Category: ENTERTAINMENT

Mumbai, Dec 13 (IANS) Actress Aanchal Singh, who essays the role of Purva in the streaming series ‘Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein’, has shared that the show has taught her the beauty of contradictions as her character is laced with contradictions.

The second season of the show was released recently, and it shows her character being kidnapped and struggling to save herself from the kidnappers for a generous duration of the show.

Talking about the same, the actress said, “Working on this series has taught me the beauty of contradiction. Purva is a character full of contradictions, intimidating yet tender, manipulative yet deeply emotional. Even after Season 1, she was called a femme fatale in a saree, which became iconic and sexy. It’s this duality that makes her so fascinating”.

For Aanchal, embracing these contradictions in Purva’s character also encouraged her to embrace her own vulnerabilities and fears as an actor.

The series has also cemented Aanchal’s belief in the universal power of storytelling, as she said, “When a story is honest, it resonates beyond cultures, countries, and languages. We’re all connected by emotions, and that’s what makes a story timeless and capable of breaking barriers”.

Beyond the emotional and artistic growth, Aanchal spoke about the importance of collaboration in creating a show that leaves a lasting impact.

She further mentioned, “It takes immense dedication and collaboration to create something special. I’m fortunate to be part of a team that shares the same passion for storytelling”.

Season three of the show was also announced recently following which the actress also shared that “season 3 will be bigger, intense and more twists that will leave the audience questioning everything they thought they knew about Purva.

“It’s a privilege to learn from everyone involved, and it’s taught me to push myself beyond my comfort zones. I’m excited for what’s to come in the next chapter”, she added.

–IANS

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Los Angeles, Dec 13 (IANS) Singer-songwriter Katy Perry has revealed that she likes to dress up as the Dr Seuss character and that she and the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ actor, her fiance Orlando Bloom have made a tradition out of ringing in the festive season with all of their neighbours.

Speaking at the recording of her upcoming ITV special, the singer, who has a four-year-old daughter Daisy Dove with Orlando Bloom, said, “We are going to be home in America and actually we are going to do something we do every year”, reports ‘Female First UK’.

She further mentioned, “We rent a trolley and we dress up, and there’s lights on the trolley, and we go to all of the neighbours in my home town and we see all of their lights. Sometimes there is hot cocoa and I’m dressed like the Grinch and it’s going to be super fun”.

As per ‘Female First UK’, the singer said that they go caroling, and are planning to go and knock on people’s doors and do some carols.

The ‘I Kissed A Girl’ hitmaker lives close to Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, who relinquished their royal duties in 2020 in favour of a life in California, and the 40-year-old royal previously revealed that he and his wife have formed something of a bond with the A-list couple.

He said, “Just two days ago, Orlando Bloom sent me a message because he’s down the road, and we sort of keep in contact because of the paparazzi. He sent me a photograph which his security got of this long-haired guy with a beanie on, with his AirPods in, with his massive camera, lying in the back of his 4×4 truck, blacked-out windows”.

–IANS

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Mumbai, Dec 13 (IANS) On the second anniversary of “Mardaani 2”, Rani Mukerji along with Yash Raj Films’ has officially announced that it is making the third installment of the franchise, where the actress is set to reprise the role of the daredevil cop Shivani Shivaji Roy.

Rani said, “I’m thrilled to announce that we are starting shooting of Mardaani 3 in April 2025!”

She shared that it is always special to wear the police uniform and play a character that has only given her love.

“I’m proud to essay the character of this feisty cop again in Mardaani 3 as a tribute to all the unsung, brave, self-sacrificing cops who work tirelessly every single day to keep us safe.”

Rani shared that when they set out to make “Mardaani 3”, she and the makers were hoping that they would find a script that would take the experience of watching a “Mardaani” franchise film higher.

She added: “I am really excited about what we have at hand and I’m only hoping that the audience too feels the same after watching Mardaani 3 in theatres!”

“Mardaani is an extremely loved franchise and we have a certain responsibility to deliver to the expectation that people have. We will do our best to live up to this. Mardaani 3 is dark, deadly and brutal,” said Rani.

She is intrigued to find out the response of the people towards her film.

“I hope they shower this film with the same amount of love that they have always given.”

Aayush Gupta of “The Railway Men” fame has written the script of “Mardaani 3”. It will be directed by Abhiraj Minawala, who has also been groomed by YRF.

Minawala assisted Aditya Chopra on films like “Band Baaja Baarat”, “Gunday”, “Sultan”, “Jab Tak Hai Jaan” and “Tiger 3” to name a few. He is currently the Associate Director of “War 2”.

