tones of the dress without overwhelming it. Her hair was styled in soft waves with a center parting, contributing to the effortless, laid-back vibe. A dewy base, well-defined brows, and a muted lip tied the entire look together with just the right touch of glam.

 

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The 35-year-old actress was last seen in Mere Husband Ki Biwi, co-starring Arjun Kapoor and Rakul Preet Singh, followed by her OTT debut in The Royals. The Netflix original received a mixed response, particularly regarding Bhumi’s performance. The show has been renewed for a second season.

Currently, Bhumi has not shared any updates on upcoming film releases, but she will next be seen in Daldal, an Amazon Prime Video series. The actress wrapped shooting for the show in October last year.

Also Read: From Bhumi Pednekar, Keerthy Suresh to Riteish Deshmukh, B-Town applauds the power-packed trailer of Maalik

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Sonam Bajwa opens up about her bond with Jacqueline Fernandez and Nargis Fakhri on Housefull 5 sets

Sonam Bajwa, who made her big Bollywood debut with Housefull 5, recently shared her experience of working with co-stars Jacqueline Fernandez and Nargis Fakhri. The actress spoke about the strong friendship she formed with them during the shoot, calling it one of the most memorable parts of her journey so far.

Talking about their bond, Sonam said, “I genuinely had a blast shooting with Nargis and Jackie. They’re not just beautiful inside and out – they’re fun, hilarious, supportive, and full of life. We’ve become really good friends, and I’ll always cherish the madness and good times we shared on the sets of Housefull 5.”

The Housefull franchise, known for its comedy and star-studded ensembles, returned to theatres with a fifth instalment that was directed by Tarun Mansukhani. The film featured an ensemble cast of Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, Abhishek Bachchan, Fardeen Khan, Jacqueline Fernandez, Nargis Fakhri, Sonam Bajwa, Chitrangda Singh, in pivotal roles. The film is backed by Sajid Nadiadwala’s Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment and is slated for a theatrical release on June 6, 2025.

The movie released in theatres last month and promised to take audiences on a ride filled with classic Housefull chaos and humour, with a fresh mix of cast members and new comic and murderous twists.

Post Housefull 5 release, Sonam has a busy year ahead. She is set to appear in Baaghi 4 alongside Tiger Shroff, which is scheduled to release on September 5, 2025. She will also star in Harshvardhan Rane starrer Deewane Ki Deewaniyat and the multi-starrer Border 2, further strengthening her foothold in Bollywood.

With a string of high-profile films lined up, Sonam Bajwa is set to become a regular face on the big screen in the coming months, building on her successful journey from Punjabi cinema to mainstream Bollywood.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Tarun Mansukhani reveals why Housefull 5 has two endings: “Sajid Nadiadwala had this idea about 30 years ago”

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Photos: Ishaan Khatter snapped outside a gym in Bandra

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Priyanka Chopra shares BTS action video from Heads of State; gives fans a glimpse of her MI6 avatar

Priyanka Chopra Jonas is giving her fans a sneak peek into the action-packed world of her latest film Heads of State. The actress recently dropped a behind-the-scenes (BTS) video from the sets of the 2025 action comedy, showcasing her action avatar as MI6 agent Noel Bisset. The video, which has quickly grabbed attention on social media, offers a mix of intense stunt sequences and light-hearted moments from the shoot.

Sharing the BTS reel on her social media handle, Priyanka Chopra wrote, “Don’t try this at home…unless you have @neeshnation #HeadsOfState streaming now, on @primevideo.” The video features Priyanka performing some high-octane action scenes alongside her stunt double Anisha Tee Gibbs, while also showing her playful, goofy side between takes. Fans were quick to flood the comment section with excitement, praising both the action choreography and Chopra’s on-screen presence.

Heads of State, directed by Ilya Naishuller, is a 2025 American action comedy that was released worldwide on July 2, 2025, by Amazon MGM Studios via Prime Video. The film stars an ensemble cast including John Cena, Idris Elba, Jack Quaid, Paddy Considine, Stephen Root, and Carla Gugino. John Cena plays Will Derringer, a former action star who is now the President of the United States, while Idris Elba portrays Sam Clarke, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

 

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The film follows the unlikely partnership between world leaders caught in the middle of an international crisis, offering a blend of action, humor, and political satire. Priyanka Chopra’s character, Noel Bisset, an MI6 agent, plays a pivotal role in driving the action narrative forward, adding an extra layer of intrigue and excitement to the storyline.

While Heads of State has received mixed reviews from critics, the performances and the fast-paced action sequences have been appreciated by audiences, with Priyanka’s portrayal of Noel Bisset gaining particular attention.

The BTS video has further boosted fan enthusiasm, as viewers get to see the dedication and hard work that went into crafting the film’s intense action moments. As the film continues to stream on Prime Video, Priyanka’s social media post has undoubtedly added to the growing buzz surrounding Heads of State.

Also Read: Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas steal the spotlight at Wimbledon 2025

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