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Kennedy actor Rahul Bhat on his association with Anurag Kashyap, “He doesn’t want safe performances, he wants truth even if it’s ugly”

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Rahul Bhat is receiving rave reviews for his performance as the lead in Anurag Kashyap’s dark drama Kennedy. The actor got talking about the movie and more in an interview with us. Playing a dark brooding coldblooded assassin haunted by guilt, how tough was getting into the skin of this character? It’s never about “playing dark.” But darkness that’s not cosmetic. The hard part is finding the wound. This man wasn’t cold; he was fractured. Guilt is not loud, it’s corrosive. It sits quietly and eats you from the inside. To get into his skin, I had to sit with that silence. Strip away performance. Strip away vanity. When you’re playing someone who has blood on his hands, you can’t judge him. You have to understand him. That’s exhausting because you’re borrowing emotions that aren’t pleasant to live with. But as an actor, that’s the privilege. To explore the uncomfortable. Kennedy has taken its own sweet time to be released. Is it tough when your hard work gets eclipsed? Of course, it...

Karan Johar calls “pure horror” Hindi cinema’s biggest miss; breaks down why rom-com, emotional dramas aren’t working in theatres: “What people want is high concept”

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In a recent episode of Founders Office with Sarthak Ahuja, Karan Johar offered a candid assessment of what is — and isn’t — working in Hindi cinema today. Before addressing what draws audiences to theatres, Johar was clear about what does not. Emotional dramas, high-profile biopics, romcoms and easy, “snackable” films, he said, are finding their audience largely on streaming platforms. The theatrical audience now expects something more immersive — something they cannot replicate at home. “What people want is high concept,” Johar explained, referring to stories rooted in unusual worlds, mythic spaces or genre-driven experiences. According to him, the theatrical draw lies in films that offer scale and communal engagement. He pointed to horror-comedy as an example of a genre that benefits from collective viewing. Fear and laughter, he noted, are amplified in a cinema hall. “You’re getting scared together and laughing together,” he said, calling it a community experience that streaming ...

Inside Bastian Beach Club: Shilpa Shetty expands her hospitality brand with Mumbai’s first all-day beachfront hub

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Actor-entrepreneur Shilpa Shetty has expanded her hospitality portfolio with the launch of Bastian Hospitality’s first beach club in Mumbai. The new property, Bastian Beach Club, was unveiled alongside founder Ranjit Bindra at the iconic Sun-n-Sand in Juhu. Positioned as the city’s first all-day beachfront destination, the club brings together dining, music, leisure and wellness in one large-format space overlooking the Arabian Sea. With direct sea views and a sprawling pool at its centre, the venue aims to introduce a European-style beach club experience to Mumbai’s social circuit. Design and space Designed by Minal Chopra, the property draws aesthetic cues from coastal destinations such as Ibiza, Mykonos and Saint-Tropez. Open layouts, fluid indoor-outdoor transitions and a neutral coastal palette define the space, while the sea-facing deck and pool area serve as its visual anchor.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Bas...

Despite being an all-round performer, why are big hits eluding Shahid Kapoor? Trade experts share their views: “He should change his advisors who suggest to him what films he should sign”

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Shahid Kapoor is an actor who is liked unanimously and who is consistently delivering fine performances since he debuted with Ishq Vishk in 2003. Sadly, his box office track journey has been uneven. He reached a high with Kabir Singh (2019), which earned a whopping Rs. 278.24 crores. But in the last 15 years, barring R…Rajkumar (2013) and Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya (2024), none of his solo films have been huge grossers. His latest release, O’Romeo , is expected to wind up below Rs. 60 crores at the domestic box office. We asked trade experts the reason behind it despite Shahid’s electrifying screen presence. Trade veteran Taran Adarsh said, “I fail to understand why his stardom has not reached that point that he hits double digits on day 1. He did a very good job in films like Jersey (2022) and many other flicks. But the problem arises when you don’t deliver those numbers. Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha did quite well, but all his four films post-pandemic ( Jersey, Teri Baat...

Shahid Kapoor shares birthday post that is all about ‘trusting the process’; actor shares reflective note

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On his birthday, Shahid Kapoor chose introspection over extravagance as he shared a heartfelt note on Instagram, reflecting on growth, gratitude and the journey of life. The actor posted a series of beachside photographs that captured him in quiet, contemplative moments — walking through crashing waves, floating in calm waters, and posing for a striking monochrome frame. Accompanying the images was a deeply personal message that read, “Trust in the process. Let it shape you. Be wild be free be bold. Be open, be beautifully yourself. Stay rooted but never be afraid to fly my friends. You are what you are looking for. It’s a journey back home so enjoy it. No passing moment ever comes back. Be in it. Juice and then move on with gratitude. Knowing it made you more that who you were. The boundlessness of nature always reminds you of how small the problems are and how unimaginable are the possibilities that lie ahead. Every year one becomes wiser and realises how unwise one still is . Stud...

Karan Johar says Dhadak 2’s screenings at Ivy League universities are a “moment of pride”; calls director Shazia Iqbal “soul” of the film

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Filmmaker Karan Johar has expressed pride after Dhadak 2 was screened at multiple Ivy League universities as part of academic discussions on contemporary Indian cinema and caste politics. Taking to Instagram Stories, Johar shared a note alongside the film’s official poster featuring Triptii Dimri and Siddhant Chaturvedi. “ Dhadak 2 being screened at all the IVY league universities is such a great moment of pride for us @dharmamovies,” he wrote. “The love and respect it has garnered over the past few months has been overwhelming and I give all credit to the immensely talented @shazia.iqbal8 for being this important voice and storyteller!!! She is the soul of our film…” Directed by Shazia Iqbal, the 2025 release follows a Dalit protagonist navigating life at an elite law college, placing caste dynamics and social hierarchies at the centre of a mainstream Hindi narrative. The film has been noted for bringing conversations around Dalit politics into multiplex cinema. Among the insti...

Shahid Kapoor turns 45: Mira Rajput calls him “simply the best” in mushy post; Ishaan Khatter shares adorable then-vs-now picture

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Actor Shahid Kapoor turned 45 on February 26, 2026, and the occasion was marked by heartfelt wishes from his wife Mira Rajput and half-brother Ishaan Khatter. Mira took to social media to share affectionate pictures of the couple, pairing them with a simple yet emotional note: “Simply the best.. Happy Birthday love of my life.” The post quickly drew attention from fans, who flooded the comments section with messages for the actor.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Mira Rajput Kapoor (@mira.kapoor) Ishaan, meanwhile, opted for a nostalgic then-and-now tribute. The first photo showed a young Shahid holding baby Ishaan in his arms. The second recreated the moment years later, with Shahid once again lifting his now-grown brother. “What to even say.. not much has changed? Love ya big brother. Happy birthday.. Here’s to having each other’s back (or godi) always,” Ishaan wrote, adding a playful touch to the emotional post. ...