–IANS

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Mumbai, Dec 13 (IANS) Actress Hina Khan doesn’t see being in Google’s top 10 most searched actors in the world in 2024 because of her health-related hardships as an achievement or something to be proud of.

Taking to Instagram Stories, Hina re-shared a post, where her photo showed alongside names such as Pawan Kalyan and Nimrat Kaur along with the caption: “Google’s 2024 global trends These Indian actors are among top 10 most searched actors in the world.”

She penned down her thoughts: “I see a lot of people putting up stories and congratulating me on this new development but honestly For me it’s neither an Achievement nor something to be Proud of (sic).”

Hina, who is battling stage three breast cancer, said that she prays that no one should be searched on the Internet because of their health-related hardships.

“I wish n pray that No one should be Googled because of their diagnosis or any health related hardships.”

Hina stressed that she would rather be known for her work.

“I have always appreciated people’s genuine regard n respect for my journey in these testing times but I would rather be googled or known or acknowledged for my Work and my Accomplishments. just like I have been before and during my diagnosis.(sic),” she added.

Recently, she had shared photos from the hospital following her chemotherapy.

The actress took to her Instagram handle to drop photos where she is seen facing away from the camera, holding a pouch bag that is attached to bottles. In the images, Hina is seen wearing a hospital gown as she walks toward a door, with her back turned to the camera.

Alongside the photos, she wrote, “Walking towards the brighter side thru these Corridors of Healing..One step at a time..Gratitude Gratitude and only Gratitude Dua.”

–IANS

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Mumbai, Dec 13 (IANS) Megastar Amitabh Bachchan has reminisced about Raj Kapoor and spoke about his ” incredible showmanship” by sharing that the way the late icon envisioned the dream sequence in “Awaara” had never been seen before.

The cine icon took to his blog, where he spoke about 100 years of Raj Kapoor.

He wrote: “Continuing our commitment to bringing classic cinema back to the big screen, I am so happy that Film Heritage Foundation has joined hands with R.K. Films for “Raj Kapoor 100 – Celebrating the Centenary of the Greatest Showman” – a grand showcase of 10 milestone Raj Kapoor films in 40 cities and 135 cinemas across the country that will keep his legacy alive and give audiences all over India an opportunity to revisit the films of an artist who lived for cinema and whose films gave voice to the common man.”

He then shared that Raj Kapoor’s 1951 film “Awaara”. The film stars Raj Kapoor along with his real-life father Prithviraj Kapoor, as well as Nargis, Leela Chitnis and K. N. Singh.

Other members of the Kapoor family make an appearance, including Raj Kapoor’s youngest brother Shashi Kapoor, who plays the younger version of his character, and Prithiviraj’s father Dewan Basheshwarnath Kapoor, playing a cameo in his only film appearance.

The film expresses socialist themes,and blends social and reformist themes with the crime, romantic comedy and musical melodrama genres.

“Even today Awara is a film that is etched in my mind. Talking about Rajji’s incredible showmanship, the way he envisioned the dream sequence in the film had never been seen before,” he wrote.

The thespian added: “You are amazed by his fantastical imagination that visualized the surreal setting, the ethereal Nargisji emerging through thick clouds of smoke, Rajji surrounded by demonic figures and burning fires – there is a powerful, mystical symbolism in the dream sequence, and that is my favourite.”

Talking about “Awaara”, which was considered a milestone in the history of Bollywood, the story revolves around the intertwining lives of a poor thief Raj, the privileged Rita, and Judge Raghunath who is unaware that Raj is his son. In the film, Raj Kapoor’s poor “little tramp” character references Charlie Chaplin and was further developed in other films such as Shree 420.

–IANS

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Los Angeles, Dec 13 (IANS) Indian-origin British actor-filmmaker Dev Patel has quipped that he didn’t think he would have won his own lookalike competition because the contestants who participated were “far more handsome” than he is.

The 34-year-old actor, who began his career playing Anwar Kharral in the teen drama “Skins” in 2007, said that he was “quite overwhelmed and very touched” when he heard about the competition, which took place in San Francisco last month.

He told variety.com: “I’m surprised more than five people showed up. I was quite overwhelmed by it and very touched. I also gotta say that I think most of the men who showed up were far more handsome and qualified than I am. I think I would have lost at my own lookalike contest, for sure.”

The “Slumdog Millionaire” star, who has been feted with a British Academy Film Award and nominations for an Academy Award and two Golden Globe Awards, praised the contest as a “really amazing” idea but was shocked by the “sheer amount of people that showed up.”

Organisers had previously said they originally planned a Robert Pattinson lookalike competition but ultimately decided on Dev in order to represent their local Indian community and the ‘Monkey Man’ star was delighted to be associated with the contest, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

He said: “Hopefully, I am just the gateway to this happening to all sorts of brilliant actors of different races and genders. It was refreshing to see a community come together like that and, hey, if there is ever a moment where I can be associated with some form of laughter and joy, it’s great. It is all good.”

