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Showing posts from February, 2026

R Madhavan and family escape Dubai shutdown: “We are all fine”

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R Madhavan, his wife Sarita and son Vedaant, who are Dubai residents, got away from the current shutdown of the city. The actor and his family are currently holidaying away from Dubai. When this writer contacted Madhavan, he replied, “We are all fine. Thank you so much for the concern. I am in the US with the family.” Madhavan and his family intend to stay put in the US until Dubai returns to normal. Kalpana Iyer, who is also a Dubai resident, confirmed to this writer that she is fine and safe. Also Read: R Madhavan reveals how wife Sarita once ‘kicked him out’ during lockdown The post R Madhavan and family escape Dubai shutdown: “We are all fine” appeared first on Bollywood Hungama . from Bollywood Hungama https://ift.tt/slaGBnS

Anurag Kashyap hits back at Vipul Shah, “A person who calls an abuse a relationship has to come from an extremely patriarchal mind”

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According to Vipul Amrutlal Shah, who seems to not like Anurag Kashyap calling The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond  a propaganda film, Anurag has made a film called  That Girl in Yellow Boots where an “immoral relationship” between a father and his daughter was portrayed. Anurag is amused by what he calls Vipul’s misreading of the relationship between the father and daughter. “What is he talking about? He doesn’t seem to understand the difference between a relationship and abuse. A person who calls abuse a relationship has to come from an extremely patriarchal mind.” Produced by Vipul Shah under his banner Sunshine Pictures, the first film The Kerala Story was directed by Sudipto Sen. The second one is helmed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh. It stars Ulka Gupta, Aditi Bhatia, Aishwarya Ojha and Sumit Gahlawat. Also Read: Anurag Kashyap slams The Kerala Story 2, calling it “bakwas”; director Kamakhya Narayan Singh REACTS: “Aapka to jhooth bhi creative freed...

Photos: Kareena Kapoor Khan, Medha Rana, Raja Kumari and others grace the launch party of Puma X Outhouse

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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. ...

Photos: Esha Deol, Rajat Bedi, Anya Singh, Chitrangada Singh, Boman Irani and others grace the red carpet of the Big Impact Awards 2026

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Amul celebrates Boong’s historic BAFTA victory with a special topical

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It is a proud moment for Indian Cinema as Manipuri film Boong backed by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar’s Excel Entertainment alongwith Chalkboard Entertainment and Suitable Pictures became the first Indian film to win at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA). The historic victory at the prestigious BAFTA ceremony has sparked celebrations across the country, especially in Manipur, with many calling it a defining moment for regional cinema on the global stage. Adding a touch of wit to the celebrations, dairy giant Amul marked the occasion with a special topical creative. Known for its clever, pun-filled tributes to major national and international events, Amul India shared an illustration congratulating the team of Boong for scripting history.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Amul – The Taste of India (@amul_india) Set in Manipur, the film tells a touching story about family and hope. It follows ...

Photos: Disha Patani, Sooraj Pancholi and Sonam Bajwa snapped in Bandra

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Govind Namdev recalls being “mentally scattered” after his role was cut from Saudagar: “I couldn’t bear what…”

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Veteran actor Govind Namdev has spoken candidly about one of the most difficult phases of his career — when his role in Subhash Ghai’s Saudagar was removed entirely during editing despite being shot and completed. In an interview with The Lallantop, Namdev recalled the excitement he felt after being cast in the film, which featured screen legends Dilip Kumar and Raaj Kumar. He shared that after shooting for two days, he received praise from Ghai in front of the unit and excitedly informed friends and acquaintances about his involvement in the project. “When I got this film, and I shot it for one day, shot it for two days, Subhash Ghai was very happy. He praised me in front of everyone. As soon as it was two days and I got a response like this, I told everyone in my circle. My film is coming. My film is coming. I am working with Dilip Kumar. I am working with Raj Kumar. I told everyone,” he said. However, after the film wrapped and post-production began, he was not called in for du...

Manoj Bajpayee, Randeep Hooda, and Vivek Oberoi applaud Boong after historic BAFTA 2026 win: “This achievement brings pride and hope”

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The 79th edition of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Awards saw a significant milestone for Indian cinema as Boong won the award for Best Children’s & Family Film. The Manipuri-language coming-of-age drama, written and directed by Lakshmipriya Devi, became the first Indian film to win in the category. Soon after the announcement, several members of the Indian film fraternity shared congratulatory messages on social media. Actor Manoj Bajpayee described the win as a proud moment for Manipur and Indian cinema. In his post, he congratulated Lakshmipriya Devi and praised performances by young actors Gugun Kipgen and Bala Hijam. He also acknowledged producers Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani for backing what he termed a rooted and meaningful film. Heartfelt congratulations to #LaksmipriyaDevi on this remarkable @BAFTA win for #Boong . A proud moment for Manipur and for Indian cinema. Congratulations to young actor Gugun Kipgen, and Bala Hijam for bringing ...

Alia Bhatt greets BAFTA 2026 with ‘Namaskar,’ presents award in Hindi, watch

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Actor Alia Bhatt brought Hindi to the global stage at BAFTA 2026 as she presented the award for Best Film Not in the English Language. Beginning her address with a warm “Namaskar,” the actor introduced the category in Hindi before translating her words into English for the international audience. Taking the stage, Alia said, “Namaskar! Agla award ek aisi film ke liye hai, jo angrezi mein nahi hai.” She then added in English, “Don’t reach for the subtitles just yet. I was only saying in Hindi that the next award is for a film not in the English language. Because while film speaks in countless voices, what we always celebrate is the language of cinema. And that one we all speak fluently.”   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by BAFTA (@bafta) Her decision to open in Hindi drew attention as it highlighted linguistic diversity at an international awards ceremony. The award was eventually presented to the Norwegian film Sentimen...

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”

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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.   ...