According to NBC News, the winner of the contest, 25-year-old Japireet Hundal won a whopping $50 cheque, a ‘Monkey Man’ statue and some flowers.

He said in his speech: “Shoutout to all the Dev Patel lookalikes. If the real Dev Patel shows up, I don’t know who would win, me or him.”

Sitara Bellam, who co-organised the event with Tasnim Khandakar, said she was “blown away” when hundreds of people turned up for the contest, especially as she had planned it “on a whim as a joke” in order to “centre and celebrate brown/ South Asian men.”

She added to NBC News: “I was genuinely blown away by the crowd and the interest in the event.”

–IANS

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Mumbai, Dec 13 (IANS) Bollywood superstar Salman Khan is a complete “foodie” and loves his home food, which includes rajma chawal, crispy ‘bhindi’ and mutton biryani among many other yummy delicacies, revealed his youngest sister Arpita Khan.

Asked Arpita, if his brother and Bollywood’s ‘Bhaijaan’ Salman is a foodie, she told IANS: “Yes, bhai is definitely a foodie just like all of us in the family. He loves his home food, it’s the most comforting to him.”

“Mutton biryani, beetroot chicken, dal gosht, desi jungli chicken, Rajma chawal, crispy bhindi are the go-to dishes we all love and relish,” said Arpita, who has recently opened a restaurant called “Mercii”, refined European dining destination, in Mumbai.

She revealed that Salman has developed his own “special dish”, which is loved by all at home.

“We have our own home special dish called Mixture created by bhai, it’s a recipe developed by him and that tops it all.”

Arpita, who is married to actor Aayush, also shared that her family visited her new venture and loved the food.

“I am glad till now all my family members who visited the restaurant have loved the interiors, the vibe and the food.”

Talking about Salman, he recently performed for his Dabangg Reloaded Tour in Dubai. He also took to his Instagram, and shared a BTS video from the venue in which he could be seen rehearsing for the performance.

The event marked his first global appearance since receiving threats from gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. The actor was joined by other stars on the tour including Tamannaah Bhatia, Jacqueliene Fernandez, Sonakshi Sinha, Aastha Gill, Sunil Grover, Prabhu Deva and Maniesh Paul.

On the acting front, the “Dabangg” star is currently busy shooting for his much-anticipated film, ‘Sikandar’.

The film is directed by A.R. Murugadoss of ‘Ghajini’ fame, and also stars Rashmika Mandanna. The film promises to combine Salman’s signature charisma with a compelling storyline that has already generated significant buzz in the industry.

‘Sikandar’ is being developed with a strong focus on engaging storytelling and dynamic performances, setting the stage for yet another memorable Salman Khan performance.

‘Sikandar’ marks the 1st collaboration between Salman and Rashmika, and is being produced by Sajid Nadiadwala of Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment.

It marks the reunion of Salman with Sajid after ‘Kick’ which was released in 2014. The makers of the film have booked its release for Eid 2025, the festival which is reserved for releases of Salman Khan.

–IANS

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Mumbai, Dec 13 (IANS) Veteran actress and politician Hema Malini revealed that her first film was with Raj Kapoor and that she was just 16 at that time. She shared that she didn’t know that the late iconic star “was such a legendary figure.”

“My first film was with Raj Kapoor, and I was only 16 at the time. At that time, there were many great artists like Savitri Ji, and while I wasn’t scared, it was an odd feeling because it was my first film, and I didn’t know that Raj Kapoor was such a legendary figure,” Hema said.

Hema made her debut in 1968 with “Sapno Ka Saudagar” directed by Mahesh Kaul. The film also stars Tanuja and Nadira.

She shared that it was his presence that made Hema popular.

“I wouldn’t have gained as much fame if I had worked with anyone else. Yesterday, I saw a program celebrating Raj Kapoor’s 100th anniversary where the Kapoor family was talking with our Prime Minister. It was so heartwarming to see how much respect and encouragement the Prime Minister gives to artists.”

The veteran star tagged Raj Kapoor as a “simple person.”

She recalled: “In Sapanon Ka Saudagar, the “Dream Seller,” he gave dreams to everyone, making them happy. My role in that film was my first, and I had the privilege of working with such a big artist. Rajkumar Ji was a great director, and every one of his films is worth watching. His films are still world-famous, especially in Russia, where people still recognize me as Marjina from Alibaba Aur 40 Chor.”

“Raj Kapoor was the first artist who created something revolutionary in the film industry.”

“As Prime Minister Modi mentioned, Raj Kapoor envisioned and executed his ideas in the films. Cinema is a medium that connects people, and even though I don’t act in films anymore, people still recognize me for my contribution to cinema. It’s because of the films I worked in that I have this recognition today, and people from villages and towns still recognise me,” she said.

–IANS

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Mumbai, Dec 13 (IANS) A string of Indian film fraternity members including Kangana Ranaut, S.S. Rajamouli, Ayushmaan Khurrana and Jr. NTR among many others heaped praise on D Gukesh after his historic victory at the World Chess Championship.

D Gukesh made history on Thursday by becoming the youngest-ever World Champion in chess, beating Ding Liren of China in the 14-game match.

The 18-year-old from Chennai capitalised on a blunder by Ding in the winner-takes-all 14th game to dethrone the champion, winning the match 7.5 to 6.5 and becoming only the second Indian to win the World Chess Champion.

At just 18-years-old, Gukesh triumphed over China’s Ding Liren with a 7.5-6.5 score, making him only the second Indian, after Viswanathan Anand, to achieve this monumental achievement.

Celebrities took to their social media handles to wish the chess star.

S.S Rajamouli wrote: “INDIA MAKES ITS MOVE AGAIN! Congratulations @DGukesh on becoming the world’s youngest chess champion and making the nation proud on the global stage. Jai Hind!”

Chiranjeevi Konidela said: “WOW!!!! Just WOW !!! My heart swells with pride Dear @DGukesh !!! What A Phenomenal Feat!! India is Absolutely Proud of you!! 18th World Chess Champion at the Age of 18 & Only The 2nd Indian in History!!!! Above ALL Becoming the Youngest World Champion EVER!!!! India Rising Mera Bharat Mahaan !!!”

Calling it a historic day for India, Kangana Ranaut wrote: “Wow!! a wonderful and historic day for Indian chess. The country is immensely proud of young #gukeshdommaraju, who becomes the youngest chess player (18 years old) to win the World Chess Championship #woldchampion.”

A proud Jackie Shroff penned: “D. Gukesh makes India proud by winning the 2024 FIDE World Chess Championship, becoming the youngest ever world chess champion. Congratulations”

Jr. NTR wished Gukesh “many more victories.”

He Wrote: “Grand salute to @DGukesh, India’s prodigy and the world’s youngest chess champion. Here’s to many more victories on your journey to greatness. Keep shining!”

Ayushmann Khurrana just posted a news article which mentioned: “India’s Gukesh Dommaraju Becomes Youngest Chess World Champion at 18.”

–IANS

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Mumbai, Dec 13 (IANS) Bollywood actress Shraddha Kapoor seems to have put all breakup rumours to an end as she shared that hopes to “bully” her rumoured beau Rahul Mody for vada pav “always.”

Shraddha took to her Instagram stories, where she shared a picture of her fun outing with Mody, which involves gorging on vada pavs. The picture has reignited speculations about their relationship.

The actress posted a picture of herself holding the iconic snack from Mumbai and wrote: “May I always bully you into taking me for vada pav,” and tagged Rahul Mody.

For the background score, she added the song “Yeh Vaada Raha” by late star Kishore Kumar.

Chatter about their split started in August 2024 after Shraddha stopped following Mody on Instagram, according to reports. It was earlier this year, when news about the two dating started doing the rounds.

Mody is a screenwriter and assistant director. He worked with the actress in “Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar”, which also stars Ranbir Kapoor.

On the work front, Shraddha was recently seen in the blockbuster Stree 2, the sequel to her 2018 horror-comedy hit with Rajkummar Rao.

Recently, Shraddha shared a picture of her perfectly packed suitcase, which was joined by her furry-friend “Small” by sitting in the bag.

The actress captioned the post: “Packed and ready lekin iska ticket kaha hai?”

It was in September, when Shraddha shared that she had welcomed a new pet, a Yorkie. The actress introduced her pet as ‘nanhi stree’, whom she named ‘Small’.

Taking to Instagram, Shraddha shared a series of heartwarming pictures featuring her new furry friend. In the photos, she wore a casual baby pink T-shirt and black trousers, sitting on the floor while lovingly cradling her adorable pet, ‘Small.’

For the caption, she wrote: “Mere ghar aayi ek nanhi stree!!! Miliye ‘Small’ se. Humaari nayi family member Meri dildaar dost @fazaa_s6 ne is choti si khushi ko mujhe gift kiya. Ab ye hua na sabse best tareeka jashn manane ka… Woh toh alag baat hai ki is celebration mein ek koi hai jo kaafi na khush hai… Swipe karke dekho woh shaqs kaun hai (sic)”.

–IANS

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